UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

☒ QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d)

OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended ~~June 30,~~December 31, 2018

☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d)

OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from to

Commission File Number: 0-22140

META FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.®

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)



Delaware	42-1406262
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)	(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

5501 South Broadband Lane, Sioux Falls, South Dakota 57108

(Address of principal executive offices and Zip Code)

(605) 782-1767

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

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 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to submit and post such files). YES ☒ NO ☐

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



Large accelerated filer☒	Accelerated filer☐	Non-accelerated filer☐	Smaller Reporting Company☐
Emerging growth company☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

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

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



Class:	Outstanding at ~~August 7, 2018:~~February 1, 2019:
Common Stock, $.01 par value	~~13,059,722~~39,419,991 shares
Nonvoting Common Stock, $.01 par value	0 Nonvoting shares

META FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

FORM 10-Q

Table of Contents



PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION		2

Item 1.	Financial Statements (Unaudited)	2

	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition as of ~~June 30,~~December 31, 2018 and September 30, ~~2017~~2018	2

	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three ~~and Nine~~ Months Ended ~~June 30,~~December 31, 2018 and 2017	3

	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Three ~~and Nine~~ Months Ended ~~June 30,~~December 31, 2018 and 2017	4

	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for the ~~Nine~~Three Months Ended ~~June 30,~~December 31, 2018 and 2017	5

	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the ~~Nine~~Three Months Ended ~~June 30,~~December 31, 2018 and 2017	6

	Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements	8

Item 2.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	4142

Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	5853

Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	6356

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION		6557

Item 1.	Legal Proceedings	6557

Item 1A.	Risk Factors	6557

Item 6.	Exhibits	6757

SIGNATURES		6858

Table of Contents

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements.

META FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition

~~(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share Data)~~


	(Unaudited)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share Data⁽¹⁾)							(Unaudited)
ASSETS	June 30, 2018			September 30, 2017			December 31, 2018			September 30, 2018
Cash and cash equivalents	$	71,276		$	1,267,586		$	164,169		$	99,977
Investment securities available for sale	1,351,538			1,106,977
Mortgage-backed securities available for sale	575,999			586,454
Investment securities held to maturity	216,160			449,840
Mortgage-backed securities held to maturity	8,218			113,689
Loans receivable	1,597,294			1,325,371
Allowance for loan losses	(21,950		)	(7,534		)
Investment securities available for sale, at fair value							1,340,870			1,484,160
Mortgage-backed securities available for sale, at fair value							354,186			364,065
Investment securities held to maturity, at cost							153,075			163,893
Mortgage-backed securities held to maturity, at cost							7,661			7,850
Loans held for sale							33,560			15,606
Loans and leases							3,329,498			2,944,739
Allowance for loan and lease losses							(21,290		)	(13,040		)
Federal Home Loan Bank Stock, at cost	7,446			61,123			15,600			23,400
Accrued interest receivable	17,825			19,380			22,076			22,016
Premises, furniture, and equipment, net	20,374			19,320			44,299			40,458
Rental equipment, net							146,815			107,290
Bank-owned life insurance	86,655			84,702			87,934			87,293
Foreclosed real estate and repossessed assets	29,922			292			31,548			31,638
Goodwill	98,723			98,723			303,270			303,270
Intangible assets	46,098			52,178			66,366			70,719
Prepaid assets	23,211			28,392			31,483			27,906
Deferred taxes	23,025			9,101			23,607			18,737
Other assets	17,345			12,738			48,038			35,090

Total assets	$	4,169,159		$	5,228,332		$	6,182,765		$	5,835,067

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

LIABILITIES
Non-interest-bearing checking	$	2,637,987		$	2,454,057
Noninterest-bearing checking							$	2,739,757		$	2,405,274
Interest-bearing checking	103,065			67,294			128,662			111,587
Savings deposits	57,356			53,505			52,229			54,765
Money market deposits	45,115			48,758			54,559			51,995
Time certificates of deposit	57,151			123,637			170,629			276,180
Wholesale deposits	620,959			476,173			1,790,611			1,531,186
Total deposits	3,521,633			3,223,424			4,936,447			4,430,987
Short-term debt	27,290			1,404,534			231,293			425,759
Long-term debt	85,580			85,533			88,983			88,963
Accrued interest payable	3,705			2,280			11,280			7,794
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	87,038			78,065			144,034			133,838
Total liabilities	3,725,246			4,793,836			5,412,037			5,087,341

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Preferred stock, 3,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued or outstanding at June 30, 2018 and September 30, 2017, respectively	—			—
Common stock, $.01 par value; 90,000,000 and 15,000,000 shares authorized, 9,721,526 and 9,626,431 shares issued, 9,700,535 and 9,622,595 shares outstanding at June 30, 2018 and September 30, 2017, respectively	97			96
Common stock, Nonvoting, $.01 par value; 3,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued or outstanding at June 30, 2018 and September 30, 2017, respectively	—			—
Preferred stock, 3,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued or outstanding at December 31, 2018 and September 30, 2018, respectively							—			—
Common stock, $.01 par value; 90,000,000 and 90,000,000 shares authorized, 39,494,919 and 39,192,063 shares issued, 39,405,508 and 39,167,280 shares outstanding at December 31, 2018 and September 30, 2018, respectively							394			393
Common stock, Nonvoting, $.01 par value; 3,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued or outstanding at December 31, 2018 and September 30, 2018, respectively							—			—
Additional paid-in capital	267,804			258,336			572,156			565,811
Retained earnings	206,284			167,164			228,453			213,048
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income	(28,601		)	9,166
Treasury stock, at cost, 20,991 and 3,836 common shares at June 30, 2018 and September 30, 2017, respectively	(1,671		)	(266		)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss							(29,186		)	(33,111		)
Treasury stock, at cost, 89,411 and 24,783 common shares at December 31, 2018 and September 30, 2018, respectively							(4,356		)	(1,989		)
Total equity attributable to parent							767,461			744,152
Noncontrolling interest							3,267			3,574
Total stockholders’ equity	443,913			434,496			770,728			747,726

