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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549

 

Form 10-K10-K/A

Amendment No. 1

Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13
or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

For the Fiscal Year Ended

 

Commission File Number

December 31, 2017

 

1-13661

 

STOCK YARDS BANCORP, INC.

1040 East Main Street
Louisville, Kentucky 40206
(502) 582-2571

Incorporated in Kentucky

 

I.R.S. No. 61-1137529

 

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

 

Title of each class:

Name of each exchange on which registered:

Common Stock, no par value

NASDAQ

 


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

None

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer (as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act).

Yes ☐          No

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.

Yes ☐          No

 

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

 

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

 

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. ☐

 

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

 

Large accelerated filerAccelerated filer
Non-accelerated filer (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)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

 

The aggregate market value of registrant’s voting stock (Common Stock, no par value) held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of June 30, 2017 (the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter) was $802,453,551.

 

The number of shares of the registrant’s Common Stock, no par value, outstanding as of February 23, 2018, was 22,715,321.

 

Documents Incorporated By Reference

 

Portions of Registrant’s definitive proxy statement related to Registrant’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on April 26, 2018 (the “Proxy Statement”), to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Form 10-K.

 

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EXPLANATORY NOTE

Stock Yards Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company”) files this Amendment No. 1 (“Amendment No. 1”) to its Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 13, 2018 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017 (the “Original 10-K”) to provide an amended report of its independent registered public accounting firm on the consolidated financial statements that correctly identifies the city and state to be Louisville, Kentucky.

In accordance with applicable Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) rules and as required by Rule 12b-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, Amendment No. 1 includes new certifications from the Company’s Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer dated as of the date of filing of Amendment No. 1.

This Amendment No. 1 consists solely of the preceding cover page, this explanatory note, Part II., Item 8., “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data,” in its entirety, Part IV., Item 15., “Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules”, the signature page, a new Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, and the new certifications from the Company’s Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer.

Amendment No. 1 speaks as of the date of the Original 10-K, does not reflect events that may have occurred after the date of the Original 10-K and does not modify or update in any way the disclosures made in the Original 10-K, except as described above. Amendment No. 1 should be read in conjunction with the Original 10-K and with the Company’s subsequent filings with the SEC.

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STOCK YARDS BANCORP, INC.
Form 10-K10-K/A
Index

 

Part I:

Item 1.

Business

1

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

3

Item 1B.

Unresolved Staff Comments

8

Item 2.

Properties

8

Item 3.

Legal Proceedings

8

Item 4.

Mine Safety Disclosures

8

Part II:

 

 

Item 5.

Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

10

Item 6.

Selected Financial Data

12

Item 7.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

13

Item 7A.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

46

   

Item 8.

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

46

Item 9.

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

96

Item 9A.

Controls and Procedures

96

Item 9B.

Other Information

99

Part III:

Item 10.

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

99

Item 11.

Executive Compensation

99

Item 12.

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

99

Item 13.

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

100

Item 14.

Principal Accountant Fees and Services

100

   

Part IV:

 

 

   

Item 15.

Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

100

Item 16.

Form 10-K Summary

10354

   

Signatures

 

10458


Glossary of Acronyms and Terms

The following listing provides a comprehensive reference of common acronyms and terms used throughout the document:

ASU

Accounting Standards Update

Bancorp

Stock Yards Bancorp, Inc.

Bank

Stock Yards Bank & Trust Company

BOLI

Bank Owned Life Insurance

BP

Basis Point = 1/100th of one percent

COSO

Committee of Sponsoring Organizations

CRA

Community Reinvestment Act of 1977

Dodd-Frank Act

Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act

EPS

Earnings Per Share

FASB

Financial Accounting Standards Board

FDIC

Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation

FHA

Federal Housing Administration

FHC

Financial Holding Company

FHLB

Federal Home Loan Bank

FHLMC

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation

FNMA

Federal National Mortgage Association

GLB Act

Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act

GNMA

Government National Mortgage Association

WM&T

Wealth management and trust

KSOP

Combined employee profit sharing and stock ownership plan

LIBOR

London Interbank Offered Rate

MSA

Metropolitan Statistical Area

MSR

Mortgage Servicing Right

OAEM

Other Assets Especially Mentioned

Oldham

THE BANCORP, Inc.

OREO

Other Real Estate Owned

OTTI

Other-Than-Temporary Impairment

PSU

Performance Stock Unit

RSU

Restricted Stock Unit

SAR

Stock Appreciation Right

SEC

Securities and Exchange Commission

TDRs

Troubled Debt Restructurings

US GAAP

United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles

VA

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs


Part I

Item 1.

Business

Stock Yards Bancorp, Inc. (“Bancorp” or “Company”), headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, is the holding company for Stock Yards Bank & Trust Company (“Bank”). Bancorp, which was incorporated in 1988 in Kentucky, is registered with, and subject to supervision, regulation and examination by, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. The Bank is wholly owned and is a state chartered bank. Because Bancorp has no significant operations of its own, its business and that of the Bank are essentially the same. The operations of the Bank are fully reflected in the consolidated financial statements of Bancorp.  Accordingly, references to “Bancorp” in this document may encompass both the holding company and the Bank.

Stock Yards Bank & Trust Company

Stock Yards Bank & Trust Company is the banking and sole subsidiary of Bancorp and was chartered in 1904.  The Bank is headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky and provides commercial and personal banking services in the Louisville, Kentucky, Indianapolis, Indiana and Cincinnati, Ohio metropolitan markets through 37 full service banking offices.  The Bank is chartered under the laws of the Commonwealth of Kentucky.  In addition to traditional commercial and personal banking activities, the Bank has a wealth management and trust department (WM&T) offering a wide range of investment management, trust, employee benefit plan, estate administration, and financial planning services.   The Bank also originates and sells single-family residential mortgages. Additionally, the Bank offers securities brokerage services via its branch network through an arrangement with a third party broker-dealer.  See Note 25 to Bancorp’s consolidated financial statements for information relating to the Bank’s business segments and “Item 2. Properties” for information regarding owned and leased properties.

At December 31, 2017, Stock Yards Bank & Trust Company had 580 full-time equivalent employees. Employees of Stock Yards Bank & Trust Company are entitled to participate in a variety of employee benefit programs including a combined employee profit sharing and stock ownership plan (“KSOP”). Management of Bancorp strives to be an employer of choice and considers the relationship with employees to be good.

Supervision and Regulation

Bank holding companies and commercial banks are extensively regulated under both federal and state laws. Changes in applicable laws or regulations may have a material effect on the business and prospects of Bancorp.

Bancorp, as a registered bank holding company, is subject to the supervision of and regulation by the Federal Reserve Board under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956. In addition, Bancorp is subject to the provisions of Kentucky’s banking laws regulating bank acquisitions and certain activities of controlling bank shareholders.

Kentucky and federal banking statutes delineate permissible activities for Kentucky state-chartered banks. Kentucky’s statutes, however, contain a super parity provision for Kentucky chartered banks having one of the top two ratings in its most recent regulatory examination. This provision allows these state banks to engage in any banking activity in which a national bank, a state bank operating in any other state, or a federally chartered thrift could engage. The bank must first obtain a legal opinion specifying the statutory or regulatory provisions that permit the activity.

The Bank is subject to the supervision of the Kentucky Department of Financial Institutions and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) insures the deposits of the Bank to the current maximum of $250,000 per depositor.

The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (the “GLB Act”) allows for affiliations among banks, securities firms and insurance companies by means of a financial holding company (“FHC”). The GLB Act requires that, at the time of establishment of an FHC, all depository institutions within that corporate group must be “well managed” and “well capitalized” and must have received a rating of “satisfactory” or better under its most recent Community Reinvestment Act examination. Further, non-banking financial firms (for example an insurance company or securities firm) may establish an FHC and acquire a depository institution. While the distinction between banks and non-banking financial firms has been blurring over recent years, the GLB Act makes it less cumbersome for banks to offer services “financial in nature” but beyond traditional commercial banking activities. Likewise, non-banking financial firms may find it easier to offer services that had, heretofore, been provided primarily by depository institutions.  In 2012, management of Bancorp chose to become an FHC.

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The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 (the “Dodd-Frank Act”) was signed into law in 2010. Generally, the Dodd-Frank Act was effective the day after it was signed into law, but different effective dates apply to specific sections of the law. This extensive and complex legislation contained many provisions affecting the banking industry, including:

Creation of a Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection overseeing banks with assets totaling $10 billion or greater while writing and maintaining several regulations that apply to all banks,

Determination of debit card interchange rates by the Federal Reserve Board,

New regulation over derivative instruments,

Phase outs of certain forms of trust preferred debt and hybrids previously included as bank capital, and

Increases to FDIC deposit coverage, revised calculations for assessing bank premiums, and numerous other provisions affecting financial institution regulation, oversight of certain non-banking organizations, investor protection, etc.

Bancorp continues to be subject to regulation under the Dodd-Frank Act; however, the current presidential administration has instructed federal agencies to reduce the regulatory burden on financial institutions.

The Community Reinvestment Act of 1977 (CRA) requires depository institutions to assist in meeting the credit needs of their market areas consistent with safe and sound banking practice. Under the CRA, each depository institution is required to help meet the credit needs of its market areas by, among other things, providing credit to low- and moderate-income individuals and communities. Depository institutions are periodically examined for compliance with the CRA, and banking regulators take into account CRA ratings when considering approval of certain applications. An unsatisfactory CRA rating could, among other things, result in the denial or delay of corporate applications filed by Bancorp or the Bank for proposed activities such as branch openings or relocations and applications to acquire, merge or consolidate with another banking institution or holding company.

The federal banking regulators have adopted rules limiting the ability of banks and other financial institutions to disclose non-public information about consumers to unaffiliated third parties. These limitations require disclosure of privacy policies to consumers and, in some circumstances, allow consumers to prevent disclosure of certain personal information to an unaffiliated third party. These regulations affect how consumer information is conveyed to outside vendors. The Bank is also subject to regulatory guidelines establishing standards for safeguarding customer information. These guidelines describe the federal banking agencies’ expectations for the creation, implementation and maintenance of an information security program, which would include administrative, technical and physical safeguards appropriate to the size and complexity of the institution and the nature and scope of its activities.

The Bank is subject to the Bank Secrecy Act and the USA Patriot Act. These statutes and related rules and regulations impose requirements and limitations on specified financial transactions and accounts and other relationships intended to guard against money laundering and terrorism financing. Financial institutions must take certain steps to assist government agencies in detecting and preventing money laundering and report certain types of suspicious transactions. Regulatory authorities routinely examine financial institutions for compliance with these obligations, and failure of a financial institution to maintain and implement adequate programs to combat money laundering and terrorist financing, or to comply with all of the relevant laws or regulations, could have serious legal and reputational consequences for the institution, including causing applicable bank regulatory authorities not to approve merger or acquisition transactions when regulatory approval is required or to prohibit such transactions even if approval is not required.

In 2013, the Federal Reserve Board and the FDIC approved rules that substantially amended the regulatory risk-based capital rules applicable to Bancorp and Bank. The rules implemented the regulatory capital reforms of the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision reflected in “Basel III: A Global Regulatory Framework for More Resilient Banks and Banking Systems” (“Basel III”) and changes required by the Dodd-Frank Act. The Basel III regulatory capital reforms became effective for Bancorp and Bank on January 1, 2015, and included new minimum risk-based capital and leverage ratios. The minimum capital level requirements applicable to bank holding companies and banks subject to the rules are:

a common equity Tier 1 capital ratio of 4.5%,

a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 6% (increased from 4%),

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a total risk-based capital ratio of 8% (unchanged from previous rules), and

a Tier 1 leverage ratio of 4% for all institutions.

The rules also established a “capital conservation buffer” of 2.5%, to be phased in over three years, above the regulatory minimum risk-based capital ratios, and will result in the following minimum ratios once the capital conservation buffer is fully phased in:

a common equity Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 7.0%,

a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 8.5%, and

a total risk-based capital ratio of 10.5%.

The capital conservation buffer requirement began being phased in January 2016 at 0.625% of risk-weighted assets and will increase each year until fully implemented in January 2019. An institution will be subject to limitations on paying dividends, engaging in share repurchases and paying discretionary bonuses if capital levels fall below minimum levels plus the buffer amounts. These limitations establish a maximum percentage of eligible retained income that could be utilized for such actions.

Under these rules, Tier 1 capital generally consists of common stock (plus related surplus) and retained earnings, limited amounts of minority interest in the form of additional Tier 1 capital instruments, and non-cumulative preferred stock and related surplus, subject to certain eligibility standards, less goodwill and other specified intangible assets and other regulatory deductions. The definition of Tier 2 capital is generally unchanged for most banking organizations, subject to certain new eligibility criteria.

Common equity Tier 1 capital generally consists of common stock, additional paid-in capital and retained earnings plus limited amounts of minority interest in the form of common stock, less goodwill and other specified intangible assets and other regulatory deductions.

The rules allowed banks and their holding companies with less than $250 billion in assets a one-time opportunity to opt-out of a requirement to include unrealized gains and losses in accumulated other comprehensive income in their capital calculation. Bancorp opted-out of this requirement.

As of December 31, 2017, Bancorp met the requirements to be considered well-capitalized and is not subject to limitations due to the capital conservation buffer.

Available Information

Bancorp files reports with the SEC including the Annual Report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current event reports on Form 8-K, and proxy statements, as well as any amendments to those reports. The public may read and copy any materials the Registrant files with the SEC at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, DC 20549. The public may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC maintains an internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC at http://www.sec.gov. Bancorp’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act are also accessible at no cost on Bancorp’s web site at http://www.syb.com after they are electronically filed with the SEC.

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

Investment in Bancorp’s common stock involves risk, and Bancorp’s profitability and success may be affected by a number of factors including those discussed below.

Financial condition and profitability depend significantly on local and national economic conditions.

The Company’s success depends on general economic conditions both locally and nationally. Most of Bancorp’s customers are in the Louisville, Indianapolis, and Cincinnati metropolitan areas. Compared to regional or national financial institutions, Bancorp isless able to spread the risks of unfavorable local economic conditions across a large number of diversified economies. Some of Bancorp’s customers are directly impacted by the local economy while others have more national or global business dealings. Deterioration in the quality of the credit portfolio could have a material adverse effect on financial condition, results of operations, and ultimately capital.

 

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Item 8. Financial conditionStatements and profitability depend on real estate values in Supplementary Datathe Companys market area.

Bancorp offers a variety of secured loans, including commercial lines of credit, commercial term loans, real estate, construction, home equity, consumer and other loans. Bancorp’s loans are secured by real estate (both residential and commercial) primarily in Bancorp’s market areas. In instances where borrowers are unable to repay their loans and there has been deterioration in the value of the loan collateral, Bancorp could experience higher loan losses which could have a material adverse effect on financial condition, and results of operations.

If actual loan losses are greater than Bancorps assumption for loan losses, earnings could decrease.

Bancorp’s loan customers may not repay their loans according to the terms of these loans, the collateral securing the payment of these loans may be insufficient to ensure repayment and the wealth of guarantors providing guarantees to support these loans may be insufficient to aid in the repayment of these loans. Accordingly, Bancorp might experience significant credit losses which could have a material adverse effect on operating results. Bancorp makes various assumptions and judgments about the collectability of the loan portfolio, including the creditworthiness of borrowers and the value of collateral for repayment of many loans. In determining the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses, Bancorp considers, among other factors, an evaluation of economic conditions and Bancorp’s loan loss experience. If Bancorp’s assumptions prove to be incorrect or economic problems are worse than projected, the current allowance may not be sufficient to cover loan losses and adjustments may be necessary to allow for different economic conditions or adverse developments in the loan portfolio. Such additions to the allowance, if necessary, could have a material adverse impact on financial results.

Federal and state regulators annually review Bancorp’s allowance for loan losses and may require an increase in the provision for loan losses or loan charge-offs. If regulatory agencies require any increase in the provision for loan losses or loan charge-offs for which Bancorp had not allocated, it would have a negative effect on financial results.

Fluctuations in interest rates could reduce profitability.

Bancorp’s primary source of income is from the net interest spread, the difference between interest earned on loans and investments and the interest paid on deposits and borrowings. Bancorp expects to periodically experience gaps in interest rate sensitivities of Bancorp’s assets and liabilities, meaning that either interest-bearing liabilities will be more sensitive to changes in market interest rates than interest-earning assets, or vice versa. In either event, if market interest rates should move contrary to Bancorp’s position, this gap will work against Bancorp and earnings will be negatively affected.

Many factors affect fluctuation of market interest rates, including, but not limited to the following:

inflation or deflation

recession

a rise in unemployment

tightening money supply

international disorder and instability in foreign financial markets

the Federal Reserve’s actions to control interest rates

 

The Federal Reserve increased the overnight federal funds rate three times in 2017 which led to the prime lending rate increasing from 3.75% to 4.50%. Bancorp benefits from rates increasing as the majority of variable rate loans are tied to prime with a lesser amount tied to LIBOR. While variable rate loans have re-priced at higher rates Bancorp has largely held deposit rates unchanged. Deposit rates generally do not reprice as quickly as loans which positively affects earnings as rates rise in the short term. Market expectations for 2018 include three additional 25 bps federal funds rate increases. Bancorp recognizes that eventually deposit rates will be adjusted upward which poses a risk to earnings. Migration of deposits outfollowing consolidated financial statements of Bancorp, as customers pursue higher rates, could impact liquidity and earnings as Bancorp competes for deposits.reports of independent registered public accounting firm and management are included below:

Consolidated Balance Sheets - December 31, 2017 and 2016

Consolidated Statements of Income - years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015

Consolidated Statements of Changes in the mixStockholders’ Equity - years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015

Consolidated Statements of deposits could result in increased average rates paidCash Flows - years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Management’s Report on deposits, and lower earnings to Bancorp. Bancorp’s asset-liability management strategy, which is designed to mitigate risk from changes in market interest rates, may not be able to prevent changes in interest rates from having a material adverse effect on Bancorp’s results of operations and financial condition. Bancorp’s most recent earnings simulation model estimated the impact of changing interest rates on earnings for the next 12 months indicates net interest income will decrease approximately 3% if interest rates immediately increase 200 basis points and decrease approximately 5% if rates decrease 200 basis points.Consolidated Financial Statements

 

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Bancorp is subject to funding risk.

Consolidated Balance Sheets

        
  

December 31,

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

2017

  

2016

 
         

Assets

        

Cash and due from banks

 $41,982  $39,709 

Federal funds sold and interest bearing due from banks

  97,266   8,264 

Cash and cash equivalents

  139,248   47,973 

Mortgage loans held for sale

  2,964   3,213 

Securities available-for-sale (amortized cost of $577,406 in 2017 and $571,936 in 2016)

  574,524   570,074 

Federal Home Loan Bank stock and other securities

  7,646   6,347 
         

Loans

  2,409,570   2,305,375 

Less allowance for loan losses

  24,885   24,007 

Net loans

  2,384,685   2,281,368 
         

Premises and equipment, net

  41,655   42,384 

Bank owned life insurance

  32,049   31,867 

Accrued interest receivable

  8,369   6,878 

Other assets

  48,506   49,377 

Total assets

 $3,239,646  $3,039,481 
         

Liabilities

        

Deposits

        

Non-interest bearing

 $674,697  $680,156 

Interest bearing

  1,903,598   1,840,392 

Total deposits

  2,578,295   2,520,548 
         

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase

  70,473   67,595 

Federal funds purchased

  161,352   47,374 

Accrued interest payable

  232   144 

Other liabilities

  46,192   38,873 

Federal Home Loan Bank advances

  49,458   51,075 

Total liabilities

  2,906,002   2,725,609 
         

Stockholders equity

        

Preferred stock, no par value; 1,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued or outstanding

      

Common stock, no par value; 40,000,000 shares authorized; 22,679,362 and 22,617,098 shares issued and outstanding in 2017 and 2016, respectively

  36,457   36,250 

Additional paid-in capital

  31,924   26,682 

Retained earnings

  267,193   252,439 

Accumulated other comprehensive (loss)

  (1,930)  (1,499)

Total stockholders equity

  333,644   313,872 

Total liabilities and stockholders equity

 $3,239,646  $3,039,481 

 

Funding risk represents the dependence Bancorp has on large commercial deposit relationships. Approximately 40% of Bancorp’s total deposits are centralized in accounts with balances $500,000 or greater. Bancorp considers these deposits core funds as they represent long-standing relationships and are a testament to Bancorp’s commitment to partner with business clients by providing exemplary service and competitive products. A sudden shift in customer behavior within these deposits resulting in balances being reduced or moved out of the bank altogether could impact Bancorp’s ability to capitalize on growth opportunities and meet current obligations. Bancorp has secondary sources of funding to draw upon as needed but the cost of those funds would be higher than typical deposit accounts which would negatively impact the financial condition and results of operation.

Significant stock market volatility could negatively affect Bancorps financial results.

Income from wealth management and trust constitutes approximately 44% of non-interest income. Trust assets under management are expressed in terms of market value, and a significant portion of fee income is based upon those values. A large majority of wealth management and trust fees are based on market values which generally fluctuate with the overall capital markets.

Capital and credit markets experience volatility and disruption from time to time. These conditions place downward pressure on credit availability, credit worthiness and customers’ inclinations to borrow. Prolonged volatility or a significant disruption could negatively impact customers’ ability to seek new loans or to repay existing loans. The personal wealth of many borrowers and guarantors has historically added a source of financial strength to certain loans and would be negatively impacted by severe market declines. Sustained reliance on their personal assets to make loan payments would result in deterioration of their liquidity, and could result in loan defaults.

Competition with other financial institutions could adversely affect profitability.

Bancorp operates in a highly competitive industry that could become even more so as a result of earnings pressure of contending banks, legislative, regulatory and technological changes and continued consolidation. Bancorp faces vigorous competition in price and structure of financial products from banks and other financial institutions. In recent years, credit unions have expanded their lending mix and now compete heavily with banks in the commercial real estate market. Their high risk tolerance for fixed rate, long-term loans has adversely affected Bancorp’s net loan growth and results of operations. Bancorp also competes with other non-traditional providers of financial services, such as brokerage firms and insurance companies. As internet-based financial services continue to grow in acceptance, Bancorp must remain relevant as a place where consumers and businesses value personal service while competitors offer these services without human interaction. The variety of sources of competition may reduce or limit margins on banking services, reduce market share and adversely affect results of operations and financial condition. Bancorp’s growth and expansion may adversely affect customer perceptions of the community based, customer oriented service Bancorp provides, thus damaging Bancorp’s image in the market.

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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An extended disruption of vital infrastructure could negatively impact Bancorps business, results of operations, and financial condition.

Consolidated Statements of Income

            
  

Years ended December 31,

 

(In thousands, except per share data)

 

2017

  

2016

  

2015

 
             

Interest income

            

Loans

 $99,874  $91,798  $83,371 

Federal funds sold and interest bearing deposits

  1,330   491   263 

Mortgage loans held for sale

  191   237   249 

Securities

            

Taxable

  8,365   8,451   8,120 

Tax-exempt

  1,089   1,195   1,167 
             

Total interest income

  110,849   102,172   93,170 
             

Interest expense

            

Deposits

  5,975   3,943   3,739 

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase and other short term borrowing

  316   212   174 

Long term debt

  955   763   939 
             

Total interest expense

  7,246   4,918   4,852 

Net interest income

  103,603   97,254   88,318 
             

Provision for loan losses

  2,550   3,000   750 

Net interest income after provision for loan losses

  101,053   94,254   87,568 
             

Non-interest income

            

Wealth management and trust services

  20,505   19,155   18,026 

Deposit service charges

  6,461   6,253   6,010 

Debit and credit cards

  5,979   5,655   4,876 

Treasury management

  4,008   3,651   3,404 

Mortgage banking

  3,221   3,897   3,488 

(Loss) on sale of securities available-for-sale

  (232)      

Investment product sales commissions and fees

  2,200   2,145   1,994 

Bank owned life insurance

  1,159   871   889 

Other

  1,819   1,910   1,263 
             

Total non-interest income

  45,120   43,537   39,950 
             

Non-interest expenses

            

Compensation

  42,584   40,817   36,597 

Employee benefits

  9,987   8,368   8,112 

Net occupancy and equipment

  7,393   7,422   6,986 

Technology and communication

  8,525   7,619   6,891 

Marketing and business development

  2,716   2,464   2,579 

Postage, printing and supplies

  1,475   1,521   1,436 

Legal and professional

  2,393   1,869   1,832 

FDIC insurance

  960   1,181   1,258 

Amortization/impairment of investments in tax credit partnerships

  7,124   4,458   634 

Capital and deposit based taxes

  3,440   2,800   2,413 

Other

  4,394   3,001   4,660 
             

Total non-interest expenses

  90,991   81,520   73,398 
             

Income before income taxes

  55,182   56,271   54,120 

Income tax expense

  17,139   15,244   16,933 

Net income

 $38,043  $41,027  $37,187 

Net income per share, basic

 $1.69  $1.84  $1.68 

Net income per share, diluted

 $1.66  $1.80  $1.65 

Average common shares:

            

Basic

  22,532   22,356   22,088 

Diluted

  22,983   22,792   22,459 

 

Bancorp’s operations depend upon, among other things, infrastructure, including equipment and facilities. Extended disruption of vital infrastructure by fire, power loss, natural disaster, telecommunications failure, information systems breaches, terrorist activity or the domestic and foreign responseSee accompanying notes to such activity, or other events outside of Bancorp’s control could have a material adverse impact on theconsolidated financial services industry as a whole and on Bancorp’s business, results of operations and financial condition. Bancorp’s business continuity plan may not work as intended or may not prevent significant interruption of operations. Occurrence of any failures, interruptions, or security breaches of information systems could damage Bancorp’s reputation, result in loss of customer business, subject the Company to additional regulatory scrutiny, or expose Bancorp to civil litigation and possible financial liability, any of which could have an adverse effect on Bancorp’s financial condition and results of operation.

Security breaches or incidences of fraud could negatively impact Bancorps business, results of operations, and financial condition.

Bancorp’s assets which are at risk for cyber-attacks include financial assets and non-public information belonging to customers. Cyber security risks include cyber espionage, blackmail, ransom, theft, and corporate account takeovers. Bancorp employs many preventive and detective controls to protect its assets, and provides mandatory recurring information security training to all employees. Bancorp has invested in multiple preventative tools in an attempt to protect customers from cyber threats and corporate account takeover. Bancorp regularly provides educational information regarding cyber threats to customers. Bancorp utilizes multiple third-party vendors who have access to the Company’s assets via electronic media. While Bancorp requires third parties, many of whom are small companies, to have similar or superior controls in place there is no guarantee that a breach of information could occur. Activities of the Bank that subject Bancorp to risk of fraud by customers, employees, vendors, or members of the general public include ACH transactions, wire transactions, ATM transactions, checking transactions, and loan originations. Repeated incidences of fraud or a single large occurrence would adversely impact Bancorp’s reputation and results of operation.

Bancorps credit metrics are at historically strong levels.

During 2017, Bancorp’s solid asset quality metrics trended within a narrow range and exceeded solid benchmarks of the past several years to reach historically strong levels. Bancorp realizes that present asset quality metrics are exceptionally positive and, recognizing the cyclical nature of the lending business, the Company anticipates this trend will most likely normalize over time.

Bancorps accounting policies and methods are critical to how Bancorp reports its financial condition and results of operations. They require management to make estimates about matters that are uncertain.

Accounting policies and methods are fundamental to how Bancorp records and reports its financial condition and results of operations. Bancorp must exercise judgment in selecting and applying these accounting policies and methods so they comply with United States generally accepted accounting principles (“US GAAP”).

Bancorp has identified certain accounting policies as being critical because they require management’s judgment to ascertain the valuations of assets, liabilities, commitments and contingencies. A variety of factors could affect the ultimate value that is obtained either when earning income, recognizing an expense, recovering an asset, or reducing a liability. Bancorp has established detailed policies and control procedures intended to ensure these critical accounting estimates and judgments are well controlled and applied consistently.

The policies and procedures are intended to ensure that the process for changing methodologies occurs in an appropriate manner. Because of the uncertainty surrounding Bancorp’s judgments and the estimates pertaining to these matters, there can be no assurances that actual results will not differ from those estimates. See the “Critical Accounting Policies” in the “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” for more information.

Bancorp operates in a highly regulated environment and may be adversely affected by changes to or lack of compliance with federal, state and local laws and regulations.

Bancorp is subject to extensive regulation, supervision and examination by federal and state banking authorities. Any change in applicable regulations or federal or state legislation could have a substantial impact on Bancorp and its operations. Additional legislation and regulations may be enacted or adopted in the future that could significantly affect Bancorp’s powers, authority and operations, which could have a material adverse effect on Bancorp’s financial condition and results of operations. If Bancorp’s policies, procedures and systems are deemed deficient, the Company would be subject to liability, including fines and regulatory actions, which may include restrictions on the ability to pay dividends and the requirement to obtain regulatory approvals to proceed with certain aspects of Bancorp’s business plan, including branching and acquisition plans.statements.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Bancorps ability to stay current on technological changes in order to compete and meet customer demands is constantly being challenged.

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

            
  

Years ended December 31,

 

(In thousands)

 

2017

  

2016

  

2015

 
             

Net income

 $38,043  $41,027  $37,187 

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:

            

Unrealized (losses) gains on securities available-for-sale:

            

Unrealized (losses) gains arising during the period (net of tax of ($531), ($1,171), and ($839), respectively)

  (721)  (2,176)  (1,558)

Unrealized (losses) gains on hedging instruments:

            

Unrealized (losses) gains arising during the period (net of tax of $112, $24, and ($41), respectively)

  209   44   (76)

Minimum pension liability adjustment (net of tax of ($9), $1, and $69, respectively)

  (70)  1   114 

Reclassification adjustment for impairment of equity security realized in income (net of tax of $0, $0, and $36, respectively)

        67 

Reclassification adjustment for securities losses reclassified out of other comprehensive income into loss on sale of securities available-for-sale (net of tax of $81, $0, and $0, respectively)

  151       

Other comprehensive (loss) income

  (431)  (2,131)  (1,453)

Comprehensive income

 $37,612  $38,896  $35,734 

 

The financial services industry is constantly undergoing rapid technological changes, with frequent introductions of new technology-driven products and services. Future success of Bancorp will depend, in part, upon its ability to address the needs of its customers by using technology to provide products and services that will satisfy customer demands for convenience, as well as to create additional operational efficiencies and greater privacy and security protection for customers and their personal information. Many of Bancorp’s competitors have substantially greater resources to invest in technological improvements. Bancorp may not be able to effectively implement new technology-driven products and services as quickly as competitors or be successful in marketing these products and services to its customers. Bancorp relies on third party providers for many of its technology-driven banking products and services. Some of these companies may be slow to respond with upgrades or enhancements to their products to keep pace with improvements in technology or the introduction of competing products. Failure to successfully keep pace with technological change affecting the financial services industry could impair Bancorp’s ability to effectively compete to retain or acquire new business and could have an adverse impact on its business, financial position, results of operations and liquidity.

Bancorp is dependent upon outside third parties for the processing and handling of the Companys records and data.

Bancorp relies on software developed by third-party vendors to process various transactions. In some cases, Bancorp has contracted with third parties to run their proprietary software on the Company’s behalf. While Bancorp performs a review of controls instituted by the applicable vendors over these programs in accordance with industry standards and performs testing of user controls, the Company relies on the continued maintenance of controls by these third-party vendors, including safeguards over the security of client data. Bancorp may incur a temporary disruption in the Company’s ability to conduct business or process transactions, or incur reputational, if the third-party vendor fails to adequately maintain internal controls or institute necessary changes to systems. Such a disruption or breach of security could have a material adverse effect on Bancorp’s business. Further, if these third-party service providers experience difficulties, or should terminate their services, and the Company is unable to replace them on a timely basis, Bancorp’s business operations could be interrupted. If an interruption were to continue for a significant period of time, the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.

Bancorp may not be able to attract and retain skilled people.

Bancorp’s success depends, in large part, on its ability to attract and retain key people. Competition for the best people in the industry and the markets in which Bancorp engages can be intense, and the Company may not be able to retain or hire the people wanted or needed. To attract and retain qualified employees, Bancorp must compensate them at market levels. If Bancorp is unable to continue to attract and retain qualified employees, or do so at rates necessary to maintain the Company’s competitive position, Bancorp’s performance, including the Company’s competitive position, could suffer, and, in turn, adversely affect Bancorp’s business, financial condition or results of operations.

Bancorp invests in partnerships that generate federal income tax savings and these may not continue.

Bancorp invests in certain partnerships that yield federal income tax credits resulting in higher net income for Bancorp. These transactions may also include lending to the developer, further enhancing the profitability of the transaction.  These transactions typically involve a very limited number of counterparties. The availability and suitability of these transactions are not particularly predictable and may not continue to be favorable to Bancorp. The recently enacted income tax reform could result in fewer transactions and the extent to which federal income tax credits favorably effect Bancorp’s net income. Therefore the positive effect on Bancorp’s net income may not continue.

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Changes in customer use of banks could adversely affect Bancorps financial condition and results of operation.

The rapid evolution of non-bank alternatives for initiation and completion of financial transactions puts Bancorp at risk of losing sources of revenue and funding. The ability of customers to pay bills, transfer funds, and purchase assets without utilizing the banking system could result in loss of fee income, deposits, and loans. If Bancorp is unable to continue timely development of competitive new products and services, its business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.

The Current Expected Credit Loss (CECL) accounting standard will result in a significant change in how Bancorp recognizes credit losses and may have a material impact on the Companys financial condition or results of operations.

In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued an accounting standard update, “Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326), Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments,” which replaces the current “incurred loss” model for recognizing credit losses with an “expected loss” model. Whereas the incurred loss model delays recognition of loss on financial instruments until it is probable a loss has occurred, the expected loss model will necessitate recognizing a loss at the time the loan is first added to the balance sheet. As result of this differing methodology, Bancorp expects the adoption of the CECL model will materially affect the determination of the allowance for loan losses and could require a significant increase to the allowance. Any material increase to the required level of loan loss allowance could adversely affect Bancorp’s business, financial condition, and results of operation.

The CECL standard will become effective for Bancorp for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019 and for interim periods beginning with the first quarter of 2020. While the impact of implementing the CECL model cannot be quantified at this time, Bancorp expects to recognize a one-time cumulative-effect adjustment to the allowance for loan losses and stockholders’ equity in the first quarter of 2020, consistent with interagency guidance issued in 2016.

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders Equity

 
  

For each of the years in the three year period ended December 31, 2017

 
                  

Accumulated

     
  

Common stock

  

Additional

      

other

     

 

 

Number of

      

paid-in

  

Retained

  

comprehensive

     

(In thousands, except per share data)

 

shares

  

Amount

  

capital

  

earnings

  

income (loss)

  

Total

 
                         

Balance December 31, 2014

  14,745  $10,035  $38,191  $209,584  $2,085  $259,895 

Net income

           37,187      37,187 

Other comprehensive loss, net of tax

              (1,453)  (1,453)

Stock compensation expense

        2,134         2,134 

Stock issued for share-based awards, net of withholdings to satisfy employee tax obligations upon award

  179   596   3,972   (1,564)     3,004 

Cash dividends declared, $0.64 per share

           (14,248)     (14,248)

Shares repurchased or cancelled

  (5)  (15)  (117)  132       

Balance December 31, 2015

  14,919  $10,616  $44,180  $231,091  $632  $286,519 
                         

Net income

           41,027      41,027 

Other comprehensive loss, net of tax

              (2,131)  (2,131)

Stock compensation expense

        2,473         2,473 

Stock issued for share-based awards, net of withholdings to satisfy employee tax obligations upon award

  214   711   5,217   (3,804)     2,124 

3 for 2 stock split (see note 14)

  7,494   24,956   (24,956)         

Cash dividends declared, $0.72 per share

           (16,140)     (16,140)

Shares repurchased or cancelled

  (10)  (33)  (232)  265       

Balance December 31, 2016

  22,617  $36,250  $26,682  $252,439  $(1,499) $313,872 
                         

Net income

           38,043      38,043 

Other comprehensive loss, net of tax

              (431)  (431)

Stock compensation expense

        2,892         2,892 

Stock issued for share-based awards, net of withholdings to satisfy employee tax obligations upon award

  69   231   2,500   (5,336)     (2,605)

Cash dividends declared, $0.80 per share

           (18,127)     (18,127)

Shares repurchased or cancelled

  (7)  (24)  (150)  174       

Balance December 31, 2017

  22,679  $36,457  $31,924  $267,193  $(1,930) $333,644 

 

Item 1B.

Unresolved Staff CommentsSee accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

Bancorp has no unresolved SEC staff comments.

Item 2.

Properties

The principal offices of Bancorp are located at 1040 East Main Street, Louisville, Kentucky. Bancorp’s operations center is at a separate location. In addition to the main office complex and the operations center, Bancorp owned 20 branch properties at December 31, 2017, two of which are located on leased land.  At that date, Bancorp also leased 17 branch facilities as well as its wealth management and trust facility. Of the 37 banking locations, 28 are located in the Louisville Metropolitan Statistical Area (“MSA”), four are located in the Indianapolis MSA and five are located in the Cincinnati MSA. See Notes 6 and 19 to Bancorp’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2017, for additional information relating to amounts invested in premises and equipment and lease commitments.

Item 3.

Legal Proceedings

See Note 19 to Bancorp’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2017, for information relating to legal proceedings.

Item 4.

Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

Executive Officers of the Registrant

The following table lists the names and ages as of December 31, 2017 of all current executive officers of Bancorp and the Bank. Each executive officer is appointed by Bancorp’s Board of Directors to serve at the discretion of the Board.

 

8

Table of Contents

 

There is no arrangement or understanding between any executive officer of Bancorp or the Bank and any other person(s) pursuant to which he/she was or is to be selected as an officer.