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	4,169,159		$	5,228,332		$	6,182,765		$	5,835,067

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

⁽¹⁾All share and per share data has been adjusted to reflect the 3-for-1 forward stock split effected by the Company on October 4, 2018.

META FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited)

~~(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share~~



(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share and Per Share Data⁽¹⁾)	Three Months Ended December 31,
	2018			2017
Interest and dividend income:
Loans and leases, including fees	$	60,498		$	16,443
Mortgage-backed securities	2,698			3,758
Other investments	11,780			10,656
	74,976			30,857
Interest expense:
Deposits	10,596			1,885
FHLB advances and other borrowings	4,108			2,776
	14,704			4,661

Net interest income	60,272			26,196

Provision for loan and lease losses	9,099			1,068

Net interest income after provision for loan and lease losses	51,173			25,128

Noninterest income:
Refund transfer product fees	261			192
Tax advance product fees	1,685			1,947
Card fees	19,351			25,247
Rental income	10,890			—
Loan and lease fees	1,247			1,292
Bank-owned life insurance	642			669
Deposit fees	1,938			848
Loss on sale of securities available-for-sale, net (Includes ($22) and ($1,010) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for net gains (losses) on available for sale securities for the three months ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively)	(22		)	(1,010		)
Gain on sale of loans and leases	867			—
Gain (loss) on foreclosed real estate	15			(19		)
Other income	877			102
Total noninterest income	37,751			29,268

Noninterest expense:
Compensation and benefits	33,010			22,340
Refund transfer product expense	10			101
Tax advance product expense	452			280
Card processing	7,085			6,540
Occupancy and equipment	6,458			4,890
Operating lease equipment depreciation	7,765			—
Legal and consulting	3,969			2,416
Marketing	539			553
Data processing	437			414
Intangible amortization	4,383			1,681
Other expense	10,187			4,827
Total noninterest expense	74,295			44,042

Income before income tax expense	14,629			10,354

Income tax (benefit) expense (Includes ($5) and ($380) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss for the three months ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively)	(1,691		)	5,684

Net income before noncontrolling interest	16,320			4,670
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	922			—
Net income attributable to parent	$	15,398		$	4,670

Earnings per common share
Basic	$	0.39		$	0.16
Diluted	$	0.39		$	0.16

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

⁽¹⁾All share and ~~Per Share Data)~~per share data has been adjusted to reflect the 3-for-1 forward stock split effected by the Company on October 4, 2018.

META FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited)

Three Months Ended June 30, Nine Months Ended June 30,
2018 2017 2018 2017
Interest and dividend income:
Loans receivable, including fees $ 19,056
$ 14,089
$ 53,344
$ 37,540
Mortgage-backed securities 3,950
4,544
11,755
12,345
Other investments 11,098
10,228
33,234
29,269
34,104
28,861
98,333
79,154
Interest expense:

Deposits 2,264
1,039
7,106
4,161
FHLB advances and other borrowings 3,429
2,879
9,215
6,251
5,693
3,918
16,321
10,412

Net interest income 28,411
24,943
82,012
68,742

Provision for loan losses 5,315
1,240
24,726
10,732

Net interest income after provision for loan losses 23,096
23,703
57,286
58,010

Non-interest income:

Refund transfer product fees 7,358
5,785
41,353
38,448
Tax advance product fees (46 ) (108 ) 35,739
31,460
Card fees 22,807
23,052
74,910
68,013
Loan fees 1,111
982
3,445
3,034
Bank-owned life insurance 633
656
1,952
1,548
Deposit fees 1,134
190
2,964
508
(Loss) gain on sale of securities available-for-sale, net (Includes ($22) and $47 reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for net gains (losses) on available for sale securities for the three months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively and ($1,198) and ($1,331) for the nine months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively) (22 ) 47
(1,198 ) (1,331 )
Gain (loss) on foreclosed real estate —
—
(19 ) 7
Other income 250
216
766
652
Total non-interest income 33,225
30,820
159,912
142,339

Non-interest expense:

Compensation and benefits 24,439
22,193
78,951
66,809
Refund transfer product expense 1,694
1,623
11,665
11,852
Tax advance product expense (19 ) 72
1,736
3,239
Card processing 7,068
5,755
20,798
18,377
Occupancy and equipment 4,720
4,034
14,087
12,202
Legal and consulting 2,781
1,375
8,436
5,603
Marketing 416
381
1,637
1,461
Data processing 301
344
958
1,099
Intangible amortization expense 1,664
1,887
6,077
10,494
Other expense 5,988
4,555
17,247
14,782
Total non-interest expense 49,053
42,219
161,592
145,918