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

            
             
  

Years ended December 31,

 

(In thousands)

 

2017

  

2016

  

2015

 
             

Operating activities

            

Net income

 $38,043  $41,027  $37,187 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

            

Provision (credit) for loan losses

  2,550   3,000   750 

Depreciation, amortization and accretion, net

  13,640   11,142   6,902 

Deferred income tax expense (benefit)

  3,971   276   847 

Loss on sale of securities available-for-sale

  232       

Impairment loss on available-for-sale securities

        103 

Gains on sales of mortgage loans held for sale

  (1,989)  (2,482)  (2,167)

Origination of mortgage loans held for sale

  (97,623)  (123,347)  (116,385)

Proceeds from sale of mortgage loans held for sale

  99,861   129,416   115,499 

Bank owned life insurance income

  (1,159)  (871)  (889)

Proceeds from liquidation of private investment fund

  (92)      

(Gain) Loss on other real estate owned

  (39)  (409)  147 

Loss (gain) on the disposal of premises and equipment

     202   (51)

Recovery of impairment loss on other assets held for investment

     (588)   

Stock compensation expense

  2,892   2,473   2,134 

Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation arrangements

  (1,463)  (1,705)  (673)

Increase in accrued interest receivable and other assets

  (13,848)  (7,438)  (2,540)

Increase in accrued interest payable and other liabilities

  8,700   12,566   2,307 

Net cash provided by operating activities

  53,676   63,262   43,171 
             

Investing activities

            

Purchases of securities available-for-sale

  (661,086)  (478,798)  (384,260)

Proceeds from sale of securities available-for-sale

  421      5,934 

Proceeds from maturities of securities available-for-sale

  652,411   468,271   320,952 

Purchase of Federal Home Loan Bank Stock

  (2,254)      

Proceeds from sale of Federal Home Loan Bank stock

  955       

Proceeds from liquidation of private investment fund

  92       

Net increase in loans

  (105,867)  (275,718)  (168,832)

Purchases of premises and equipment

  (2,786)  (6,327)  (3,459)

Proceeds from disposal of equipment

     66    

Proceeds from mortality benefit of bank owned life insurance

  977       

Proceeds from sale of other real estate owned

  2,432   1,826   2,541 

Proceeds from the sale of other assets held for investment

     1,108    

Net cash used in investing activities

  (114,705)  (289,572)  (227,124)
             

Financing activities

            

Net increase in deposits

  57,747   148,846   248,075 

Net increase (decrease) in securities sold under agreements to repurchase and federal funds purchased

  116,856   27,966   (29,946)

Proceeds from Federal Home Loan Bank advances

  120,000   289,000   108,200 

Repayments of Federal Home Loan Bank advances

  (121,617)  (281,393)  (101,564)

Proceeds (used for) and received from settlement of stock awards

  (216)  2,337   3,249 

Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation arrangements

     1,705   673 

Common stock repurchases

  (2,389)  (1,918)  (918)

Cash dividends paid

  (18,077)  (16,093)  (14,224)

Net cash provided by financing activities

  152,304   170,450   213,545 
             

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

  91,275   (55,860)  29,592 
             

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

  47,973   103,833   74,241 
             

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

 $139,248  $47,973  $103,833 

 

Name and Age
of Executive Officer

Position and Offices
with Bancorp and/or the Bank

David P. Heintzman
Age 58

Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer of Bancorp and the Bank

James A. Hillebrand
Age 49

President and Director of Bancorp and the Bank

Kathy C. Thompson
Age 56

Senior Executive Vice President and Director of Bancorp and the Bank

Nancy B. Davis
Age 62

Executive Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer of Bancorp and the Bank

William M. Dishman III
Age 54

Executive Vice President and Chief Risk Officer of the Bank

Philip S. Poindexter
Age 51

Executive Vice President and Chief Lending Officer of the Bank

T. Clay Stinnett
Age 44

Executive Vice President and Chief Strategic Officer of Bancorp and the Bank

Michael J. Croce
Age 48

Executive Vice President and Director of Retail Banking of the BankSee accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

Mr. Heintzman was appointed Chairman and Chief Executive Officer in January 2006. Prior thereto, he served as President of Bancorp and the Bank since 1992. Mr. Heintzman joined the Bank in 1985.

Mr. Hillebrand was appointed President in July 2008. Prior thereto, he served as Executive Vice President and Director of Private Banking of the Bank since 2005. From 2000 to 2004, he served as Senior Vice President of Private Banking. Mr. Hillebrand joined the Bank in 1996.

Ms. Thompson was appointed Senior Executive Vice President in January 2006.  Prior thereto, she served as Executive Vice President of Bancorp and the Bank. She joined the Bank in 1992 and is Manager of the Wealth Management and Trust Department.

Ms. Davis was appointed Executive Vice President of Bancorp and the Bank in 1999 and Chief Financial Officer in 1993. She joined the Bank in 1991.

Mr. Dishman joined the Bank as Executive Vice President and Chief Risk Officer in February 2009.

Mr. Poindexter was appointed Chief Lending Officer in July 2008. Prior thereto, he served as Executive Vice President and Director of Commercial Banking. Mr. Poindexter joined the Bank in 2004.

Mr. Stinnett was appointed Executive Vice President and Chief Strategic Officer in February 2011. Prior thereto, he served as Senior Vice President and Chief Strategic Officer since 2005. Mr. Stinnett joined the Bank in 2000.

Mr. Croce was appointed Executive Vice President and Director of Retail Banking in July 2014. Prior thereto, he served as Senior Vice President and Division Manager of Business Banking. Mr. Croce joined the Bank in 2004.

 

9

Table of Contents

 

Part IINotes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Item 5.

Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

(1) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

Bancorp’s common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the ticker symbol SYBT. The table below sets forth the quarterly highPrinciples of Consolidation and low market closing pricesNature of Bancorp’s common stock and dividends declared per share. In April 2016, Bancorp declared a 3 for 2 stock split which was effected as a 50% stock dividend. Share and per share information has been adjusted for this split. The payment of dividends by the Bank to Bancorp is subject to the restriction described in Note 18 to the consolidated financial statements. Management believes that Bancorp will continue to generate adequate earnings to continue to pay dividends on a quarterly basis.  On December 31, 2017, Bancorp had approximately 1,600 shareholders of record, and approximately 5,300 beneficial owners holding shares in nominee or “street” name.

  

2017

  

2016

 
          

Cash Dividends

          

Cash Dividends

 

Quarter

 

High

  

Low

  

Declared

  

High

  

Low

  

Declared

 
                         

First

 $47.50  $39.25  $0.19  $26.09  $23.27  $0.17 

Second

  43.75   36.20   0.20   29.03   24.55   0.18 

Third

  40.00   32.25   0.20   33.25   27.52   0.18 

Fourth

  41.60   36.50   0.21   46.95   32.93   0.19 

Operations

 

The following table shows information relating to the repurchase of shares of common stock by Bancorp during the three months ended December 31, 2017.

  

Total number of
shares purchased

  

Average price paid

per share

  

Total number of

shares purchased

as part of publicly

announced plan

  

Maximum number

of shares that may

yet be purchased

under the plan

 
                 

October 1-October 31

  2,095  $38.97       

November 1-November 30

  4,300   38.58       

December 1-December 31

  748   38.02       
                 

Total

  7,143  $38.64       

Activity represents shares of stock withheld to satisfy employee tax obligations due upon the exercise of stock appreciation rights, on lapsed shares of restricted stock and on performance stock unit awards. Bancorp does not have an active stock repurchase program.

The following performance graphs and data shall not be deemed filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section, nor shall it be deemed soliciting material or subject to Regulation 14A of the Exchange Act or incorporated by reference in any filing under the Exchange Act or the Securities Act of 1933, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.

The first graph below compares performance of Bancorp Common Stock to the Russell 2000 index, the SNL NASDAQ Bank index and the SNL Midwest Bank index for Bancorp’s last five fiscal years. The graph assumes the value of the investment in Bancorp Common Stock and in each index was $100 at December 31, 2012 and that all dividends were reinvested.

In addition to the five-year period required by the SEC, the ten-year period is presented because it provides additional perspective, and Bancorp management believes that longer-term performance is of greater interest. The ten-year graph assumes the value of the investment in Bancorp Common Stock and in each index was $100 at December 31, 2007 and that all dividends were reinvested.

10

      

Period Ending

     

Index

 

12/31/12

  

12/31/13

  

12/31/14

  

12/31/15

  

12/31/16

  

12/31/17

 

Stock Yards Bancorp, Inc.

 $100.00  $146.87  $157.88  $183.76  $350.33  $287.39 

Russell 2000 Index

  100.00   138.82   145.62   139.19   168.85   193.58 

SNL Midwest Bank Index

  100.00   136.91   148.84   151.10   201.89   216.95 

SNL Bank NASDAQ Index

  100.00   143.73   148.86   160.70   222.81   234.58 

          

Period Ending

                     

Index

 

12/31/07

  

12/31/08

  

12/31/09

  

12/31/10

  

12/31/11

  

12/31/12

  

12/31/13

  

12/31/14

  

12/31/15

  

12/31/16

  

12/31/17

 

Stock Yards Bancorp, Inc.

 $100.00  $118.05  $94.46  $111.79  $96.62  $109.17  $160.34  $172.37  $200.62  $382.47  $312.04 

Russell 2000 Index

  100.00   66.21   84.20   106.82   102.36   119.09   165.33   173.42   165.76   201.08   230.54 

SNL Midwest Bank Index

  100.00   65.79   55.75   69.23   65.39   78.71   107.76   117.15   118.92   158.90   170.75 

SNL Bank NASDAQ Index

  100.00   72.62   58.91   69.51   61.67   73.51   105.65   109.42   118.12   163.78   172.43 

11

Item 6.

Selected Financial Data

Selected Consolidated Financial Data 

(In thousands except

 

Years ended December 31

 

per share data and ratios)

 

2017

  

2016

  

2015

  

2014

  

2013

 
                     

Income statement data

                    

Interest income

 $110,849  $102,172  $93,170  $89,087  $86,464 

Interest expense

  7,246   4,918   4,852   5,330   9,166 

Net interest income

  103,603   97,254   88,318   83,757   77,298 

Provision (credit) for loan losses

  2,550   3,000   750   (400)  6,550 

Non-interest income

  45,120   43,537   39,950   39,155   39,002 

Non-interest expenses

  90,991   81,520   73,398   73,209   71,352 

Income before income taxes

  55,182   56,271   54,120   50,103   38,398 

Income tax expense

  17,139   15,244   16,933   15,281   11,228 

Net income

 $38,043  $41,027  $37,187  $34,822  $27,170 

Per share data

                    

Net income, basic

 $1.69  $1.84  $1.68  $1.59  $1.27 

Net income, diluted

  1.66   1.80   1.65   1.57   1.26 

Cash dividends declared

  0.80   0.72   0.64   0.59   0.54 

Book value

  14.71   13.88   12.80   11.75   10.47 

Market value

  37.70   46.95   25.19   22.23   21.28 

Weighted average common and common equivalent shares - diluted

  22,983   22,792   22,459   22,144   21,530 

Balance sheet data

                    

Total assets

 $3,239,646  $3,039,481  $2,816,801  $2,563,868  $2,389,262 

Loans

  2,409,570   2,305,375   2,033,007   1,868,550   1,721,350 

Allowance for loan losses

  24,885   24,007   22,441   24,920   28,522 

Available for sale securities

  574,524   570,074   565,876   513,056   490,031 

Deposits

  2,578,295   2,520,548   2,371,702   2,123,627   1,980,937 

Federal funds purchased

  161,352   47,374   22,477   47,390   55,295 

Federal Home Loan Bank advances

  49,458   51,075   43,468   36,832   34,329 

Stockholders’ equity

  333,644   313,872   286,519   259,895   229,444 

Average balances

                    

Stockholders’ equity

 $327,798  $304,151  $274,451  $245,425  $220,107 

Assets

  3,037,581   2,886,396   2,573,901   2,398,430   2,232,868 

Federal Home Loan Bank advances

  50,300   45,455   41,041   35,709   32,518 

Long-term debt

              30,477 

Selected ratios

                    

Return on average assets

  1.25%  1.42%  1.44%  1.45%  1.22%

Return on average stockholders’ equity

  11.61   13.49   13.55   14.19   12.34 

Average stockholders’ equity to average assets

  10.79   10.54   10.66   10.23   9.86 

Net interest rate spread

  3.52   3.51   3.59   3.67   3.59 

Net interest rate margin, fully tax-equivalent

  3.63   3.59   3.67   3.75   3.74 

Efficiency ratio

  60.86   57.56   56.81   59.09   60.82 

Non-performing loans to total loans

  0.31   0.29   0.44   0.64   1.33 

Non-performing assets to total assets

  0.31   0.39

 

  0.48

 

  0.70

 

  1.19 

Net charge offs to average loans

  0.07   0.07   0.17   0.18   0.60 

Allowance for loan losses to total loans

  1.03   1.04

 

  1.10

 

  1.33

 

  1.66 

Share and per share information has been adjusted to reflect the April 2016 3 for 2 stock-split effected in the form of a 50% stock dividend.

12

Item 7.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Financial Section Summary

The financial section of this Form 10-K includes management’s discussion and analysis, consolidated financial statements and the notes to those financial statements. Bancorp has prepared the following summary to assist in your review of the financial section. It is designed to give you an overviewinclude accounts of Stock Yards Bancorp, Inc. (“Bancorp”) and summarize some of the more important activities and events that occurred during 2017. Share and per share information has been adjusted to reflect the April 2016 3 for 2 stock-split which was effected in the form of a 50% stock dividend.

The financial section includes the following:

Management’s discussion and analysis, or MD&A provides information regarding the consolidated financial condition and results of operations of Bancorp. It contains management’s view about industry trends, risks, uncertainties, accounting policies that Bancorp views as critical in light of its business, results of operations including discussion of the key performance drivers, financial position, cash flows, commitments and contingencies, important events, transactions that have occurred over the last three years, and forward-looking information, as appropriate.

Financial statements include Consolidated Balance Sheets as of the end of the last two years, and Consolidated Statements of Income, Comprehensive Income, Changes in Stockholders’ Equity, and Cash Flows, for each of the last three years. Bancorp’s financial statements are prepared in accordance with US GAAP.

Notes to the financial statements provide insight into, and are an integral part of, the financial statements. These notes contain explanations of significant accounting policies, details about certain captions on the financial statements, information about significant events or transactions that have occurred, discussions about legal proceedings, commitments and contingencies, and selected financial information relating to business segments. The notes to the financial statements also are prepared in accordance with US GAAP.

Reports related to the financial statements and internal controls over financial reporting include the following:

A report from KPMG LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, which includes their opinion on the presentation of Bancorp’s consolidated financial statements in conformity with US GAAP based on their audits;

A report from management indicating Bancorp’s responsibility for financial reporting and the financial statements;

A report from management indicating Bancorp’s responsibility for the system of internal control over financial reporting, including an assessment of the effectiveness of those controls; and

A report from KPMG LLP, which includes their opinion on the effectiveness of Bancorp’s internal control over financial reporting.

Our Business

Stock Yards Bancorp, Inc. was incorporated in 1988, and its business is substantially the same as that of its wholly owned subsidiary, Stock Yards Bank & Trust Company. The BankCompany (“the Bank”). Significant intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated in consolidation. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to 2017 presentation. Bancorp has operated continuously since it opened in 1904. The Bank conducted business at one locationevaluated subsequent events for 85 yearsrecognition or disclosure up to the date on which financial statements were issued and began branching in 1989. At December 31, 2017, the Bank had 28 full servicedetermined there were none.

In addition to traditional commercial and personal banking locations in the Louisville MSA, 4 full service banking locations in the Indianapolis MSA, and 5 full service banking locations in the Cincinnati MSA. Bancorp’s focus on flexible, attentive customer serviceactivities, Bancorp has been key to its growth and profitability. The wide range of services provided bya wealth management and trust department offering a wide range of investment product sales,management, retirement planning, trust and mortgage origination helps support the corporate philosophy of capitalizing on full service customer relationships.estate administration and financial planning services. Bancorp’s primary market area is Louisville, Kentucky and surrounding communities including southern Indiana.  Other markets include Indianapolis, Indiana and Cincinnati, Ohio.   

 

Forward-Looking StatementsBasis of Financial Statement Presentation and Use of Estimates

 

This report contains forward-lookingThe consolidated financial statements under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act that involve risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as “expect”, “anticipate”, “plan”, “foresee”, “believe” or other words with similar meaning. Although Bancorp believes assumptions underlying forward-looking statements contained herein are reasonable, any of these assumptions could be inaccurate. Factors that could cause actual results to differ from results discussed in forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: economic conditions both generally and more specifically in markets in which Bancorp and its subsidiary operate; competition for Bancorp’s customers from other providers of financial services; government legislationsubsidiary have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“US GAAP”) and regulation which change from timeconform to time and over which Bancorp has no control; changes in interest rates; material unforeseen changes in liquidity, deterioration inpredominant practices within the real estate market, results of operations or financial condition of Bancorp’s customers; or other risks detailed in Bancorp’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and Item 1A of this Form 10-K, all of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond the control of Bancorp.

13

Critical Accounting Policies

Bancorp has prepared consolidated financial information in this report in accordance with US GAAP.banking industry. In preparing the consolidated financial statements, Bancorp makesmanagement is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amountamounts of certain assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenuerelated revenues and expenses during the reporting period. There can be no assurances that actualActual results will notcould differ from those estimates.

Management has identified the accounting policy related Material estimates particularly susceptible to the allowance and provision for loan losses as criticalsignificant change relate to the understandingdetermination of Bancorp’s results of operations and discussed this conclusion with the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors. Since the application of this policy requires significant management assumptions and estimates, it could result in materially different amounts to be reported if conditions or underlying circumstances were to change. The provision for loan losses reflects an allowance methodology driven by risk ratings, historical losses, specific loan loss allocations, and qualitative factors. Assumptions include many factors such as changes in borrowers’ financial condition which can change quickly or historical loss ratios related to certain loan portfolios which may or may not be indicative of future losses. In the first quarter of 2017, Bancorp extended the historical period used to capture Bancorp’s historical loss ratios from 24 quarters to 28 quarters. This extension of the historical period was applied to all classes and segments of our portfolio. The expansion of the look-back period for the quantitative historical loss rate caused us to review the overall methodology for the qualitative factors to ensure we were appropriately capturing the risk not addressed in the quantitative historical loss rate. Management believes the extension of the look-back period is appropriate to capture the impact of a full economic cycle and more accurately represents the current level of risk inherent in the loan portfolio.

The quarterly allowance calculation has both quantitative and qualitative factors which support the total balance of the allowance at period end. The effect of the extension of the look-back period to 28 quarters in the first quarter of 2017 resulted in a net decrease to the calculated quantitative portion of the allowance, but this was more than offset by an increase to the qualitative factors. The net impact of the extension of the look-back period was an increase in the allowance during the first quarter of 2017 of approximately $474 thousand. The change in methodology was consistent with management’s judgment regarding the risk in the loan portfolio and consistent with internal analysis showing continued strong asset quality related not only in the Company’s loan portfolio, but the Bank’s peer group as well, validating the continuation of the current economic cycle and thus the reasoning to extend the look-back period. Management will continue to evaluate the appropriateness of the look-back period based on the status of the economic cycle. To the extent that management’s assumptions prove incorrect, results from operations could be materially affected by a higher or lower provision for loan losses. The accounting policy related to the allowance for loan losses, and income tax assets, liabilities and expense.

Cash Equivalents and Cash Flows

Cash and cash equivalents include cash and due from banks, federal funds sold and interest bearing due from banks as segregated in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The following supplemental cash flow information addresses certain cash payments and noncash transactions for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2017 as follows:

(In thousands)

 

Years ended December 31,

 
  

2017

  

2016

  

2015

 

Cash payments:

            

Income tax payments

 $15,838  $12,860  $13,831 

Cash paid for interest

  7,158   4,901   4,856 

Non-cash transactions:

            

Transfers from loans to other real estate owned

 $  $1,916  $1,146 

Securities

All of Bancorp’s investments are available-for-sale. Securities available-for-sale include securities that may be sold in response to changes in interest rates, resultant prepayment risk and other factors related to interest rate and prepayment risk changes. Securities available-for-sale are carried at fair value with unrealized gains or losses, net of tax effect, included in stockholders’ equity. Amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts are recorded using the interest method over the expected life of the security. Gains or losses on sales of securities are computed on a specific identification basis.  Declines in fair value of investment securities available-for-sale (with certain exceptions for debt securities noted below) that are deemed to be other-than-temporary are charged to earnings as a realized loss, and a new cost basis for the securities is applicableestablished. In evaluating other-than-temporary impairment, management considers the length of time and extent to which fair value has been less than cost, financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, and the intent and ability of Bancorp to retain its investment in the issuer for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value in the near term. Declines in fair value of debt securities below amortized cost are deemed to be other-than-temporary in circumstances where: (1) Bancorp has the intent to sell a security; (2) it is more likely than not that Bancorp will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis; or (3) Bancorp does not expect to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the security. If Bancorp intends to sell a security or if it is more likely than not that Bancorp will be required to sell the security before recovery, an other-than-temporary impairment write-down is recognized in earnings equal to the commercial banking segment of Bancorp. The impactdifference between the security’s amortized cost basis and any associated risksits fair value. If Bancorp does not intend to sell the security or it is not more likely than not that it will be required to sell the security before recovery, the other-than-temporary impairment write-down is separated into an amount representing credit loss, which is recognized in earnings, and an amount related to this policy on Bancorp’s business operationsall other factors, which is recognized in other comprehensive income. Declines in value judged to be other-than-temporary are discussedincluded in other non-interest expense in the “Allowanceconsolidated statements of income. See Note 4 to Bancorp’s consolidated financial statements for additional information on investment securities.

10

Mortgage Loans Held for Sale

Mortgage loans held for sale are initially recorded at the lower of cost or market value on an individual loan basis. The sales prices of all of these loans are covered by investor commitments.

Loans

Loans are stated at the unpaid principal balance plus deferred loan origination fees, net of deferred loan costs. Loan fees, net of any costs, are deferred and amortized over the life of the related loan on an effective yield basis.  Interest income on loans is recorded on the accrual basis except for those loans in a non-accrual income status. Loans are placed in a non-accrual income status when prospects for recovering both principal and accrued interest are considered doubtful or when a default of principal or interest has existed for 90 days or more unless such loan is well secured and in the process of collection. When a loan is placed on non-accrual status, any interest previously accrued but not yet collected is reversed against current income. No interest income is recorded while a loan is on non-accrual until principal has been fully collected. Non-accrual loans may be returned to accrual status once prospects for recovering both principal and accrued interest are reasonably assured. Loans are accounted for as troubled debt restructurings (TDRs) when Bancorp, for economic or legal reasons related to the debtor’s financial difficulties, grants a concession to the debtor that it would not otherwise consider. If a loan is restructured at a market rate for a new loan with comparable risk, no principal forgiveness has been granted, and the loan is not impaired based on the terms specified by the restructuring agreement, it shall be removed from TDR status generally after six months of performance.

Loans are classified as impaired when it is probable Bancorp will be unable to collect interest and principal according to the terms of the loan agreement. These loans are measured based on the present value of future cash flows discounted at the loans’ effective interest rate or at the estimated fair value of the loans’ collateral, if applicable. Impaired loans consist of loans in non-accrual status and loans accounted for as troubled debt restructuring.

Allowance for Loan Losses” section below.Losses

 

The allowance for loan losses is management’s estimate of probable losses inherent in the loan portfolio as of the balance sheet date. Loan losses are charged against the allowance when management believes the uncollectibility of a loan balance is confirmed. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance.

 

Bancorp’s allowance methodology is driven by risk ratings, historical losses, and qualitative factors. Assumptions include many factors such as changes in borrowers’ financial condition or historical loss ratios related to certain loan portfolios which may or may not be indicative of future losses. To the extent that management’s assumptions prove incorrect, the results from operations could be materially affected by a higher or lower provision for loan losses. In the first quarter of 2017, Bancorp extended the historical period used to capture Bancorp’s historical loss ratios from 24 quarters to 28 quarters. This extension of the historical period used to capture Bancorp’s historical loss ratios was applied to all classes and segments of our loan portfolio. The expansion of the look-back period for the quantitative historical loss rate caused us to review the overall methodology for the qualitative factors to ensure we were appropriately capturing the risk not addressed in the quantitative historical loss rate. The effect of the extension of the look-back period to 28 quarters resulted in a net decrease to the calculated quantitative portion of the allowance, but this was more than offset by an increase to the qualitative factors. The net impact of the extension of the look-back period was an increase in the allowance during the first quarter of 2017 of approximately $474 thousand. The change in methodology was consistent with management’s judgment regarding the risk in the loan portfolio and consistent with internal analysis showing continued strong asset quality not only in the Company’s loan portfolio, but the Bank’s peer group as well, validating the continuation of the current economic cycle and thus the reasoning to extend the look-back period. Management believes the extension of the look-back period is appropriate to capture the impact of a full economic cycle and provides sufficient loss observations to develop a reliable estimate. Management will continue to evaluate the appropriateness of the look-back period based on the status of the economic cycle.

11

Bancorp’s allowance calculation includes allocations to loan portfolio segments at December 31, 2017 for qualitative factors including, among other factors, local economic and business conditions, in each of our primary markets,the quality and experience of lending staff and management, exceptions to lending policies, levels of and trends in past due loans and loan classifications, concentrations of credit such as collateral type, trends in portfolio growth, trends in the value of underlying collateral for collateral-dependent loans, effect of other external factors such as the national economic and business trends, and the quality and depth of the loan review function, and management’s judgement of current trends and potential risks.function. Bancorp utilizes the sum of all allowance amounts derived as described above as the appropriate level of allowance for loan and lease losses. Changes in the criteria used in this evaluation or the availability of new information could cause the allowance to be increased or decreased in future periods. In addition, bank

Based on this quantitative and qualitative analysis, provisions (reductions) are made to the allowance for loan losses.  Such provisions (reductions) are reflected as a charge against (benefit to) current earnings in Bancorp’s consolidated statements of income.

The adequacy of the allowance for loan losses is monitored by executive management and reported quarterly to the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors. This committee has approved the overall methodology. Various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the adequacy of Bancorp’s allowance for loan losses. Such agencies may require adjustmentsBancorp to make additional provisions to the allowance based upon their judgments about information available to them at the time of their examinations.

The accounting policy related to the allowance for loan and lease losses is applicable to the commercial banking segment of Bancorp. 

Acquired loans

Bancorp acquired loans in 2013 as part of the acquisition referenced in Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements. Acquired loans were initially recorded at their acquisition date fair values. Credit losses in the loans are included in the determination of the fair value of the loans at the acquisition date. Fair values for acquired loans were based on theira discounted cash flow methodology that involves assumptions and judgments as to credit risk, default rates, loss severity, collateral values, discount rates, payment speeds, prepayment risk, and estimates.liquidity risk at the time of acquisition.

Acquired loans that had evidence of deterioration in credit quality since origination and for which it was probable, at acquisition, that Bancorp would be unable to collect all contractually required payments were specifically identified and analyzed. The excess of cash flows expected at acquisition over the estimated fair value is referred to as accretable discount and is recognized as interest income over the remaining life of the loan. The difference between contractually required payments at acquisition and the cash flows expected to be collected at acquisition is referred to as non-accretable discount. Subsequent decreases to the expected cash flows require Bancorp to evaluate the need for an allowance for loan losses on these loans. Charge-offs of the principal amount on credit-impaired acquired loans would be first applied to non-accretable discount. Periodically the loans are re-evaluated to determine if subsequent credit deterioration has occurred or if cash flow expectations have improved. Based upon the evaluation loans may be reclassified between the accretable and non-accretable categories.

For acquired loans that are not deemed impaired at acquisition, the methods used to estimate the required allowance for loan losses for acquired loans is the same for originated loans except that any initial fair value adjustment is taken into consideration when calculating any required allowance.

Premises and Equipment

Premises and equipment are carried at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation of premises and equipment is computed using straight-line methods over the estimated useful lives of the assets ranging from 3 to 40 years. Leasehold improvements are amortized on the straight-line method over the terms of the related leases, including expected renewals, or over the useful lives of the improvements, whichever is shorter. Maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred while major additions and improvements are capitalized.

 

1412

 

Overview of 2017Other Assets

 

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with Bancorp’s consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes and other schedules presented elsewhere in this report.

In 2017, Bancorp completed another strong year of revenue, asset, and deposit growth. Total revenue, comprising net interest income and non-interest income, increased 6% to $148.7 million in 2017 from $140.8 million in 2016. Net income for the year ended December 31, 2017, was $38.0 million or $1.66 per diluted share compared with $41.0 million or $1.80 per diluted shares for 2016. Net income for the fourth quarter and full year 2017 reflected a non-cash charge of $5.9 million or $0.25 per diluted share to revalue the Company’s net deferred tax asset in connection with the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (tax reform) enacted on December 22, 2017.

Key aspects of the Company’s performance for the year included:

Solid loan growth during 2017, which increased the Company’s loan portfolio nearly 5% for 2017;

Consistently strong net interest margin;

Credit quality remained at historically strong levels;

Continued growth in fee income, led by the Wealth Management and Trust Group; and

Solid returns on average assets and equity of 1.25% and 11.61%, respectively, despite the negative impact of 0.20% on return on average assets and 1.81% on return on average equity due to the year-end remeasurement charge noted above.

As is the case with most banks, the primary source of Bancorp’s revenue is net interest income and fees from various financial services provided to customers. Net interest income is the difference between interest income earned on loans, investment securities and other interest earning assets less interest expense on deposit accounts and other interest bearing liabilities. Loan growth and interest rates earned on those loans are critical to overall profitability. Similarly, deposit growth is crucial to funding loans and rates paid on deposits directly impact profitability. New business volume is influenced by economic factors including market interest rates, business spending, consumer confidence and competitive conditions within the marketplace.

As a result of near-record loan production and sustained utilization of available lines of credit, Bancorp was able to overcome elevated loan pre-payment activity and increase the loan portfolio $104 million, or almost 5%, to $2.4 billion as of December 31, 2017. Increasing average rates on interest earning assets, along with the impact of increased volumes on loans contributed to higher interest income for 2017, as interest income increased $8.6 million, or 8%, over the same period in 2016. Deposit growth during 2017, and more significantly higher funding costs on deposits and borrowings, resulted in an increase in interest expense of $2.3 million or 47%, year over year. Bancorp benefited in recent years from historically low costs of funding, so that even a modest increase in interest expense results in a significant percentage change over prior periods. Net interest margin in 2017 increased to 3.63%, as compared with 3.59% in 2016 despite the continuing pressure of a highly competitive lending environment and increasing rates paid on deposits.

Total non-interest income increased $1.6 million, or 4% in 2017, as compared with 2016, and represented 30% of total revenues, down slightly from 31% in 2016. Wealth management and trust department (WM&T) income, service charges on deposits, treasury management fees, and investment products fees all increased in 2017 over 2016, with the greatest dollar increase from WM&T. WM&T represents an important part of the relationship focused philosophy of the Company and, accordingly, income from the department represents approximately 45% of total non-interest income for the Bancorp. The magnitude of WM&T revenue distinguishes Bancorp from other community banks of similar asset size and although the 2017 increase was partially the result of a rising stock market during the year, it also represented a strong year for WM&T in terms of new clients added.

Higher non-interest expenses for 2017 were primarily the result of increased personnel and technology costs, associated with growth and operational support, and increased amortization and impairment charges for investments in tax credit partnerships as the Bancorp increased its commitment to customers pursuing tax-advantaged projects, primarily involving historical redevelopment. Bancorp’s efficiency ratio for 2017 of 60.9% was up from 57.6% in 2016.

For the year ended December 31, 2017, Bancorp recorded a $2.6 million provision for loan losses, compared with $3.0 million for the same period in 2016.  The provision for loan losses represents a charge to earnings necessary to maintain an allowance for loan losses that, in management’s evaluation, is adequate to provide coverage for the inherent losses on outstanding loans. The decrease in the provision was a reflection of continued historically strong credit quality metrics. Bancorp’s allowance for loan losses was 1.03% of total loans at December 31, 2017, compared with 1.04% of total loans at December 31, 2016.

15

Bancorp’s effective tax rate increased to 31.1% in 2017 from 27.1% in 2016 due to the $5.9 million charge to remeasure Bancorp’s net deferred tax asset necessitated by tax reform. Bancorp anticipates an overall effective tax rate of approximately 17% in 2018. Bancorp invests in certain partnerships that yield federal income tax credits. The tax benefit of these investments exceeds the impairment charge associated with them, resulting in a positive impact on net income. In 2018, the Company expects a lower level of participation in tax-credit partnerships due to reduced investment opportunities.

In 2017 Bancorp adopted ASU 2016-09 “Compensation – Stock Compensation Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting”. The new standard requires excess tax benefits and deficiencies related to share-based payment awards to be reflected in the statement of operations as a component of the provision for income taxes. In 2017 Bancorp recorded a benefit of $1.5 million for such tax benefits against the provision for income tax expense. Prior to adoption of ASU 2016-09, these tax benefits were recorded directly to additional paid-in capital.

As of December 31, 2017, the Company’s total equity to total assets was 10.30% compared with 10.33% at December 31, 2016. Tangible common equity (TCE), a non-GAAP measure, is a measure of a company’s capital which is useful in evaluating the quality and adequacy of capital. It is calculated by subtracting the value of intangible assets and any preferred equity from Bancorp’s stockholders’ equity. The ratio of tangible common equity to total tangible assets was 10.25% as of December 31, 2017, compared with 10.26% at December 31, 2016. See the Non-GAAP Financial Measures section for details on reconcilement to US GAAP measures.

Challenges for 2018 will include managing net interest margin, achieving continued loan growth, managing credit quality and adapting to technology changes and evolving customer behavior.

Considering the increases in short-term interest rates implemented by the Federal Open Market Committee and with the expectation of additional increases in 2018, management anticipates that net interest margins will increase during the coming year. Although rising rates should have a positive effect on net interest margin, competitive pressures on rates for loans and deposits will likely result in a continued pressure on the net interest margin for 2018. Increased deposit rates will also negatively impact this expectation.

Bancorp’s goals for 2018 include net loan growth at a pace greater than that experienced in 2017. This will be impacted by competition, prevailing economic conditions, line of credit utilization and prepayments in the loan portfolio. Bancorp believes there is continued opportunity for loan growth in all three of its markets, and Bancorp’s ability to deliver attractive loan growth over the long-term is linked to Bancorp’s success.

Bancorp has been successful at gathering sufficient deposits to fund loan growth. While deposits in all market areas have grown, the most significant increases arose in the Louisville market. Bancorp will need to continue to increase deposits to support loan growth in all markets.

Bancorp derives significant non-interest income from fees earned from wealth management and trust services. Most of these fees are based upon the market value of assets under management (AUM). To continue growth of this income source Bancorp must attract new customers and retain existing customers. Bancorp believes there is opportunity for net growth in its three markets. Growth in market values of AUM and fees is also dependent upon positive returns in the overall capital markets. Bancorp has no control over market volatility.

Technological advances are consistently providing opportunities for Bancorp to consider potential new products and delivery channels. Bancorp’s customers’ demand for innovative and relevant products and services is expected to trend along with the changing technology. Bancorp will need to continue to make prudent investments in technology while managing associated risks so as to remain competitive with other financial service providers.

The following sections provide more details on subjects presented in this overview.

Results of Operations

Net income was $38.0 million or $1.66 per share on a diluted basis for 2017 compared with $41.0 million or $1.80 per share for 2016 and $37.2 million or $1.65 per share for 2015.

16

Net income for 2017 was positively impacted by:

a $6.3 million, or 7% increase in net interest income, and

a $1.6 million, or 4% increase in non-interest income, and

a $450 thousand, or 15% decrease in provision for loan losses.

Net income for 2017 was negatively impacted by:

an $9.5 million, or 12% increase in non-interest expense

a $1.9 million, or 12% increase in income tax.

The following paragraphs provide a more detailed analysis of significant factors affecting operating results.

Net Interest Income

Net interest income, the most significant component of Bancorp’s earnings, represents total interest income less total interest expense.  Net interest spread is the difference between the taxable equivalent rate earned on average interest earning assets and the rate expensed on average interest bearing liabilities.  Net interest margin represents net interest income on a taxable equivalent basis as a percentage of average earning assets. Net interest margin is affected by both interest rate spread and the level of non-interest bearing sources of funds.  The level of net interest income is determined by the mix and volume of interest earning assets, interest bearing deposits and interest bearing liabilities and by changes in interest rates. The discussion that follows is based on tax-equivalent interest data.

Comparative information regarding net interest income follows:

(Dollars in thousands)

             

2017/2016

  

2016/2015

 
  

2017

  

2016

  

2015

  

Change

  

Change

 
                     

Net interest income, tax- equivalent basis

 $104,396  $98,088  $89,246   6.4

%

  9.9

%

Net interest spread

  3.52%  3.51%  3.59%  1.0bp  (8)bp

Net interest margin

  3.63%  3.59%  3.67%  4.0bp  (8)bp

Average earning assets

 $2,872,717  $2,730,949  $2,430,400   2.1

%

  12.4

%

Five year Treasury note rate at year end

  2.20%  1.93%  1.76%  27bp  17bp

Average five year Treasury note rate

  1.91%  1.33%  1.53%  58bp  (20)bp

Prime rate at year end

  4.50%  3.75%  3.50%  75bp  25bp

Average prime rate

  4.10%  3.51%  3.26%  59bp  25bp

One month LIBOR at year end

  1.56%  0.77%  0.43%  79bp  34bp

Average one month LIBOR

  1.11%  0.50%  0.20%  61bp  30bp

bp = basis point = 1/100th of a percent 

All references above to net interest margin and net interest spread exclude the sold portion of certain participation loans from calculations. Such loans remain on Bancorp’s balance sheet as required by US GAAP because Bancorp retains some form of effective control; however, Bancorp receives no interest income on the sold portion of these loans. These participation loans sold are excluded in the calculation of margins, because Bancorp believes it provides a more accurate depiction of the performance of its loan portfolio.

Prime rate, the five year Treasury note rate and the one month LIBOR are included above to provide a general indication of the interest rate environment in which Bancorp operated. Approximately $959 million, or 40%, of Bancorp’s loans are variable rate, of which 97% are indexed to either the prime rate or the one month LIBOR and generally reprice as those rates change. As of December 31, 2017, virtually all variable rate loans with floors have increased to or beyond their floor rates and will reprice at the next index rate change. At inception, most of Bancorp’s fixed rate loans are priced in relation to the five year Treasury note.