Income before income tax expense 7,268
12,304
55,606
54,431

Income tax expense (Includes ($6) and $18 reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the three months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively and ($335) and ($499) for the nine months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively) 476
2,517
12,708
11,258

Net income $ 6,792
$ 9,787
$ 42,898
$ 43,173

Earnings per common share

Basic $ 0.70
$ 1.05
$ 4.43
$ 4.69
Diluted $ 0.70
$ 1.04
$ 4.41
$ 4.66



(Dollars in Thousands)	Three Months Ended December 31,
	2018			2017
Net income before noncontrolling interest	$	16,320		$	4,670

Other comprehensive (loss) income:
Change in net unrealized gain (loss) on debt securities	6,171			(7,480		)
(Gains) losses realized in net income	22			1,010
	6,193			(6,470		)
Unrealized gains (loss) on currency translation	(360		)	—
Deferred income tax effect	1,433			(3,086		)
Total other comprehensive (loss) income	4,400			(3,384		)
Total comprehensive income	20,720			1,286
Total comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	922			—
Comprehensive income attributable to parent	$	19,798		$	1,286

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

META FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

~~AND SUBSIDIARIES~~

~~Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited)~~

~~(Dollars in Thousands)~~

Three Months Ended
June 30, Nine Months Ended
June 30,
2018 2017 2018 2017
Net income $ 6,792
$ 9,787
$ 42,898
$ 43,173

Other comprehensive (loss) income:

Change in net unrealized (loss) gain on securities (9,905 ) 11,902
(53,377 ) (25,398 )
Losses (gains) realized in net income 22
(47 ) 1,198
1,331
(9,883 ) 11,855
(52,179 ) (24,067 )
LESS: Deferred income tax effect (2,447 ) 4,472
(14,412 ) (8,544 )
Total other comprehensive (loss) income (7,436 ) 7,383
(37,767 ) (15,523 )
Total comprehensive (loss) income $ (644 ) $ 17,170
$ 5,131
$ 27,650

~~See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.~~

~~META FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.~~

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity (Unaudited)

For the ~~Nine~~Three Months Ended ~~June 30,~~December 31, 2018 and 2017

~~(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share and Per Share Data)~~


	Common Stock		Additional Paid-in Capital			Retained Earnings			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)			Treasury Stock			Total Stockholders’ Equity			Meta Financial Group Stockholders' Equity
Balance, September 30, 2016	$	85	$	184,780		$	127,190		$	22,920		$	—		$	334,975
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share and Per Share Data⁽¹⁾)																		Common Stock			Additional Paid-in Capital			Retained Earnings			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)			Treasury Stock			Total Stockholders’ Equity			Noncontrolling Interest			Total Equity
Balance, September 30, 2017																		$	288		$	258,144		$	167,164		$	9,166		$	(266	)	$	434,496		$	—		$	434,496
Cash dividends declared on common stock ($0.04 per share)																		—			—			(1,256		)	—			—			(1,256		)	—			(1,256		)
Issuance of common shares due to restricted stock																		1			—			—			—			—			1			—			1
Issuance of common shares due to ESOP																		1			1,605			—			—			—			1,606			—			1,606
Shares repurchased for tax withholdings on stock compensation																		—			(314		)	—			—			(1,357		)	(1,671		)	—			(1,671		)
Stock compensation																		—			3,243			—			—			—			3,243			—			3,243
Total other comprehensive (loss)																		—			—			—			(3,384		)	—			(3,384		)	—			(3,384		)
Net income																		—			—			4,670			—			—			4,670			—			4,670
Balance, December 31, 2017																		$	290		$	262,678		$	170,578		$	5,782		$	(1,623	)	$	437,705		$	—		$	437,705

Adoption of Accounting Standards Update 2016-09	—		104			(104		)	—			—			—

Cash dividends declared on common stock ($0.39 per share)	—		—			(3,625		)	—			—			(3,625		)

Balance, September 30, 2018																		$	393		$	565,811		$	213,048		$	(33,111	)	$	(1,989	)	$	744,152		$	3,574		$	747,726
Adoption of Accounting Standards Update 2014-09, net of income taxes																		—			—			1,502			—			—			1,502			—			1,502
Adoption of Accounting Standards Update 2016-01																		—			—			475			(475		)	—			—			—			—
Cash dividends declared on common stock ($0.05 per share)																		—			—			(1,970		)	—			—			(1,970		)	—			(1,970		)
Issuance of common shares due to exercise of stock options	—		529			—			—			—			529			—			54			—			—			—			54			—			54

Issuance of common shares due to restricted stock	4		—			—			—			—			4			2			—			—			—			—			2			—			2

Issuance of common shares due to ESOP	—		1,174			—			—			—			1,174			—			2,010			—			—			—			2,010			—			2,010

Issuance of common shares due to acquisition	5		37,291			—			—			—			37,296

Contingent consideration equity earnout due to acquisition	—		24,142			—			—			—			24,142

Shares repurchased for tax withholdings on stock compensation	—		(337		)	—			—			—			(337		)	(1		)	1			—			—			(2,367		)	(2,367		)	—			(2,367		)