Average loan balances increased $143 million or 7% in 2017. The Federal Reserve increased the target federal funds rate three times during the year, and rising interest rates allowed for an increase in loan yields of 9 basis points despite an intensely competitive lending environment. Bancorp grew average interest bearing deposits $76 million or 4%. Average interest costs on interest bearing deposits increased 10 basis points as management increased rates on certain deposit accounts during 2017. Average Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) advances increased by $4.8 million or 10.7%, with average rates increasing by 22 basis points.

Considering the recent increase in short-term interest rates implemented by the Federal Open Market Committee and with the expectation of additional increases in 2018, management anticipates that net interest margins will increase modestly during the coming year. However, competitive pressures on rates for new loans could result in pressure on the net interest margin for 2018. Approximately 60% of the Company’s loans are fixed-rate loans so future rate increases may begin to benefit this part of the portfolio as existing fixed-rate loans renew and new fixed-rate loans originate at higher rates. The margin could be affected negatively if competition causes further increases in deposit rates or if competitive conditions for loan pricing within Bancorp’s markets prevents the realization of higher fixed rates. Bancorp recognizes that higher rates paid on alternative investments available to customers will eventually force deposit interest rates to increase more quickly and severely than what has been experienced to date.

Asset/Liability Management and Interest Rate Risk

Managing interest rate risk is critical to Bancorp. The primary objective of interest rate risk management is to neutralize effects of interest rate changes on net income. By considering both on and off-balance sheet financial instruments, management evaluates interest rate sensitivity while attempting to optimize net interest income within the constraints of prudent capital adequacy, liquidity needs, market opportunities and customer requirements.

Interest Rate Simulation Sensitivity Analysis

Bancorp uses an earnings simulation model to estimate and evaluate the impact of an immediate change in interest rates on earnings in a one year forecast. The simulation model is designed to reflect dynamics of interest earning assets, interest bearing liabilities and off-balance sheet financial instruments. By estimating effects of interest rate increases and decreases, the model can reveal approximate interest rate risk exposure. This simulation model is used by management to gauge approximate results given a specific change in interest rates at a given point in time.  The model is therefore a tool to indicate earnings trends in given interest rate scenarios and may not indicate actual expected results. 

The December 31, 2017 simulation analysis, which shows little interest rate sensitivity, indicates that Bancorp is liability sensitive as increases in interest rates of 100 to 200 basis points have a negative effect on net interest income.  If rates raise 200 basis points, net interest income would decrease 2.90%. The excess liquidity held in interest bearing deposit accounts and other short-term investments along with variable rate loans now at or above their floors gives Bancorp significant assets that will reprice as rates move. However, expected rate increases on non-maturity deposit accounts result in increased interest expense that would exceed additional interest income earned. Asset balances subject to immediate repricing cause an estimated decline in net interest income in down 100 and 200 basis point rate scenarios as rates on non-maturity deposits cannot be lowered sufficiently to offset declining interest income. These estimates are summarized below.

Net interest

income %

change

Increase 200 bp

(2.90)

Increase 100 bp

(1.46)

Decrease 100 bp

(1.40)

Decrease 200 bp

(4.83)

Approximately 60% of Bancorp’s loan portfolio has fixed rates and 40% of its loan portfolio is priced at variable rates. With the Prime rate currently at 4.50%, and after the .25% increase in Prime in December 2017, virtually all of Bancorp’s variable rate loans now have interest rates at or above their floors. This effect is captured in the simulation analysis above.

Undesignated derivative instruments described in Note 22 to Bancorp’s consolidated financial statements are recognized on the consolidated balance sheet at fair value, with changes in fair value due to changes in prevailing interest rates, recorded in other non-interest income. Because of matching terms of offsetting contracts, in addition to collateral provisions which mitigate the impact of non-performance risk, changes in fair value subsequent to initial recognition have a minimal effect on earnings, and are therefore not included in the simulation analysis results above.

Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges described in Note 22 to Bancorp’s consolidated financial statements are recognized on the consolidated balance sheet at fair value, with changes in fair value due to changes in prevailing interest rates, recorded net of tax in other comprehensive income.

The following table presents the increases in net interest income due to changes in rate and volume computed on a tax-equivalent basis and indicates how net interest income in 2017 and 2016 was impacted by volume increases and the lower average interest rate environment. Tax-equivalent adjustments are based on a 35% federal tax rate. The change in interest due to both rate and volume has been allocated to the change due to rate and the change due to volume in proportion to the relationship of the absolute dollar amounts of the change in each.

Taxable Equivalent Rate/Volume Analysis

  

2017/2016

  

2016/2015

 
  

Increase (decrease)

  

Increase (decrease)

 
  

due to

  

due to

 

(In thousands)

 

Net

change

  

Rate

  

Volume

  

Net

change

  

Rate

  

Volume

 
                         

Interest income

                        

Loans

 $8,081  $1,851  $6,230  $8,321  $(1,804) $10,125 

Federal funds sold and interest bearing deposits

  839   714   125   228   191   37 

Mortgage loans held for sale

  (46)  24   (70)  (12)  10   (22)

Securities

                        

Taxable

  (86)  142   (228)  331   (787)  1,118 

Tax-exempt

  (152)  79   (231)  40   12   28 
                         

Total interest income

  8,636   2,810   5,826   8,908   (2,378)  11,286 
                         

Interest expense

                        

Deposits

                        

Interest bearing demand deposits

  596   540   56   385   171   214 

Savings deposits

  132   127   5   4   (1)  5 

Money market deposits

  1,263   1,172   91   172   144   28 

Time deposits

  41   129   (88)  (357)  (166)  (191)

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase

  (2)  (17)  15   (13)  (7)  (6)

Federal funds purchased and other short-term borrowings

  106   117   (11)  51   33   18 

Federal Home Loan Bank advances

  192   106   86   (176)  (269)  93 
                         

Total interest expense

  2,328   2,174   154   66   (95)  161 
                         

Net interest income

 $6,308  $636  $5,672  $8,842  $(2,283) $11,125 

Bancorp’s tax equivalent net interest income increased $6.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared with the same period of 2016, while 2016 increased $8.8 million compared with 2015.

As shown in the table above, net interest income for 2017 compared with 2016 was positively impacted, most significantly by an increase in loan volume and to a lesser extent interest rates earned on loans. Investments in federal funds sold and interest bearing deposits volume and rates positively impacted net interest income. Declines in securities volumes, increased rates paid on deposit balances, and to a lesser extent increased rates paid on federal funds purchased, other short-term borrowings, and FHLB advances negatively impacted net interest income. Net interest income for the comparative periods was positively impacted by an increase in the average rate earned on assets, which exceeded the increase in the average rate paid on deposits.

For the year 2016 compared with 2015, net interest income was positively impacted, most significantly by an increase in loan volume and to a lesser extent by securities volume, a more favorable mix of deposits, and a decrease in interest rates of FHLB advances. Net interest income for the comparative periods was negatively impacted by a decline in the average rate earned on assets. The change in average rates on deposits was slight with only a minimal impact on earnings.

Provision for Loan Losses

In determining the provision for loan losses, management considers many factors. Among these are the quality of the loan portfolio, underlying collateral, previous loss experience, the size and composition of the loan portfolio and an assessment of the impact of current economic conditions on borrowers’ ability to pay. The provision for loan losses and resulting ratios are summarized below:

(Dollars in thousands)

 

2017

  

2016

  

2015

 
             

Provision (credit) for loan losses

 $2,550  $3,000  $750 

Allowance to loans at year end

  1.03%  1.04%  1.10%

Allowance to average loans for year

  1.08   1.11   1.17 

The provision for loan losses represents a charge to earnings necessary to maintain an allowance for loan losses that, in management’s evaluation, is adequate to provide coverage for inherent losses on outstanding loans. The allowance for loan losses is calculated after considering credit quality factors, and ultimately relies on an overall internal analysis of risk in the loan portfolio. Based on this analysis, the provision for loan losses is determined and recorded. The provision reflects the results of an allowance methodology that is driven by risk ratings, historical losses, specific loan loss allocations, and qualitative factors. The 2017 provision reflected a number of factors, including loan growth and qualitative considerations. Key indicators of loan quality remained consistent with prior years. Bancorp considers the present asset quality metrics to be exceptionally strong. Recognizing the cyclical nature of the lending business, this trend will most likely normalize over the long term. More information on this process can be found in the “Allowance for loan losses” section.

Non-performing loans increased to $7.4 million at December 31, 2017 from $6.7 million at year-end 2016, primarily due to an increase in non-accrual loans. Troubled debt restructurings (TDRs) currently accruing interest, decreased from $974 thousand at December 31, 2016 to $869 thousand at December 31, 2017, declining as a result of payments applied to principal on the four loans involved. The ratio of non-performing loans to total loans was 0.31% at December 31, 2017, compared with 0.29% at December 31, 2016, with both ratios representing historic lows. Another key metric, net charge-offs, totaled 0.07% of average loans for 2017 equaling the 0.07% reported for 2016. See “Financial Condition-Non-performing Loans and Assets” for further discussion of non-performing loans.  See “Financial Condition-Summary of Loan Loss Experience” for further discussion of loans charged off during the year.

Bancorp’s loan portfolio is diversified with no significant concentrations of credit. Geographically, most loans are extended to borrowers in the metropolitan areas of Louisville, Indianapolis and Cincinnati. The adequacy of the allowance is monitored on an ongoing basis and it is the opinion of management that the balance of the allowance for loan losses at December 31, 2017 is adequate to absorb probable losses inherent in the loan portfolio as of the financial statement date. See “Financial Condition-Allowance for Loan Losses” for more information on the allowance for loan losses.

Non-Interest Income and Non-Interest Expenses

The following table provides a comparison of components of non-interest income for 2017, 2016 and 2015. Below the table is a discussion of significant changes and trends. To provide more granularity, certain non-interest income and expense amounts have been re-categorized from prior years with the changes reflected in all periods presented.

              

2017/2016

  

2016/2015

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

2017

  

2016

  

2015

  

Change

  

%

  

Change

  

%

 
                             

Wealth management and trust services

 $20,505  $19,155  $18,026  $1,350   7.0

%

 $1,129   6.3

%

Deposit service charges

  6,461   6,253   6,010   208   3.3   243   4.0 

Debit and credit cards

  5,979   5,655   4,876   324   5.7   779   16.0 

Treasury management

  4,008   3,651   3,404   357   9.8   247   7.3 

Mortgage banking

  3,221   3,897   3,488   (676)  (17.3)  409   11.7 

Loss on sale of securities

  (232)        (232)         

Investment product sales commissions and fees

  2,200   2,145   1,994   55   2.6   151   7.6 

Bank owned life insurance

  1,159   871   889   288   33.1   (18)  (2.0)

Other

  1,819   1,910   1,263   (91)  (4.8)  647   51.2 
  $45,120  $43,537  $39,950  $1,583   3.6

%

 $3,587   9.0

%

Wealth Management and Trust

The largest component of non-interest income is wealth management and trust (“WM&T”) revenue. The magnitude of WM&T revenue distinguishes Bancorp from other community banks of similar asset size. Trust assets under management totaled $2.8 billion at December 31, 2017, a 12% increase compared with $2.5 billion at December 31, 2016. Assets under management are stated at market value. WM&T revenue, which constitutes an average of 45% of non-interest income, increased $1.4 million, or 7.0%, for 2017 compared with 2016. The 2017 increase in WM&T revenue was the result of both a rising stock market and a continuance of new clients added. Recurring fees, which generally comprise over 97% of the WM&T revenue, increased $2.3 million, or 13.3%, in 2017, compared with 2016. Recurring fees earned for managing accounts are based on a percentage of market value of the assets under management and are typically assessed on a monthly basis. Some revenues of the WM&T department, most notably executor, insurance, and some employee benefit plan-related fees, are non-recurring in nature and the timing of these revenues corresponds with the related administrative activities, and is also based on the market value of assets under management. Total non-recurring fees decreased $334 thousand for 2017, compared with 2016. Contracts between WM&T and their clients do not permit performance based fees and accordingly, none of the fees earned by WM&T are performance based. Management believes the WM&T department will continue to factor significantly in Bancorp’s financial results and provide strategic diversity to revenue streams. Management is optimistic that the WM&T department will deliver consistent growth in 2018, but notes that increased market volatility could affect near-term results.

The following table provides information regarding assets under management (AUM) by WM&T as of December 31, 2017 and 2016. This table demonstrates that:

Approximately 79% of AUM are actively managed.

Corporate retirement plan accounts consist primarily of participant directed assets.

The amount of custody and safekeeping accounts is insignificant, and

The majority of managed assets are in personal trust and investment advisory accounts.

Assets Under Management by Account Type

 

December 31, 2017

  

December 31, 2016

 

(In thousands)

 

Managed

  

Non-managed (1)

  

Managed

  

Non-managed (1)

 
                 

Personal trust accounts

 $535,931  $98,358  $548,132  $92,880 

Personal individual retirement accounts

  350,841   7,407   306,496   8,150 

Corporate retirement accounts

  54,688   400,793   52,047   355,150 

Investment advisory accounts

  1,079,569   21,213   847,587   18,356 

Foundation and endowment accounts

  208,314      223,741    
                 

Total fiduciary accounts

 $2,229,343  $527,771  $1,978,003  $474,536 

Custody and safekeeping accounts

     52,385      70,872 
                 

Totals

 $2,229,343  $580,156  $1,978,003  $545,408 

Total managed and non-managed assets

 $2,809,499      $2,523,411     

(1) Non-managed assets represent those for which WM&T does not have investment discretion.

The table below presents data regarding WM&T managed assets by class of investment as of December 31, 2017 and 2016. Managed assets are invested in instruments for which market values can be readily determined, the majority of which are sensitive to market fluctuations. This table demonstrates that:

Managed assets are invested in instruments for which market values can be readily determined.

The majority of these instruments are sensitive to market fluctuations.

The composition of managed assets is divided approximately 63% in equities and 37% in fixed income, and this composition is relatively consistent from year to year, and

The Bank has no proprietary mutual funds.

Managed Assets by Class of Investment

        
  

As of December 31,

 

(In thousands)

 

2017

  

2016

 
         

Non-interest bearing deposits

 $  $145 

Interest bearing deposits

  127,237   148,751 

US Treasury and government agency obligations

  43,582   39,862 

State, county and municipal obligations

  135,056   120,576 

Money market mutual funds

  7,811   12,908 

Equity mutual funds

  560,605   452,593 

Other mutual funds - fixed, balanced, and municipal

  304,765   300,811 

Other notes and bonds

  124,380   92,338 

Common and preferred stocks

  843,006   708,782 

Real estate mortgages

  369   388 

Real estate

  49,344   45,502 

Other miscellaneous assets (1)

  33,188   55,347 
         

Total managed assets

 $2,229,343  $1,978,003 

(1) Includes rights, warrants, annuities, insurance policies, unit investment trusts, and oil and gas rights.

The table below provides information regarding fee income earned by Bancorp’s WM&T department for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015. It demonstrates that WM&T fee revenue is earned most significantly from personal trust and investment advisory accounts. Fees are based on AUM and tailored for individual accounts and/or relationships. WM&T uses a fee structure that considers and tailors based on type of account and other factors. For example, fee structures are in place for investment management, irrevocable trusts, revocable trusts, IRA accounts, and accounts holding only fixed income securities. There are also fee structures for estate settlements, which are non-recurring, and retirement plan services which typically consist of a one-time conversion fee with recurring AUM fees to follow. All fees are based on the market value of each account and are tiered based on account size, with larger relationships paying a lower percentage of AUM in fees. Fees are agreed upon at the time the account is opened and these and any subsequent revisions are communicated in writing to the customer. Fees earned are not performance based nor are they based on investment strategy or transactions.

Wealth Management and Trust Services Income

         
  

Years Ended December 31,

 

(In thousands)

 

2017

  

2016

  

2015

 
             

Personal trust accounts

 $7,285  $7,142  $6,825 

Personal individual retirement accounts

  4,829   4,649   4,339 

Corporate retirement accounts

  2   3   3 

Investment advisory accounts

  7,464   6,521   6,087 

Foundation and endowment accounts

  540   491   433 

Custody and safekeeping accounts

  152   104   90 

Brokerage and insurance services

  40   45   132 

Other

  193   200   117 
             

Total

 $20,505  $19,155  $18,026 

Other Non-interest Income

Deposit service charges increased $208 thousand, or 3.3%, for 2017 compared with 2016. Service charge income is driven by transaction volume, which can fluctuate throughout the year. The increases for 2017 are primarily due to the introduction of a new checking account in the third quarter of 2016. This product provides ancillary services to customers, while carrying a monthly service charge. Fees earned on this product in 2017 totaled $846 thousand compared with $440 thousand in 2016. Another significant component of service charges is related to fees earned on checking account overdrafts, which declined $145 thousand in 2017 compared with 2016. Management expects this source of revenue to slowly decline due to anticipated changes in customer behavior, including reduced check volume, and ongoing regulatory restrictions.

Deposit service charges increased $243 thousand, or 4.0%, for 2016 compared with 2015. The increase for 2016 was primarily due to the introduction of the new checking account product introduced during the year as referenced above.

Debit and credit card revenue increased $324 thousand, or 5.7%, for 2017 compared with 2016. Bankcard revenue primarily represents income the Bank derives from customers’ use of debit and credit cards. The increase in 2017 reflected volume resulting from commercial credit cards, as this product is still in its early development at the Company. Volume, which is dependent on customer behavior and new accounts, is expected to continue to increase. In contrast, interchange income is based on rates set by service providers in a competitive market. Bancorp expects a slight decrease in interchange rates as service providers gravitate to lower cost options within the market.

Debit and credit card revenue increased $779 thousand or 16.0% in 2016 compared with 2015 due largely to increased volume resulting from newly offered commercial credit cards.

Treasury management revenue primarily consists of fees earned for cash management services provided to commercial customers. This category has been a growing source of revenue for Bancorp including an increase in 2017 of $357 thousand or 9.8% compared with 2016. Treasury management revenue increased $247 thousand or 7.3% in 2016 compared with 2015. Bancorp expects this category to continue to grow in 2018 at a pace comparable to 2017 due to an expanding customer base and as more existing customers take advantage of offered services.

Mortgage banking revenue primarily includes gains on sales of mortgage loans. Bancorp’s mortgage banking department originates residential mortgage loans to be sold in the secondary market. Interest rates on loans sold are locked with the investor prior to closing the loans, thus Bancorp bears no interest rate risk related to these loans. The department offers conventional, VA and FHA financing, for purchases and refinances, as well as programs for first-time home buyers. Interest rates on mortgage loans directly impact the volume of business transacted by the mortgage banking division. Mortgage banking revenue decreased $676 thousand, or 17.3%, in 2017 compared with 2016 after having increased $409 thousand or 11.7% in 2016 compared with 2015. In Bancorp’s primary market of Louisville, Kentucky, the housing inventory was low, contributing to this decline. As interest rates have risen, Bancorp has also experienced a slowing of refinancing activity.

In 2017, Bancorp sold an equity security realizing a loss of $263 thousand. One security was called prior to maturity in 2017 resulting in the receipt of a $31 thousand pre-payment penalty. The penalty income was classified as a realized gain on the call of available for sale securities. In 2016, Bancorp did not sell any securities. In 2015, Bancorp sold securities with total fair market value of $5.9 million, generating no gain or loss. These securities consisted of agency and mortgage-backed securities with small remaining balances. Management has the intent and ability to hold all remaining investment securities available-for-sale for the foreseeable future.

Investment product sales commissions and fees increased $55 thousand, or 2.6% in 2017 despite Department of Labor regulations that resulted in fee restructuring, and in many cases reductions, for many types of investment products. Investment product sales commissions increased $151 thousand or 7.6% in 2016, corresponding to overall brokerage volume. Investment products commissions and fees consist primarily of stock, bond and mutual fund sales as well as wrap fees on accounts. Wrap fees are charges for investment programs that bundle together a suite of services, such as brokerage, advisory, research and management, and are based on a percentage of assets. Bancorp deploys its brokers primarily through its branch network via an arrangement with a third party broker-dealer, while larger managed accounts are serviced in the Bank’s WM&T department.

Income related to bank-ownedBank-owned life insurance (“BOLI”) increased to $1.2 million in 2017 compared with $871 thousand for 2016. The increase is attributable to receipt of a $348 thousand death benefit during 2017.  BOLI income decreased $18 thousand or 2% in 2016 compared with 2015. BOLI assets represent the cashcarried at net realizable value, which considers any applicable surrender value ofcharges. Also, Bancorp maintains life insurance policies on certain key employees who have provided consent for Bancorp to be the beneficiary of a portion of such policies. The related change in cash surrender valueconjunction with its non-qualified defined benefit and any death benefits received under the policies are recorded as non-interest income. This income helps offset the cost of various employee benefits.non-qualified compensation plans.

 

Other real estate is carried at the lower of cost or estimated fair value minus estimated selling costs. Any write downs to fair value at the date of acquisition are charged to the allowance for loan losses. In certain situations, improvements to prepare assets for sale are capitalized if those costs increase the estimated fair value of the asset. Expenses incurred in maintaining assets, write downs to reflect subsequent declines in value, and realized gains or losses are reflected in operations and are included in non-interest income decreased $91 thousand, or 4.8%, during 2017 compared with 2016. Included in this category is swap fee income, which totaled $227 thousand and $527 thousand for 2017 and 2016, respectively. Opportunities to earn swap fee income are sporadic due to the specialized nature of the transactions. Somewhat offsetting the swap fee income decline in 2017 was additional income related to the exit of a tax credit partnership totaling $154 thousand. 2016 other non-interest income increased $647 thousand in 2016 compared with 2015. Swap fees in 2015 were down $467 thousand compared with 2016. This category contains a variety of other income sources, none of which resulted in individually significant variances in either comparison.

Non-interest expensesexpense.

 

The following table provides a comparisonMortgage servicing rights (MSRs) are amortized in proportion to and over the period of components of non-interest expensesestimated net servicing income, considering appropriate prepayment assumptions. MSRs are evaluated quarterly for 2017, 2016 and 2015. Belowimpairment by comparing the table is a discussion of significant changes and trends.

              

2017/2016

  

2016/2015

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

2017

  

2016

  

2015

  

Change

  

%

  

Change

  

%

 
                             

Compensation

 $42,584  $40,817  $36,597  $1,767   4.3% $4,220   11.5%

Employee benefits

  9,987   8,368   8,112   1,619   19.3   256   3.2 

Net occupancy and equipment

  7,393   7,422   6,986   (29)  (0.4)  436   6.2 

Technology and communications

  8,525   7,619   6,891   906   11.9   728   10.6 

Marketing and business development

  2,716   2,464   2,579   252   10.2   (115)  (4.5)

Postage, printing and supplies

  1,475   1,521   1,436   (46)  (3.0)  85   5.9 

Legal and professional

  2,393   1,869   1,832   524   28.0   37   2.0 

FDIC insurance

  960   1,181   1,258   (221)  (18.7)  (77)  (6.1)

Amortization/impairment of investment in tax credit partnerships

  7,124   4,458   634   2,666   59.8   3,824   603.2 

Capital and deposits based taxes

  3,440   2,800   2,413   640   22.9   387   16.0 

Other

  4,394   3,001   4,660   1,393   46.4   (1,659)  (35.6)
                             
  $90,991  $81,520  $73,398  $9,471   11.6% $8,122   11.1%

Compensation, which includes salaries, incentives, bonuses, and share based compensation, increased $1.8 million in 2017 compared with 2016. Much of the increase reflected a full year’s impact in 2017 from the addition of personnel associated with growth and operational support during 2016. At December 31, 2017, Bancorp had 580 full-time equivalent employees compared with 578 at December 31, 2016 and 555 at December 31, 2015. The increase from 2015carrying value to 2016 was due to adding personnel associated with growth and operational support and higher incentive compensation related to accelerating loan and earnings growth.fair value.

 

Employee benefits consistsGoodwill is measured and evaluated at least annually for impairment. No impairment charges have been deemed necessary or recorded to date, as the fair value is substantially in excess of all personnel related expense not included in compensation, with the two most significant items being health insurance and payroll taxes. Employee benefits increased $1.6 million or 19.3% in 2017 compared with 2016, primarily due to increased health insurance costs year over year of $1.4 million. Bancorp is self-insured, and health insurance costs fluctuate based on levels of claims. The increase in employee benefits in 2016 compared with 2015 was due primarily to an increase in retirement plan costs.carrying value.

 

Net occupancy Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase

Bancorp enters into sales of securities under agreement to repurchase. Such repurchase agreements are considered financing agreements, and equipment expense decreased $29 thousand, or 0.4%,mature within one business day from 2017the transaction date. Accordingly, the obligation to 2016 with no one factor driving the variance. 2016 expense increased $436 thousand or 6.2% compared with 2015 largely due to higher rent and depreciation for locations added during 2015 and increased maintenance costs company-wide. At December 31, 2017, Bancorp had 37 banking center locations, including the main office, andrepurchase assets sold is reflected as a separate operations center. Costs of capital asset additions flow through the statement of income over the lives of the assetsliability in the formconsolidated balance sheets of depreciation expense.Bancorp.  Repurchase agreements are collateralized by debt securities which are owned and under the control of Bancorp. These agreements are used in conjunction with collateralized corporate customer cash management accounts.

 

Technology and communications expenses increased $906 thousand, or 11.9%, from 2016 to 2017, largely due to increases in computer system improvements. This category includes computer software amortization, equipment depreciation, and expenditures related to investments in new technology needed to maintain and improve the quality of customer delivery channels and internal resources. 2016 expense increased $728 thousand or 10.6% compared with 2015 largely due to increases in computer maintenance and repair costs resulting from system improvements and expenses related to the issuance and processing of business credit cards.

Marketing and business development expenses include all costs associated with promoting Bancorp, community investment, retaining customers and acquiring new business. Category expense increased $252 thousand or 10.2% in 2017 compared with 2016, due largely to an increase in community donations within Bancorp’s market areas offset somewhat by decreased advertising expense. 2016 expense compared with 2015 decreased $115 thousand or 4.5% due to lower advertising costs and community donations.

Postage, printing and supplies expenses decreased $46 thousand or 3.0% in 2017 compared with 2016. The decline year over year was comprised of numerous items, none of which were individually significant. 2016 expense increased $85 thousand or 5.9% compared with 2015. The increase was largely due to increased printing costs associated with outsourcing statement printing and mailing services.

Legal and professional fees increased $524 thousand to $2.4 million in 2017 from $1.9 million in 2016. Legal fees increased $174 thousand or 34% in 2017 compared with 2016 primarily due to increased litigation costs arising through the normal course of business. Professional and consulting fees increased $350 thousand or 26.5% due to increased fees associated with out-sourcing assistance for loan review and tax services. Legal and professional fees increased $37 thousand or 2% in 2016 compared with 2015 with no one factor driving the variance.

FDIC insurance expense decreased $221 thousand, or 18.7% for the year ended December 31, 2017, as compared with the same period in 2016. The assessment is calculated by the FDIC on a quarterly basis, and the decline in expense is due primarily to a change in assessment methodology. During 2016, the FDIC revised the assessment criteria to more closely align FDIC assessments with each financial institution’s risks. Bancorp benefited from this change which resulted in 2016 expense decreasing $77 thousand or 6.1% compared with 2015.

Capital and deposit based taxes increased $640 thousand or 22.9%, and $387 thousand or 16% in 2017 and 2016, respectively. The 2017 increase was largely due to increased capital-based franchise tax, while the 2016 increase was primarily due to increased city and county deposit based taxes as deposits grew across Bancorp’s markets.

Amortization/impairment of investments in tax credit partnership increased $2.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared with the same period of 2016. The 2016 expense represented a $3.8 million increase compared with 2015. These partnerships generate federal income tax credits. The amounts of credits and corresponding expenses can vary widely depending upon the timing and magnitude of investments. For each of Bancorp’s investments in tax credit partnerships, the tax benefit compared to related expenses results in a positive effect on net income. See the Income Taxes section below for details on these credits and expenses.

Other non-interest expenses increased $1.4 million, or 46.4% for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared with the same period of 2016. Significant items impacting the variance consist of the following:

A recovery of $588 thousand in 2016 of a 2008 impairment loss. In 2004, Bancorp invested in Indiana Business Bancorp (“IBB”). Due to a decline in the market value of the stock, Bancorp recorded an impairment charge in 2008. In April 2016, IBB entered into an agreement to be acquired. The transaction was completed in October 2016, resulting in the $588 thousand pre-tax recovery, which was recorded in other expense in the fourth quarter of 2016.

A decrease of $370 thousand on gains from the sale of repossessed assets as 2017 net gains totaled $39 thousand compared with $409 thousand in 2016.

A $266 thousand liability accrual in 2017 related to an estimated loss from certain administrative proceedings arising in the course of our business.

Expenses associated with the services offered on a new checking account product increased $137 thousand in 2017 over 2016.

Losses on debit cards and check loss increased $165 thousand in 2017 compared with 2016.

These decreases were partially offset by reduced losses on the sale of other assets in 2017 as compared with 2016.

Other non-interest expenses decreased $1.7 million, or 35.6% for the year ended December 31, 2016 compared with the same period of 2015. Significant items impacting the variance consisting of the following:

A recovery of $588 thousand in 2016 of a 2008 impairment loss. In 2004, Bancorp invested in Indiana Business Bancorp (“IBB”). Due to a decline in the market value of the stock, Bancorp recorded an impairment charge in 2008. In April 2016, IBB entered into an agreement to be acquired. The transaction was completed in October 2016, resulting in the $588 thousand pre-tax recovery, which was recorded in other expense in the fourth quarter of 2016.

A decrease in the provision expense for estimated losses on unfunded commitments; expense of $432 thousand for 2015 as compared to a net reduction of $82 thousand in 2016.

A decrease of $366 thousand in amortization expense for mortgage servicing rights, 2016 compared to 2015, as pools of MSRs added several years ago were fully amortized in 2015.

Bancorp’s efficiency ratio for 2017 of 60.9% increased from 57.6% in 2016. Excluding the amortization of the investments in tax credit partnerships, the adjusted efficiency ratio, a non-GAAP measure, would have been 56.1% and 54.4% for 2017 and 2016, respectively. See the Non-GAAP Financial Measures section for details on reconcilement to US GAAP measures.

Income Taxes

A three year comparison of income tax expense and effective tax rate follows:

(Dollars in thousands)

 

2017

  

2016

  

2015

 
             

Income tax expense

 $17,139  $15,244  $16,933 

Effective tax rate

  31.06%  27.1%  31.3%

Allowance for Loan Losses

 

The allowance for loan losses is management’s estimate of probable losses inherent in the loan portfolio as of the balance sheet date. Loan losses are charged against the allowance when management believes the uncollectibility of a loan balance is confirmed. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance.

Bancorp’s allowance methodology is driven by risk ratings, historical losses, and qualitative factors. Assumptions include many factors such as changes in borrowers’ financial condition or historical loss ratios related to certain loan portfolios which may or may not be indicative of future losses. To the extent that management’s assumptions prove incorrect, the results from operations could be materially affected by a higher or lower provision for loan losses. In the first quarter of 2017, Bancorp extended the historical period used to capture Bancorp’s historical loss ratios from 24 quarters to 28 quarters. This extension of the historical period used to capture Bancorp’s historical loss ratios was applied to all classes and segments of our loan portfolio. The expansion of the look-back period for the quantitative historical loss rate caused us to review the overall methodology for the qualitative factors to ensure we were appropriately capturing the risk not addressed in the quantitative historical loss rate. The effect of the extension of the look-back period to 28 quarters resulted in a net decrease to the calculated quantitative portion of the allowance, but this was more than offset by an increase to the qualitative factors. The net impact of the extension of the look-back period was an increase in the effective tax rate, 2016 to 2017, isallowance during the resultfirst quarter of 2017 of approximately $474 thousand. The change in methodology was consistent with management’s judgment regarding the risk in the loan portfolio and consistent with internal analysis showing continued strong asset quality not only in the Company’s loan portfolio, but the Bank’s peer group as well, validating the continuation of the non-cash charge of $5.9 million resulting from tax reform offset partially by higher utilization of federal income tax credits in 2017. Bancorp invests in certain partnerships that yield federal income tax credits. For each of Bancorp’s investments in tax credit partnershipscurrent economic cycle and thus the tax benefit comparedreasoning to related expenses results in a positive effect on net income. Also partially offsettingextend the effectlook-back period. Management believes the extension of the tax reform related charge waslook-back period is appropriate to capture the adoptionimpact of ASU 2016-09 “Compensation – Stock Compensation Improvementsa full economic cycle and provides sufficient loss observations to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting”. The new standard requires excess tax benefits and deficiencies relateddevelop a reliable estimate. Management will continue to share-based payment awards to be reflected inevaluate the statement of operations as a componentappropriateness of the provision for income taxes. For 2017 Bancorp recorded a benefitlook-back period based on the status of $1.5 million for such excess benefits against the provision for income tax expense. Prior to adoption of ASU 2016-09, these tax benefits were recorded directly to additional paid-in capital. Tax benefits recorded to capital for 2016 and 2015 were $1.7 million and $673 thousand, respectively.

The decrease in the effective tax rate from 2015 to 2016 was largely the result of higher utilization of federal income tax credits in 2016. For more information regarding income taxes and the effective tax rate see Note 8 to Bancorp’s consolidated financial statements.

Financial Condition

Earning Assets and Interest Bearing Liabilities

Summary information with regard to Bancorp’s financial condition follows:

              

2017/2016

  

2016/2015

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

2017

  

2016

  

2015

  

Change

  

%

  

Change

  

%

 
                             

Average earning assets

 $2,872,717  $2,730,949  $2,430,400  $141,768   5.2% $300,549   12.4%

Average interest bearing liabilities

  1,980,873   1,895,258   1,715,584   85,615   4.3   179,674   10.5 

Average total assets

  3,037,581   2,886,396   2,573,901   151,185   5.0   312,495   12.1 

Total year end assets

  3,239,646   3,039,481   2,816,801   200,165   6.2   222,680   7.9 

Bancorp continues to experience growth in earning assets primarily in the area of loans.  From 2016 to 2017, average loans increased 6.7%, or $143.3 million, compared with 12.3% or $235.2 million from 2015 to 2016. Growth has been all organic as each of Bancorp’s three markets continued to participate in accelerated loan production and net loan growth. Bancorp was able to achieve 4.5% annual loan growth in 2017 despite elevated levels of commercial real estate (CRE) loan payoffs, resulting from borrowers moving elsewhere for permanent financing and CRE loans for which collateral was sold. These repayments were largely anticipated. Loan growth during 2017 reflected ongoing expansion in key lending categories such as commercial and industrial lending and non-owner occupied commercial real estate lending. Bancorp has remained well under regulatory guidelines for commercial investment real estate. Utilization rates on lines of credit excluding construction loans were 52%, 51% and 49% as of December 31 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Somewhat offsetting loan growth, average securities available-for-sale decreased $21.0 million, or 4.37% from 2016 to 2017, compared with increasing $55.2 million, or 13.0% from 2015 to 2016. In anticipation of loan growth, management did not replace maturing securities.

The increase in average interest bearing liabilities from 2016 to 2017 occurred primarily in demand deposits and money market deposit accounts (MMDAs) as customers continued to have excess cash balances and few short-term investment alternatives in the current rate environment. Average total interest bearing deposit accounts increased 4.3% and non-interest bearing deposit accounts increased 5.2% in 2017. Time deposits decreased 5.9% or $14.8 million in 2017 as compared with 11.2% or $31.9 million in 2016, as Bancorp intentionally did not renew higher cost deposits. Bancorp continued to utilize fixed rate advances from the FHLB during 2017 as these rates compared favorably to similar term time deposits.  Bancorp had an average of $50.3 million in outstanding FHLB advances in 2017 compared with $45.5 million and $41.0 million in 2016 and 2015, respectively.  Securities sold under agreement to repurchase averaged $70.1 million in 2017 compared with $62.7 million in 2016. Securities sold under agreements to repurchase represent excess funds from certain commercial customers as part of a cash management service.economic cycle.

 

 

At December 31, 201Bancorp7,’s allowance calculation includes allocations to loan portfolio segments for qualitative factors including, among other factors, local economic and business conditions, the quality and experience of lending staff and management, exceptions to lending policies, levels of and trends in past due loans and loan classifications, concentrations of credit such as collateral type, trends in portfolio growth, trends in the value of underlying collateral for collateral-dependent loans, effect of other external factors such as the national economic and business trends, and the quality and depth of the loan review function. Bancorp had excess cash balances resulting from seasonal depositsutilizes the sum of approximately $100 million. These funds are investedall allowance amounts derived as described above as the appropriate level of allowance for loan and lease losses. Changes in short-term investments, as deposit balances are expectedthe criteria used in this evaluation or the availability of new information could cause the allowance to return to normal levels during the first two quarters of 2018. While these accounts are profitable, the excess investment is expected to have a negative effect on net interest margin for the first six months of 2018 since short term rates are significantly lower than rates for longer term earning assets.be increased or decreased in future periods.

 

Average BalancesBased on this quantitative and Interest Rates – Taxable Equivalent Basisqualitative analysis, provisions (reductions) are made to the allowance for loan losses.  Such provisions (reductions) are reflected as a charge against (benefit to) current earnings in Bancorp’s consolidated statements of income.