Stock compensation	—		8,405			—			—			—			8,405			—			4,280			—			—			—			4,280			—			4,280

Net change in unrealized losses on securities, net of income taxes	—		—			—			(15,523		)	—			(15,523		)

Total other comprehensive income																		—			—			—			4,400			—			4,400			—			4,400
Net income	—		—			43,173			—			—			43,173			—			—			15,398			—			—			15,398			922			16,320

Balance, June 30, 2017	$	94	$	256,088		$	166,634		$	7,397		$	—		$	430,213

Balance, September 30, 2017	$	96	$	258,336		$	167,164		$	9,166		$	(266	)	$	434,496

Cash dividends declared on common stock ($0.39 per share)	—		—			(3,778		)	—			—			(3,778		)

Issuance of common shares due to exercise of stock options	—		147			—			—			—			147

Issuance of common shares due to restricted stock	1		—			—			—			—			1

Issuance of common shares due to ESOP	—		1,606			—			—			—			1,606

Shares repurchased for tax withholdings on stock compensation	—		(726		)	—			—			(1,405		)	(2,131		)

Stock compensation	—		8,441			—			—			—			8,441

Net change in unrealized losses on securities, net of income taxes	—		—			—			(37,767		)	—			(37,767		)

Net income	—		—			42,898			—			—			42,898

Balance, June 30, 2018	$	97	$	267,804		$	206,284		$	(28,601	)	$	(1,671	)	$	443,913
Net investment by (distribution to) noncontrolling interests																		—			—			—			—			—			—			(1,229		)	(1,229		)
Balance, December 31, 2018																		$	394		$	572,156		$	228,453		$	(29,186	)	$	(4,356	)	$	767,461		$	3,267		$	770,728

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

⁽¹⁾All share and per share data has been adjusted to reflect the 3-for-1 forward stock split effected by the Company on October 4, 2018.

META FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)

Nine Months Ended June 30,
(Dollars in Thousands) 2018 2017
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income $ 42,898
$ 43,173
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

Depreciation, amortization and accretion, net 27,995
35,002
Stock-based compensation expense 8,441
8,405
Provision for loan losses 24,726
10,732
(Recovery) provision for deferred taxes 488
(2,914 )
Gain on other assets (1 ) (21 )
Loss (gain) on sale of foreclosed real estate 19
(7 )
Loss on sale of securities available for sale, net 1,198
1,331
Net change in accrued interest receivable 1,555
(4,632 )
Fair value adjustment of foreclosed real estate 29
—
Originations of loans held for sale —
(685,934 )
Proceeds from sales of loans held for sale —
685,934
Change in bank-owned life insurance value (1,952 ) (1,549 )
Net change in other assets 577
(24,179 )
Net change in accrued interest payable 1,425
1,588
Excess contingent consideration paid —
(248 )
Net change in accrued expenses and other liabilities 4,879
16,080
Net cash provided by operating activities 112,277
82,761

Cash flows from investing activities:

Purchase of securities available-for-sale (418,699 ) (782,169 )
Proceeds from sales of securities available-for-sale 312,863
317,099
Proceeds from maturities and principal repayments of securities available for sale 115,878
86,516
Purchase of securities held to maturity —
(932 )
Proceeds from maturities and principal repayments of securities held to maturity 29,752
34,242
Purchase of bank owned life insurance —
(25,000 )
Loans purchased (95,169 ) (136,172 )
Loans sold 19,961
2,141
Net change in loans receivable (238,679 ) (168,537 )
Proceeds from sales of foreclosed real estate or other assets 244
97
Net cash paid for acquisitions —
(29,425 )
Federal Home Loan Bank stock purchases (713,444 ) (468,291 )
Federal Home Loan Bank stock redemptions 767,120
499,480
Proceeds from the sale of premises and equipment —
57
Purchase of premises and equipment (5,176 ) (5,699 )
Net cash used in investing activities (225,349 ) (676,593 )

Cash flows from financing activities:

Net change in checking, savings, and money market deposits 219,909
320,512
Net change in time deposits (66,486 ) (42,232 )
Net change in wholesale deposits 144,786
444,857
Net change in FHLB and other borrowings (415,000 ) (100,000 )
Net change in federal funds (963,000 ) (717,000 )
Net change in securities sold under agreements to repurchase 754
(938 )
Principal payments on capital lease obligations (46 ) (59 )
Cash dividends paid (3,778 ) (3,625 )
Purchase of shares by ESOP 1,606
1,174
Issuance of restricted stock 1
4
Proceeds from exercise of stock options and issuance of common stock 147
529
Shares repurchased for tax withholdings on stock compensation (2,131 ) (337 )
Contingent consideration - cash paid —
(17,253 )
Net cash used in financing activities (1,083,238 ) (114,368 )

Net change in cash and cash equivalents (1,196,310 ) (708,200 )

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 1,267,586
773,830
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 71,276
$ 65,630



	Three Months Ended December 31,
(Dollars in Thousands)	2018			2017
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$	16,320		$	4,670
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation, amortization and accretion, net	14,616			9,561
Stock compensation	4,280			3,243
Provision (recovery):
Loan and lease losses	9,099			1,068
Deferred taxes	(6,787		)	6,807
Loans held for sale:
Originations	(7,469		)	—
Proceeds from sales	22,611			—
Net change	6,571			—
Fair value adjustment of foreclosed real estate	—			23
Net realized (gain) loss:
Other assets	(24		)	(8		)
Foreclosed real estate or other assets	(15		)	19
Available for sale securities, net	22			1,010
Loans held for sale	(550		)	—
Leases receivable and rental equipment	(677		)	—
Net change:
Other assets	(18,004		)	(1,102		)
Accrued interest payable	3,486			1,785
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	9,454			(14,462		)
Accrued interest receivable	(60		)	(1,709		)
Change in bank-owned life insurance value	(641		)	(669		)
Net cash provided by operating activities	52,232			10,236

Cash flows from investing activities:
Available for sale securities:
Purchases	(51,430		)	(105,327		)
Proceeds from sales	171,927			65,941
Proceeds from maturities and principal repayments	34,557			35,065
Held to maturity:
Proceeds from maturities and principal repayments	10,423			12,021
Loans and leases:
Purchases	(122,668		)	(75,163		)
Proceeds from Sales	378			5,916
Net change	(299,400		)	(114,827		)
Proceeds from sales of foreclosed real estate or other assets	105			122
Federal Home Loan Bank stock:
Purchases	(235,000		)	(249,920		)
Redemption	242,800			253,600
Rental Equipment:
Purchases	(46,153		)	—
Proceeds from Sales	1,466			—
Net change	(611		)
Premises and equipment:
Purchases	(5,729		)	(2,593		)
Proceeds from Sales	19			—
Net cash (used in) investing activities	(299,316		)	(175,165		)

Cash flows from financing activities:
Net change:
Checking, savings, and money market deposits	353,642			341,407
Time deposits	(105,632		)	4,583
Wholesale deposits	259,430			(55,769		)
FHLB and other borrowings	—			(205,000		)
Federal funds	(195,000		)	113,000
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase	532			867
Net investment by (distribution to) noncontrolling interests	(1,229		)	—
Principal payments:
Other liabilities	(2,847		)	—



Capital lease obligations	(16		)	(16		)
Cash dividends paid	(1,970		)	(1,256		)
Purchase of shares by ESOP	2,010			1,606
Issuance of restricted stock	2			1
Proceeds from exercise of stock options & issuance of common stock	54			—
Shares repurchased for tax withholdings on stock compensation	(2,367		)	(1,671		)
Net cash provided by financing activities	311,636			197,752

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	(360		)	—

Net change in cash and cash equivalents	64,192			32,823

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	99,977			1,267,586
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	$	164,169		$	1,300,409

META FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Con't.)


	Nine Months Ended June 30,						Three Months Ended December 31,
	2018			2017			2018		2017
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest	$	17,746		$	8,824		$	18,190	$	6,446
Income taxes	8,211			19,947			595		218
Franchise taxes	199			156			—		31
Other taxes	129			289			49		1

Supplemental schedule of non-cash investing activities:
Loans transferred to foreclosed real estate and repossessed assets	$	(29,922	)	$	(378	)
Securities transferred from held to maturity to available for sale	(306,000		)	—
Contingent consideration - equity	—			(24,142		)
Stock issued for acquisition	—			(37,296		)
Purchase of available-for-sale securities accrued, not paid	(4,117		)	—
Loans transferred to held for sale							39,452		—
Securities transferred from held-to-maturity to available-for-sale							—		(306,000		)

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

NOTE 1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The interim unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements contained herein should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended September 30, ~~2017~~2018 included in Meta Financial Group, Inc.’s (“Meta” or the “Company”) Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on November 29, ~~2017.~~2018. Accordingly, footnote disclosures which would substantially duplicate the disclosures contained in the audited consolidated financial statements have been omitted.

The financial information of the Company included herein has been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) for interim financial reporting and has been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations for reporting on Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. Such information reflects all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position and results of operations for the periods presented. The results of the three ~~and nine~~ month ~~periods~~period ended ~~June 30,~~December 31, 2018 are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2019.

All share and per share data reported in this Form 10-Q has been adjusted to reflect the 3-for-1 forward stock split of the Company's common stock effected by the Company on October 4, 2018.

Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year financial statement presentation. These changes and reclassifications did not impact previously reported net income or comprehensive income.

Certain amounts in the Recorded Investment table presented in Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements have been restated from what was previously reported as of September 30, 2018 on Form 10-K.

Loan and lease tables have been conformed to be consistent with the Company's updated presentation of its lending portfolio. The new presentation includes expanding the commercial and consumer finance portfolio to present the lending categories that are included in each, presenting the warehouse finance portfolio as its own category, and condensing the community bank loan categories. Warehouse finance loans were previously included in the consumer finance portfolio. All current and prior period numbers are reflective of this new presentation and total loan and lease balances remained unchanged.

NOTE 2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND RECENTLY ADOPTED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS UPDATES ("ASU")

Significant accounting policies in effect and disclosed within the Company’s most recent audited consolidated financial statements as of September 30, 2018 remain substantially unchanged with the exception of the policies impacted by the adoption of noted ASUs below.