 

  

Year 2017

  

Year 2016

  

Year 2015

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

Average

balances

  

Interest

  

Average

rate

  

Average

balances

  

Interest

  

Average

rate

  

Average

balances

  

Interest

  

Average

rate

 
                                     

Earning assets

                                    

Federal funds sold and interest bearing due from banks

 $113,088  $1,330   1.18% $92,994  $491   0.53% $82,405  $263   0.32%

Mortgage loans held for sale

  3,545   191   5.39   4,881   237   4.86   5,345   249   4.66 

Securities

                                    

Taxable

  406,342   8,030   1.98   419,422   8,197   1.95   365,188   7,867   2.15 

Tax-exempt

  52,614   1,558   2.96   60,516   1,710   2.83   59,535   1,670   2.81 

FHLB stock and other securities

  7,016   335   4.77   6,347   254   4.00   6,347   253   3.99 

Loans, net of unearned income

  2,290,112   100,198   4.38   2,146,789   92,117   4.29   1,911,580   83,796   4.38 

Total earning assets

  2,872,717   111,642   3.89%  2,730,949   103,006   3.77%  2,430,400   94,098   3.87%

Less allowance for loan losses

  24,974           23,454           23,827         
   2,847,743           2,707,495           2,406,573         

Non-earning assets

                                    

Cash and due from banks

  41,621           41,043           38,952         

Premises and equipment

  41,793           41,813           39,957         

All other assets

  106,424           96,045           88,419         

Total assets

 $3,037,581          $2,886,396          $2,573,901         
                                     

Interest bearing liabilities

                                    

Deposits

                                    

Interest bearing demand deposits

 $757,023  $1,574   0.21% $717,800  $978   0.14% $545,158  $593   0.11%

Savings deposits

  148,510   179   0.12   135,051   47   0.03   119,821   43   0.04 

Money market deposits

  697,182   2,740   0.39   658,837   1,477   0.22   645,215   1,305   0.20 

Time deposits

  237,368   1,482   0.62   252,170   1,441   0.57   284,062   1,798   0.63 

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase

  70,187   134   0.19   62,670   136   0.22   65,140   149   0.23 

Federal funds purchased and other short-term borrowings

  20,303   182   0.90   23,275   76   0.33   15,147   25   0.17 

FHLB advances

  50,300   955   1.90   45,455   763   1.68   41,041   939   2.29 

Total interest bearing liabilities

  1,980,873   7,246   0.37%  1,895,258   4,918   0.26%  1,715,584   4,852   0.28%

Non-interest bearing liabilities

                                    

Non-interest bearing demand deposits

  684,044           650,036           558,185         

Accrued interest payable and other liabilities

  44,866           36,951           25,681         

Total liabilities

  2,709,783           2,582,245           2,299,450         

Stockholders’ equity

  327,798           304,151           274,451         

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

 $3,037,581          $2,886,396          $2,573,901         

Net interest income

     $104,396          $98,088          $89,246     

Net interest spread

          3.52%          3.51%          3.59%

Net interest margin

          3.63%          3.59%          3.67%

The adequacy of the allowance for loan losses is monitored by executive management and reported quarterly to the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors. This committee has approved the overall methodology. Various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the adequacy of Bancorp’s allowance for loan losses. Such agencies may require Bancorp to make additional provisions to the allowance based upon their judgments about information available to them at the time of their examinations.

 

Notes:The accounting policy related to the allowance for loan losses is applicable to the commercial banking segment of Bancorp. 

Acquired loans

Bancorp acquired loans in 2013 as part of the acquisition referenced in Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements. Acquired loans were initially recorded at their acquisition date fair values. Credit losses in the loans are included in the determination of the fair value of the loans at the acquisition date. Fair values for acquired loans were based on a discounted cash flow methodology that involves assumptions and judgments as to credit risk, default rates, loss severity, collateral values, discount rates, payment speeds, prepayment risk, and liquidity risk at the time of acquisition.

Acquired loans that had evidence of deterioration in credit quality since origination and for which it was probable, at acquisition, that Bancorp would be unable to collect all contractually required payments were specifically identified and analyzed. The excess of cash flows expected at acquisition over the estimated fair value is referred to as accretable discount and is recognized as interest income over the remaining life of the loan. The difference between contractually required payments at acquisition and the cash flows expected to be collected at acquisition is referred to as non-accretable discount. Subsequent decreases to the expected cash flows require Bancorp to evaluate the need for an allowance for loan losses on these loans. Charge-offs of the principal amount on credit-impaired acquired loans would be first applied to non-accretable discount. Periodically the loans are re-evaluated to determine if subsequent credit deterioration has occurred or if cash flow expectations have improved. Based upon the evaluation loans may be reclassified between the accretable and non-accretable categories.

For acquired loans that are not deemed impaired at acquisition, the methods used to estimate the required allowance for loan losses for acquired loans is the same for originated loans except that any initial fair value adjustment is taken into consideration when calculating any required allowance.

Premises and Equipment

Premises and equipment are carried at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation of premises and equipment is computed using straight-line methods over the estimated useful lives of the assets ranging from 3 to 40 years. Leasehold improvements are amortized on the straight-line method over the terms of the related leases, including expected renewals, or over the useful lives of the improvements, whichever is shorter. Maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred while major additions and improvements are capitalized.

Yields on municipal securities have been computed on a fully tax-equivalent basis using a federal income tax rate of 35%.

The approximate tax-equivalent adjustments to interest income were $794,000, $834,000 and $928,000 for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Average balances for loans include the principal balance of non-accrual loans and exclude participation loans accounted for as secured borrowings. The average balance of these participation loans totaled $18,744,000, $12,364,000 and $7,621,000 for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015.

Loan interest income includes loan fees and is computed on a fully tax-equivalent basis using the federal income tax rate of 35%. Loan fees, net of deferred costs, included in interest income amounted to $1,013,000, $1,367,000 and $843,000 in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

 

 

SecuritiesOther Assets

 

The primary purpose of the securities portfolioBank-owned life insurance (“BOLI”) is to provide another source of interest income, as well as liquidity management. In managing the composition of the balance sheet, Bancorp seeks a balance between earnings sources and credit and liquidity considerations.

Securities available-for-sale include securities that may be sold in response to changes in interest rates, resultant prepayment risk and other factors related to interest rate and prepayment risk changes. Securities available-for-sale are carried at fairnet realizable value, which considers any applicable surrender charges. Also, Bancorp maintains life insurance policies in conjunction with unrealized gains or losses, net of tax effect, included in stockholders’ equity.its non-qualified defined benefit and non-qualified compensation plans.

 

All of Bancorp’s securities are available for sale. The carrying value is summarized as follows:

  

December 31

 

(In thousands)

 

2017

  

2016

 
         

U.S. Treasury obligations

 $149,984  $74,998 

Government sponsored enterprise obligations

  213,844   268,090 

Mortgage-backed securities – government agencies

  161,507   168,843 

Obligations of states and political subdivisions

  49,189   57,444 

Corporate equity securities

     699 
  $574,524  $570,074 

Corporate equity securities in 2016 consisted of common stock in a publicly-traded small business investment company. Bancorp sold the security in 2017.

The maturity distribution and weighted average interest rates of debt securities available-for-sale at December 31, 2017 are as follows:

  

Within one year

  

After one but

within five years

  

After five but

within ten years

  

After ten years

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

Amount

  

Rate

  

Amount

  

Rate

  

Amount

  

Rate

  

Amount

  

Rate

 
                                 

U.S. Treasury Obligations

 $149,984   0.98

%

 $   

%

 $   

%

 $   

%

Government sponsored enterprise obligations

  26,086   1.53   65,258   1.5   7,387   2.07   115,114   2.61 

Mortgage-backed securities – government agencies

        9,842   1.83   41,584   1.96   110,081   2.31 

Obligations of states and political subdivisions

  11,705   1.69   31,183   2.36   6,300   1.73       
                                 
                                 
  $187,775   1.10

%

 $106,283   1.78

%

 $55,271   1.95

%

 $225,195   2.46

%

U.S. Treasury securities totaling $150 million consisted of short-term treasury bills, which matured in January 2017 and were purchased in the fourth quarter of 2017 as a tax reduction strategy. In this regard, Bancorp typically purchases $150 million in short term securities over each quarter end.

Actual maturities for mortgage-backed securities may differ from contractual maturities due to prepayments on underlying collateral.

Loan Portfolio

Bancorp’s primary source of income is interest on loans. The composition of loans as of December 31 for each of the last five years follows:

(In thousands)

 

2017

  

2016

  

2015

  

2014

  

2013

 
                     

Commercial and industrial

 $779,014  $736,841  $644,398  $571,754  $510,739 

Construction and development, excluding undeveloped land

  195,912   192,348   134,482   95,733   99,719 

Undeveloped land (1)

  18,988   21,496   21,185   21,268   29,871 

Real estate mortgage:

                    

Commercial investment

  594,902   538,886   436,989   448,567   405,554 

Owner Occupied commercial

  398,685   408,292   420,666   380,237   353,915 

1-4 family residential

  262,110   249,498   226,575   211,548   183,700 

Home equity - first lien

  57,110   55,325   50,115   43,779   40,251 

Home equity - junior lien

  63,981   67,519   63,066   66,268   63,403 

Subtotal: Real estate mortgage

  1,376,788   1,319,520   1,197,411   1,150,399   1,046,823 

Consumer

  38,868   35,170   35,531   29,396   34,198 

Total loans

 $2,409,570  $2,305,375  $2,033,007  $1,868,550  $1,721,350 

(1)

Undeveloped land consists of land acquired for development by the borrower, but for which no development has yet taken place.

Bancorp’s loan portfolio increased $104 million, or 4.5%, during 2017 as a result of near-record loan production and stable utilization of available lines of credit challenged by elevated levels of prepayments and payoffs.

Bancorp occasionally enters into loan participation agreements with other banks to diversify credit risk. For certain sold participation loans, Bancorp has retained effective control of the loans, typically by restricting the participating institutions from pledging or selling their share of the loan without permission from Bancorp. US GAAP requires the participated portion of these loans to be recorded as secured borrowings. These participated loans are included in commercial and industrial andOther real estate mortgage loan totals above, and a corresponding liability is recorded in other liabilities. At December 31, 2017 and 2016, total participated portionscarried at the lower of loanscost or estimated fair value minus estimated selling costs. Any write downs to fair value at the date of this nature were $18.2 million and $15.8 million respectively.

The following tables detail amounts of loans at December 31, 2017 which, based on remaining scheduled repayments of principal,acquisition are due in the periods indicated. Also shown are commercial and industrial loans due after one year and construction, development and undeveloped land loans due after one year, classified accordingcharged to sensitivity to changes in interest rates. 

  

Maturing

 

(In thousands)

 

Within one

year

  

After one but

within five years

  

After five years

  

Total

 
                 

Commercial and industrial

 $312,331  $293,718  $172,965  $779,014 

Construction and development including undeveloped land

  66,086   95,814   53,000   214,900 

Real estate mortgage

  184,861   647,296   544,631   1,376,788 

Consumer

  23,159   15,514   195   38,868 
                 

Total loans

 $586,437  $1,052,342  $770,791  $2,409,570 

Commercial and industrial loans due after one year

 

Interest sensitivity

 

(In thousands)

 

Fixed rate

  

Variable rate

 
         

Due after one but within five years

 $168,696  $125,022 

Due after five years

  68,633   104,332 
         
  $237,329  $229,354 

Construction and development including undeveloped land due after one year

 

Interest sensitivity

 

(In thousands)

 

Fixed rate

  

Variable rate

 
         

Due after one but within five years

 $23,101  $72,713 

Due after five years

  6,037   46,963 
         
  $29,138  $119,676 

To limit interest rate sensitivity on commercial and commercial real estate loans, whenever possible, Bancorp seeks to structure loans with maturity dates longer than five years with a rate adjustment occurring no longer than five years from origination date.

Non-performing Loans and Assets

Information summarizing non-performing assets, including non-accrual loans follows:

  

December 31

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

2017

  

2016

  

2015

  

2014

  

2013

 
                     

Non-accrual loans (1)

 $6,511  $5,295  $7,693  $5,199  $15,258 

Troubled debt restructurings (TDRs)

  869   974   1,060   6,352   7,249 

Loans past due 90 days or more and still accruing

  2   438   176   329   437 

Non-performing loans

  7,382   6,707   8,929   11,880   22,944 

Foreclosed property

  2,640   5,033   4,541   5,977   5,592 
                     

Non-performing assets

 $10,022  $11,740  $13,470  $17,857  $28,536 
                     

Non-performing loans as a percentage of total loans

  0.31%  0.29%  0.44%  0.64%  1.33%

Non-performing assets as a percentage of total assets

  0.31%  0.39%  0.48%  0.70%  1.19%

Allowance for loan loss as a percentage of non- performing loans

  337%  358%  251%  210%  124%
                     

(1) Includes TDRs previously accruing of:

 $  $  $400  $  $ 

At December 31, 2017, loans accounted for as TDRs included modifications from original terms such as those due to bankruptcy proceedings, certain changes to amortization periods or extended suspension of principal payments due to customer financial difficulties. To the extent that Bancorp chooses to work with borrowers by providing reasonable concessions rather than initiating collection, this would result in an increase in loans accounted for as TDRs. TDRs that are in non-accrual status are reported as non-accrual loans. Loans accounted for as TDRs are individually evaluated for impairment and are reported as non-performing loans. The table above includes information regarding loans reported as TDRs that moved from an accrual status to non-accrual during the periods reporting. (See (1) above)

At December 31, 2017, TDRs which have not defaulted and are still accruing interest had a total allowance allocation of $48 thousand, compared with $207 thousand at December 31, 2016. The decrease was attributable to two borrowers, and included a consumer loan and two cross collateralized commercial loans. The same loans experienced principal repayment of $153 thousand during the twelve months ended December 31, 2017.

No loans restructured in a troubled debt restructuring were removed from TDR reporting during 2017. The reduction in TDR balances, 2016 to 2017, was the result of principal repayment on the loans involved. No loans were removed from TDR status during the twelve month period ended 2016. Two loans were removed from TDR reporting during 2015, one of which was originated at a market rate and had performed as required by regulatory requirements and the second of which was downgraded to nonaccrual status. Two loans were designated as TDRs during 2017. A commercial loan with a pre- and post-modification recorded investment of $39 thousand was given a payment concession so as to enable the borrower to fulfill the loan agreement. A consumer loan with a pre-modification recorded investment of $12 thousand was renewed with interest capitalized resulting in a post-modification recorded investment of $14 thousand. Specific reserves for the full amounts of both loans were established. No new loans were designated as TDRs in the twelve-month periods ended 2016 or 2015.

The following table sets forth the major classifications of non-accrual loans:

  

December 31,

 

Non-accrual loans by type

 

2017

  

2016

 

(In thousands)

        
         

Commercial and industrial

 $321  $1,767 

Construction and development, excluding undeveloped land

  664   538 

Undeveloped land

  474   474 

Real estate mortgage - commercial investment

  52   107 

Real estate mortgage - owner occupied commercial

  3,332   1,042 

Real estate mortgage - 1-4 family residential

  1,637   984 

Home equity

  31   383 

Consumer

      
         

Total

 $6,511  $5,295 

Loans are placed in a non-accrual income status when prospects for recovering both principal and accrued interest are considered doubtful or when a default of principal or interest has existed for 90 days or more, unless such a loan is well secured and in the process of collection. Interest income recorded on non-accrual loans was $338 thousand, $307 thousand, and $521 thousand for 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively.  Interest income that would have been recorded if non-accrual loans were on a current basis in accordance with their original terms was $159 thousand, $149 thousand, and $465 thousand for 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively.

In addition to non-performing loans discussed above, there were loans, which are accruing interest, for which payments were current or less than 90 days past due where borrowers are experiencing elevated financial difficulties. These potential problem loans totaled approximately $17.9 million, $9.3 million, and $12.2 million at December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively. These relationships are monitored closely for possible future inclusion in non-performing loans. Management believes it has adequately reflected credit exposure in these loans in its determination of the allowance for loan losses. In certain situations, improvements to prepare assets for sale are capitalized if those costs increase the estimated fair value of the asset. Expenses incurred in maintaining assets, write downs to reflect subsequent declines in value, and realized gains or losses are reflected in operations and are included in non-interest income and expense.

Mortgage servicing rights (MSRs) are amortized in proportion to and over the period of estimated net servicing income, considering appropriate prepayment assumptions. MSRs are evaluated quarterly for impairment by comparing the carrying value to fair value.

 

Non-performingGoodwill is measured and evaluated at least annually for impairment. No impairment charges have been deemed necessary or recorded to date, as the fair value is substantially in excess of the carrying value.

Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase

Bancorp enters into sales of securities under agreement to repurchase. Such repurchase agreements are considered financing agreements, and mature within one business day from the transaction date. Accordingly, the obligation to repurchase assets sold is reflected as a percentageliability in the consolidated balance sheets of total assets decreased 8 basis points from 2016 to 2017, reflecting improved credit qualityBancorp.  Repurchase agreements are collateralized by debt securities which are owned and asset growth. At December 31, 2017 and 2016,under the carrying valuecontrol of other real estate owned was $2.6 million and $5.0 million, respectively. In 2017, Bancorp recorded impairment charges on such OREO totaling $171 thousand, comparedBancorp. These agreements are used in conjunction with $62 thousand in 2016 and $210 thousand in 2015.collateralized corporate customer cash management accounts.

 

Allowance for Loan Losses

An allowance for loan losses has been established to provide for probable losses on loans that may not be fully repaid. The allowance for loan losses is increased by provisions charged to expense and decreased by charge-offs, net of recoveries. Loans are typically charged off when management deems them uncollectible and after underlying collateral has been liquidated; however, collection efforts continue and future recoveries may occur. Periodically, loans are partially charged off to the net realizable value based upon evaluation of related underlying collateral, including Bancorp’s proclivity for resolution.

Bancorp’s lending policies and procedures center on mitigating credit risk and include procedures to identify and measure this risk. These procedures begin with lenders assigning a risk rating to each of their credits, and this rating is confirmed in the loan approval process for new and renewed loans. Internal loan review, through a year-round process of examining individually significant obligor relationships, concentrations, and a broad sample of Bancorp’s portfolio, tests the reliability of these risk assessments. Additionally, a review of this process is an integral part of regulatory bank examinations.

Adversely rated credits are included on a classified loan list which incorporates loans requiring closer monitoring due to borrower’s circumstances.  Loans are added to the classified loan list when circumstances are detected which might affect the borrower’s ability to comply with terms of the loan. This could include any of the following:

Delinquency of a scheduled loan payment,

Deterioration in the borrower’s or guarantor’s financial condition identified in a review of periodic financial statements, which will impair repayment or collection,

Decrease in the value of collateral securing the loan, or

Change in the economic environment in which the borrower operates.

Classified loans require detailed status reports, including recommended corrective actions, prepared periodically by the responsible loan officer. These reports are reviewed by management.  The list of classified loans is also discussed quarterly with the Risk Committee of the Bank’s Board of Directors.

Changes in loan risk ratings are typically initiated by the responsible loan officer, but may also be initiated by internal loan review or Bancorp’s Loan Committees at any time.

In determining the allowance and related provision for loan losses, these principal elements are considered:

Specific allocations are based upon probable losses on individually evaluated impaired loans. These loans are measured based on the present value of future cash flows discounted at the loans’ effective interest rate or at the estimated fair value of the loans’ collateral, if applicable. Other objective factors such as payment history and financial condition of the borrower or guarantor may be used as well.

Allocations for loans not defined as impaired are based on estimates for pools of loans with similar risk based upon Bancorp’s historical net loss percentages by loan type.

Additional allowance allocations are based on environmental or qualitative factors not necessarily associated with a specific credit or loan category and represent management’s effort to ensure that the overall allowance for loan losses appropriately reflects changes in trends, conditions and other relevant factors that may cause estimated credit losses to differ from historical experience.  Management considers a number of environmental or qualitative factors, including local and general economic business factors and trends and portfolio concentrations.

Allocation of the allowance for loan losses by loan category is a result of the analysis above. The same procedures used to determine requirements for the allowance for loan losses establish the distribution of the allowance by loan category.  Distribution of the allowance will change from period to period due to changes in the identified risk in each loan segment, changes in the aggregate loan balances by loan category, and changes in management’s view of the environmental or qualitative factors noted above. Although the allowance for loan losses is comprised of specific and general allocations, the entire allowance is available to absorb any credit losses.

Historical net loss percentages are updated quarterly based on actual losses experienced by each loan type. The perception of risk with respect to particular loans within the portfolio will change over time as a result of characteristics and performance of those loans, overall economic and market trends, and actual and expected trends in non-performing loans. In the first quarter of 2017, Bancorp extended the historical period used to capture Bancorp’s historical loss ratios from 24 quarters to 28 quarters. This extension of the historical period used to capture Bancorp’s historical loss ratios was applied to all classes and segments of our loan portfolio. The expansion of the look-back period for the quantitative historical loss rate caused us to review the overall methodology for the qualitative factors to ensure we were appropriately capturing the risk not addressed in the quantitative historical loss rate. Management believes the extension of the look-back period is appropriate to capture the impact of a full economic cycle and provides sufficient loss observations to develop a reliable estimate.

Bancorp’s allowance calculation includes allocations to loan portfolio segments at December 31, 2017 for qualitative factors including, among other factors, local economic and business conditions, quality and experience of lending staff and management, exceptions to lending policies, levels of and trends in past due loans and loan classifications, concentrations of credit such as collateral type, trends in portfolio growth, trends in the value of underlying collateral for collateral-dependent loans, effect of other external factors such as the national economic and business trends, and the quality and depth of the loan review function. Bancorp utilizes the sum of all allowance amounts derived as described above as the appropriate level of allowance for loan and lease losses. Changes in criteria used in this evaluation or availability of new information could cause the allowance to be increased or decreased in future periods. Based on this quantitative and qualitative analysis, provisions (reductions) are made to the allowance for loan losses.  Such provisions (reductions) are reflected as a charge against (benefit to) current earnings in Bancorp’s consolidated statements of income.

The adequacy of the allowance for loan losses is monitored by Executive Management and reported quarterly to the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors. This committee has approved the overall allowance methodology. In addition, various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the adequacy of Bancorp’s allowance for loan losses. Such agencies may require Bancorp to make additional provisions to the allowance based upon their judgments about information available to them at the time of their examinations. As of balance sheet date, using the current model, management believes that the allowance for loan losses is adequate to absorb probable inherent losses on existing loans that may become uncollectible.

In June of 2016 FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Classification of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, which significantly changes the way entities recognize impairment of many financial assets by requiring immediate recognition of estimated credit losses expected to occur over the remaining life of the asset, determined at origination of the relationship. Implementation of this standard, which is required for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019, could have a significant impact on the level of the allowance, and on earnings of Bancorp. See “Provision for Loan Losses” for further discussion of the allowance for loan losses.

Summary of Loan Loss Experience

The following table summarizes average loans outstanding, changes in the allowance for loan losses arising from loans charged off and recoveries on loans previously charged off by loan category and additions to the allowance charged (credited) to expense.

  

Year ended December 31

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

2017

  

2016

  

2015

  

2014

  

2013

 
                     

Average loans

 $2,308,856  $2,159,153  $1,919,201  $1,773,011  $1,656,777 
                     

Balance of allowance for loan losses at beginning of year

 $24,007  $22,441  $24,920  $28,522  $31,881 

Loans charged off

                    

Commercial and industrial

  (1,782)  (1,216)  (4,065)  (661)  (457)

Construction and development excluding undeveloped land

     (133)  (26)  (250)  (25)

Undeveloped land

           (1,753)  (7,961)

Real estate mortgage

  (98)  (576)  (693)  (993)  (2,758)

Consumer

  (549)  (568)  (597)  (587)  (763)

Total loans charged off

  (2,429)  (2,493)  (5,381)  (4,244)  (11,964)
                     

Recoveries of loans previously charged off

                    

Commercial and industrial

  202   279   98   243   569 

Construction and development excluding undeveloped land

     21         163 

Undeveloped land

        1,400   166   81 

Real estate mortgage

  154   342   155   120   584 

Consumer

  401   417   499   513   658 

Total recoveries

  757   1,059   2,152   1,042   2,055 

Net loans charged off

  (1,672)  (1,434)  (3,229)  (3,202)  (9,909)

Provision (credit) for loan losses charged (credited) to expense

  2,550   3,000   750   (400)  6,550 

Balance at end of year

 $24,885  $24,007  $22,441  $24,920  $28,522 

Ratio of net charge-offs during year to average loans

  0.07%  0.07%  0.17%  0.18%  0.60%

See “Provision for Loan Losses” for discussion of the provision for loan losses and 2017 charge-offs.

The following table sets forth allocation of the allowance for loan losses to the loan categories shown. Although specific allocations exist, the entire allowance is available to absorb losses in any particular loan category.

  

December 31

 

(In thousands)

 

2017

  

2016

  

2015

  

2014

  

2013

 

Commercial and industrial

 $11,276  $10,483  $8,645  $11,819  $7,644 

Construction and development, excluding undeveloped land

  1,724   1,923   1,760   721   2,555 

Undeveloped land

  521   684   814   1,545   5,376 

Real estate mortgage

  11,012   10,573   10,875   10,541   12,604 

Consumer

  352   344   347   294   343 

Total allowance for loan losses

 $24,885  $24,007  $22,441  $24,920  $28,522 

Changes in the allocation of the allowance from year to year in various categories are influenced by the level of net charge-offs in respective categories and other factors including, but not limited to, an evaluation of the impact of current economic conditions and trends, risk allocations tied to specific loans or groups of loans and changes in qualitative allocations.  Management believes that allocations for each loan category are reflective of risk inherent in the portfolio.

Selected ratios relating to the allowance for loan losses follow:

  

Years ended December 31

 
  

2017

  

2016

  

2015

 
             

Provision for loan losses to average loans

  0.11%  0.14%  0.04%

Net charge-offs to average loans

  0.07   0.07   0.17 

Allowance for loan losses to average loans

  1.08   1.11   1.17 

Allowance for loan losses to year end loans

  1.03   1.04   1.10 

Deposits

Average amounts of deposits in Bancorp and average rates paid on such deposits for the years indicated are summarized as follows:

  

Years ended December 31

 
  

2017

  

2016

  

2015

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

Average

balance

  

Average

rate

  

Average

balance

  

Average

rate

  

Average

balance

  

Average

rate

 
                         

Non-interest bearing demand deposits

 $684,044     $650,036     $558,185    

Interest bearing demand deposits

  757,023   0.21%  717,800   0.14%  545,158   0.11%

Savings deposits

  148,510   0.12   135,051   0.03   119,821   0.04 

Money market deposits

  697,182   0.39   658,837   0.22   645,215   0.20 

Time deposits

  237,368   0.62   252,170   0.57   284,062   0.63 
                         
  $2,524,127      $2,413,894      $2,152,441     

Maturities of time deposits of more than $250,000 at December 31, 2017, are summarized as follows:

(In thousands)

 

Amount

 
     

3 months or less

 $11,338 

Over 3 through 6 months

  6,064 

Over 6 through 12 months

  10,572 

Over 12 months

  10,465 
  $38,439 

Securities Sold Under Agreement to Repurchase

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase represent excess funds from certain commercial customers as part of a cash management service.  These agreements have maturities of one business day from the transaction date. Bancorp considers these a core funding since they represent excess cash balances of relationship business customers.

Information regarding securities sold under agreements to repurchase follows:

  

Years ended December 31

 
  

2017

  

2016

  

2015

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

Amount

  

Rate

  

Amount

  

Rate

  

Amount

  

Rate

 
                         

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase

                        

Year end

 $70,473   0.17% $67,595   0.21% $64,526   0.23%

Average during year

  70,187   0.19   62,670   0.22   65,140   0.23 

Maximum month end balance during year

 $75,365      $72,029      $82,467     

Liquidity

The role of liquidity management is to ensure funds are available to meet depositors’ withdrawal and borrowers’ credit demands while at the same time maximizing profitability. This is accomplished by balancing changes in demand for funds with changes in supply of those funds. Liquidity is provided by short-term liquid assets that can be converted to cash, investment securities available-for-sale, various lines of credit available to Bancorp, and the ability to attract funds from external sources, principally deposits. Management believes it has the ability to increase deposits at any time by offering rates slightly higher than market rate.

Bancorp’s Asset/Liability Committee is primarily comprised of senior management and has direct oversight responsibility for Bancorp’s liquidity position and profile.  A combination of reports provided to management detail internal liquidity metrics, composition and level of the liquid asset portfolio, timing differences in short-term cash flow obligations, and exposure to contingent draws on Bancorp’s liquidity.

Bancorp’s most liquid assets are comprised of cash and due from banks, federal funds sold, and available-for-sale marketable investment securities. Federal funds sold and interest bearing deposits totaled $97.3 million at December 31, 2017. Federal funds sold normally have overnight maturities while interest bearing deposits in banks are accessible on demand. These investments are used for general daily liquidity purposes. The fair value of the available-for-sale investment portfolio was $574.5 million at December 31, 2017. The portfolio includes maturities of approximately $187.7 million over the next twelve months, including $150 million in U.S. Treasury obligations which matured in January 2018. Combined with federal funds sold and interest bearing deposits from banks, these offer substantial resources to meet either loan growth or reductions in Bancorp’s deposit funding base. Bancorp pledges portions of its investment securities portfolio to secure public fund deposits, cash balances of certain wealth management and trust accounts, and securities sold under agreements to repurchase. At December 31, 2017, total investment securities pledged for these purposes comprised 67% of the available-for-sale investment portfolio, leaving $190 million of unpledged securities.

Bancorp has a large base of core customer deposits, defined as demand, savings, money market deposit accounts and time deposits less than or equal to $250,000. At December 31, 2017, such deposits totaled $2.6 billion and represented 99% of Bancorp’s total deposits. Because these core deposits are less volatile and are often tied to other products of Bancorp through long lasting relationships they do not place undue pressure on liquidity. However, many of Bancorp’s individual depositors currently maintain historically high balances. When market conditions improve, these balances may decrease and could put some strain on Bancorp’s liquidity position.

As of December 31, 2017, Bancorp did not have any brokered deposits.

Other sources of funds available to meet daily needs include the sales of securities under agreements to repurchase. Also, Bancorp is a member of the FHLB of Cincinnati. As a member of the FHLB, Bancorp has access to credit products of the FHLB.  Bancorp views these borrowings as a potential low cost alternative to brokered deposits. At December 31, 2017, the amount of available credit from the FHLB totaled $333 million. See Note 11 to Bancorp’s consolidated financial statements for further information regarding advances from the FHLB.  Also, Bancorp has available federal funds purchased lines with correspondent banks totaling $105 million.  Bancorp also is eligible to borrow from the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis based upon value of posted collateral. 

At December 31, 2017, Bancorp had an outstanding $150 million cash management advance from the FHLB. This advance matured in the first week of January 2018 and was used to manage Bancorp’s overall cash position. Due to the short term of the advance, it was recorded on the consolidated balance sheet within federal funds purchased and other short-term borrowings.

Over the normal course of business, Bancorp enters into certain forms of off-balance sheet transactions, including unfunded loan commitments and letters of credit.  These transactions are managed through Bancorp’s various risk management processes.  Management considers both on-balance sheet and off-balance sheet transactions in its evaluation of Bancorp’s liquidity.

Sources and Uses of Cash

Cash flow is provided primarily through financing activities of Bancorp which include raising deposits and borrowing of funds from institutional sources such as advances from FHLB and federal funds purchased as well as scheduled loan repayments.  These funds are primarily used to facilitate investment activities of Bancorp which include making loans and purchasing securities for the investment portfolio.  Another important source of cash is from the net income of the Bank from operating activities.  As discussed in Note 18 to Bancorp’s consolidated financial statements, as of January 1 of any year the Bank may pay dividends in an amount equal to the Bank’s net income of the prior two years less any dividends paid for the same two years. Regulatory approval is required for dividends exceeding these amounts. Prior to declaration of dividends, management considers the effect such payments will have on total stockholders’ equity and capital ratios. For more specific information, see the consolidated statement of cash flows in Bancorp’s consolidated financial statements.

Commitments

In the normal course of business, Bancorp is party to activities that contain credit, market and operational risk that are not reflected in whole or in part in Bancorp’s consolidated financial statements.  Such activities include traditional off-balance sheet credit-related financial instruments, commitments under operating leases and long-term debt.

Bancorp provides customers with off-balance sheet credit support through loan commitments and standby letters of credit.  Summarized credit-related financial instruments, including both commitments to extend credit and letters of credit at December 31, 2017 are as follows:

  

Amount of commitment expiration per period

 
      

Less than

   1-3   3-5  

Over 5

 

(In thousands)

 

Total

  

1 year

  

years

  

years

  

years

 
                     

Unused loan commitments

 $673,490  $343,346  $148,664  $32,906  $148,574 

Standby letters of credit

  16,949   13,661   3,288       

Since some of the unused commitments are expected to expire or may not be fully used, the total amount of commitments in the preceding table does not necessarily represent future cash requirements.

In addition to owned banking facilities, Bancorp has entered into long-term leasing arrangements for certain branch facilities.  Bancorp also has required future payments for a non-qualified defined benefit retirement plan, long-term debt and the maturity of time deposits. See Note 11, Note 16 and Note 19 to Bancorp’s consolidated financial statements for further information on Federal Home Loan Bank advances, the defined benefit retirement plan and operating leases. 

Required payments under such commitments at December 31, 2017 are as follows:

  

Payments due by period

 
      

Less than

   1-3   3-5  

Over 5

 

(In thousands)

 

Total

  

1 year

  

years

  

Years

  

years

 
                     

Time deposit maturities

 $235,574  $166,219  $55,957  $13,299  $99 

Federal Home Loan Bank advances

  49,458   30,000   1,741   288   17,429 

Operating leases

  11,024   1,847   3,412   2,892   2,873 

Defined benefit retirement plan

  3,530   84   168      3,278 

Other

  1,100   400   700       

Capital

Information pertaining to Bancorp’s capital balances and ratios follows:

  

Years ended December 31

 

(Dollars in thousands, except share data)

 

2017

  

2016

  

2015

 
             

Stockholders’ equity

 $333,644  $313,872  $286,519 

Dividends per share

  0.80   0.72   0.64 

Dividend payout ratio, based on basic EPS

  47.34%  38.95%  37.94%

Tier 1 risk-based capital

  12.57   12.10   12.32 

Total risk-based capital

  13.52   13.04   13.31 

Leverage ratio

  10.70   10.54   10.53 

Bancorp increased its cash dividends declared to stockholders during 2017 to an annual dividend of $0.80, up from $0.72 per share in 2016 and $0.64 in 2015. This represents a payout ratio of 47.34% based on basic EPS and an annual yield of 2.23% based upon an annualized fourth quarter dividend rate and year-end closing stock price. Since 2008, Bancorp has had no share buyback plan.

Bank holding companies and their subsidiary banks are required by regulators to meet risk-based capital standards. These standards, or ratios, measure the relationship of capital to a combination of balance sheet and off-balance sheet risks. The value of both balance sheet and off-balance sheet items are adjusted to reflect credit risks.  The increase in risk-based capital ratios from 2016 to 2017 resulted from capital growth in retained earnings outpacing loan growth. Note 23 to the consolidated financial statements provide more details of regulatory capital requirements, as well as capital ratios of Bancorp and the Bank. The Bank exceeds regulatory capital ratios required to be well capitalized.  Regulatory framework does not define well capitalized for holding companies. Management considers the effects of growth on capital ratios as it contemplates plans for expansion.

Final rules implementing the Basel III regulatory capital reforms became effective for Bancorp and Bank on January 1, 2015, and included new minimum risk-based capital and leverage ratios. Management believes that as of December 31, 2017, Bancorp met the requirements to be considered well-capitalized under these rules.

One component of equity is accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) which, for Bancorp, consists of net unrealized gains or losses on securities available-for-sale, a minimum pension liability, both net of taxes, and a disproportionate tax effect balance created when the net deferred tax asset was remeasured in 2017 as a result of the enacted tax legislation. Accumulated other comprehensive loss was $1.9 million at December 31, 2017, as compared with accumulated other comprehensive loss of $1.5 million at December 31, 2016. The $400 thousand decrease is primarily a reflection of the effect of the changing interest rate environment during fiscal year 2017 on the valuation of Bancorp’s portfolio of securities available-for-sale.

The following table presents various key financial ratios:

  

Years ended December 31

 
  

2017

  

2016

  

2015

 
             

Return on average assets

  1.25%  1.42%  1.44%

Return on average stockholders’ equity

  11.61   13.49   13.55 

Average stockholders’ equity to average assets

  10.79   10.54   10.66 

Addressing the decline from 2016 to 2017 in Bancorp’s returns on average assets and average stockholders’ equity, the tax reform related DTA charge in 2017 reduced those ratios by 0.20% and 1.81%, respectively.

Fair Value Measurements

Bancorp follows the provisions of authoritative guidance for fair value measurements. This guidance is definitional and disclosure oriented and addresses how companies should approach measuring fair value when required by US GAAP. It prescribes various disclosures about financial statement categories and amounts which are measured at fair value, if such disclosures are not already specified elsewhere in US GAAP.

Authoritative guidance defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between participants at the measurement date. The guidance, which requires fair value measurements to be classified as Level 1 (quoted prices), Level 2 (based on observable inputs) or Level 3 (based on significant unobservable, internally-derived inputs), is discussed in more detail in Note 20 to the consolidated financial statements.

Bancorp’s investment securities available-for-sale and interest rate swaps are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. Other accounts including mortgage loans held for sale, mortgage servicing rights, impaired loans and other real estate owned may be recorded at fair value on a non-recurring basis, generally in the application of lower of cost or market adjustments or write-downs of specific assets.

The portfolio of investment securities available-for-sale is comprised of U.S. Treasury and other U.S. government obligations, debt securities of U.S. government-sponsored corporations (including mortgage-backed securities), and obligations of state and political subdivisions. U.S. Treasury securities are priced using quoted prices of identical securities in an active market. These measurements are classified as Level 1 in the hierarchy above. All other securities are priced using standard industry models or matrices with various assumptions such as yield curves, volatility, prepayment speeds, default rates, time value, credit rating and market prices for similar instruments. These assumptions are generally observable in the market place and can be derived from or supported by observable data. These measurements are classified as Level 2 in the hierarchy above.

Interest rate swaps are valued using primarily Level 2 inputs. Fair value measurements generally based on benchmark forward yield curves and other relevant observable market data. For purposes of potential valuation adjustments to derivative positions, Bancorp evaluates the credit risk of its counterparties as well as its own credit risk. To date, Bancorp has not realized any losses due to a counterparty’s inability to perform and the change in value of derivative assets and liabilities attributable to credit risk was not significant during 2017.

Mortgage servicing rights (“MSRs”), carried in other assets, are recorded at fair value upon capitalization, are amortized to correspond with estimated servicing income, and are periodically assessed for impairment based on fair value at the reporting date. Fair value is based on a valuation model that calculates the present value of estimated net servicing income. The model incorporates assumptions that market participants would use in estimating future net servicing income. These measurements are classified as Level 3. At December 31, 2017 and 2016 there was no valuation allowance for MSRs, as fair value exceeded carrying value.

Loans are measured for impairment and, if indicated, a specific allocation is established based on the value of underlying collateral. Impaired loans include non-accrual loans and loans accounted for as troubled debt restructuring. For impaired loans, fair value amounts represent only those impaired loans with specific valuation allowances and collateral dependent impaired loans charged down to their carrying value. At December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, carrying value of impaired loans measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis was $2.6 million and $2.9 million, respectively. These measurements are classified as Level 3.

Other real estate owned, which is carried in other assets at the lower of cost or fair value, is periodically assessed for impairment based on fair value at the reporting date. Fair value is determined from external appraisals using judgments and estimates of external professionals. Many of these inputs are not observable and, accordingly, these measurements are classified as Level 3. For the purposes of the tables in Note 20, fair value for OREO is equal to the carrying value of only parcels of OREO for which carrying value equals appraised value. If a parcel of OREO has a carrying value below its appraised value, it is not considered to be carried at fair value, and is therefore not included in the table in Note 20. The losses represent write-downs which occurred during the period indicated. At December 31, 2017 and 2016, the carrying value of other real estate owned was $2.6 million and $5.0 million, respectively.

See Note 20 to Bancorp’s consolidated financial statements for details of fair value measurements.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures 

Bancorp considers various ratios when evaluating capital adequacy, including tangible common equity to tangible assets, and tangible common equity per share, both of which are non-GAAP measures. Bancorp believes these ratios are important because of their widespread use by investors as means to evaluate capital adequacy, as they better reflect the level of capital available to withstand unexpected market conditions.

The following table reconciles Bancorp’s calculation of these measures to amounts reported under US GAAP.

  

December 31,

 

(In thousands, except per share data)

 

2017

  

2016

 

Total equity

 $333,644  $313,872 

Less core deposit intangible

  (1,225)  (1,405)

Less goodwill

  (682)  (682)
         

Tangible common equity

 $331,737  $311,785 
         

Total assets

 $3,239,646  $3,039,481 

Less core deposit intangible

  (1,225)  (1,405)

Less goodwill

  (682)  (682)
         

Total tangible assets

 $3,237,739  $3,037,394 
         

Total shareholders’ equity to total assets

  10.30%  10.33%

Tangible common equity ratio

  10.25%  10.26%
         

Number of outstanding shares

  22,679   22,617 
         

Book value per share

 $14.71  $13.88 

Tangible common equity per share

  14.63   13.79 

In addition to the efficiency ratio normally presented, Bancorp considers an adjusted efficiency ratio which is a non-GAAP measure. Bancorp believes this ratio is important because of it provides a comparable ratio after eliminating the fluctuation in non-interest expenses related to amortization/impairment of investments in tax credit partnerships. The following table reconciles Bancorp’s calculation of this measure to the ratio reported under US GAAP.

(Amounts in thousands)

 

2017

  

2016

 

Non-interest expenses

 $90,991  $81,520 
         

Net interest income (tax-equivalent)

  104,396   98,088 

Non-interest income

  45,120   43,537 

Total revenue

 $149,516  $141,625 
         

Efficiency ratio

  60.9%  57.6%
         

Non-interest expenses

 $90,991  $81,520 

Less: amortization/impairment of investments in tax credit partnerships

  (7,124)  (4,458)

Adjusted non-interest expenses

  83,867   77,062 
         

Net interest income (tax-equivalent)

  104,396   98,088 

Non-interest income

  45,120   43,537 

Total revenue

 $149,516  $141,625 
         

Adjusted efficiency ratio

  56.1%  54.4%

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which outlines a single comprehensive model for use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers, and supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance. The effective date will be annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and the interim periods within that year. Two options are permitted for transitioning, a full retrospective application which takes into account the requirements of ASC 250, and a modified retrospective approach in which the cumulative effect of initially applying the new standard is taken to retained earnings. Bancorp expects to use the modified retrospective approach. Bancorp has reviewed existing contractual arrangements and believes the majority of its revenue earned is excluded from the scope of the pronouncement and the impact of adoption will be minimal. Significant sources of revenue included within the scope of the standard are service charges on deposits, debit and credit card interchange fees, brokerage income, and wealth management revenue. Bancorp has analyzed each revenue stream to identify the contract with the customer, the performance obligation(s) defined in the contract, the transaction price, and timing for when revenue should be recognized. Within wealth management each unique service from which fees are derived was reviewed to ensure processes are in place to allocate fees within the proper reporting period. Changes to existing recognition practices have not been found to be necessary, and Bancorp expects no adjustment, as described above, to retained earnings Additional disclosures will be required including information on disaggregation of revenue into categories depicting the nature, amount, timing, extent, and uncertainty of revenue. Bancorp is still evaluating options for disaggregation presentation beyond segments currently identified.

The FASB also issued a series of other ASUs, which update ASU 2014-09. The effective dates for ASU 2014-09 have been updated by ASU 2015-14, Deferral of the Effective Date. For public business entities, certain employee benefit plans, and certain not-for-profit entities, ASU 2014-09 is effective for annual and interim periods in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017. Earlier application is permitted only as of annual and interim periods in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016. Bancorp is including these ASUs in its evaluation and implementation efforts relative to ASU 2014-09.

ASU 2016-08, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net)

ASU 2016-10, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing

ASU 2016-12, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients

ASU 2016-20, Technical Corrections and Improvements to Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers

In January 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2016-01, Financial Instruments – Overall: Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, which requires equity investments to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income. The ASU is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Because Bancorp does not have investments in equity securities, the adoption of ASU 2016-01 is not expected to have an impact on Bancorp’s operations or financial statements.

In February 2016, FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases, which requires lessees to recognize the assets and liabilities that arise from leases on the balance sheet. A lessee should recognize on the balance sheet a liability to make lease payments (the lease liability) and a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying asset for lease term. The new guidance is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018. The standard should be applied at the beginning of the earliest period presented using a modified retrospective approach with earlier application permitted as of the beginning of an interim or annual reporting period. Bancorp has evaluated existing lease commitments and expects to record a right-of-use asset and lease liability of approximately $11 million upon adoption. Bancorp’s financial condition and results of operations are not otherwise expected to be impacted.

In June 2016, FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, which significantly changes the way entities recognize impairment of many financial assets by requiring immediate recognition of estimated credit losses expected to occur over their remaining life. This standard will likely have a significant impact on the way Bancorp recognizes credit impairment on loans. Under current US GAAP, credit impairment losses are determined using an incurred-loss model, which recognizes credit losses only when it is probable that all contractual cash flows will not be collected. The initial recognition of loss under CECL differs from current US GAAP because recognition of credit losses will not be based on any triggering event. This should generally result in credit impairment being recognized earlier and immediately after the financial asset is originated or purchased. Bancorp continues to evaluate existing accounting processes, internal controls, and technology capabilities to determine what additional changes will be needed to address the new requirements. These processes and controls require significant judgment, collection and analysis of additional data, and use of estimates. Technology and other resources have been upgraded or modified to capture additional data to support the accounting and disclosure requirements. The new guidance is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019. While the impact of implementing the CECL model cannot be quantified at this time, Bancorp expects to recognize a one-time cumulative-effect adjustment to the allowance in the first quarter of 2020, consistent with interagency guidance issued in 2016.

In August 2016, FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments, which amends guidance in ASC 230 on the classification of certain cash receipts and payments in the statement of cash flows. The primary purpose of the ASU is to reduce the diversity in practice that has resulted from the lack of consistent principles on this topic. The ASU’s amendments add or clarify guidance on eight cash flow issues. The guidance in the ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. Entities must apply the guidance retrospectively to all periods presented but may apply it prospectively from the earliest date practicable if retrospective application would be impracticable. Bancorp does not anticipate that adoption of the ASU will have a significant impact on the consolidated financial statements of the Company.

In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-16, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory, which requires entities to recognize at the transaction date the income tax consequences of inter-company asset transfers other than inventory. This ASU is effective for public business entities for annual and interim periods in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017. Entities may early adopt the ASU, but only at the beginning of an annual period for which no financial statements (interim or annual) have already been issued or made available for issuance. Bancorp does not expect adoption of this standard to have an impact on the consolidated financial statements of the Company.

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash, which requires companies to include cash and cash equivalents that have restrictions on withdrawal or use in total cash and cash equivalents on the statement of cash flows. This ASU is effective for public business entities for annual and interim periods in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period. If an entity early adopts the amendments in an interim period, adjustments should be reflected at the beginning of the fiscal year that includes that interim period. Bancorp does not expect adoption of this standard to have a significant impact on the consolidated financial statements of the Company.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-01, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business, which provides a new framework for determining whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. This ASU is effective for public business entities for annual and interim periods in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017. For all other entities, the ASU is effective for annual periods in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. Entities may early adopt the ASU and apply it to transactions that have not been reported in financial statements that have been issued or made available for issuance. Bancorp does not expect adoption of this standard to have a significant impact on the consolidated financial statements of the Company.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-03, Accounting Changes and Error Corrections (Topic 250) and Investments—Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323): Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to Staff Announcements at the September 22, 2016 and November 17, 2016 EITF Meetings (SEC Update), which incorporates into the FASB Accounting Standards Codification recent SEC guidance about disclosing, under SEC SAB Topic 11.M, the effect on financial statements of adopting the revenue, leases, and credit losses standards. The SEC staff had previously announced that registrants should include the disclosures starting with their December 2017 financial statements.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment, which requires an entity to no longer perform a hypothetical purchase price allocation to measure goodwill impairment. Instead, impairment will be measured using the difference between the carrying amount and the fair value of the reporting unit. The changes are effective for public business entities that are SEC filers, for annual and interim periods in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. All entities may early adopt the standard for goodwill impairment tests with measurement dates after January 1, 2017. Bancorp does not expect adoption of this standard to have a significant impact on the consolidated financial statements of the Company.

In February 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-05, Other Income—Gains and Losses from the Derecognition of Nonfinancial Assets (Subtopic 610-20): Clarifying the Scope of Asset Derecognition Guidance and Accounting for Partial Sales of Nonfinancial Assets, which clarifies the guidance in Subtopic 610-20 on accounting for derecognition of a nonfinancial asset. The ASU also defines in-substance nonfinancial assets and includes guidance on partial sales of nonfinancial assets. An entity is required to apply the amendments in this ASU at the same time that it applies ASU 2014-09. Bancorp does not expect adoption of this standard to have a significant impact on the consolidated financial statements of the Company.

In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-07, Compensation—Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost, which requires companies to present the service cost component of net benefit cost in the same line items in which they report compensation cost. Companies will present all other components of net benefit cost outside operating income, if this subtotal is presented. This ASU is effective for public business entities for annual and interim periods in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted as of the beginning of an annual period for which financial statements (interim or annual) have not been issued or made available for issuance. Bancorp does not expect adoption of this standard to have a significant impact on the consolidated financial statements of the Company.

In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-09, Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Scope of Modification Accounting which clarifies what constitutes a modification of a share-based payment award. This ASU is effective for all entities for annual and interim periods in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted as of the beginning of an annual period for which financial statements (interim or annual) have not been issued or made available for issuance. Bancorp does not expect adoption of this standard to have a significant impact on the consolidated financial statements of the Company.

In July 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-11, Earnings Per Share (Topic 260),Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity (Topic 480), Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815); I. Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Down Round Features. II. Replacement of the Indefinite Deferral for Mandatory Redeemable Financial Instruments of Certain Nonpublic Entities and Certain Mandatory Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests with a Scope Exception, which makes limited changes to as to classifying certain financial instruments as either liabilities or equity. This ASU is effective for public business entities for annual and interim periods in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018.Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period. Because Bancorp does not have financial instruments with a down round feature, the implementation of ASU 2017-11 is not expected to have a significant impact on the consolidated financial statements of the Company.

In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815); Targeted Improvements for Accounting for Hedging Activities, which amends the hedge accounting recognition and presentation requirements under ASC 815. This ASU is effective for public business entities for annual and interim periods in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. Early adoption of this standard is permitted upon its issuance. Bancorp does not expect adoption of this standard to have a significant impact on the consolidated financial statements of the Company.

In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02, Income Statement Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220), Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, which provides guidance for the reclassification from other comprehensive income to retained earnings stranded tax effects resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act enacted on December 22, 2017. The amendments of the update are effective for all entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption of this standard is permitted. Bancorp is evaluating early adoption of ASU 2018-02. Upon adoption Bancorp will reclassify $506 thousand from other comprehensive income to retained earnings.

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Information required by this item is included in Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of this Form 10-K.

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

The following consolidated financial statements of Bancorp, and reports of independent registered public accounting firm and management are included below:

Consolidated Balance Sheets - December 31, 2017 and 2016

Consolidated Statements of Income - years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity - years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Management’s Report on Consolidated Financial Statements

Consolidated Balance Sheets

        
  

December 31,

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

2017

  

2016

 
         

Assets

        

Cash and due from banks

 $41,982  $39,709 

Federal funds sold and interest bearing due from banks

  97,266   8,264 

Cash and cash equivalents

  139,248   47,973 

Mortgage loans held for sale

  2,964   3,213 

Securities available-for-sale (amortized cost of $577,406 in 2017 and $571,936 in 2016)

  574,524   570,074 

Federal Home Loan Bank stock and other securities

  7,646   6,347 
         

Loans

  2,409,570   2,305,375 

Less allowance for loan losses

  24,885   24,007 

Net loans

  2,384,685   2,281,368 
         

Premises and equipment, net

  41,655   42,384 

Bank owned life insurance

  32,049   31,867 

Accrued interest receivable

  8,369   6,878 

Other assets

  48,506   49,377 

Total assets

 $3,239,646  $3,039,481 
         

Liabilities

        

Deposits

        

Non-interest bearing

 $674,697  $680,156 

Interest bearing

  1,903,598   1,840,392 

Total deposits

  2,578,295   2,520,548 
         

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase

  70,473   67,595 

Federal funds purchased

  161,352   47,374 

Accrued interest payable

  232   144 

Other liabilities

  46,192   38,873 

Federal Home Loan Bank advances

  49,458   51,075 

Total liabilities

  2,906,002   2,725,609 
         

Stockholders equity

        

Preferred stock, no par value; 1,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued or outstanding

      

Common stock, no par value; 40,000,000 shares authorized; 22,679,362 and 22,617,098 shares issued and outstanding in 2017 and 2016, respectively

  36,457   36,250 

Additional paid-in capital

  31,924   26,682 

Retained earnings

  267,193   252,439 

Accumulated other comprehensive (loss)

  (1,930)  (1,499)

Total stockholders equity

  333,644   313,872 

Total liabilities and stockholders equity

 $3,239,646  $3,039,481 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

Consolidated Statements of Income

            
  

Years ended December 31,

 

(In thousands, except per share data)

 

2017

  

2016

  

2015

 
             

Interest income

            

Loans

 $99,874  $91,798  $83,371 

Federal funds sold and interest bearing deposits

  1,330   491   263 

Mortgage loans held for sale

  191   237   249 

Securities

            

Taxable

  8,365   8,451   8,120 

Tax-exempt

  1,089   1,195   1,167 
             

Total interest income

  110,849   102,172   93,170 
             

Interest expense

            

Deposits

  5,975   3,943   3,739 

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase and other short term borrowing

  316   212   174 

Long term debt

  955   763   939 
             

Total interest expense

  7,246   4,918   4,852 

Net interest income

  103,603   97,254   88,318 
             

Provision for loan losses

  2,550   3,000   750 

Net interest income after provision for loan losses

  101,053   94,254   87,568 
             

Non-interest income

            

Wealth management and trust services

  20,505   19,155   18,026 

Deposit service charges

  6,461   6,253   6,010 

Debit and credit cards

  5,979   5,655   4,876 

Treasury management

  4,008   3,651   3,404 

Mortgage banking

  3,221   3,897   3,488 

(Loss) on sale of securities available-for-sale

  (232)      

Investment product sales commissions and fees

  2,200   2,145   1,994 

Bank owned life insurance

  1,159   871   889 

Other

  1,819   1,910   1,263 
             

Total non-interest income

  45,120   43,537   39,950 
             

Non-interest expenses

            

Compensation

  42,584   40,817   36,597 

Employee benefits

  9,987   8,368   8,112 

Net occupancy and equipment

  7,393   7,422   6,986 

Technology and communication

  8,525   7,619   6,891 

Marketing and business development

  2,716   2,464   2,579 

Postage, printing and supplies

  1,475   1,521   1,436 

Legal and professional

  2,393   1,869   1,832 

FDIC insurance

  960   1,181   1,258 

Amortization/impairment of investments in tax credit partnerships

  7,124   4,458   634 

Capital and deposit based taxes

  3,440   2,800   2,413 

Other

  4,394   3,001   4,660 
             

Total non-interest expenses

  90,991   81,520   73,398 
             

Income before income taxes

  55,182   56,271   54,120 

Income tax expense

  17,139   15,244   16,933 

Net income

 $38,043  $41,027  $37,187 

Net income per share, basic

 $1.69  $1.84  $1.68 

Net income per share, diluted

 $1.66  $1.80  $1.65 

Average common shares:

            

Basic

  22,532   22,356   22,088 

Diluted

  22,983   22,792   22,459 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

            
  

Years ended December 31,

 

(In thousands)

 

2017

  

2016

  

2015

 
             

Net income

 $38,043  $41,027  $37,187 

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:

            

Unrealized (losses) gains on securities available-for-sale:

            

Unrealized (losses) gains arising during the period (net of tax of ($531), ($1,171), and ($839), respectively)

  (721)  (2,176)  (1,558)

Unrealized (losses) gains on hedging instruments:

            

Unrealized (losses) gains arising during the period (net of tax of $112, $24, and ($41), respectively)

  209   44   (76)

Minimum pension liability adjustment (net of tax of ($9), $1, and $69, respectively)

  (70)  1   114 

Reclassification adjustment for impairment of equity security realized in income (net of tax of $0, $0, and $36, respectively)

        67 

Reclassification adjustment for securities losses reclassified out of other comprehensive income into loss on sale of securities available-for-sale (net of tax of $81, $0, and $0, respectively)

  151       

Other comprehensive (loss) income

  (431)  (2,131)  (1,453)

Comprehensive income

 $37,612  $38,896  $35,734 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders Equity

 
  

For each of the years in the three year period ended December 31, 2017

 
                  

Accumulated

     
  

Common stock

  

Additional

      

other

     

 

 

Number of

      

paid-in

  

Retained

  

comprehensive

     

(In thousands, except per share data)

 

shares

  

Amount

  

capital

  

earnings

  

income (loss)

  

Total

 
                         

Balance December 31, 2014

  14,745  $10,035  $38,191  $209,584  $2,085  $259,895 

Net income

           37,187      37,187 

Other comprehensive loss, net of tax

              (1,453)  (1,453)

Stock compensation expense

        2,134         2,134 

Stock issued for share-based awards, net of withholdings to satisfy employee tax obligations upon award

  179   596   3,972   (1,564)     3,004 

Cash dividends declared, $0.64 per share

           (14,248)     (14,248)

Shares repurchased or cancelled

  (5)  (15)  (117)  132       

Balance December 31, 2015

  14,919  $10,616  $44,180  $231,091  $632  $286,519 
                         

Net income

           41,027      41,027 

Other comprehensive loss, net of tax

              (2,131)  (2,131)

Stock compensation expense

        2,473         2,473 

Stock issued for share-based awards, net of withholdings to satisfy employee tax obligations upon award

  214   711   5,217   (3,804)     2,124 

3 for 2 stock split (see note 14)

  7,494   24,956   (24,956)         

Cash dividends declared, $0.72 per share

           (16,140)     (16,140)

Shares repurchased or cancelled

  (10)  (33)  (232)  265       

Balance December 31, 2016

  22,617  $36,250  $26,682  $252,439  $(1,499) $313,872 
                         

Net income

           38,043      38,043 

Other comprehensive loss, net of tax

              (431)  (431)

Stock compensation expense

        2,892         2,892 

Stock issued for share-based awards, net of withholdings to satisfy employee tax obligations upon award

  69   231   2,500   (5,336)     (2,605)

Cash dividends declared, $0.80 per share

           (18,127)     (18,127)

Shares repurchased or cancelled

  (7)  (24)  (150)  174       

Balance December 31, 2017

  22,679  $36,457  $31,924  $267,193  $(1,930) $333,644 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

            
             
  

Years ended December 31,

 

(In thousands)

 

2017

  

2016

  

2015

 
             

Operating activities

            

Net income

 $38,043  $41,027  $37,187 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

            

Provision (credit) for loan losses

  2,550   3,000   750 

Depreciation, amortization and accretion, net

  13,640   11,142   6,902 

Deferred income tax expense (benefit)

  3,971   276   847 

Loss on sale of securities available-for-sale

  232       

Impairment loss on available-for-sale securities

        103 

Gains on sales of mortgage loans held for sale

  (1,989)  (2,482)  (2,167)

Origination of mortgage loans held for sale

  (97,623)  (123,347)  (116,385)

Proceeds from sale of mortgage loans held for sale

  99,861   129,416   115,499 

Bank owned life insurance income

  (1,159)  (871)  (889)

Proceeds from liquidation of private investment fund

  (92)      

(Gain) Loss on other real estate owned

  (39)  (409)  147 

Loss (gain) on the disposal of premises and equipment

     202   (51)

Recovery of impairment loss on other assets held for investment

     (588)   

Stock compensation expense

  2,892   2,473   2,134 

Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation arrangements

  (1,463)  (1,705)  (673)

Increase in accrued interest receivable and other assets

  (13,848)  (7,438)  (2,540)

Increase in accrued interest payable and other liabilities

  8,700   12,566   2,307 

Net cash provided by operating activities

  53,676   63,262   43,171 
             

Investing activities

            

Purchases of securities available-for-sale

  (661,086)  (478,798)  (384,260)

Proceeds from sale of securities available-for-sale

  421      5,934 

Proceeds from maturities of securities available-for-sale

  652,411   468,271   320,952 

Purchase of Federal Home Loan Bank Stock

  (2,254)      

Proceeds from sale of Federal Home Loan Bank stock

  955       

Proceeds from liquidation of private investment fund

  92       

Net increase in loans

  (105,867)  (275,718)  (168,832)

Purchases of premises and equipment

  (2,786)  (6,327)  (3,459)

Proceeds from disposal of equipment

     66    

Proceeds from mortality benefit of bank owned life insurance

  977       

Proceeds from sale of other real estate owned

  2,432   1,826   2,541 

Proceeds from the sale of other assets held for investment

     1,108    

Net cash used in investing activities

  (114,705)  (289,572)  (227,124)
             

Financing activities

            

Net increase in deposits

  57,747   148,846   248,075 

Net increase (decrease) in securities sold under agreements to repurchase and federal funds purchased

  116,856   27,966   (29,946)

Proceeds from Federal Home Loan Bank advances

  120,000   289,000   108,200 

Repayments of Federal Home Loan Bank advances

  (121,617)  (281,393)  (101,564)

Proceeds (used for) and received from settlement of stock awards

  (216)  2,337   3,249 

Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation arrangements

     1,705   673 

Common stock repurchases

  (2,389)  (1,918)  (918)

Cash dividends paid

  (18,077)  (16,093)  (14,224)

Net cash provided by financing activities

  152,304   170,450   213,545 
             

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

  91,275   (55,860)  29,592 
             

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

  47,973   103,833   74,241 
             

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

 $139,248  $47,973  $103,833 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(1) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Principles of Consolidation and Nature of Operations

The consolidated financial statements include accounts of Stock Yards Bancorp, Inc. (“Bancorp”) and its wholly owned subsidiary, Stock Yards Bank & Trust Company (“the Bank”). Significant intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated in consolidation. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to 2017 presentation. Bancorp has evaluated subsequent events for recognition or disclosure up to the date on which financial statements were issued and determined there were none.

In addition to traditional commercial and personal banking activities, Bancorp has a wealth management and trust department offering a wide range of investment management, retirement planning, trust and estate administration and financial planning services. Bancorp’s primary market area is Louisville, Kentucky and surrounding communities including southern Indiana.  Other markets include Indianapolis, Indiana and Cincinnati, Ohio.   

Basis of Financial Statement Presentation and Use of Estimates

The consolidated financial statements of Bancorp and its subsidiary have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“US GAAP”) and conform to predominant practices within the banking industry. In preparing the consolidated financial statements, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of certain assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of related revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Material estimates particularly susceptible to significant change relate to determination of the allowance for loan losses, and income tax assets, liabilities and expense.

Cash Equivalents and Cash Flows

Cash and cash equivalents include cash and due from banks, federal funds sold and interest bearing due from banks as segregated in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The following supplemental cash flow information addresses certain cash payments and noncash transactions for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2017 as follows:

(In thousands)

 

Years ended December 31,

 
  

2017

  

2016

  

2015

 

Cash payments:

            

Income tax payments

 $15,838  $12,860  $13,831 

Cash paid for interest

  7,158   4,901   4,856 

Non-cash transactions:

            

Transfers from loans to other real estate owned

 $  $1,916  $1,146 

Securities

All of Bancorp’s investments are available-for-sale. Securities available-for-sale include securities that may be sold in response to changes in interest rates, resultant prepayment risk and other factors related to interest rate and prepayment risk changes. Securities available-for-sale are carried at fair value with unrealized gains or losses, net of tax effect, included in stockholders’ equity. Amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts are recorded using the interest method over the expected life of the security. Gains or losses on sales of securities are computed on a specific identification basis.  Declines in fair value of investment securities available-for-sale (with certain exceptions for debt securities noted below) that are deemed to be other-than-temporary are charged to earnings as a realized loss, and a new cost basis for the securities is established. In evaluating other-than-temporary impairment, management considers the length of time and extent to which fair value has been less than cost, financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, and the intent and ability of Bancorp to retain its investment in the issuer for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value in the near term. Declines in fair value of debt securities below amortized cost are deemed to be other-than-temporary in circumstances where: (1) Bancorp has the intent to sell a security; (2) it is more likely than not that Bancorp will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis; or (3) Bancorp does not expect to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the security. If Bancorp intends to sell a security or if it is more likely than not that Bancorp will be required to sell the security before recovery, an other-than-temporary impairment write-down is recognized in earnings equal to the difference between the security’s amortized cost basis and its fair value. If Bancorp does not intend to sell the security or it is not more likely than not that it will be required to sell the security before recovery, the other-than-temporary impairment write-down is separated into an amount representing credit loss, which is recognized in earnings, and an amount related to all other factors, which is recognized in other comprehensive income. Declines in value judged to be other-than-temporary are included in other non-interest expense in the consolidated statements of income. See Note 4 to Bancorp’s consolidated financial statements for additional information on investment securities.

Mortgage Loans Held for Sale

Mortgage loans held for sale are initially recorded at the lower of cost or market value on an individual loan basis. The sales prices of all of these loans are covered by investor commitments.

Loans

Loans are stated at the unpaid principal balance plus deferred loan origination fees, net of deferred loan costs. Loan fees, net of any costs, are deferred and amortized over the life of the related loan on an effective yield basis.  Interest income on loans is recorded on the accrual basis except for those loans in a non-accrual income status. Loans are placed in a non-accrual income status when prospects for recovering both principal and accrued interest are considered doubtful or when a default of principal or interest has existed for 90 days or more unless such loan is well secured and in the process of collection. When a loan is placed on non-accrual status, any interest previously accrued but not yet collected is reversed against current income. No interest income is recorded while a loan is on non-accrual until principal has been fully collected. Non-accrual loans may be returned to accrual status once prospects for recovering both principal and accrued interest are reasonably assured. Loans are accounted for as troubled debt restructurings (TDRs) when Bancorp, for economic or legal reasons related to the debtor’s financial difficulties, grants a concession to the debtor that it would not otherwise consider. If a loan is restructured at a market rate for a new loan with comparable risk, no principal forgiveness has been granted, and the loan is not impaired based on the terms specified by the restructuring agreement, it shall be removed from TDR status generally after six months of performance.

Loans are classified as impaired when it is probable Bancorp will be unable to collect interest and principal according to the terms of the loan agreement. These loans are measured based on the present value of future cash flows discounted at the loans’ effective interest rate or at the estimated fair value of the loans’ collateral, if applicable. Impaired loans consist of loans in non-accrual status and loans accounted for as troubled debt restructuring.

Allowance for Loan Losses

 

The allowance for loan losses is management’s estimate of probable losses inherent in the loan portfolio as of the balance sheet date. Loan losses are charged against the allowance when management believes the uncollectibility of a loan balance is confirmed. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance.

 

Bancorp’s allowance methodology is driven by risk ratings, historical losses, and qualitative factors. Assumptions include many factors such as changes in borrowers’ financial condition or historical loss ratios related to certain loan portfolios which may or may not be indicative of future losses. To the extent that management’s assumptions prove incorrect, the results from operations could be materially affected by a higher or lower provision for loan losses. In the first quarter of 2017, Bancorp extended the historical period used to capture Bancorp’s historical loss ratios from 24 quarters to 28 quarters. This extension of the historical period used to capture Bancorp’s historical loss ratios was applied to all classes and segments of our loan portfolio. The expansion of the look-back period for the quantitative historical loss rate caused us to review the overall methodology for the qualitative factors to ensure we were appropriately capturing the risk not addressed in the quantitative historical loss rate. The effect of the extension of the look-back period to 28 quarters resulted in a net decrease to the calculated quantitative portion of the allowance, but this was more than offset by an increase to the qualitative factors. The net impact of the extension of the look-back period was an increase in the allowance during the first quarter of 2017 of approximately $474 thousand. The change in methodology was consistent with management’s judgment regarding the risk in the loan portfolio and consistent with internal analysis showing continued strong asset quality not only in the Company’s loan portfolio, but the Bank’s peer group as well, validating the continuation of the current economic cycle and thus the reasoning to extend the look-back period. Management believes the extension of the look-back period is appropriate to capture the impact of a full economic cycle and provides sufficient loss observations to develop a reliable estimate. Management will continue to evaluate the appropriateness of the look-back period based on the status of the economic cycle.

 

 

Bancorp’s allowance calculation includes allocations to loan portfolio segments for qualitative factors including, among other factors, local economic and business conditions, the quality and experience of lending staff and management, exceptions to lending policies, levels of and trends in past due loans and loan classifications, concentrations of credit such as collateral type, trends in portfolio growth, trends in the value of underlying collateral for collateral-dependent loans, effect of other external factors such as the national economic and business trends, and the quality and depth of the loan review function. Bancorp utilizes the sum of all allowance amounts derived as described above as the appropriate level of allowance for loan and lease losses. Changes in the criteria used in this evaluation or the availability of new information could cause the allowance to be increased or decreased in future periods.

 

Based on this quantitative and qualitative analysis, provisions (reductions) are made to the allowance for loan losses.  Such provisions (reductions) are reflected as a charge against (benefit to) current earnings in Bancorp’s consolidated statements of income.

 

The adequacy of the allowance for loan losses is monitored by executive management and reported quarterly to the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors. This committee has approved the overall methodology. Various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the adequacy of Bancorp’s allowance for loan losses. Such agencies may require Bancorp to make additional provisions to the allowance based upon their judgments about information available to them at the time of their examinations.

 

The accounting policy related to the allowance for loan losses is applicable to the commercial banking segment of Bancorp. 

 

Acquired loans

 

Bancorp acquired loans in 2013 as part of the acquisition referenced in Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements. Acquired loans were initially recorded at their acquisition date fair values. Credit losses in the loans are included in the determination of the fair value of the loans at the acquisition date. Fair values for acquired loans were based on a discounted cash flow methodology that involves assumptions and judgments as to credit risk, default rates, loss severity, collateral values, discount rates, payment speeds, prepayment risk, and liquidity risk at the time of acquisition.

 

Acquired loans that had evidence of deterioration in credit quality since origination and for which it was probable, at acquisition, that Bancorp would be unable to collect all contractually required payments were specifically identified and analyzed. The excess of cash flows expected at acquisition over the estimated fair value is referred to as accretable discount and is recognized as interest income over the remaining life of the loan. The difference between contractually required payments at acquisition and the cash flows expected to be collected at acquisition is referred to as non-accretable discount. Subsequent decreases to the expected cash flows require Bancorp to evaluate the need for an allowance for loan losses on these loans. Charge-offs of the principal amount on credit-impaired acquired loans would be first applied to non-accretable discount. Periodically the loans are re-evaluated to determine if subsequent credit deterioration has occurred or if cash flow expectations have improved. Based upon the evaluation loans may be reclassified between the accretable and non-accretable categories.

 

For acquired loans that are not deemed impaired at acquisition, the methods used to estimate the required allowance for loan losses for acquired loans is the same for originated loans except that any initial fair value adjustment is taken into consideration when calculating any required allowance.

 

Premises and Equipment

 

Premises and equipment are carried at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation of premises and equipment is computed using straight-line methods over the estimated useful lives of the assets ranging from 3 to 40 years. Leasehold improvements are amortized on the straight-line method over the terms of the related leases, including expected renewals, or over the useful lives of the improvements, whichever is shorter. Maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred while major additions and improvements are capitalized.

 

 

Other Assets

 

Bank-owned life insurance (“BOLI”) is carried at net realizable value, which considers any applicable surrender charges. Also, Bancorp maintains life insurance policies in conjunction with its non-qualified defined benefit and non-qualified compensation plans.

 

Other real estate is carried at the lower of cost or estimated fair value minus estimated selling costs. Any write downs to fair value at the date of acquisition are charged to the allowance for loan losses. In certain situations, improvements to prepare assets for sale are capitalized if those costs increase the estimated fair value of the asset. Expenses incurred in maintaining assets, write downs to reflect subsequent declines in value, and realized gains or losses are reflected in operations and are included in non-interest income and expense.

 

Mortgage servicing rights (MSRs) are amortized in proportion to and over the period of estimated net servicing income, considering appropriate prepayment assumptions. MSRs are evaluated quarterly for impairment by comparing the carrying value to fair value.

 

Goodwill is measured and evaluated at least annually for impairment. No impairment charges have been deemed necessary or recorded to date, as the fair value is substantially in excess of the carrying value.

 

Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase

 

Bancorp enters into sales of securities under agreement to repurchase. Such repurchase agreements are considered financing agreements, and mature within one business day from the transaction date. Accordingly, the obligation to repurchase assets sold is reflected as a liability in the consolidated balance sheets of Bancorp.  Repurchase agreements are collateralized by debt securities which are owned and under the control of Bancorp. These agreements are used in conjunction with collateralized corporate customer cash management accounts.

 

Income Taxes

 

Bancorp accounts for income taxes using the asset and liability method. The objective of the asset and liability method is to establish deferred tax assets and liabilities for temporary differences between the financial reporting and the tax bases of Bancorp’s assets and liabilities at enacted tax rates expected to be in effect when such amounts are realized or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in the statement of income in the period that includes the enactment date. These balances were previously recorded using a 35% Federal marginal tax rate. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was enacted on December 22, 2017 requiring an immediate recalculation of Bancorp’s net deferred tax asset. The remeasurement was made using the 21% Federal marginal tax rate which became effective January 1, 2018, and resulted in $5.9 million of additional income tax expense in the fourth quarter of 2017.

 

Bancorp periodically invests in certain partnerships with customers that yield historic tax credits, which are accounted for using the flow through method, which approximates the equity method, and/or low-income housing tax credits as well as tax deductible losses, which are accounted for using the effective yield method for older transactions or proportional amortization method for more recent transactions. The tax benefit of these investments exceeds amortization/impairment expense associated with them, resulting in a positive impact on net income.

 

Realization of deferred tax assets associated with the investment in partnerships is dependent upon generating sufficient taxable capital gain income prior to their expiration. A valuation allowance to reflect management’s estimate of the temporary deductible differences that may expire prior to their utilization has been recorded at year-end 2017 and 2016.

 

To the extent unrecognized income tax benefits become realized or the related accrued interest is no longer necessary, Bancorp’s provision for income taxes would be favorably impacted. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the gross amount of unrecognized tax benefits was $40 thousand, details of which are included in Note 8 to these consolidated financials. If recognized, the tax benefits would reduce tax expense and accordingly, increase net income. The amount of unrecognized tax benefits may increase or decrease in the future for various reasons including adding amounts for current tax year positions, expiration of open income tax returns due to statutes of limitation, changes in management’s judgment about the level of uncertainty, status of examination, litigation and legislative activity and the addition or elimination of uncertain tax positions. Stock Yards Bancorp, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiary file consolidated income tax returns in applicable jurisdictions.

 

Bancorp’s policy is to report interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the amount accrued for the potential payment of interest and penalties was immaterial.

 

 

Net Income Per Share

 

Basic net income per common share is determined by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding. Diluted net income per share is determined by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding plus the weighted average number of shares that would be issued upon exercise of dilutive options and stock appreciation rights, assuming proceeds are used to repurchase shares under the treasury stock method.

 

Comprehensive Income

 

Comprehensive income is defined as the change in equity (net assets) of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources.  For Bancorp, this includes net income, changes in unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale investment securities and cash flow hedging instruments, net of reclassification adjustments and taxes, and minimum pension liability adjustments, net of taxes.

 

Segment Information

 

Bancorp provides a broad range of financial services to individuals, corporations and others through its 37 full service banking locations as of December 31, 2017.  These services include loan and deposit services, cash management services, securities brokerage activities, mortgage origination and wealth management and trust activities.  Bancorp’s operations are considered by management to be aggregated in two reportable operating segments: commercial banking and wealth management and trust.

 

Stock-Based Compensation

 

For all awards, stock-based compensation expense is recognized over the period in which it is earned based on the grant-date fair value of the portion of stock-based payment awards that are ultimately expected to vest, reduced for estimated forfeitures. US GAAP requires forfeitures to be estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates.

 

Derivatives

 

Bancorp uses derivative financial instruments as part of its interest rate risk management, including interest rate swaps. US GAAP establishes accounting and reporting standards for derivative instruments and hedging activities. As required by US GAAP, Bancorp’s interest rate swaps are recognized as other assets and liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet at fair value. Accounting for changes in the fair value of derivatives depends on the intended use of the derivative and the resulting designation. Derivatives used to hedge exposure to variability in expected future cash flows, or other types of forecasted transactions, are considered cash flow hedges. To qualify for hedge accounting, Bancorp must comply with detailed rules and documentation requirements at inception of the hedge, and hedge effectiveness is assessed at inception and periodically throughout the life of each hedging relationship. Hedge ineffectiveness, if any, is measured periodically throughout the life of the hedging relationship.