Revenue Recognition - Effective October 1, 2018, the Company adopted ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), subsequent related Updates (collectively, ASU 2014-09), and ASU 2016-04, Liabilities - Extinguishments of Liabilities (Subtopic 405-20): Recognition of Breakage of Certain Prepaid Stored-Value Products. ASU 2014-09 modifies the guidance used to recognize revenue from contracts with customers for transfers of goods or services and transfers of non-financial assets, unless those contracts are within the scope of other guidance. Upon adoption, the Company recorded a cumulative-effect adjustment that increased retained earnings by $1.5 million, net of tax, due to changes in the timing of recognition of revenue from breakage on unregistered, unused prepaid cards in the Company’s Meta Payment Systems ("MPS") division. Breakage represents the estimated amount that will not be redeemed by the cardholder for goods or services. Previously, the Company recognized breakage revenue predominantly after the month of the card balance expiration. Upon adoption of ASU 2014-09, this revenue is recognized ratably over the life of the prepaid card. Recognition of all other revenue streams was substantially unchanged. The impact of adoption was immaterial to the Company’s operations for the three months ended December 31, 2018. Refer to Note 10. Revenue from Contracts with Customers for additional information.

Financial Instruments - Effective October 1, 2018, the Company adopted ASU 2016-01, Financial Instruments - Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Liabilities, and related Updates (collectively, ASU 2016-01). ASU 2016-01 makes revisions to several elements of Subtopic 825-10, including that ASU 2016-01: (1) requires equity investments to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value to be recognized in net income, (2) simplifies the impairment assessment of equity investments without readily determinable fair value, (3) eliminates the requirement for public business entities to disclose the methods and significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value of financial instruments measured at amortized cost on the consolidated statement of financial condition, (4) requires public business entities to use the exit price notion when measuring fair value of financial instruments for disclosure purposes, and (5) requires separate presentation of financial assets and financial liabilities by measurement category and form of financial asset on the balance sheet or accompanying notes. Upon adoption, the Company recorded a cumulative-effect adjustment that reclassed $0.5 million, net of tax, from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings, due to the Company's cumulative change in fair value of equity securities with readily determinable fair values previously recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income. The impact of adoption was immaterial to the Company’s operations for the three months ended December 31, 2018. Refer to Note 5. Securities for additional information.

The Company also adopted each of the following ASUs effective October 1, 2018, none of which had a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.


–	ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments


–	ASU 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash


–	ASU 2017-01, Clarifying the Definition of a Business


–	ASU 2017-04, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment


–	ASU 2017-05, Other Income - Gains and Losses from the Derecognition of Non-Financial Assets (Subtopic 610-20): Clarifying the Scope of Asset Derecognition Guidance and Accounting for Partial Sales of Non-Financial Assets


–	ASU 2018-07, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Nonemployees Share-Based Payment Accounting

Refer to the Company’s most recently audited consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018 for additional information on these ASUs and for the latest update on ASUs relevant to the Company and not yet adopted as of December 31, 2018.

NOTE 3. ACQUISITIONS

The Company completed the acquisition of Crestmark Bancorp, Inc. ("Crestmark") and its bank subsidiary, Crestmark Bank, on August 1, 2018 for a purchase price of $295.8 million paid by issuance of 9,919,512 shares of Meta common stock. The transaction included, at fair value, total assets of $1.32 billion, including $1.05 billion of loan and lease receivables held for investment, and $1.12 billion of deposits. The Company recorded provisional goodwill of $204.5 million associated with the acquisition due to expected operational synergies and expanded product lines. There has been no adjustment to or impairment recognized to goodwill during the three months ended December 31, 2018. Refer to the Company’s most recent audited financial statements as of September 30, 2018 included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for its fiscal year ended September 30, 2018 for additional information on the Crestmark acquisition. There were no business combinations pending as of December 31, 2018.

~~NOTE 2. CREDIT DISCLOSURES~~

~~The allowance for loan losses represents management’s estimate of probable loan losses which~~NOTE 4. LOANS AND LEASES, NET

Loan and lease tables have been ~~incurred as~~conformed to be consistent with the Company's updated categorization of ~~the date of the consolidated financial statements. The allowance for loan losses is increased by a provision for loan losses charged to expense~~its lending portfolio between National Lending and decreased by charge-offs (net of recoveries). Estimating the risk of loss and the amount of loss on any loan is necessarily subjective. Management’s periodic evaluation of the appropriateness of the allowance is based on the Company’s past loan loss experience, known and inherent risks in the portfolio, adverse situations that may affect the borrower’s ability to repay, the estimated value of any underlying collateral, and current economic conditions. While management may periodically allocate portions of the allowance for specific problem loan situations, the entire allowance is available for any loan charge-offs that occur.

Community Banking.

Loans ~~are generally considered impaired if full principal or interest payments are not probable in accordance with the contractual loan terms. Impaired loans are carried~~and leases at the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate or at the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. A portion of the allowance for loan losses is allocated to impaired loans if the value of such loans is deemed to be less than the unpaid balance.

The allowance consists of specific, general and unallocated components. The specific component relates to impaired loans. For such loans, an allowance is established when the discounted cash flows (or collateral value or observable market price) of the impaired loan is lower than the carrying value of that loan. The general component covers loans not considered impaired and is based on historical loss experience adjusted for qualitative factors. An unallocated component is maintained to cover uncertainties that could affect management’s estimate of probable losses. The unallocated component of the allowance reflects the margin of imprecision inherent in the underlying assumptions used in the methodologies for estimating specific and general losses in the portfolio.

Homogeneous loan populations are collectively evaluated for impairment. These loan populations may include commercial insurance premium finance loans, residential first mortgage loans secured by one-to-four family residences, residential construction loans, home equity and second mortgage loans, and tax product loans. Commercial and agricultural loans as well as mortgage loans secured by other properties are monitored regularly by the Bank given the larger balances. When analysis of the borrower's operating results and financial condition indicates that underlying cash flows of the borrower’s business is not adequate to meet its debt service requirements, the individual loan or loan relationship is evaluated for impairment.

Loans, or portions thereof, are charged off when collection of principal becomes doubtful. Generally, this is associated with a delay or shortfall in payments of 210 days or more for commercial insurance premium finance, 180 days or more for the purchased student loan portfolios, 120 days or more for consumer credit products, and 90 days or more for community banking loans. Action is taken to charge off ERO loans if such loans have not been collected by the end of June and taxpayer advance loans if such loans have not been collected by the end of the calendar year. Non-accrual loans and troubled debt restructurings are generally considered impaired.

~~Loans receivable at June 30,~~December 31, 2018 and September 30, ~~2017~~2018 were as follows:

June 30, 2018 September 30, 2017
(Dollars in Thousands)
1-4 Family Real Estate $ 214,754
$ 196,706
Commercial and Multi-Family Real Estate 716,495
585,510
Agricultural Real Estate 35,475
61,800
Consumer 258,158
163,004
Commercial Operating 46,069
35,759
Agricultural Operating 24,621
33,594
Commercial Insurance Premium Finance 303,603
250,459
Total Loans Receivable 1,599,175
1,326,832

Allowance for Loan Losses (21,950 ) (7,534 )
Net Deferred Loan Origination Fees (1,881 ) (1,461 )
Total Loans Receivable, Net $ 1,575,344
$ 1,317,837



	December 31, 2018			September 30, 2018
National Lending	(Dollars in Thousands)
Asset based lending	$	554,072		$	477,917
Factoring	284,912			284,221
Lease financing	290,889			265,315
Insurance premium finance	330,712			337,877
SBA/USDA	67,893			59,374
Other commercial finance	89,402			85,145
Commercial finance	1,617,880			1,509,849
Consumer credit products	96,144			80,605
Other consumer finance	182,510			189,756
Consumer finance⁽¹⁾	278,654			270,361
Tax services	76,575			1,073
Warehouse finance⁽¹⁾	176,134			65,000
Total National Lending	2,149,243			1,846,283
Community Banking
Commercial real estate and operating	863,753			790,890
Consumer one-to-four family real estate and other	256,341			247,318
Agricultural real estate and operating	58,971			60,498
Total Community Banking	1,179,065			1,098,706
Total gross loans and leases	3,328,308			2,944,989

Allowance for loan and lease losses	(21,290		)	(13,040		)
Net deferred loan origination fees (costs)	1,190			(250		)
Total loans and leases, net⁽²⁾	$	3,308,208		$	2,931,699

⁽¹⁾Warehouse finance loans are presented in their own line. Previously these balances were included with consumer finance loans. Prior period balances have also been adjusted to reflect this change.

⁽²⁾ As of December 31, 2018, the remaining balance of acquired loans and leases from the Crestmark acquisition was $889.0 million and the remaining balances of the credit and interest rate mark discounts related to the acquired loans and leases were $10.1 million and $4.8 million, respectively. On August 1, 2018, the Company acquired loans and leases from the Crestmark acquisition totaling $1.06 billion and recorded related credit and interest rate mark discounts of $12.3 million and $6.0 million, respectively.

During the three months ended December 31, 2018, the Company transferred $39.5 million of consumer credit product loans to held for sale and originated $7.5 million of SBA/USDA loans as held for sale. The Company sold held for sale loans resulting in proceeds of $22.6 million and gains on sale of $0.6 million during the three months ended December 31, 2018. During the three months ended December 31, 2017, the Company did not designate any loans as held for sale or sell any held for sale loans.

During the three months ended December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the Company purchased loans totaling $122.7 million and $75.2 million, respectively. During the three months ended December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the Company sold loans totaling $0.4 million and $5.9 million, respectively.

The net investment in direct financing and sales-type leases is comprised of the following as of December 31, 2018 and September 30, 2018.



	December 31, 2018			September 30, 2018
	(Dollars in Thousands)
Minimum lease payments receivable	$	330,273		$	301,835
Estimated residual value of leased equipment	12,460			12,406
Unamortized initial direct costs	(9		)	(3		)
Premium on acquired leases	16			26
Unearned income	(51,851		)	(48,949		)
Net investment in direct financing and sales-type leases	$	290,889		$	265,315

Future minimum lease payments receivable on noncancelable direct financing and sales-type leases were as follows as of December 31, 2018.



	As of December 31, 2018
	(Dollars in thousands)
2019	$	92,158
2020	96,326
2021	73,057
2022	43,861
2023	21,037
2024 and thereafter	3,834
Total	$	330,273

The Company did not record any contingent rental income from sales-type and direct financing leases in the three months ended December 31, 2018.