 

For derivatives designated as cash flow hedges, the effective portion of changes in fair value of the derivative is initially reported in other comprehensive income and subsequently reclassified to interest income or expense when the hedged transaction affects earnings, while the ineffective portion of changes in fair value of derivative, if any, is recognized immediately in other noninterest income. Bancorp assesses effectiveness of each hedging relationship by comparing the cumulative changes in cash flows of the derivative hedging instrument with the cumulative changes in cash flows of the designated hedged item or transaction. No component of the change in the fair value of the hedging instrument is excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness.

 

Periodically, Bancorp enters into an interest rate swap transaction with a borrower, who desires to hedge exposure to rising interest rates, while at the same time entering into an offsetting interest rate swap, with substantially matching terms, with another approved independent counterparty. Because of matching terms of offsetting contracts and the collateral provisions mitigating any non-performance risk, changes in fair value subsequent to initial recognition have an insignificant effect on earnings. Because these derivative instruments have not been designated as hedging instruments, the derivative instruments are recognized on the consolidated balance sheet at fair value, with changes in fair value, due to changes in prevailing interest rates, recorded in other noninterest income.

 

 

Bancorp had no fair value hedging relationships at December 31, 2017 or 2016. Bancorp does not use derivatives for trading or speculative purposes. See Note 22 to the consolidated financial statements for more information regarding derivatives.

 

 

(2) Restrictions on Cash and Due from Banks

 

Bancorp is required to maintain an average reserve balance in cash or with the Federal Reserve Bank relating to customer deposits. The amount of those required reserve balances was approximately $8,071,000 and $6,338,000 at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and is included in federal funds sold and interest bearing due from banks in the consolidated balance sheet.

 

 

(3) Acquisition

 

In 2013, Bancorp completed the acquisition of 100% of the outstanding shares of THE BANCorp, Inc. (“Oldham”), parent company of THE BANK – Oldham County, Inc. The transaction was accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting and, accordingly, assets acquired, liabilities assumed and consideration transferred were recorded at estimated fair value on the acquisition date. Bancorp recorded a core deposit intangible of $2.5 million which is being amortized using methods that anticipate the life of the underlying deposits to which the intangible is attributable. At December 31, 2017, the unamortized core deposit intangible was $1.2 million. See Note 7 for details on the core deposit intangible.

 

 

(4) Securities

 

All of Bancorp’s securities are available-for-sale. The amortized cost, unrealized gains and losses, and fair value of these securities follow:

 

(In thousands)

 

Amortized

  

Unrealized

  

Fair

 

December 31, 2017

 cost  

Gains

  

Losses

  value 
                 

U.S. Treasury and other U.S. government obligations

 $149,996  $  $(12) $149,984 

Government sponsored enterprise obligations

  214,852   474   (1,482)  213,844 

Mortgage-backed securities - government agencies

  163,571   383   (2,447)  161,507 

Obligations of states and political subdivisions

  48,987   365   (163)  49,189 
                 

Total securities available-for-sale

 $577,406  $1,222  $(4,104) $574,524 

 

(In thousands)

 

Amortized

  

Unrealized

  

Fair

 

December 31, 2016

 cost  

Gains

  

Losses

  value 

U.S. Treasury and other U.S. government obligations

 $74,997  $1  $  $74,998 

Government sponsored enterprise obligations

  268,784   800   (1,494)  268,090 

Mortgage-backed securities - government agencies

  170,344   735   (2,236)  168,843 

Obligations of states and political subdivisions

  57,158   682   (396)  57,444 

Corporate equity securities

  653   46      699 
                 

Total securities available-for-sale

 $571,936  $2,264  $(4,126) $570,074 

 

Corporate equity securities, included in the available-for-sale portfolio at December 31, 2016, consisted of common stock in a publicly-traded small business investment company. Bancorp sold this security in 2017 for a loss of $263 thousand. One security was called prior to maturity in the third quarter of 2017 resulting in the receipt of a $31 thousand pre-payment penalty. The penalty income was classified as a realized gain on the call of available for sale securities. In 2016, Bancorp did not sell any securities. In 2015 Bancorp sold securities with total fair market value of $5.9 million, generating no gain or loss. These securities consisted of agency and mortgage-backed securities with small remaining balances. Sales were made in the ordinary course of portfolio management. Management has the intent and ability to hold all remaining investment securities available-for-sale for the foreseeable future.

 

 

A summary of the securities available-for-sale by maturity as of December 31, 2017 is shown below.

 

(In thousands)      

Securities available-for-sale

 

Amortized cost

  

Fair value

 
         

Due within 1 year

 $187,792  $187,775 

Due after 1 but within 5 years

  97,119   96,441 

Due after 5 but within 10 years

  13,807   13,687 

Due after 10 years

  115,117   115,114 

Mortgage-backed securities - government agencies

  163,571   161,507 
         

Total securities available for sale

 $577,406  $574,524 

 

Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because some issuers have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. The investment portfolio includes agency mortgage-backed securities, which are guaranteed by agencies such as the FHLMC, FNMA, and GNMA. These securities differ from traditional debt securities primarily in that they may have uncertain principal payment dates and are priced based on estimated prepayment rates on the underlying collateral.

 

Securities with a carrying value of $384.7 million and $380.4 million were pledged at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, to secure accounts of commercial depositors in cash management accounts, public deposits, and uninsured cash balances for wealth management and trust accounts.

 

At December 31, 2017 and 2016, there were no holdings of securities of any one issuer, other than the U.S. Government and its agencies, in an amount greater than 10% of stockholders’ equity.

 

Securities with unrealized losses not recognized in the statements of income are as follows:

 

(In thousands)

 

Less than 12 months

  

12 months or more

  

Total

 
  

Fair

  

Unrealized

  

Fair

  

Unrealized

  

Fair

  

Unrealized

 

December 31, 2017

 

value

  

losses

  

value

  

losses

  

value

  

losses

 
   ��                     

U.S. Treasury and U.S. obligations

 $149,984  $(12) $  $  $149,984  $(12)

Government sponsored enterprise obligations

  95,139   (586)  49,870   (896)  145,009   (1,482)

Mortgage-backed securities - government agencies

  69,290   (440)  67,047   (2,007)  136,337   (2,447)

Obligations of states and political subdivisions

  22,366   (107)  5,064   (56)  27,430   (163)
                         

Total temporarily impaired securities

 $336,779  $(1,145) $121,981  $(2,959) $458,760  $(4,104)
                         

December 31, 2016

                        

Government sponsored enterprise obligations

 $154,951  $(1,344) $3,485  $(150) $158,436  $(1,494)

Mortgage-backed securities - government agencies

  115,374   (1,873)  9,914   (363)  125,288   (2,236)

Obligations of states and political subdivisions

  29,893   (380)  1,478   (16)  31,371   (396)
                         

Total temporarily impaired securities

 $300,218  $(3,597) $14,877  $(529) $315,095  $(4,126)

 

The applicable dates for determining when securities are in an unrealized loss position are December 31, 2017 and 2016. As such, it is possible that a security had a market value lower than its amortized cost on other days during the past twelve months, but is not in the “Investments with an unrealized loss of less than 12 months” category above.

 

 

Unrealized losses on Bancorp’s investment securities portfolio have not been recognized as expense because the securities are of high credit quality, and the decline in fair values is due to changes in the prevailing interest rate environment since the purchase date. Fair value is expected to recover as securities reach their maturity date and/or the interest rate environment returns to conditions similar to when these securities were purchased. Because management does not intend to sell the investments, and it is not likely that Bancorp will be required to sell the investments before recovery of their amortized cost bases, which may be maturity, Bancorp does not consider these securities to be other-than-temporarily impaired at December 31, 2017.

 

FHLB stock and other securities are investments held by Bancorp which are not readily marketable and are carried at cost. This category consists of holdings of Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati (“FHLB”) stock which are required for access to FHLB borrowing, and are classified as restricted securities.

 

 

(5) Loans

 

The composition of loans by primary loan portfolio class follows:

 

  

December 31,

 

(In thousands)

 

2017

  

2016

 

Commercial and industrial

 $779,014  $736,841 

Construction and development, excluding undeveloped land

  195,912   192,348 

Undeveloped land

  18,988   21,496 
         

Real estate mortgage:

        

Commercial investment

  594,902   538,886 

Owner occupied commercial

  398,685   408,292 

1-4 family residential

  262,110   249,498 

Home equity - first lien

  57,110   55,325 

Home equity - junior lien

  63,981   67,519 
         

Subtotal: Real estate mortgage

  1,376,788   1,319,520 
         

Consumer

  38,868   35,170 
         

Total loans

 $2,409,570  $2,305,375 

 

Fees and costs of originating loans are deferred at origination and amortized over the life of the loan. Loan balances reported herein include deferred loan origination fees, net of deferred loan costs. At December 31, 2017 and 2016, net deferred loan origination costs exceeded deferred loan origination fees, resulting in net negative balances of $600 thousand and $459 thousand, respectively. The higher net balance at December 31, 2017, as compared to the same point in 2016, is primarily due to a reduction in origination fees attributed to lower loan volume, as well as increased costs arising from increases in salaries and benefits expenses.

 

Bancorp’s credit exposure is diversified with secured and unsecured loans to individuals and businesses. No specific industry concentration exceeds ten percent of loans. While Bancorp has a diversified loan portfolio, a customer’s ability to honor contracts is somewhat dependent upon the economic stability and/or industry in which that customer does business. Loans outstanding and related unfunded commitments are primarily concentrated within Bancorp’s current market areas, which encompass the Louisville, Indianapolis and Cincinnati metropolitan markets.

 

Bancorp occasionally enters into loan participation agreements with other banks in the ordinary course of business to diversify credit risk. For certain sold participation loans, Bancorp has retained effective control of the loans, typically by restricting the participating institutions from pledging or selling their share of the loan without permission from Bancorp. US GAAP requires the participated portion of these loans to be recorded as secured borrowings. The participated portions of these loans are included in the commercial and industrial loan (C&I) totals above, and a corresponding liability is reflected in other liabilities. At December 31, 2017 and 2016, the total participated portions of loans of this nature were $18.2 million and $15.8 million respectively.

 

 

Loans to directors and their associates, including loans to companies for which directors are principal owners and executive officers are presented in the following table.

 

(In thousands)

 

Year ended December 31,

 

Loans to directors and executive officers

 

2017

  

2016

 

Balance as of January 1

 $969  $866 

New loans

      

Repayment of term loans

  (175)  (340)

Changes in balances of revolving lines of credit

  (165)  443 

Balance as of December 31

 $629  $969 

 

None of the loans to directors and executive officers were past due or considered potential problem loans during 2017 or 2016.

 

The following tables present balances in the recorded investment in loans and allowance for loan losses by portfolio segment and based on impairment evaluation method as of December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015.

 

(In thousands)

 

Type of loan

     
      

Construction

                 
      

and development

                 
  

Commercial

  

excluding

                 
  

and

  

undeveloped

  

Undeveloped

  

Real estate

         

December 31, 2017

 

industrial

  

land

  

land

  

mortgage

  

Consumer

  

Total

 
                         

Loans

 $779,014  $195,912  $18,988  $1,376,788  $38,868  $2,409,570 
                         

Loans individually evaluated for impairment

 $1,176  $664  $474  $5,066  $  $7,380 
                         

Loans collectively evaluated for impairment

 $777,838  $195,248  $18,514  $1,371,246  $38,868  $2,401,714 
                         

Loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality

 $  $  $  $476  $  $476 

 

      

Construction

                 
      

and development

                 
  

Commercial

  

excluding

                 
  

and

  

undeveloped

  

Undeveloped

  

Real estate

         
  

industrial

  

land

  

land

  

mortgage

  

Consumer

  

Total

 

Allowance for loan losses

                        

At December 31, 2016

 $10,483  $1,923  $684  $10,573  $344  $24,007 

Provision (credit)

  2,373   (199)  (163)  383   156   2,550 

Charge-offs

  (1,782)        (98)  (549)  (2,429)

Recoveries

  202         154   401   757 

At December 31, 2017

 $11,276  $1,724  $521  $11,012  $352  $24,885 
                         

Allowance for loans individually evaluated for impairment

 $34  $  $  $14  $  $48 
                         

Allowance for loans collectively evaluated for impairment

 $11,242  $1,724  $521  $10,998  $352  $24,837 
                         

Allowance for loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality

 $  $  $  $  $  $ 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

Type of loan

     
      

Construction

                 
      

and development

                 
  

Commercial

  

excluding

                 
  

and

  

undeveloped

  

Undeveloped

  

Real estate

         

December 31, 2016

 

industrial

  

land

  

land

  

mortgage

  

Consumer

  

Total

 

Loans

 $736,841  $192,348  $21,496  $1,319,520  $35,170  $2,305,375 
                         

Loans individually evaluated for impairment

 $2,682  $538  $474  $2,516  $59  $6,269 
                         

Loans collectively evaluated for impairment

 $734,139  $191,810  $21,022  $1,316,400  $35,111  $2,298,482 
                         

Loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality

 $20  $  $  $604  $  $624 

 

      

Construction

                 
      

and development

                 
  

Commercial

  

excluding

                 
  

and

  

undeveloped

  

Undeveloped

  

Real estate

         
  

industrial

  

land

  

land

  

mortgage

  

Consumer

  

Total

 

Allowance for loan losses

                        

At December 31, 2015

 $8,645  $1,760  $814  $10,875  $347  $22,441 

Provision (credit)

  2,775   275   (130)  (68)  148   3,000 

Charge-offs

  (1,216)  (133)     (576)  (568)  (2,493)

Recoveries

  279   21      342   417   1,059 

At December 31, 2016

 $10,483  $1,923  $684  $10,573  $344  $24,007 
                         

Allowance for loans individually evaluated for impairment

 $1,207  $  $1  $  $59  $1,267 
                         

Allowance for loans collectively evaluated for impairment

 $9,276  $1,923  $683  $10,573  $285  $22,740 
                         

Allowance for loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality

 $  $  $  $  $  $ 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

Type of loan

     
      

Construction

                 
      

and development

                 
  

Commercial

  

excluding

                 
  

and

  

undeveloped

  

Undeveloped

  

Real estate

         

December 31, 2015

 

industrial

  

land

  

land

  

mortgage

  

Consumer

  

Total

 

Loans

 $644,398  $134,482  $21,185  $1,197,411  $35,531  $2,033,007 
                         

Loans individually evaluated for impairment

 $4,635  $  $  $4,050  $68  $8,753 
                         

Loans collectively evaluated for impairment

 $639,760  $134,160  $21,185  $1,192,864  $35,463  $2,023,432 
                         

Loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality

 $3  $322  $  $497  $  $822 

 

      

Construction

                 
      

and development

                 
  

Commercial

  

excluding

                 
  

and

  

undeveloped

  

Undeveloped

  

Real estate

         
  

industrial

  

land

  

land

  

mortgage

  

Consumer

  

Total

 

Allowance for loan losses

                        

At December 31, 2014

 $11,819  $721  $1,545  $10,541  $294  $24,920 

Provision (credit)

  793   1,065   (2,131)  872   151   750 

Charge-offs

  (4,065)  (26)     (693)  (597)  (5,381)

Recoveries

  98      1,400   155   499   2,152 

At December 31, 2015

 $8,645  $1,760  $814  $10,875  $347  $22,441 
                         

Allowance for loans individually evaluated for impairment

 $268  $  $  $208  $68  $544 
                         

Allowance for loans collectively evaluated for impairment

 $8,377  $1,760  $814  $10,667  $279  $21,897 
                         

Allowance for loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality

 $  $  $  $  $  $ 

 

 

The considerations by Bancorp in computing its allowance for loan losses are determined based on the various risk characteristics of each loan segment. Relevant risk characteristics are as follows:

 

 

Commercial and industrial loans: Loans in this category are made to businesses. Generally these loans are secured by assets of the business and repayment is expected from cash flows of the business. A decline in the strength of the business or a weakened economy and resultant decreased consumer and/or business spending may have a negative effect on credit quality in this loan category.

 

 

Construction and development, excluding undeveloped land: Loans in this category primarily include owner-occupied and investment construction loans and commercial development projects. In most cases, construction loans require only interest to be paid during construction. Upon completion or stabilization, the construction loan may convert to permanent financing in the real estate mortgage segment, requiring principal amortization. Repayment of development loans is derived from sale of lots or units including any pre-sold units. Credit risk is affected by construction delays, cost overruns, market conditions and availability of permanent financing, to the extent such permanent financing is not being provided by Bancorp.

 

 

Undeveloped land: Loans in this category are secured by land acquired for development by the borrower, but for which no development has yet taken place. Credit risk is primarily dependent upon financial strength of the borrower, but can also be affected by market conditions and time to sell lots at an adequate price. Credit risk is also affected by availability of permanent financing, including to the end user, to the extent such permanent financing is not being provided by Bancorp.

 

 

 

Real estate mortgage: Loans in this category are made to and secured by owner-occupied residential real estate, owner-occupied real estate used for business purposes, and income-producing investment properties. For owner-occupied residential and owner-occupied commercial real estate, repayment is dependent on financial strength of the borrower. For income-producing investment properties, repayment is dependent on financial strength of both the tenants and the borrower. Underlying properties are generally located in Bancorp’s primary market area. Cash flows of income producing investment properties may be adversely impacted by a downturn in the economy as reflected in increased vacancy rates, which in turn, will have an effect on credit quality and property values. Overall health of the economy, including unemployment rates and real estate prices, has an effect on credit quality in this loan category.

 

 

Consumer: Loans in this category may be either secured or unsecured and repayment is dependent on credit quality of the individual borrower and, if applicable, adequacy of collateral securing the loan. Therefore, overall health of the economy, including unemployment rates, as well as home and securities prices, will have a significant effect on credit quality in this loan category.

 

Bancorp had loans that were acquired in a 2013 acquisition, for which there was, at acquisition, evidence of deterioration of credit quality since origination and for which it was probable, at acquisition, that all contractually required payments would not be collected. 15 of those 19 loans originally identified as such have subsequently paid off with full collection of all principal and interest owed. The remaining four loans were re-evaluated in 2017 and based upon performance to date and the expectation that all cash flow will be consistent with the contractual terms, the remaining loans were re-classified into the accretable category with the remaining credit discount to be amortized into income over the remaining lives of the loans. The carrying amount of those loans is included in the balance sheet amounts for total loans at December 31, 2017 and 2016. Changes in the interest component of the fair value adjustment for acquired impaired loans for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017 are shown in the following table:

 

(In thousands)

 

Accretable

discount

  

Non-

accretable

discount

 

Balance at December 31, 2015

 $3  $189 

Accretion

  (3)  (41)

Reclassifications from (to) non-accretable difference

      

Disposals

      

Balance at December 31, 2016

     148 
         

Accretion

     (43)

Reclassifications from (to) non-accretable difference

  105   (105)

Disposals

        

Balance at December 31, 2017

 $105  $ 

 

Accretion in the non-accretable discount column represents accretion recorded upon payoff of loans.

 

The following tables present loans individually evaluated for impairment as of December 31, 2017 and 2016.

 

 

(In thousands)

     

Unpaid

      

Average

 
  

Recorded

  

principal

  

Related

  

recorded

 

December 31, 2017

 

investment

  

balance

  

allowance

  

investment

 
                 

Loans with no related allowance recorded:

                

Commercial and industrial

 $1,142  $2,202  $  $411 

Construction and development, excluding undeveloped land

  664   834      559 

Undeveloped land

  474   506      425 
                 

Real estate mortgage

                

Commercial investment

  52   53      110 

Owner occupied commercial

  3,332   3,789      1,678 

1-4 family residential

  1,637   1,657      935 

Home equity - first lien

            

Home equity - junior lien

  31   31      186 

Subtotal: Real estate mortgage

  5,052   5,530      2,909 
                 

Consumer

            

Subtotal

 $7,332  $9,072  $  $4,304 
                 

Loans with an allowance recorded:

                

Commercial and industrial

 $34  $34  $34  $1,882 

Construction and development, excluding undeveloped land

               

Undeveloped land

             48 
                 

Real estate mortgage

                

Commercial investment

            

Owner occupied commercial

            

1-4 family residential

  14   14   14   5 

Home equity - first lien

            

Home equity - junior lien

            

Subtotal: Real estate mortgage

  14   14   14   5 
                 

Consumer

           46 

Subtotal

 $48  $48  $48  $1,981 
                 

Total:

                

Commercial and industrial

 $1,176  $2,236  $34  $2,293 

Construction and development, excluding undeveloped land

  664   834      559 

Undeveloped land

  474   506      473 
                 

Real estate mortgage

                

Commercial investment

  52   53      110 

Owner occupied commercial

  3,332   3,789      1,678 

1-4 family residential

  1,651   1,671   14   940 

Home equity - first lien

            

Home equity - junior lien

  31   31      186 

Subtotal: Real estate mortgage

  5,066   5,544   14   2,914 
                 

Consumer

           46 

Total

 $7,380  $9,120  $48  $6,285 

 

 

(In thousands)

     

Unpaid

      

Average

 
  

Recorded

  

principal

  

Related

  

recorded

 

December 31, 2016

 

investment

  

balance

  

allowance

  

investment

 
                 

Loans with no related allowance recorded:

                

Commercial and industrial

 $322  $465  $  $1,947 

Construction and development, excluding undeveloped land

  538   708      108 

Undeveloped land

  233   265      76 
                 

Real estate mortgage

                

Commercial investment

  107   107      193 

Owner occupied commercial

  1,042   1,479      1,356 

1-4 family residential

  984   985      980 

Home equity - first lien

           3 

Home equity - junior lien

  383   383      315 

Subtotal: Real estate mortgage

  2,516   2,954      2,847 
                 

Consumer

           18 

Subtotal

 $3,609  $4,392  $  $4,996 
                 

Loans with an allowance recorded:

                

Commercial and industrial

 $2,360  $2,835  $1,207  $1,619 

Construction and development, excluding undeveloped land

           182 

Undeveloped land

  241   241   1   149 
                 

Real estate mortgage

                

Commercial investment

            

Owner occupied commercial

           554 

1-4 family residential

            

Home equity - first lien

            

Home equity - junior lien

            

Subtotal: Real estate mortgage

           554 
                 

Consumer

  59   59   59   63 

Subtotal

 $2,660  $3,135  $1,267  $2,567 
                 

Total:

                

Commercial and industrial

 $2,682  $3,300  $1,207  $3,566 

Construction and development, excluding undeveloped land

  538   708      290 

Undeveloped land

  474   506   1   225 
                 

Real estate mortgage

            

Commercial investment

  107   107      193 

Owner occupied commercial

  1,042   1,479      1,910 

1-4 family residential

  984   985      980 

Home equity - first lien

           3 

Home equity - junior lien

  383   383      315 

Subtotal: Real estate mortgage

  2,516   2,954      3,401 
                 

Consumer

  59   59   59   81 

Total

 $6,269  $7,527  $1,267  $7,563 

 

 

Differences between recorded investment amounts and unpaid principal balance amounts less related allowance are due to partial charge-offs which have occurred over the life of loans and fair value adjustments recorded for loans acquired.

 

Interest paid on impaired or non-accrual loans that was used to reduce principal was $338 thousand, $307 thousand and $521 thousand in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.  Interest income that would have been recorded if non-accrual loans were on a current basis in accordance with their original terms was $159 thousand, $149 thousand and $465 thousand in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

 

Impaired loans include non-accrual loans and loans accounted for as troubled debt restructurings (TDRs), which continue to accrue interest. Non-performing loans include the balance of impaired loans plus any loans over 90 days past due and still accruing interest.  Loans past due more than 90 days or more and still accruing interest amounted to $2 thousand and $438 thousand at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

 

The following table presents the recorded investment in non-accrual loans as of December 31, 2017 and 2016.

 

  

December 31,

 

(In thousands)

 

2017

  

2016

 
         

Commercial and industrial

 $321  $1,767 

Construction and development, excluding undeveloped land

  664   538 

Undeveloped land

  474   474 
         

Real estate mortgage

        

Commercial investment

  52   107 

Owner occupied commercial

  3,332   1,042 

1-4 family residential

  1,637   984 

Home equity - first lien

      

Home equity - junior lien

  31   383 

Subtotal: Real estate mortgage

  5,052   2,516 
         

Consumer

      
         

Total

 $6,511  $5,295 

 

In the course of working with borrowers, Bancorp may elect to restructure the contractual terms of certain loans. A troubled debt restructuring (TDRs) occurs when, for economic or legal reasons related to a borrower’s financial difficulties, Bancorp grants a concession to the borrower that it would not otherwise consider. Bancorp had $869 thousand and $974 thousand of accruing loans classified as TDRs, at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Two loans were designated as TDRs during 2017. A commercial loan with a pre- and post-modification recorded investment of $39 thousand was given a payment concession so as to enable the borrower to fulfill the loan agreement. A 1-4 family residential loan with a pre-modification recorded investment of $12 thousand was renewed with interest capitalized resulting in a post-modification recorded investment of $14 thousand. Specific reserves for the full amounts of both loans were established. Two other commercial loans were considered TDRs as of December 31, 2017. Loans reported in 2016 as TDRs consisted of two commercial loans, to a single borrower, and one consumer loan. Bancorp did not identify and report any additional loans as TDRs during the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015. No loans classified as TDRs in 2015, 2016 or 2017 subsequently defaulted within 12 months.

 

Loans accounted for as TDRs are individually evaluated for impairment. At December 31, 2017 loans reported as TDRs had a total allowance allocation of $48 thousand, compared to $207 thousand at December 31, 2016. At December 31, 2017 and 2016, Bancorp had no outstanding commitments to lend additional funds to borrowers whose loans have been classified as TDRs. As of December 31, 2017 formal foreclosure proceedings were in process on two loans with a total recorded investment of $62 thousand.

 

 

The following table presents the aging of the recorded investment in loans as of December 31, 2017 and 2016.

 

                          

Recorded

 

(In thousands)

             

90 or more

          

investment

 
              

days past

          

> 90 days

 
      

30-59 days

  

60-89 days

  

due (includes)

  

Total

  

Total

  

and

 

December 31, 2017

 

Current

  

past due

  

past due

  

non-accrual)

  

past due

  

loans

  

accruing

 
                             

Commercial and industrial

 $776,118  $2,571  $4  $321  $2,896  $779,014  $ 

Construction and development, excluding undeveloped land

  194,936      312   664   976   195,912    

Undeveloped land

  18,514         474   474   18,988    
                             

Real estate mortgage

                            

Commercial investment

  594,242   608      52   660   594,902    

Owner occupied Commercial

  394,623   455   275   3,332   4,062   398,685    

1-4 family residential

  259,994   172   307   1,637   2,116   262,110    

Home equity - first lien

  56,938   172         172   57,110    

Home equity - junior lien

  63,667   87   194   33   314   63,981   2 

Subtotal: Real estate mortgage

  1,369,464   1,494   776   5,054   7,324   1,376,788   2 
                             

Consumer

  38,699   86   83      169   38,868    
                             

Total

 $2,397,731  $4,151  $1,175  $6,513  $11,839  $2,409,570  $2 
                             

December 31, 2016

                            

Commercial and industrial

 $734,682  $84  $290  $1,785  $2,159  $736,841  $18 

Construction and development, excluding undeveloped land

  191,810         538   538   192,348    

Undeveloped land

  21,022         474   474   21,496    
                             

Real estate mortgage

                            

Commercial investment

  537,998   631   64   193   888   538,886   86 

Owner occupied commercial

  406,726   342      1,224   1,566   408,292   182 

1-4 family residential

  246,730   1,174   576   1,018   2,768   249,498   34 

Home equity - first lien

  55,027   231   21   46   298   55,325   46 

Home equity - junior lien

  66,911   99   126   383   608   67,519   72 

Subtotal: Real estate mortgage

  1,313,392   2,477   787   2,864   6,128   1,319,520   420 
                             

Consumer

  34,965   28   105   72   205   35,170    
                             

Total

 $2,295,871  $2,589  $1,182  $5,733  $9,504  $2,305,375  $438 

Recorded

(In thousands)

90 or more

investment

days past

> 90 days

30-59 days

60-89 days

due (includes)

Total

Total

and

December 31, 2017

Current

past due

past due

non-accrual)

past due

loans

accruing

Commercial and industrial

$776,118$2,571$4$321$2,896$779,014$

Construction and development, excluding undeveloped land

194,936312664976195,912

Undeveloped land

18,51447447418,988

Real estate mortgage

Commercial investment

594,24260852660594,902

Owner occupied Commercial

394,6234552753,3324,062398,685

1-4 family residential

259,9941723071,6372,116262,110

Home equity - first lien

56,93817217257,110

Home equity - junior lien

63,667871943331463,9812

Subtotal: Real estate mortgage

1,369,4641,4947765,0547,3241,376,7882

Consumer

38,699868316938,868

Total

$2,397,731$4,151$1,175$6,513$11,839$2,409,570$2

December 31, 2016

Commercial and industrial

$734,682$84$290$1,785$2,159$736,841$18

Construction and development, excluding undeveloped land

191,810538538192,348

Undeveloped land

21,02247447421,496

Real estate mortgage

Commercial investment

537,99863164193888538,88686

Owner occupied commercial

406,7263421,2241,566408,292182

1-4 family residential

246,7301,1745761,0182,768249,49834

Home equity - first lien

55,027231214629855,32546

Home equity - junior lien

66,9119912638360867,51972

Subtotal: Real estate mortgage

1,313,3922,4777872,8646,1281,319,520420

Consumer

34,965281057220535,170

Total

$2,295,871$2,589$1,182$5,733$9,504$2,305,375$438

 

 

Consistent with regulatory guidance, Bancorp categorizes loans into credit risk categories based on relevant information about the ability of borrowers to service their debt such as current financial information, historical payment experience, credit documentation, public information and current economic trends. Pass-rated loans include all risk-rated loans other than those classified as other assets especially mentioned, substandard, and doubtful, which are defined below:

 

 

Other assets especially mentioned (“OAEM”): Loans classified as OAEM have a potential weakness that deserves management’s close attention. These potential weaknesses may result in deterioration of repayment prospects for the loan or of Bancorp’s credit position at some future date.

 

 

Substandard: Loans classified as substandard are inadequately protected by the paying capacity of the obligor or of collateral pledged, if any. Loans so classified have well-defined weaknesses that may jeopardize repayment of the debt. Default is a distinct possibility if the deficiencies are not corrected.

 

 

Substandard non-performing: Loans classified as substandard non-performing have deteriorated beyond the characteristics of substandard loans and have been placed on non-accrual status or have been accounted for as troubled debt restructurings.

 

 

Doubtful: Loans classified as doubtful have all the weaknesses inherent in those classified as substandard, with the added characteristic that weaknesses make collection or repayment in full, on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions and values, highly questionable and improbable.

 

As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, internally assigned risk grades of loans by category were as follows:

 

(In thousands)

             

Substandard

      

Total

 

December 31, 2017

 

Pass

  

OAEM

  

Substandard

  

non-performing

  

Doubtful

  

loans

 
                         

Commercial and industrial

 $751,628  $12,032  $14,178  $1,176  $  $779,014 

Construction and development, excluding undeveloped land

  195,248         664      195,912 

Undeveloped land

  18,484      30   474      18,988 
                         

Real estate mortgage

                        

Commercial investment

  591,232   3,599   19   52      594,902 

Owner occupied commercial

  383,455   8,683   3,215   3,332      398,685 

1-4 family residential

  256,968   2,477   1,014   1,651      262,110 

Home equity - first lien

  57,110               57,110 

Home equity - junior lien

  63,471   247   230   33      63,981 

Subtotal: Real estate mortgage

  1,352,236   15,006   4,478   5,068      1,376,788 
                         

Consumer

  38,747   117   4         38,868 
                         

Total

 $2,356,343  $27,155  $18,690  $7,382  $  $2,409,570 
                         

December 31, 2016

                        

Commercial and industrial

 $714,025  $14,266  $5,850  $2,700  $  $736,841 

Construction and development, excluding undeveloped land

  191,455      355   538      192,348 

Undeveloped land

  21,022         474      21,496 
                         

Real estate mortgage

                        

Commercial investment

  538,688      5   193      538,886 

Owner occupied Commercial

  396,997   7,960   2,111   1,224      408,292 

1-4 family residential

  247,888      592   1,018      249,498 

Home equity - first lien

  55,279         46      55,325 

Home equity - junior lien

  66,710      426   383      67,519 

Subtotal: Real estate mortgage

  1,305,562   7,960   3,134   2,864      1,319,520 
                         

Consumer

  35,039         131      35,170 
                         

Total

 $2,267,103  $22,226  $9,339  $6,707  $  $2,305,375 

 

 

 

(6) Premises and Equipment

 

A summary of premises and equipment follows:

 

  

December 31,

 

(In thousands)

 

2017

  

2016

 
         

Land

 $7,118  $7,118 

Buildings and improvements

  47,924   47,398 

Furniture and equipment

  18,511   20,758 

Construction in progress

  1,496   51 
         
   75,049   75,325 
         

Accumulated depreciation and amortization

  (33,394)  (32,941)
         

Total premises and equipment

 $41,655  $42,384 

 

 

Depreciation expense related to premises and equipment was $3.5 million in 2017, $3.2 million in 2016 and $3.0 million in 2015.

 

 

(7) Other Assets

 

A summary of major components of other assets follows:

 

  

December 31,

 

(In thousands)

 

2017

  

2016

 
         

Cash surrender value of life insurance other than BOLI

 $16,213  $13,543 

Net deferred tax asset

  9,206   12,896 

Investments in tax credit related ventures

  3,216   5,244 

Other real estate owned and other foreclosed property

  2,640   5,033 

Other short term receivables

  2,215   2,100 

Core deposit intangible

  1,225   1,405 

Mortgage servicing rights (MSRs)

  875   921 

Goodwill

  682   682 

Other

  12,234   7,553 
         

Total

 $48,506  $49,377 

 

 

Bancorp maintains life insurance policies other than BOLI in conjunction with its non-qualified defined benefit retirement and non-qualified compensation plans.

 

Mortgage servicing rights (MSRs) are initially recognized at fair value when mortgage loans are sold and amortized in proportion to and over the period of estimated net servicing income, considering appropriate prepayment assumptions. MSRs are evaluated quarterly for impairment by comparing carrying value to fair value. Estimated fair values of MSRs at December 31, 2017 and 2016 were $3.1 million and $2.7 million, respectively. Total outstanding principal balances of loans serviced by Bancorp were $344.5 million and $372.2 million at December 31, 2017, and 2016 respectively.

 

 

Changes in the net carrying amount of MSRs are shown in the following table.

 

(In thousands)

 

2017

  

2016

 
         

Balance at January 1

 $921  $1,018 

Originations

  225   177 

Amortization

  (271)  (274)
         

Balance at December 31

 $875  $921 

 

 

 

(8) Income Taxes

 

Components of income tax expense (benefit) from operations were as follows:

 

(In thousands)

 

2017

  

2016

  

2015

 
             

Current tax expense

            

Federal

 $12,622  $14,270  $15,478 

State

  546   698   608 

Total current tax expense

  13,168   14,968   16,086 
             

Deferred tax expense (benefit)

            

Federal

  3,783   192   748 

State

  (4)  36   54 

Total deferred tax expense (benefit)

  3,779   228   802 

Change in valuation allowance

  192   48   45 

Total income tax expense

 $17,139  $15,244  $16,933 

 

 

Components of income tax (benefit) expense recorded directly to stockholders’ equity were as follows:

 

(In thousands)

 

2017

  

2016

  

2015

 

Unrealized (loss) gain on securities available for sale

 $(531) $(1,171) $(839)

Reclassification adjustment for securities losses realized in income

  81       

Reclassification adjustment for securities impairment realized in income

        36 

Unrealized (loss) gain on derivatives

  112   24   (41)

Minimum pension liability adjustment

  (9)  1   61 

Compensation expense for tax purposes in excess of amounts recognized for financial reporting purposes

     (1,705)  (673)

Total income tax (benefit) expense recorded directly to stockholders’ equity

 $(347) $(2,851) $(1,456)

 

 

An analysis of the difference between the statutory and effective tax rates from operations follows:

 

  

Year ended December 31,

 
  

2017

  

2016

  

2015

 

U.S. federal income tax rate

  35.0

%

  35.0

%

  35.0

%

Tax credits

  (14.4)  (9.7)  (2.5)

Net deferred tax asset remeasurement

  10.8       

Amortization/impairment of investments in tax credit partnerships

  3.4   2.8   0.4 

Stock based compensation

  (2.6)      

Cash surrender value of life insurance

  (1.5)  (0.9)  (0.8)

Tax exempt interest income

  (1.2)  (1.2)  (1.4)

Other, net

  0.9   0.3   (0.2)

State income taxes

  0.7   0.8   0.8 

Effective tax rate

  31.1

%

  27.1

%

  31.3

%

 

 

The increase in effective tax rate from 2016 to 2017 was the result of the one-time, non-cash charge resulting from the remeasurement of deferred taxes as a result of tax reform somewhat offset by higher utilization of tax credits during the year. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was enacted in December 2017 requiring an immediate recalculation of Bancorp’s net deferred tax asset which resulted in $5.9 million of additional income tax expense in the fourth quarter of 2017. The effective tax rate in 2017 was also reduced by the adoption of ASU 2016-09 “Compensation – Stock Compensation Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting”. The new standard requires excess tax benefits and deficiencies related to share-based payment awards to be reflected in the statement of operations as a component of the provision for income taxes. For 2017 Bancorp recorded a benefit of $1.5 million for such excess benefits against the provision for income tax expense. Prior to adoption of ASU 2016-09, these tax benefits were recorded directly to additional paid-in capital. Tax benefits recorded to capital for 2016 and 2015 were $1.7 million and $673 thousand, respectively.

 

The decrease in the effective tax rate from 2015 to 2016 was largely the result of higher utilization of tax credits in 2016. Bancorp invests in certain partnerships that yield federal income tax credits. The tax benefit of these investments exceeds the amortization and impairment expense associated with them, resulting in a positive impact on income.

 

In December 2017, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) released Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 (“SAB 118”) to address any uncertainty or diversity of views in practice in accounting for the income tax effects of tax reform in situations where a registrant does not have the necessary information available, prepared or analyzed in reasonable detail to complete this accounting in the reporting period that includes the enactment date. SAB 118 allows a measurement period not to extend beyond one year from the tax reform’s enactment date to complete the necessary accounting.

 

In two areas, Bancorp recorded provisional amounts of deferred taxes where the information was not available to complete the accounting: 1) the Company’s deferred tax assets of $565 thousand for temporary differences in certain tax credit investments is awaiting receipt of Schedule K-1s from outside preparers. 2) Bancorp estimated that no reductions are required to deferred tax assets included in the $19 thousand of future deductions for compensation that might be subject to new limitations under Code Sec. 162(m) which, generally, limits to $1 million annual deductions for certain compensation paid to certain executives. There is uncertainty in applying new rules to existing contracts, and Bancorp is seeking clarification before finalizing its analysis. In a third area, the Company recorded no provisional amounts to its deferred tax liability for temporary differences between the tax and financial reporting bases of certain property and equipment items. These cannot be reasonably estimated. Bancorp’s deferred tax liability of $541 thousand for temporary differences between the tax and financial reporting bases of fixed assets is awaiting completion of a cost segregation study to take advantage of additional depreciation deductions available through tax reform. Bancorp will complete and record income tax effects of tax reform during the period the necessary information becomes available. This measurement period will not extend beyond December 22, 2018.

 

 

The effects of temporary differences that gave rise to significant portions of deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities follows:

 

  

December 31,

 

(In thousands)

 

2017

  

2016

 

Allowance for loan loss

 $5,422  $8,581 

Deferred compensation

  4,148   5,589 

Accrued expenses

  798   1,360 

Investments in partnerships

  565   905 

Write-downs and costs associated with other real estate owned

  39   29 

Loans

  442   685 

Other-than-temporary impairment

     37 

Securities

  121    

Other assets

  186   185 

Total deferred tax assets

  11,721   17,371 
         

Securities

     438 

Property and equipment

  764   1,409 

Loan costs

  588   923 

Mortgage servicing rights

  161   280 

Leases

  149   381 

Core deposit intangible

  267   502 

Other liabilities

  260   408 

Total deferred tax liabilities

  2,189   4,341 

Valuation allowance

  (326)  (134)
         

Net deferred tax asset

 $9,206  $12,896 

 

A valuation allowance is recognized for a deferred tax asset if, based on the weight of available evidence, it is more-likely-than-not that some portion of the entire deferred tax asset will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income and tax planning strategies in making this assessment. Based upon the level of historical taxable income and projection for future taxable income over the periods which the temporary differences resulting in the remaining deferred tax assets are deductible, management believes it is more-likely-than-not that Bancorp will realize the benefits of these deductible differences, net of the valuation allowance, at December 31, 2017.

 

Realization of deferred tax assets associated with the investment in tax credit partnerships is dependent upon generating sufficient taxable capital gain income prior to their expiration. A valuation allowance of $326 thousand and $134 thousand to reflect management’s estimate of the temporary deductible differences that may expire prior to their utilization has been recorded as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

 

US GAAP provides guidance on financial statement recognition and measurement of tax positions taken, or expected to be taken, in tax returns. As December 31, 2017 and 2016, the gross amount of unrecognized tax benefits, including penalties and interest, was $40 thousand. If recognized, tax benefits would reduce tax expense and accordingly, increase net income. The amount of unrecognized tax benefits may increase or decrease in the future for various reasons including adding amounts for current year tax positions, expiration of open income tax returns due to statutes of limitation, changes in management’s judgment about the level of uncertainty, status of examination, litigation and legislative activity and addition or elimination of uncertain tax positions. Federal and state income tax returns are subject to examination for the years after 2013.

 

 

A reconciliation of the amount of unrecognized tax benefits follows:

 

(In thousands)

 

2017

  

2016

 

Balance as of January 1

 $40  $40 

Increases - current year tax positions

  11   11 

Increases - prior year tax positions

      

Settlements

      

Lapse of statute of limitations

  (11)  (11)

Balance as of December 31

 $40  $40 

 

 

 

(9) Deposits

 

The composition of interest bearing deposits follows:

 

  

December 31,

 

(In thousands)

 

2017

  

2016

 

Interest bearing demand

 $833,450  $768,139 

Savings

  152,348   140,030 

Money market

  682,226   682,421 

Time deposits of more than $250,000

  38,439   40,427 

Other time deposits

  197,135   209,375 
         

Total interest bearing deposits

 $1,903,598  $1,840,392 

 

 

Interest expense related to certificates of deposit and other time deposits in denominations of $250 thousand or more was $161 thousand, $231 thousand and $313 thousand, respectively, for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015.

 

At December 31, 2017, the scheduled maturities of time deposits were as follows (in thousands):

 

2018

 $166,219 

2019

  42,857 

2020

  13,100 

2021

  7,646 

2022 and thereafter

  5,752 
     

Total time deposits

 $235,574 

 

Deposits of directors and their associates, including deposits of companies for which directors are principal owners, and executive officers were $28.5 million and $30.5 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

 

At December 31, 2017 and 2016, Bancorp had $614 thousand and $449 thousand, respectively, of deposits accounts in overdraft status and thus have been reclassified to loans on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

 

 

 

(10) Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase

 

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase are a funding source of Bancorp and are primarily used by commercial customers in conjunction with collateralized corporate cash management accounts. Such repurchase agreements are considered financing agreements and mature within one business day from the transaction date. At December 31, 2017, all of these financing arrangements had overnight maturities and were secured by government sponsored enterprise obligations and government agency mortgage-backed securities which were owned and controlled by Bancorp.

 

Information concerning securities sold under agreements to repurchase is summarized as follows:

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

2017

  

2016

 
         

Average balance during the year

 $70,187  $62,670 

Average interest rate during the year

  0.19%  0.22%

Maximum month-end balance during the year

 $75,365  $72,029 

 

 

(11) Advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank

 

Bancorp had outstanding borrowings of $49.5 million at December 31, 2017, via fourteen separate fixed-rate advances. For two advances totaling $30 million, both of which are non-callable, interest payments are due monthly, with principal due at maturity. For the remaining advances totaling $19.5 million, principal and interest payments are due monthly based on an amortization schedule.

 

The following is a summary of the contractual maturities and average effective rates of outstanding advances:

 

(In thousands)

 

December 31, 2017

  

December 31, 2016

 

Year

 

Advance

  

Fixed Rate

  

Advance

  

Fixed Rate

 

2018

 $30,000   1.48% $30,000   0.70%

2020

  1,741   2.23   1,790   2.23 

2021

  288   2.12   359   2.12 

2024

  2,454   2.36   2,661   2.36 

2025

  5,149   2.42   6,025   2.43 

2026

  8,564   1.99   8,936   1.99 

2028

  1,262   1.49   1,304   1.48 
                 

Total

 $49,458   1.74

%

 $51,075   1.30

%

 

 

In addition to fixed-rate advances listed above, at December 31, 2017, Bancorp had a $150 million cash management advance from the FHLB. This advance matured in the first week of January 2018 and was used to manage Bancorp’s overall cash position. Due to the short-term nature of the advance, it was recorded on the consolidated balance sheet within federal funds purchased.

 

Advances from the FHLB are collateralized by certain commercial and residential real estate mortgage loans under a blanket mortgage collateral agreement and FHLB stock. Bancorp views the borrowings as an effective alternative to brokered deposits to fund loan growth. At December 31, 2017, the amount of available credit from the FHLB totaled $333 million.

 

 

 

(12) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

 

The following table illustrates activity within the balances in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component, and is shown for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015.

 

  

Net unrealized

  

Net unrealized

  

Minimum

     
  

gains (losses)

  

gains (losses)

  

pension

     
  

on securities

  

on cash

  

liability

     

(In thousands)

 

available-for-sale

  

flow hedges

  

adjustment

  

Total

 
                 

Balance at December 31, 2014

 $2,456  $16  $(387) $2,085 
                 

Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications

  (1,558)  (76)  114   (1,520)

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income

  67         67 
                 

Net current period other comprehensive (loss) income

  (1,491)  (76)  114   (1,453)

Balance at December 31, 2015

 $965  $(60) $(273) $632 
                 

Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications

  (2,176)  44   1   (2,131)

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income

            

Net current period other comprehensive (loss) income

  (2,176)  44   1   (2,131)

Balance at December 31, 2016

 $(1,211) $(16) $(272) $(1,499)
                 

Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications

  (721)  209   (70)  (582)

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income

  151         151 

Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)

  (1,067)  250   (120)  (431)

Balance at December 31, 2017

 $(2,278) $234  $(392) $(1,930)

 

2017 other comprehensive income includes a total of $506 thousand income from remeasurement of deferred tax assets and liabilities. ASU 2018-02, issued in February 2018, provides for the reclassification into retained earnings of tax effects stranded in other comprehensive income as a result of tax reform. Bancorp is evaluating timing of adopting ASU 2018-02 guidance, which will result in $506 thousand being reclassified into retained earnings.

 

 

The following table illustrates activity within the reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015.

 

Details of accumulated

            

Affected line item in

other comprehensive

 

Amount reclassified from Accumulated

 

the consolidated

income (loss) components

 

other comprehensive income (loss)

 

statements of income

              
  

For the years ended December 31,

  

(In thousands)

 

2017

  

2016

  

2015

  

Unrealized gains (losses) on securities available-for-sale:

             

Realized loss on sale of available-for-sale securities

 $(232) $  $ 

Loss on sale of securities

OTTI impairment of equity security

        (103)

Other non-interest expense

Effect of income taxes

  81      36 

Income tax expense

Reclassifications, net of income taxes

 $(151) $  $(67) 

 

 

 

(13) Preferred Stock and Common Stock

 

Bancorp has a class of preferred stock (no par value; 1,000,000 shares authorized); the relative rights, preferences and other terms of the class or any series within the class will be determined by the Board of Directors prior to any issuance. None of this stock has been issued to date.

 

At Bancorp’s 2015 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, shareholders approved increasing the number of authorized common shares from 20,000,000 to 40,000,000.

 

 

(14) Stock Split

 

On April 29, 2016 Bancorp declared a 3 for 2 stock split to be effected as a 50% stock dividend to shareholders of record on May 13, 2016, paid May 27, 2016 in the form of a 50% stock dividend. Share and per share information has been adjusted as necessary to reflect this split.

 

 

 

(15) Net Income per Share and Common Stock Dividends

 

The following table reflects the numerators (net income) and denominators (average shares outstanding) for the basic and diluted net income per share computations:

 

(In thousands, except per share data)

 

2017

  

2016

  

2015

 
             

Net income, basic and diluted

 $38,043  $41,027  $37,187 
             

Average shares outstanding, basic

  22,532   22,356   22,088 

Effect of dilutive securities

  451   436   371 
             

Average shares outstanding including dilutive securities

  22,983   22,792   22,459 
             

Net income per share, basic

 $1.69  $1.84  $1.68 
             

Net income per share, diluted

 $1.66  $1.80  $1.65 

 

 

 

(16) Employee Benefit Plans

 

Bancorp has a combined employee stock ownership and profit sharing plan (“KSOP”). The plan is a defined contribution plan and is available to all employees meeting certain eligibility requirements. In general, for employees who work more than 1,000 hours per year, Bancorp matches employee contributions up to 6% of the employee’s salary, and contributes an amount of Bancorp stock equal to 2% of the employee’s salary. Employer matching expenses related to contributions to the plan for 2017, 2016, and 2015 were $2.0 million, $1.9 million and $1.8 million, respectively, and are recorded on the consolidated statements of income within employee benefits. Employee and employer contributions are made in accordance with the terms of the plan. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the KSOP held 577 thousand and 567 thousand shares of Bancorp stock, respectively.

 

In addition Bancorp has non-qualified plans into which directors and certain senior officers may defer director fees or salary/incentives. Bancorp matched certain executives’ deferrals into the senior officers’ plan amounting to approximately $232 thousand, $293 thousand and $171 thousand in 2017, 2016 and 2015 respectively. At December 31, 2017 and 2016, the amounts included in other liabilities in the consolidated financial statements for this plan were $8.2 million and $5.6 million, were comprised primarily of participants’ contributions, and represented the fair value of mutual fund investments directed by participants.

 

Bancorp sponsors an unfunded non-qualified defined benefit retirement plan for three key officers (two current and one retired), and has no plans to increase the number of or the benefits to participants. Benefits vest based on 25 years of service. Participants are fully vested. Bancorp uses a December 31 measurement date for this plan. The accumulated benefit obligation for the plan included in other liabilities in the consolidated financial statements was $2.2 million and $2.1 million as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. Discount rates of 3.59% and 4.10% were used in 2017 and 2016, respectively, in determining the actuarial present value of the projected benefit obligation. Actuarially determined pension costs are expensed and accrued over the service period, and benefits are paid from Bancorp’s assets. Bancorp maintains life insurance policies, for which it is the ultimate beneficiary, on participants and certain former executives. Income from these policies helps offset the cost of benefits. The liability for Bancorp’s plan met the benefit obligation as of December 31, 2017 and 2016.

 

Information about the components of the net periodic benefit cost of the defined benefit plan, recorded in salaries and employee benefits, is as follows:

 

  

Year ended December 31,

 

(In thousands)

 

2017

  

2016

  

2015

 
             

Components of net periodic benefit cost:

            

Service cost

 $  $  $ 

Interest cost

  79   87   83 

Expected return on plan assets

         

Amortization of prior service cost

         

Amortization of net losses

  71   47   59 
             

Net periodic benefit cost

 $150  $134  $142 

 

 

Benefits expected to be paid in each year from 2018 to 2020 and beyond are listed in the table below.

 

(In thousands)

    

2018

 $84 

2019

  84 

2020

  84 

Beyond 2020

  3,278 
     

Total future payments

 $3,530 

 

 

Expected benefits to be paid are based on the same assumptions used to measure Bancorp’s benefit obligation at December 31, 2017. There are no obligations for other post-retirement and post-employment benefits.

 

 

 

(17) Stock-Based Compensation

 

The fair value of all stock-based awards granted, net of estimated forfeitures, is recognized as compensation expense over the respective service period.

 

Bancorp currently has one stock-based compensation plan. At Bancorp’s 2015 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, shareholders approved the 2015 Omnibus Equity Compensation Plan and authorized the shares available from the expiring 2005 plan for future awards under the 2015 plan. No additional shares were made available. As of December 31, 2017, there were 302,727 shares available for future awards. The 2005 Stock Incentive Plan expired in April 2015; however, SARs granted under this plan expire as late as 2025.

 

Bancorp no longer has stock options outstanding at December 31, 2017. Stock appreciation rights (“SARs”) granted have a vesting schedule of 20% per year and expire ten years after the grant date unless forfeited due to employment termination.

 

Restricted shares granted to officers vest over five years. All restricted shares have been granted at a price equal to the market value of common stock at the time of grant. For all grants prior to 2015, grantees are entitled to dividend payments during the vesting period. For grants in 2015 and forward, forfeitable dividends are deferred until shares are vested. Fair value of restricted shares is equal to the market value of the shares on the date of grant.

 

Grants of performance stock units (“PSUs”) vest based upon service, a single three-year performance period, and are based upon certain three-year performance criterion which begins January 1 of the first year of the performance period. Because grantees are not entitled to dividend payments during the performance period, the fair value of these PSUs is estimated based upon the market value of the underlying shares on the date of grant, adjusted for non-payment of dividends. Beginning in 2015, grants require a one year post-vesting holding periods and the fair value of such grants incorporates a liquidity discount related to the holding period of 5.1%, 4.5% and 3.6% for 2017, 2016 and 2015 grants, respectively.

 

Grants of restricted stock units (“RSUs”) to directors are time-based and vest 12 months after grant date. Because grantees are entitled to deferred dividend payments at the end of the vesting period, fair value of the RSUs is estimated based on market value of underlying shares on the date of grant.

 

Bancorp has recognized stock-based compensation expense for SARs, PSUs, and RSUs, within employee benefits for employees, and within other non-interest expense for directors, in the consolidated statements of income as follows:

 

(In thousands)

            
  

2017

  

2016

  

2015

 

Stock-based compensation expense before income taxes

 $2,892  $2,473  $2,134 

Less: deferred tax benefit

  (607)  (866)  (747)
             

Reduction of net income

 $2,285  $1,607  $1,387 

 

 

Bancorp’s net income for 2017 reflected the implementation of ASU 2016-09 which changed the way excess tax benefits and deficiencies related to share-based compensation are recorded. Prior to 2017, these were recorded directly to additional paid-in capital and, thus did not affect earnings. Beginning in 2017, these are recorded as a tax expense or benefit in the income statement. These benefits resulted in a $1.5 million increase in net income for 2017. This tax benefit is not reflected in the table above.

 

As of December 31, 2017 Bancorp has $4.8 million of unrecognized stock-based compensation expense that will be recorded as compensation expense over the next five years as awards vest. In 2017 Bancorp used cash of $216 thousand for the purchase of shares related to RSUs. Bancorp received cash of $2.3 million and $3.3 million from the exercise of options during 2016 and 2015, respectively.

 

 

Fair values of Bancorp’s SARs are estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, a leading formula for calculating the value of stock options and SARs. This model requires the input of assumptions, changes to which can materially affect the fair value estimate. Fair value of restricted shares is determined by Bancorp’s closing stock price on the date of grant. The following assumptions were used in SAR valuations at the grant date in each year:

 

Assumptions

 

2017

  

2016

  

2015

 
             

Dividend yield

  2.72

%

  2.94

%

  2.97

%

Expected volatility

  19.47

%

  19.31

%

  22.81

%

Risk free interest rate

  2.29

%

  1.70

%

  1.91

%

Expected life of SARs (in years)

  7.0   7.3   7.5 

 

Dividend yield and expected volatility are based on historical information for Bancorp corresponding to the expected life of SARs granted. Expected volatility is the volatility of the underlying shares for the expected term on a monthly basis. The risk free interest rate is the implied yield currently available on U.S. Treasury issues with a remaining term equal to the expected life of the awards. The expected life of SARs is based on actual experience of past like-term SARs. Bancorp evaluates historical exercise and post-vesting termination behavior when determining the expected life.

 

A summary of stock option and SARs activity and related information for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017 follows.

 

                       

Weighted

 
           

Weighted

  

Aggregate

  

Weighted

  

average

 
  

Options

       

average

  

intrinsic

  

average

  

remaining

 
  

and SARs

  

Exercise

  

exercise

  

value

  

fair

  

contractual

 
  

(In thousands)

  

price

  

price

  

(In thousands)

  

value

  

life (In years)

 
                          

At December 31, 2015

                         

Vested and exercisable

  656  $14.02-19.44  $15.75  $6,191  $3.39   3.7 

Unvested

  266   15.24-24.55   18.66   1,733   3.29   7.7 

Total outstanding

  922   14.02-24.55   16.59   7,924   3.36   4.8 
                          

Activity during 2016

                         

SARs granted

  88   25.76-33.08   25.84   1,866   3.56     

Exercised

  (272)  14.02-17.89   16.38   4,155   3.73     

Forfeited

  (3)  14.02-15.84   15.18   60   2.94     
                          

At December 31, 2016

                         

Vested and exercisable

  475   14.02-24.56   15.72   14,820   3.16   4.3 

Unvested

  260   15.24-33.08   21.53   6,623   3.43   7.8 

Total outstanding

  735   14.02-33.08   17.78   21,443   3.26   5.5 
                          

Activity during 2017

                         

SARs granted

  46   40.00-40.00   40.00      6.34     

Exercised

  (77)  14.02-17.89   15.41   1,855   3.18     

Forfeited

                    
                          

At December 31, 2017

                         

Vested and exercisable

  490   14.02-33.08   16.46   10,408   3.16   4.0 

Unvested

  214   15.26-40.00   26.46   2,515   4.17   7.7 

Total outstanding

  704   14.02-40.00   19.51   12,923   3.47   5.1 
                          
                          

Vested year-to-date

  93  $15.24-33.08  $19.37  $1,696  $3.18     

 

Intrinsic value for stock options and SARs is defined as the amount by which the current market price of the underlying stock exceeds the exercise or grant price. 

 

 

The aggregate intrinsic value of stock options and SARs exercised in 2017, 2016 and 2015 was $1.9 million, $4.2 million and $2.0 million, respectively. The aggregate intrinsic value of stock options and SARs exercised was calculated as the difference in the closing price of Bancorp’s common shares on the date of exercise and the exercise price, multiplied by the number of shares exercised.

 

The weighted average Black-Scholes fair values of SARs granted in 2017, 2016 and 2015 were $6.34, $3.56 and $5.95, respectively.

 

SARs outstanding, stated in thousands, at December 31, 2017 were as follows:

 

 

Expiration

 

Number of

SARs

outstanding

  

SARs

exercisable

  

Weighted average

exercise price of

SARs outstanding

 

2018

  17   17  $15.58 

2019

  40   40   14.76 

2020

  73   73   14.02 

2021

  74   74   15.86 

2022

  117   117   15.25 

2023

  80   66   15.26 

2024

  94   56   19.37 

2025

  76   30   22.99 

2026

  88   17   25.84 

2027

  45      40.00 
   704   490  $19.51 

 

A summary of Bancorp granted shares of restricted common stock, for the three year period ending December 31, 2017, follows.

 

 

      

Grant date

 
      

weighted-

 
  

Number

  

average cost

 

Unvested at December 31, 2014

  171,139  $16.63 

Shares awarded

  52,898   22.99 

Restrictions lapsed and shares released to employees/directors

  (61,205)  15.89 

Shares forfeited

  (6,974)  18.97 

Unvested at December 31, 2015

  155,858  $18.98 

Shares awarded

  51,122   25.78 

Restrictions lapsed and shares released to employees/directors

  (49,265)  17.98 

Shares forfeited

  (12,480)  20.69 

Unvested at December 31, 2016

  145,235  $21.57 

Shares awarded

  28,625   44.85 

Restrictions lapsed and shares released to employees/directors

  (46,797)  19.79 

Shares forfeited

  (7,691)  25.18 

Unvested at December 31, 2017

  119,372  $27.62 

 

 

Bancorp awarded performance-based restricted stock units (“PSUs”) to executive officers of Bancorp, the single three-year performance period for which began January 1 of the award year. The following table outlines the PSU grants.

 

      

Fair

     
  

Vesting

  

value at

  

Expected

 

Grant

 

period

  

grant

  

shares to

 

year

 

in years

  

date

  

be awarded

 

2015

  3  $20.02   43,011 

2016

  3   22.61   69,161 

2017

  3   35.66   43,325 

 

 

In the first quarter of 2017, Bancorp awarded 4,680 RSUs to directors of Bancorp with a grant date fair value of $220 thousand.

 

Bancorp has no equity compensation plans which have not been approved by shareholders. The following table provides detail of the number of shares to be issued upon exercise of outstanding stock-based awards and remaining shares available for future issuance under all the Bancorp’s equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2017.

 

Plan category (Shares in thousands)

 

Number of shares to

be issued upon exercise/vesting

  

Weighted

average

exercise price

  

Shares

available for

future

issuance (a)

 
             

Equity compensation plans approved by security holders:

            

Stock appreciation rights (SARs)

   (b)    (b)   303 

Restricted common stock

  119   N/A    (a) 

Performance stock units

   (c)   N/A    (a) 

Restricted stock units

  5   N/A    (a) 

Total shares

  124       303 

 

 

(a)

Under the 2015 Omnibus Equity Compensation Plan, shares of stock are authorized for issuance as incentive and nonqualified stock options, SARs, restricted stock, and restricted stock units

 

(b)

At December 31, 2017, approximately 704,000 SARs were outstanding at a weighted average grant price of $19.51. The number of shares to be issued upon exercise will be determined based on the difference between the grant price and the market price at the date of exercise.

 

(c)

The number of shares to be issued is dependent upon Bancorp achieving certain predefined performance targets and ranges from zero shares to approximately 205,000 shares. As of December 31, 2017, the expected shares to be awarded are 155,497.

 

 

(18) Dividend  

 

Bancorp’s principal source of cash revenues is dividends paid to it as the sole shareholder of the Bank. At any balance sheet date, the Bank’s regulatory dividend restriction represents the Bank’s net income of the current year plus the prior two years less any dividends paid for the same time period. At December 31, 2017, the Bank may pay an amount equal to $70.4 million in dividends to Bancorp without regulatory approval subject to the ongoing capital requirements of the Bank.

 

 

 

(19) Commitments and Contingent Liabilities

 

As of December 31, 2017, Bancorp had various commitments outstanding that arose in the normal course of business, including standby letters of credit and commitments to extend credit, which are properly not reflected in the consolidated financial statements. In management’s opinion, commitments to extend credit of $688.3 million including standby letters of credit of $14.8 million represent normal banking transactions. Commitments to extend credit were $628.3 million, including letters of credit of $15.6 million, as of December 31, 2016. Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer contingent upon the availability of collateral and no existing violation of any condition established in the contract. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses. Commitments to extend credit are mainly comprised of commercial lines of credit, construction and home equity credit lines and credit cards issued to commercial customers. Since some of the commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. Bancorp uses the same credit and collateral policies in making commitments and conditional guarantees as for on-balance sheet instruments. Bancorp evaluates each customer’s creditworthiness on a case by case basis. The amount of collateral obtained is based on management’s credit evaluation of the customer. Collateral held varies but may include accounts receivable, inventory, equipment, and real estate. However, should the commitments be drawn upon and should our customers default on their resulting obligation to us, our maximum exposure to credit loss, without consideration of collateral, is represented by the contractual amount of those instruments. At December 31, 2017, Bancorp accrued $350 thousand in other liabilities for unfunded credit commitments.

 

Standby letters of credit and financial guarantees written are conditional commitments issued by Bancorp to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party. Those guarantees are primarily issued to support private commercial transactions. Standby letters of credit generally have maturities of one to two years.

 

Bancorp leases certain facilities under non-cancelable operating leases. Future minimum lease commitments for these leases are outlined in the table below.

 

(In thousands)

 

Year

 

Total amount

 

2018

 $1,847 

2019

  1,880 

2020

  1,532 

2021

  1,391 

2022

  1,501 

Thereafter

  2,873 
     

Total

 $11,024 

 

Rent expense, net of sublease income, was $1.9 million in 2017, $1.8 million in 2016, and $1.7 million in 2015.

 

Certain commercial customers require confirmation of Bancorp’s letters of credit by other banks since Bancorp does not have a rating by a national rating agency. Terms of the agreements range from 1 to 19 months. If an event of default on all contracts had occurred at December 31, 2017, Bancorp would have been required to make payments of approximately $1.5 million. The maximum amount payable under those contracts was $1.5 million. No payments have ever been required as a result of default on these contracts. These agreements are normally secured by collateral acceptable to Bancorp, which limits credit risk associated with the agreements.

 

Also, as of December 31, 2017, in the normal course of business, there were pending legal actions and proceedings in which claims for damages are asserted. Management, after discussion with legal counsel, believes the ultimate result of these legal actions and proceedings will not have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial position or results of operations of Bancorp.

 

 

(20) Assets and Liabilities Measured and Reported at Fair Value

 

Bancorp follows provisions of authoritative guidance for fair value measurements. This guidance is definitional and disclosure oriented and addresses how companies should approach measuring fair value when required by US GAAP. The guidance also prescribes various disclosures about financial statement categories and amounts which are measured at fair value, if such disclosures are not already specified elsewhere in US GAAP.

 

Authoritative guidance defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between participants at the measurement date. The guidance also establishes a hierarchy to group assets and liabilities carried at fair value in three levels based upon markets in which the assets and liabilities trade and reliability of assumptions used to determine fair value.

 

 

These levels are:

 

 

Level 1: Valuation is based upon quoted prices for identical instruments traded in active markets.

 

Level 2: Valuation is based upon quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active, and model-based valuation techniques for which all significant assumptions are observable in the market.

 

Level 3: Valuation is generated from model-based techniques that use significant assumptions not observable in the market. These unobservable assumptions would reflect our own estimates of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Valuation techniques could include pricing models, discounted cash flows and other similar techniques.

 

Authoritative guidance requires maximization of use of observable inputs and minimization of use of unobservable inputs in fair value measurements. Where there exists limited or no observable market data, Bancorp derives its own estimates by generally considering characteristics of the asset/liability, the current economic and competitive environment and other factors. For this reason, results cannot be determined with precision and may not be realized on an actual sale or immediate settlement of the asset or liability.

 

Bancorp’s investment securities available-for-sale and interest rate swaps are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. Other accounts including mortgage servicing rights, impaired loans and other real estate owned may be recorded at fair value on a non-recurring basis, generally in the application of lower of cost or market adjustments or write-downs of specific assets.

 

The portfolio of investment securities available-for-sale is comprised of U.S. Treasury and other U.S. government obligations, debt securities of U.S. government-sponsored corporations (including mortgage-backed securities), obligations of state and political subdivisions and corporate equity securities. U.S. Treasury and corporate equity securities are priced using quoted prices of identical securities in an active market. These measurements are classified as Level 1 in the hierarchy above. All other securities are priced using standard industry models or matrices with various assumptions such as yield curves, volatility, prepayment speeds, default rates, time value, credit rating and market prices for similar instruments. These assumptions are observable in the market place and can be derived from or supported by observable data. These measurements are classified as Level 2 in the hierarchy above.

 

Interest rate swaps are valued using primarily Level 2 inputs. Fair value measurements are based on benchmark forward yield curves and other relevant observable market data. For purposes of potential valuation adjustments to derivative positions, Bancorp evaluates the credit risk of its counterparties as well as its own credit risk. To date, Bancorp has not realized any losses due to counterparty’s inability to perform and the change in value of derivative assets and liabilities attributable to credit risk was not significant during 2017.

 

 

Below are carrying values of assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis.

 

(In thousands)

 

Fair value at December 31, 2017

 

Assets

 

Total

  

Level 1

  

Level 2

  

Level 3

 

Investment securities available-for-sale:

                

U.S. Treasury and other U.S. government obligations

 $149,984  $149,984  $  $ 

Government sponsored enterprise obligations

  213,844      213,844    

Mortgage-backed securities - government agencies

  161,507      161,507    

Obligations of states and political subdivisions

  49,189      49,189    
                 
                 

Total investment securities available-for-sale

  574,524   149,984   424,540    
                 

Interest rate swaps

  579      579    
                 

Total assets

 $575,079  $149,984  $425,095  $ 
                 

Liabilities

                
                 

Interest rate swaps

 $259  $  $259  $ 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

Fair value at December 31, 2016

 

Assets

 

Total

  

Level 1

  

Level 2

  

Level 3

 

Investment securities available-for-sale:

                

U.S. Treasury and other U.S. government obligations

 $74,998  $74,998  $  $ 

Government sponsored enterprise obligations

  268,090      268,090    

Mortgage-backed securities - government agencies

  168,843      168,843    

Obligations of states and political subdivisions

  57,444      57,444    

Corporate equity securities

  699   699       
                 
                 

Total investment securities available-for-sale

  570,074   75,697   494,377    
                 

Interest rate swaps

  178      178    
                 

Total assets

 $570,252  $75,697  $494,555  $ 
                 

Liabilities

                
                 

Interest rate swaps

 $203  $  $203  $ 

 

 

Bancorp had no financial instruments classified within Level 3 of the valuation hierarchy for assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 2017 or 2016.

 

MSRs are recorded at fair value upon capitalization, are amortized to correspond with estimated servicing income, and are periodically assessed for impairment based on fair value at the reporting date. Fair value is based on a valuation model that calculates the present value of estimated net servicing income. The model incorporates assumptions that market participants would use in estimating future net servicing income. These measurements are classified as Level 3. At December 31, 2017 and 2016 there was no valuation allowance for mortgage servicing rights, as fair value exceeded cost. Accordingly, MSRs are not included in either table below for December 31, 2017 or 2016. See Note 7 for more information regarding MSRs.

 

 

For impaired loans in the table below, fair value is calculated carrying value of loans with a specific valuation allowance, less the specific allowance, and the carrying value of collateral dependent loans that have been charged down to their fair value. Fair value of impaired loans was primarily measured based on the value of collateral securing these loans. Impaired loans are classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. Collateral may be real estate and/or business assets including equipment, inventory, and/or accounts receivable. Bancorp determines the value of the collateral based on independent appraisals performed by qualified licensed appraisers. These appraisals may utilize a single valuation approach or a combination of approaches including comparable sales and the income approach. Appraised values are discounted for costs to sell and may be discounted further based on management’s historical knowledge, changes in market conditions from the date of the most recent appraisal, and/or management’s expertise and knowledge of the customer and the customer’s business. Such discounts by management are subjective and are typically significant unobservable inputs for determining fair value. As of December 31, 2017, total impaired collateral dependent loans charged down to their fair value and impaired loans with a valuation allowance were $2.6 million, and the specific allowance totaled $48 thousand, resulting in a fair value of $2.6 million, compared with total collateral dependent loans charged down to their fair value and impaired loans with a valuation allowance of $4.2 million, and the specific allowance allocation totaling $1.3 million, resulting in a fair value of $2.9 million at December 31, 2016. Losses represent charge offs and changes in specific allowances for the period indicated.

 

Other real estate owned (“OREO”), which is carried at the lower of cost or fair value, is periodically assessed for impairment based on fair value at the reporting date. Fair value is based on appraisals performed by external parties which use judgments and assumptions that are property-specific and sensitive to changes in the overall economic environment. Appraisals may be further discounted based on management’s historical knowledge and/or changes in market conditions from the date of the most recent appraisal. Many of these inputs are not observable and, accordingly, these measurements are classified as Level 3. For OREO in the table below, fair value is the carrying value of only parcels of OREO which have a carrying value equal to appraised value. Losses represent write-downs which occurred during the period indicated. At December 31, 2017 and 2016, carrying value of all other real estate owned was $2.6 million and $5.0 million, respectively.

 

Below are carrying values of assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis.

 

(In thousands)

 

Fair value at December 31, 2017

  

 

 
  

Total

  

Level 1

  

Level 2

  

Level 3

  Total losses 

Impaired loans

 $2,569  $  $  $2,569  $(121)

Other real estate owned

  2,640         2,640   (171)

Total

 $5,209  $  $  $5,209  $(292)

 

(In thousands)

 

Fair value at December 31, 2016

     
  

Total

  

Level 1

  

Level 2

  

Level 3

  Total losses 

Impaired loans

 $2,933  $  $  $2,933  $(1,470)

Other real estate owned

  4,488         4,488   (62)

Total

 $7,421  $  $  $7,421  $(1,532)

 

 

In the case of the securities portfolio, Bancorp monitors the valuation technique utilized by pricing agencies to ascertain when transfers between levels have occurred. The nature of the remaining assets and liabilities is such that transfers in and out of any level are expected to be rare. For the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, there were no transfers between Levels 1, 2, or 3. For Level 3 assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis as of December 31, 2017, the significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurements are presented below.

 

       

Significant

 

Weighted

 
  

Carrying

 

Valuation

 

unobservable

 

average of

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

amount

 

technique

 

input

 

input

 

Impaired loans - collateral dependent

 $2,569 

Appraisal

 

Appraisal discounts (%)

  11.5%

Other real estate owned

  2,640 

Appraisal

 

Appraisal discounts (%)

  23.4 

 

 

(21) Disclosure of Financial Instruments Not Reported at Fair Value

 

US GAAP requires disclosure of the fair value of financial assets and liabilities, including those financial assets and financial liabilities that are not measured and reported at fair value on a recurring basis or nonrecurring basis. Carrying amounts, estimated fair values, and placement in the fair value hierarchy of Bancorp’s financial instruments are as follows:

 

(In thousands)

 

Carrying

                 

December 31, 2017

 

amount

  

Fair value

  

Level 1

  

Level 2

  

Level 3

 
                     

Financial assets

                    

Cash and short-term investments

 $139,248  $139,248  $139,248  $  $ 

Mortgage loans held for sale

  2,964   2,964      2,964    

Federal Home Loan Bank stock and other securities

  7,646   7,646      7,646    

Loans, net

  2,384,685   2,338,464         2,338,464 

Accrued interest receivable

  8,369   8,369   8,369       
                     

Financial liabilities

                    

Deposits

  2,578,295   2,576,385         2,576,385 

Securities sold under agreement to repurchase

  70,473   70,473      70,473    

Federal funds purchased

  161,352   161,352      161,352    

FHLB Advances

  49,458   48,642      48,642    

Accrued interest payable

  232   232   232       
                     

December 31, 2016

                    
                     

Financial assets

                    

Cash and short-term investments

 $47,973  $47,973  $47,973  $  $ 

Mortgage loans held for sale

  3,213   3,481      3,481    

Federal Home Loan Bank stock and other securities

  6,347   6,347      6,347    

Loans, net

  2,281,368   2,284,569         2,284,569 

Accrued interest receivable

  6,878   6,878   6,878       
                     

Financial liabilities

                    

Deposits

  2,520,548   2,519,725         2,519,725 

Securities sold under agreement to repurchase

  67,595   67,595      67,595    

Federal funds purchased

  47,374   47,374      47,374    

FHLB Advances

  51,075   50,806      50,806    

Accrued interest payable

  144   144   144       

 

Management used the following methods and assumptions to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instrument for which it is practicable to estimate the value.

 

Cash, short-term investments, accrued interest receivable/payable and short-term borrowings

 

For these short-term instruments, carrying amount is a reasonable estimate of fair value.

 

Mortgage loans held for sale

 

Mortgage loans held for sale are initially recorded at the lower of cost or market value. The portfolio is comprised of residential real estate loans and fair value is determined by market quotes for similar loans based on loan type, term, rate, size and the borrower’s credit score.

 

 

Federal Home Loan Bank stock and other securities

 

For these securities without readily available market values, carrying amount is a reasonable estimate of fair value as it equals the amount due from FHLB or other issuer at upon redemption.

 

Loans, net

 

US GAAP prescribes the exit price concept for estimating fair value of loans. Because there is not an active market (exit price) for trading virtually all types of loans in Bancorp’s portfolio, fair value of loans is estimated by discounting future cash flows using current rates at which similar loans would be made by the Bank to borrowers with similar credit ratings and for the same remaining maturities (entrance price).

 

Deposits

 

Fair value of demand deposits, savings accounts, and certain money market deposits is the amount payable on demand at the reporting date. Fair value of fixed-rate certificates of deposits is estimated by discounting future cash flows using the rates currently offered by the Bank for deposits of similar remaining maturities.

 

Federal Home Loan Bank advances

 

Fair value of FHLB advances is estimated by discounting future cash flows using estimates of current market rate for instruments with similar terms and remaining maturities.

 

Commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit

 

Fair values of commitments to extend credit are estimated using fees currently charged to enter into similar agreements and the creditworthiness of the customers. Fair values of standby letters of credit are based on fees currently charged for similar agreements or estimated cost to terminate them or otherwise settle obligations with counterparties at the reporting date.

 

Limitations

 

Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time based on relevant market information and information about financial instruments. Because no market exists for a significant portion of Bancorp’s financial instruments, fair value estimates are based on judgments regarding future expected losses, current economic conditions, risk characteristics of various financial instruments, and other factors. These estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment and therefore cannot be determined with precision. Therefore, calculated fair value estimates in many instances cannot be substantiated by comparison to independent markets and, in many cases, may not be realizable in a current sale of the instrument. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect estimates.

 

 

(22) Derivative Financial Instruments

 

Periodically, Bancorp enters into an interest rate swap transaction with a borrower, who desires to hedge their exposure to rising interest rates, while at the same time entering into an offsetting interest rate swap, with substantially matching terms, with another approved independent counterparty. These are undesignated derivative instruments and are recognized on the consolidated balance sheet at fair value. Because of matching terms of offsetting contracts and collateral provisions mitigating any non-performance risk, changes in fair value subsequent to initial recognition are expected to have an insignificant effect on earnings. Exchanges of cash flows related to the undesignated interest rate swap agreements for 2017 were offsetting and therefore had no net effect on Bancorp’s earnings or cash flows.

 

Interest rate swap agreements derive their value from underlying interest rates. These transactions involve both credit and market risk. Notional amounts are amounts on which calculations, payments, and the value of the derivative are based. Notional amounts do not represent direct credit exposures. Direct credit exposure is limited to the net difference between the calculated amounts to be received and paid, if any. Bancorp is exposed to credit-related losses in the event of nonperformance by counterparties to these agreements. Bancorp mitigates the credit risk of its financial contracts through credit approvals, limits, collateral, and monitoring procedures, and does not expect any counterparties to fail their obligations.

 

 

At December 31, 2017 and 2016, Bancorp had outstanding undesignated interest rate swap contracts as follows:

 

(Dollar amounts in thousands)

 

Receiving

  

Paying

 
  

December 31,

  

December 31,

  

December 31,

  

December 31,

 
  

2017

  

2016

  

2017

  

2016

 

Notional amount

 $54,964  $43,986  $54,964  $43,986 

Weighted average maturity (years)

  8.7   9.9   8.7   9.9 

Fair value

 $(259) $(178) $283  $178 

 

 

In 2016, Bancorp entered into an interest rate swap to hedge cash flows of a $10 million rolling fixed-rate three-month FHLB borrowing. The swap began in December 2016 and ends in December 2021. In 2015, Bancorp entered into an interest rate swap to hedge cash flows of a $20 million rolling fixed-rate three-month FHLB borrowing. The swap began in December 2015 and matures in December 2020. For purposes of hedging, rolling fixed rate advances are considered to be floating rate liabilities. Interest rate swaps involve exchange of Bancorp’s floating rate interest payments for fixed rate swap payments on underlying principal amounts. These swaps were designated, and qualified, for cash-flow hedge accounting. For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedging instruments, the effective portion of gains or losses is reported as a component of other comprehensive income, and is subsequently reclassified into earnings as an adjustment to interest expense in periods in which the hedged forecasted transaction affects earnings. The following table details Bancorp’s derivative position designated as a cash flow hedge, and the fair values as of December 31, 2017 and 2016.

 

(Dollars in thousands)

            
                  

Notional

 

Maturity

 

Receive (variable)

 

Pay fixed

  

Fair value

  

Fair value

 

amount

 

date

 

index

 

swap rate

  

December 31, 2017

  

December 31, 2016

 
$10,000 

12/6/2021

 

US 3 Month LIBOR

  1.89

%

 $106  $16 
 20,000 

12/6/2020

 

US 3 Month LIBOR

  1.79   190   9 
                  
$30,000      1.82

%

 $296  $25 

 

 

 

(23) Regulatory Matters

 

Bancorp and the Bank are subject to various capital requirements prescribed by banking regulations and administered by state and federal banking agencies. Under these requirements, Bancorp and the Bank must meet minimum amounts and percentages of Tier 1, common equity Tier 1, and total capital, as defined, to risk weighted assets and Tier 1 capital to average assets. Risk weighted assets are determined by applying certain risk weightings prescribed by the regulations to various categories of assets and off-balance sheet commitments. Capital and risk weighted assets may be further subject to qualitative judgments by regulators as to components, risk weighting and other factors. Failure to meet the capital requirements can result in certain mandatory, and possibly discretionary, corrective actions prescribed by the regulations or determined to be necessary by the regulators, which could materially affect the unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 

In 2013, the Federal Reserve Board and the FDIC approved rules that substantially amended the regulatory risk-based capital rules applicable to Bancorp and Bank. The rules implemented the regulatory capital reforms of the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision reflected in “Basel III: A Global Regulatory Framework for More Resilient Banks and Banking Systems” (“Basel III”) and changes required by the Dodd-Frank Act. The Basel III regulatory capital reforms became effective for Bancorp and Bank on January 1, 2015, and included new minimum risk-based capital and leverage ratios. For Bancorp, key differences under Basel III include risk weighting for loan commitments under one year and higher risk weighting for certain commercial real estate and construction loans. These differences resulted in higher risk-weighted assets, and therefore, somewhat lower risk-based capital ratios. Bancorp and the Bank met all capital requirements to which they were subject as of December 31, 2017 and 2016.

 

 

The following table sets forth consolidated Bancorp’s and the Bank’s risk based capital amounts and ratios as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 follows:

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

Actual

  

Minimum for adequately

capitalized

  

Minimum for well

capitalized

 

December 31, 2017

 

Amount

  

Ratio

  

Amount

  

Ratio

  

Amount

  

Ratio

 

Total risk-based capital

                        

Consolidated

 $359,866   13.52

%

 $213,012   8.0

%

   NA    NA 

Bank

  347,840   13.07   212,891   8.0  $266,114   10.0

%

                         

Common Equity Tier 1 risk-based capital

                        

Consolidated

  334,631   12.57   119,820   4.5    NA    NA 

Bank

  322,605   12.12   212,891   4.5   172,974   6.5 
                         

Tier 1 risk-based capital

                        

Consolidated

  334,631   12.57   159,760   6.0    NA    NA 

Bank

  322,605   12.12   159,668   6.0   212,891   8.0 
                         

Leverage (1)

                        

Consolidated

  334,631   10.70   125,122   4.0    NA    NA 

Bank

  322,605   10.32   125,040   4.0   156,300   5.0 

 

  

Actual

  

Minimum for adequately

capitalized

  

Minimum for well

capitalized

 

December 31, 2016

 

Amount

  

Ratio

  

Amount

  

Ratio

  

Amount

  

Ratio

 

Total risk-based capital

                        

Consolidated

 $338,525   13.04

%

 $207,684   8.0

%

   NA    NA 

Bank

  325,630   12.57   207,243   8.0  $258,986   10.0

%

                         

Common Equity Tier 1 risk-based capital

                        

Consolidated

  314,147   12.10   116,832   4.5    NA    NA 

Bank

  301,252   11.63   116,564   4.5   168,341   6.5 
                         

Tier 1 risk-based capital

                        

Consolidated

  314,147   12.10   155,775   6.0    NA    NA 

Bank

  301,252   11.63   155,418   6.0   207,189   8.0 
                         

Leverage (1)

                        

Consolidated

  314,147   10.54   119,221   4.0    NA    NA 

Bank

  301,252   10.11   119,190   4.0   148,927   5.0 

Ratio is computed in relation to risk-weighted assets. 

(1)     Ratio is computed in relation to average assets.     

NA Not applicable. Regulatory framework does not define well capitalized for holding companies.

 

 

 

(24) Stock Yards Bancorp, Inc. (parent company only)

 

Condensed Balance Sheets

        
  

December 31,

 

(In thousands)

 

2017

  

2016

 
         

Assets

        

Cash on deposit with subsidiary bank

 $10,648  $6,972 

Investment in and receivable from subsidiaries

  321,617   300,977 

Other assets

  1,521   6,005 
         

Total assets

 $333,786  $313,954 
         

Liabilities and stockholders equity

        

Other liabilities

 $142  $82 
         

Total stockholders’ equity

  333,644   313,872 
         

Total liabilities and stockholders equity

 $333,786  $313,954 

 

 

Condensed Statements of Income

            
             
  

Years ended December 31,

 

(In thousands)

 

2017

  

2016

  

2015

 
             
             

Income - dividends and interest from subsidiaries

 $18,160  $16,147  $14,244 

Other income

  82   1   15 

Less expenses

  3,255   2,235   2,511 

Income before income taxes and equity in undistributed net income of subsidiary

  14,987   13,913   11,748 

Income tax benefit

  (1,985)  (987)  (1,016)

Income before equity in undistributed net income of subsidiary

  16,972   14,900   12,764 

Equity in undistributed net income of subsidiary

  21,071   26,127   24,423 

Net income

 $38,043  $41,027  $37,187 

 

 

Condensed Statements of Cash Flows

            
             
  

Years ended December 31

 

(In thousands)

 

2017

  

2016

  

2015

 
             

Operating activities

            

Net income

 $38,043  $41,027  $37,187 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

            

Equity in undistributed net income of subsidiaries

  (21,071)  (26,127)  (24,423)

(Increase) decrease in receivable from subsidiaries

        (842)

Stock compensation expense

  2,892   2,473   2,134 

Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation arrangements

  (1,463)  (1,705)  (673)

Recover of impairment loss on other assets held for investment

      (588)   

Depreciation, amortization and accretion, net

  4   10   11 

Proceeds from liquidation of private investment fund

  (81)      

Decrease (increase) in other assets

  5,943   (990)  531 

Increase in other liabilities

  10   11   91 
             

Net cash provided by operating activities

  24,277   14,111   14,016 
             

Investing activities

            

Proceeds from sale of other assets held for investment

     1,108    

Proceeds from liquidation of private investment fund

  81       
             

Net cash provided by investing activities

  81   1,108    
             

Financing activities

            

Common stock repurchases

  (2,389)  2,337   3,249 

Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation arrangements

     1,705   673 

Proceeds (used for) and received from settlement of stock awards

  (216)  (1,918)  (918)

Cash dividends paid

  (18,077)  (16,093)  (14,224)
             

Net cash used in financing activities

  (20,682)  (13,969)  (11,220)
             

Net increase (decrease) in cash

  3,676   1,250   2,796 
             

Cash at beginning of year

  6,972   5,722   2,926 
             

Cash at end of year

 $10,648  $6,972  $5,722 

 

 

 

(25) Segments

 

Bancorp’s principal activities include commercial banking and wealth management and trust (WM&T). Commercial banking provides a full range of loan and deposit products to individual consumers and businesses, plus origination of consumer mortgages and investment product sales. WM&T provides investment management, trust and estate administration, and retirement plan services.

 

Financial information for each business segment reflects that which is specifically identifiable or allocated based on an internal allocation method. Income taxes are allocated based on the effective federal income tax rate adjusted for any tax exempt activity. All tax exempt activity and provision for loan losses have been allocated to the commercial banking segment. Measurement of the performance of the business segments is based on the management structure of Bancorp and is not necessarily comparable with similar information for any other financial institution. Information presented is also not necessarily indicative of the segments’ operations if they were independent entities.

 

Principally, all of the net assets of Stock Yards Bancorp, Inc. are involved in the commercial banking segment.  Bancorp has goodwill of $682,000 related to a bank acquisition in 1996 which has been assigned to the commercial banking segment. Assets assigned to WM&T consist of premises and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation.

 

Selected financial information by business segment follows:

 

Wealth

Commercial

management

(In thousands)

banking

and trust

Total

Year ended December 31, 2017

Net interest income

$103,302$301$103,603

Provision for loan losses

2,5502,550

Investment management and trust services

20,50520,505

All other non-interest income

24,61524,615

Non-interest expense

78,75212,23990,991

Income before income taxes

46,6158,56755,182

Income tax expense

14,0803,05917,139

Net income

$32,535$5,508$38,043

Segment assets

$3,237,656$1,990$3,239,646

Year ended December 31, 2016

Net interest income

$96,986$268$97,254

Provision for loan losses

3,0003,000

Investment management and trust services

19,15519,155

All other non-interest income

24,38224,382

Non-interest expense

70,23011,29081,520

Income before income taxes

48,1388,13356,271

Income tax expense

12,3402,90415,244

Net income

$35,798$5,229$41,027

Segment assets

$3,037,394$2,087$3,039,481

Year ended December 31, 2015

Net interest income

$88,124$194$88,318

Credit for loan losses

750750

Investment management and trust services

18,02618,026

All other non-interest income

21,92421,924

Non-interest expense

62,74810,65073,398

Income before income taxes

46,5507,57054,120

Income tax expense

14,2382,69516,933

Net income

$32,312$4,875$37,187

Segment assets

$2,816,373$428$2,816,801
      

Wealth

     
  

Commercial

  

management

     

(In thousands)

 

banking

  

and trust

  

Total

 
             

Year ended December 31, 2017

            

Net interest income

 $103,302  $301  $103,603 

Provision for loan losses

  2,550      2,550 

Investment management and trust services

     20,505   20,505 

All other non-interest income

  24,615      24,615 

Non-interest expense

  78,752   12,239   90,991 

Income before income taxes

  46,615   8,567   55,182 

Income tax expense

  14,080   3,059   17,139 

Net income

 $32,535  $5,508  $38,043 

Segment assets

 $3,237,656  $1,990  $3,239,646 
             

Year ended December 31, 2016

            

Net interest income

 $96,986  $268  $97,254 

Provision for loan losses

  3,000      3,000 

Investment management and trust services

     19,155   19,155 

All other non-interest income

  24,382      24,382 

Non-interest expense

  70,230   11,290   81,520 

Income before income taxes

  48,138   8,133   56,271 

Income tax expense

  12,340   2,904   15,244 

Net income

 $35,798  $5,229  $41,027 

Segment assets

 $3,037,394  $2,087  $3,039,481 

Year ended December 31, 2015

            

Net interest income

 $88,124  $194  $88,318 

Credit for loan losses

  750      750 

Investment management and trust services

     18,026   18,026 

All other non-interest income

  21,924      21,924 

Non-interest expense

  62,748   10,650   73,398 

Income before income taxes

  46,550   7,570   54,120 

Income tax expense

  14,238   2,695   16,933 

Net income

 $32,312  $4,875  $37,187 

Segment assets

 $2,816,373  $428  $2,816,801 

 

 

 

(26) Quarterly Operating Results (unaudited)

 

Following is a summary of quarterly operating results for 2017, 2016 and 2015:

 

  

2017

 
  

4th quarter

  

3rd quarter

  

2nd quarter

  

1st quarter

 
                 

Interest income

 $29,092  $28,111  $27,013  $26,633 

Interest expense

  2,069   1,947   1,781   1,449 

Net interest income

  27,023   26,164   25,232   25,184 

Provision for loan losses

  900   150   600   900 

Net interest income after provision

  26,123   26,014   24,632   24,284 

Non-interest income

  11,545   11,103   11,675   10,797 

Non-interest expenses

  27,180   21,317   21,346   21,148 

Income before income taxes

  10,488   15,800   14,961   13,933 

Income tax expense

  5,542   4,096   4,359   3,142 
                 

Net income

 $4,946  $11,704  $10,602  $10,791 
                 

Basic earnings per share

 $0.22  $0.52  $0.47  $0.48 

Diluted earnings per share

  0.22   0.51   0.46   0.47 

 

  

2016

 

(In thousands, except per share data)

 

4th quarter

  

3rd quarter

  

2nd quarter

  

1st quarter

 
                 

Interest income

 $26,368  $25,942  $25,162  $24,700 

Interest expense

  1,293   1,182   1,212   1,231 

Net interest income

  25,075   24,760   23,950   23,469 

Provision for loan losses

  500   1,250   750   500 

Net interest income after provision

  24,575   23,510   23,200   22,969 

Non-interest income

  11,319   11,358   10,778   10,082 

Non-interest expenses

  21,269   20,518   20,193   19,540 

Income before income taxes

  14,625   14,350   13,785   13,511 

Income tax expense

  4,009   3,883   3,676   3,676 
                 

Net income

 $10,616  $10,467  $10,109  $9,835 
                 

Basic earnings per share

 $0.47  $0.47  $0.45  $0.44 

Diluted earnings per share

  0.46   0.46   0.45   0.44 

2016

(In thousands, except per share data)

4th quarter

3rd quarter

2nd quarter

1st quarter

Interest income

$26,368$25,942$25,162$24,700

Interest expense

1,2931,1821,2121,231

Net interest income

25,07524,76023,95023,469

Provision for loan losses

5001,250750500

Net interest income after provision

24,57523,51023,20022,969

Non-interest income

11,31911,35810,77810,082

Non-interest expenses

21,26920,51820,19319,540

Income before income taxes

14,62514,35013,78513,511

Income tax expense

4,0093,8833,6763,676

Net income

$10,616$10,467$10,109$9,835

Basic earnings per share

$0.47$0.47$0.45$0.44

Diluted earnings per share

0.460.460.450.44

 

  

2015

 

(In thousands, except per share data)

 

4th quarter

  

3rd quarter

  

2nd quarter

  

1st quarter

 
                 

Interest income

 $24,039  $23,284  $23,000  $22,847 

Interest expense

  1,217   1,203   1,199   1,233 

Net interest income

  22,822   22,081   21,801   21,614 

Provision for loan losses

  750          

Net interest income after provision

  22,072   22,081   21,801   21,614 

Non-interest income

  10,073   9,985   10,219   9,673 

Non-interest expenses

  18,322   18,430   18,867   17,779 

Income before income taxes

  13,823   13,636   13,153   13,508 

Income tax expense

  4,177   4,352   4,151   4,253 
                 

Net income

 $9,646  $9,284  $9,002  $9,255 
                 

Basic earnings per share

 $0.43  $0.42  $0.41  $0.42 

Diluted earnings per share

  0.43   0.41   0.40   0.42 

 

Note:

The sum of earnings per share of each of the quarters in 2017, 2016 and 2015 may not add to the year-to-date amount reported in Bancorp’s consolidated financial statements due to rounding.

 

 

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

 

 

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders
Stock Yards Bancorp, Inc.:
   

 

Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Stock Yards Bancorp, Inc. and subsidiary (the Company) as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2017 and the related notes (collectively, the consolidated financial statements). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2017, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

 

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission, and our report dated March 13, 2018 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Basis for Opinion

 

These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

(signed) KPMG LLP

 

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 1988.

 

Atlanta, GeorgiaLouisville, Kentucky

March 13, 2018

 

 

Management’s Report on Consolidated Financial Statements

 

The accompanying consolidated financial statements and other financial data were prepared by the management of Stock Yards Bancorp, Inc. (Bancorp), which has the responsibility for the integrity of the information presented. The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and, as such, include amounts that are the best estimates and judgments of management with consideration given to materiality.

 

Management is further responsible for maintaining a system of internal controls designed to provide reasonable assurance that the books and records reflect the transactions of Bancorp and that its established policies and procedures are carefully followed. Management believes that Bancorp’s system, taken as a whole, provides reasonable assurance that transactions are executed in accordance with management’s general or specific authorization; transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and to maintain accountability for assets; access to assets is permitted only in accordance with management’s general or specific authorization, and the recorded accountability for assets is compared with the existing assets at reasonable intervals and appropriate action is taken with respect to any differences.

 

Management also seeks to assure the objectivity and integrity of Bancorp’s financial data by the careful selection and training of qualified personnel, an internal audit function and organizational arrangements that provide an appropriate division of responsibility.

 

KPMG LLP, the independent registered public accounting firm that audited the consolidated financial statements of Bancorp included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, has issued a report on Bancorp’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017.  The report expresses an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017.

 

The Board of Directors provides its oversight role for the consolidated financial statements through the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee meets periodically with management, the internal auditors, and the independent auditors, each on a private basis, to review matters relating to financial reporting, the internal control systems, and the scope and results of audit efforts. The internal and independent auditors have unrestricted access to the Audit Committee, with and without the presence of management, to discuss accounting, auditing, and financial reporting matters. The Audit Committee also recommends the appointment of the independent auditors to the Board of Directors, and ultimately has sole authority to appoint or replace the independent auditors.

 

 

 

/s/ David P. Heintzman

 

David P. Heintzman

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

 

/s/ Nancy B. Davis

 

Nancy B. Davis

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

Item 9.

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

None

Item 9A.

Controls and Procedures

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Bancorp maintains disclosure controls and procedures designed to ensure that it is able to collect the information it is required to disclose in the reports it files with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and to record, process, summarize and disclose this information within the time periods specified in the rules of the SEC. Based on their evaluation of Bancorp’s disclosure controls and procedures which took place as of December 31, 2017, the Chief Executive and Chief Financial Officers believe that these controls and procedures are effective to ensure that Bancorp is able to collect, process and disclose the information it is required to disclose in the reports it files with the SEC within the required time periods.

As described in Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting in Bancorp’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016, during the fourth quarter of 2016 management identified a material weakness in internal control related to operating effectiveness of the Company’s control over the assessment of the appropriateness of loan grades used in the allowance for loan losses estimate, including completeness and accuracy of information used to assess loan grades. This material weakness in internal controls occurred due to the control operator not consistently executing the loan grade review control, as designed, including the use of complete and accurate information. No restatement of prior period financial statements, no change in previously issued financial results, and no adjustment to the fourth quarter 2016 allowance for loan losses calculation were required as a result of this material weakness in internal control, however, a reasonable possibility existed that material misstatements in Bancorp’s financial statements would not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.

To remediate the material weakness described above, management designed and implemented controls and enhanced and revised existing controls and procedures over completeness and accuracy of information used to assess loan grades. During the fourth quarter of 2017, management successfully completed testing necessary to conclude the material weakness had been remediated.

Based on the evaluation of Bancorp’s disclosure controls and procedures by the Chief Executive and Chief Financial Officers, except for the foregoing, no changes occurred during the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2017 in Bancorp’s internal control over financial reporting that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, Bancorp’s internal control over financial reporting.

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

The management of Stock Yards Bancorp, Inc. and subsidiary (Bancorp) is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting.  Bancorp’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed under the supervision of Bancorp’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, and effected by Bancorp’s board of directors, management and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.  This process includes those policies and procedures that:

1.

Pertain to the maintenance of records, that in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of Bancorp;

2.

Provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of Bancorp are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of Bancorp; and

3.

Provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of Bancorp’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements.  Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Management has assessed the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on the control criteria established in a report entitled Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013), issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).  Based on such assessment, management has concluded that Bancorp’s internal control over financial reporting is effective as of December 31, 2017.

KPMG LLP, the independent registered public accounting firm that audited the consolidated financial statements of Bancorp included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, has also audited Bancorp’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017.  Their report expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of Bancorp’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017.

/s/ David P. Heintzman

David P. Heintzman

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

/s/ Nancy B. Davis

Nancy B. Davis

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders
Stock Yards Bancorp, Inc.:

Opinion on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

We have audited Stock Yards Bancorp, Inc.’s (the Company) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.  

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated balance sheets of the Company and subsidiary as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2017, and the related notes (collectively, the consolidated financial statements), and our report dated March 13, 2018 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.

Basis for Opinion

The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

(signed) KPMG LLP

Louisville, Kentucky

March 13, 2018

Item 9B. Other Information

None

Part III

Item 10.   Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

Information regarding the directors and executive officers of Bancorp is incorporated herein by reference to the discussion under the headings, “ITEM 1. ELECTION OF TWELVE DIRECTORS,” and “SECTION 16(A) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE” in Bancorp’s Proxy Statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the 2018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (“Proxy Statement”) and the section captioned EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT in this Form 10-K.

Information regarding the Audit Committee is incorporated herein by reference to the discussion under the heading, “BOARD OF DIRECTORS’ MEETINGS AND COMMITTEES” in Bancorp’s Proxy Statement.

Information regarding principal occupation of directors of Bancorp follows:

Paul J. Bickel III – Founder and President, U.S. Specialties

J. McCauley Brown – Retired Vice President, Brown-Forman Corporation;

Charles R. Edinger, III – President, J. Edinger & Son., Inc.;

David P. Heintzman – Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Stock Yards Bancorp, Inc. and Stock Yards Bank & Trust Company;

Donna Heitzman – Retired portfolio manager, KKR Prisma Capital;

Carl G. Herde – Vice President/Finance, Kentucky Hospital Association;

James A. Hillebrand –President, Stock Yards Bancorp, Inc. and Stock Yards Bank & Trust Company;

Richard A. Lechleiter – President, Catholic Education Foundation of Louisville;

Richard Northern – Partner, Wyatt, Tarrant & Combs LLP;

Stephen M. Priebe – President, Hall Contracting of Kentucky;

Norman Tasman – President, Tasman Industries Inc. and Tasman Hide Processing Inc.;

Kathy C. Thompson – Senior Executive Vice President, Stock Yards Bancorp, Inc. and Stock Yards Bank & Trust Company.

The Board of Directors of Bancorp has adopted a code of ethics for its chief executive officer and financial executives.  A copy of the code of ethics is filed as an exhibit to this Annual Report.

Item 11.   Executive Compensation

Information regarding the compensation of Bancorp’s executive officers and directors is incorporated herein by reference to the discussion under the heading, “EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION AND OTHER INFORMATION – REPORT ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION” in Bancorp’s Proxy Statement.

Information regarding the Compensation Committee is incorporated herein by reference to the discussion under the heading, “TRANSACTIONS WITH MANAGEMENT AND OTHERS” in Bancorp’s Proxy Statement. The report of the Compensation Committee shall not be deemed filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section, nor shall it be deemed soliciting material or subject to Regulation 14A of the Exchange Act or incorporated by reference in any filing under the Exchange Act or the Securities Act of 1933, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.

Item 12.   Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the discussion under the headings, “ITEM 1. ELECTION OF TWELVE DIRECTORS” and “SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT,” in Bancorp’s Proxy Statement.

The information required by this item concerning equity compensation plan information is included in Note 17 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Item 13.   Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the discussion under the headings, “ITEM 1. ELECTION OF TWELVE DIRECTORS” and “TRANSACTIONS WITH MANAGEMENT AND OTHERS,” in Bancorp’s Proxy Statement.

Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services

The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the discussion under the heading, “REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE” in Bancorp’s Proxy Statement.

 

Part IV

 

Item 15.   Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

 

(a) 1.

The following financial statements are included in this Form 10-K:

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets – December 31, 2017 and 2016

Consolidated Statements of Income - years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity - years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

(a) 2.

List of Financial Statement Schedules

 

Schedules to the consolidated financial statements of Bancorp are omitted since they are either not required under the related instructions, are inapplicable, or the required information is shown in the consolidated financial statements or notes thereto. 

 

(a) 3.

List of Exhibits

 

Exhibit Number

 

2.1

 

Agreement and Plan of Merger by and among THE BANCorp, Inc., S.Y. Bancorp, Inc. and Sanders Merger Sub, Inc. on December 19, 2012. Exhibit 2.1 to Form 8-K filed December 20, 2012, is incorporated by reference herein.

2.2

 

First Amendment to Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of February 26, 2013 by and among S.Y. Bancorp, Inc., Sanders Merger Sub, LLC, and THE BANCorp, Inc. Exhibit 2.2 to form S-4 (File No. 333-186930) filed February 27, 2013, is incorporated by reference herein.

3.1

 

Second Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of S.Y. Bancorp, Inc., filed with the Secretary of State of Kentucky on April 25, 2013. Exhibit 3.1 to Form 8-K filed April 25, 2013, is incorporated by reference herein.

3.2

 

Articles of Amendment to the Second Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation to change the name of the company to Stock Yards Bancorp, Inc., filed with the Secretary of State of Kentucky on April 23, 2014. Exhibit 3.1 to Form 8-K filed April 25, 2014, is incorporated by reference herein.

3.3

 

Articles of Amendment to the Second Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation to increase the number of authorized shares of common stock and adopt majority voting in uncontested director elections, filed with the Secretary of State of Kentucky on April 23, 2015. Exhibit 3.1 to Form 8-K filed April 27, 2015, is incorporated by reference herein.

3.4

 

Bylaws of Bancorp as currently in effect. Exhibit 3.2 to Form 8-K filed April 27, 2015, is incorporated by reference herein.

10.1*

 

Stock Yards Bank & Trust Company Executive Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan (as Amended and Restated in 2009), as filed as Exhibit 10.4 to Form 8-K filed on December 19, 2008, is incorporated by reference herein.

 

 

10.2*

 

Stock Yards Bank & Trust Company Director Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan (as Amended and Restated in 2009), as filed as Exhibit 10.3 to Form 8-K filed on December 19, 2008, is incorporated by reference herein.

10.3*

 

Form of Stock Yards Bank & Trust Company Executive Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan Employer Contribution Agreement, as filed as Exhibit 10.3 to Form 8-K filed on October 23, 2006, is incorporated by reference herein.

10.4*

 

Stock Yards Bank & Trust Company 2009 Restated Senior Officers Security Plan Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K filed December 19, 2008, is incorporated by reference herein.

10.5*

 

Form of Change in Control Severance Agreement (Poindexter, Dishman, Stinnett and Croce), Exhibit 10.5 to Form 8-K filed January 28, 2010, is incorporated by reference herein.

10.6*

 

S.Y. Bancorp, Inc. 2005 Stock Incentive Plan. Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K filed May 2, 2005, is incorporated by reference herein.

10.7*

 

Amendment No. 1 to S. Y. Bancorp, Inc. 2005 Stock Incentive Plan, as filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K filed on April 22, 2010, is incorporated by reference herein.

10.8*

 

Form of Employer Contribution Agreement, Nancy Davis, Participant, as filed as Exhibit 10.4 to Form 8-K filed on October 23, 2006, is incorporated by reference herein.

10.9*

 

Terms of Restricted Stock Program, as filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K filed on February 26, 2007, is incorporated by reference herein.

10.10*

 

Form of Restricted Stock Agreement (3 year vesting), as filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Form 8-K filed on February 26, 2007, is incorporated by reference herein.

10.11*

 

Form of Stock Option Grant and Agreement (6 months vesting), as filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K filed on January 19, 2006, is incorporated by reference herein.

10.12*

 

Form of Stock Option Grant and Agreement (5 year vesting), as filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Form 8-K filed on January 19, 2006, is incorporated by reference herein.

10.13*

 

Form of Stock Appreciation Right Grant Agreement (6 month vesting), as filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K filed on February 22, 2008, is incorporated by reference herein.

10.14*

 

Form of Stock Appreciation Right Grant Agreement (5 year vesting), as filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Form 8-K filed on February 22, 2008, is incorporated by reference herein.

10.15*

 

Form of Indemnification Agreement between Stock Yards Bank & Trust Company, S.Y. Bancorp, Inc. and each member of the Board of Directors. Exhibit 10.3 to Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001, of Bancorp is incorporated by reference herein.

10.16*

 

Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement (5 year vesting) between S.Y. Bancorp, Inc. and each recipient of restricted stock. Exhibit 10.21 to Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010, of Bancorp is incorporated by reference herein.

10.17*

 

Form of Director Restricted Stock Award Agreement (1 year vesting) between S.Y. Bancorp, Inc. and each member of the Board of Directors. Exhibit 10.22 to Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010, of Bancorp is incorporated by reference herein.

10.18*

 

Amendment No. 2 to the S. Y. Bancorp, Inc. 2005 Stock Incentive Plan, as filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K filed on April 22, 2011, is incorporated by reference herein.

10.19*

 

Form of S.Y. Bancorp, Inc. Restricted Stock Unit Grant Agreement for grants prior to 2014, as filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Form 8-K filed on April 22, 2011, is incorporated by reference herein.

10.20*

 

Form of Stock Appreciation Right Grant Agreement (5 year vesting) between S.Y. Bancorp, Inc. and each recipient of stock appreciation rights. Exhibit 10.25 to Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, of Bancorp is incorporated by reference herein.

10.21*

 

Form of S.Y. Bancorp, Inc. Restricted Stock Unit Grant Agreement 2012 and Amendment thereto, as filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K filed on March 20, 2013, is incorporated by reference herein.

10.22*

 

Form of Annual Cash Incentive Plan, as filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K filed on April 26, 2013, is incorporated by reference herein.

10.23*

 

Amendment No. 3 to the S. Y. Bancorp, Inc. 2005 Stock Incentive Plan, as filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K filed on November 22, 2013, is incorporated by reference herein.

10.24*

 

Amendment No. 1 to the Director Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan, as filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Form 8-K filed on November 22, 2013, is incorporated by reference herein.

10.25*

 

Form of Director Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement, as filed as Exhibit 10.3 to Form 8-K filed on November 22, 2013, is incorporated by reference herein.

10.26*

 

Form of Amended and Restated Change in Control Severance Agreement (for David Heintzman, Ja Hillebrand, Kathy Thompson and Nancy Davis), as filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K filed on December 17, 2013, is incorporated by reference herein.

 

 

10.27*

 

Form of Annual Cash Bonus Plan (as amended December 16, 2013), as filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Form 8-K filed on December 17, 2013, is incorporated by reference herein.

10.28*

 

Form of Restricted Stock Unit Grant Agreement for grants awarded 2014 and later, as filed as Exhibit 10.3 to Form 8-K filed on December 17, 2013, is incorporated by reference herein.

10.29*

 

Form of Amendment No. 1 Stock Yards Bank & Trust Company Executive Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan, as filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K filed on December 18, 2014, is incorporated by reference herein.

10.30*

 

Form of Amendment No. 2 Stock Yards Bank & Trust Company Director Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan, as filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Form 8-K filed on December 18, 2014, is incorporated by reference herein.

10.31*

 

Form of Restricted Stock Unit Grant Agreement as filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K filed on March 19, 2015, is incorporated by reference herein.

10.32*

 

Amendment to Form of Restricted Stock Unit Grant Agreement as filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K/A filed on March 19, 2015, is incorporated by reference herein.

10.33*

 

Stock Yards Bancorp, Inc. 2015 Omnibus Equity Compensation Plan, as filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8K, on April 27, 2015 is incorporated by reference herein.

10.34*

 

Form of Performance-Vested Stock Units (PSU’s) Agreement, as filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K filed on March 17, 2016, is incorporated by reference herein.

10.35*

 

Form of Stock Appreciation Rights (SARS) Agreement, as filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Form 8-K filed on March 17, 2016, is incorporated by reference herein.

10.36*

 

Form of Performance-Vested Stock Unit Grant Agreement, as filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K filed on March 27, 2017, is incorporated by reference herein.

***10.37* Amendment No. 1 to the Stock Yards Bancorp 2015 Omnibus Equity Compensation Plan.

***14

 

Code of Ethics for the Chief Executive Officer and Financial Executives.

***21

 

Subsidiary of the Registrant.

**23

 

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

**31.1

 

Certifications pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act by David P. Heintzman.

**31.2

 

Certifications pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act by Nancy B. Davis.

**32.1

 

Certifications pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 by David P. Heintzman.

**32.2

 

Certifications pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 by Nancy B. Davis.

***101 

The following financial statements from the Stock Yards Bancorp, Inc. December 31, 2017

Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed on March 13, 2017, formatted in eXtensible

Business Reporting Language (XBRL):

 

(1)

Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

(2)

Consolidated Statements of Income

 

(3)

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

 

(4)

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity

 

(5)

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

 

(6)

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

* Indicates matters related to executive compensation or other management contracts.

  ** Contained herewith.

*** Previously filed.

Copies of the foregoing Exhibits will be furnished to others upon request and payment of Bancorp’s reasonable expenses in furnishing the exhibits.

 

 

(b)

Exhibits

The exhibits listed in response to Item 15(a) 3 are filed or furnished as a part of this report.

 

(c)

Financial Statement Schedules

None

 

 

Where You Can Find More Information

 

Bancorp is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and accordingly files its annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, proxy statements and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).  The public may read and copy any materials filed with the SEC at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, DC 20549.  Please call the SEC at (800) SEC-0330 for further information on the Public Reference Room.  Bancorp’s public filings are also maintained on the SEC’s Internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC.  The address of that web site is http://www.sec.gov.  In addition, Bancorp’s annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act may be accessed free of charge through Bancorp’s web site after we have electronically filed such material with, or furnished it to, the SEC.  The address of that web site is http://www.syb.com.

 

Item 16.   Form 10-K Summary

None

 

Signatures 

 

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this amendment No.1 to its annual report on Form 10-K to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

March 13,April 4, 2018

STOCK YARDS BANCORP, INC.

 

 

 

 

BY:

/s/ David P. Heintzman

 

 

 

David P. Heintzman

 

 

Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer

 

58

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

/s/ David P. Heintzman

Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Director

March 13, 2018

David P. Heintzman

(principal executive officer)

/s/ James A. Hillebrand

President and Director

March 13, 2018

James A. Hillebrand

/s/ Nancy B. Davis

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial

March 13, 2018

Nancy B. Davis

Officer (principal financial and accountin gofficer)

/s/ Paul J. Bickel III

Director

March 13, 2018

Paul J. Bickel III

/s/ J. McCauley Brown

Director

March 13, 2018

J. McCauley Brown

/s/ Charles R. Edinger, III

Director

March 13, 2018

Charles R. Edinger, III

/s/ Donna L. Heitzman

Director

March 13, 2018

Donna L. Heitzman

/s/ Carl G. Herde

Director

March 13, 2018

Carl G. Herde

/s/ Richard A. Lechleiter

Director

March 13, 2018

Richard A. Lechleiter

/s/ Richard Northern

Director

March 13, 2018

Richard Northern

/s/ Stephen M. Priebe

Director

March 13, 2018

Stephen M. Priebe

/s/ Norman Tasman

Director

March 13, 2018

Norman Tasman

/s/ Kathy C. Thompson

Senior Executive Vice President and Director

March 13, 2018

Kathy C. Thompson