Activity in the allowance for loan and lease losses and balances of loans ~~receivable~~and leases by portfolio segment for each of the three ~~and nine~~ months ended ~~June 30,~~December 31, 2018 and 2017 was as follows:

1-4 Family
Real Estate Commercial and
Multi-Family
Real Estate Agricultural
Real Estate Consumer Commercial
Operating Agricultural
Operating CML Insurance
Premium
Finance Unallocated Total
(Dollars in Thousands)
Three Months Ended June 30, 2018
Allowance for loan losses:
Beginning balance $ 883
$ 3,904
$ 146
$ 18,074
$ 1,716
$ 619
$ 746
$ 990
$ 27,078
Provision (recovery) for loan losses (231 ) 711
51
4,476
(26 ) (102 ) 304
132
5,315
Charge offs —
—
—
(9,000 ) (1,507 ) —
(243 ) —
(10,750 )
Recoveries —
—
—
—
1
207
99
—
307
Ending balance $ 652
$ 4,615
$ 197
$ 13,550
$ 184
$ 724
$ 906
$ 1,122
$ 21,950

Nine Months Ended June 30, 2018

Allowance for loan losses:

Beginning balance $ 803
$ 2,670
$ 1,390
$ 6
$ 158
$ 1,184
$ 796
$ 527
$ 7,534
Provision (recovery) for loan
losses (123 ) 1,945
(1,193 ) 22,174
1,480
(721 ) 569
595
24,726
Charge offs (31 ) —
—
(9,000 ) (1,507 ) —
(711 ) —
(11,249 )
Recoveries 3
—
—
370
53
261
252
—
939
Ending balance $ 652
$ 4,615
$ 197
$ 13,550
$ 184
$ 724
$ 906
$ 1,122
$ 21,950

Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment 25
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
25
Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment 627
4,615
197
13,550
184
724
906
1,122
21,925
Total $ 652
$ 4,615
$ 197
$ 13,550
$ 184
$ 724
$ 906
$ 1,122
$ 21,950

Loans:

Ending balance: individually
evaluated for impairment 229
409
—
47
—
2,135
—
—
2,820
Ending balance: collectively
evaluated for impairment 214,525
716,086
35,475
258,111
46,069
22,486
303,603
—
1,596,355
Total $ 214,754
$ 716,495
$ 35,475
$ 258,158
$ 46,069
$ 24,621
$ 303,603
$ —
$ 1,599,175



Allowance for loan and lease losses:	Beginning balance		Provision (recovery) for loan and lease losses			Charge-offs			Recoveries		Ending balance
Three Months Ended December 31, 2018	(Dollars in Thousands)
National Lending
Asset based lending	$	107	$	2,164		$	(262	)	$	56	$	2,065
Factoring	64		1,223			(250		)	26		1,062
Lease financing	59		(130		)	(418		)	1,572		1,084
Insurance premium finance	1,031		93			(208		)	56		972
SBA/USDA	13		240			—			—		253
Other commercial finance	28		263			—			—		291
Commercial finance	1,302		3,853			(1,138		)	1,710		5,727
Consumer credit products	785		366			—			—		1,151
Other consumer finance	2,820		3,023			(1,624		)	3		4,222
Consumer finance	3,605		3,389			(1,624		)	3		5,373
Tax services	—		1,496			(42		)	92		1,546
Warehouse finance	65		111			—			—		176
Total National Lending	4,972		8,849			(2,804		)	1,805		12,822
Community Banking						(2,804		)
Commercial real estate and operating	6,220		350			—			—		6,570
Consumer one-to-four family real estate and other	632		87			—			—		719
Agricultural real estate and operating	1,216		(187		)	—			150		1,179
Total Community Banking	8,068		250			—			150		8,468
Total	$	13,040	$	9,099		$	(2,804	)	$	1,955	$	21,290

1-4 Family
Real Estate Commercial and
Multi-Family
Real Estate Agricultural
Real Estate Consumer Commercial
Operating Agricultural
Operating CML Insurance
Premium
Finance Unallocated Total
(Dollars in Thousands)
Three Months Ended June 30, 2017
Allowance for loan losses:
Beginning balance $ 296
$ 1,742
$ 1,524
$ 7,706
$ 767
$ 1,349
$ 597
$ 621
$ 14,602
Provision (recovery) for loan losses 510
386
(80 ) 142
249
(44 ) 187
(110 ) 1,240
Charge offs —
—
—
(1 ) (799 ) —
(94 ) —
(894 )
Recoveries —
—
—
—
5
—
15
—
20
Ending balance $ 806
$ 2,128
$ 1,444
$ 7,847
$ 222
$ 1,305
$ 705
$ 511
$ 14,968

Nine Months Ended June 30, 2017

Allowance for loan losses:

Beginning balance $ 654
$ 2,198
$ 142
$ 51
$ 117
$ 1,332
$ 588
$ 553
$ 5,635
Provision (recovery) for loan
losses 152
(70 ) 1,302
7,773
1,244
(39 ) 412
(42 ) 10,732
Charge offs —
—
—
(1 ) (1,149 ) —
(352 ) —
(1,502 )
Recoveries —
—
—
24
10
12
57
—
103
Ending balance $ 806
$ 2,128
$ 1,444
$ 7,847
$ 222
$ 1,305
$ 705
$ 511
$ 14,968

Ending balance: individually
evaluated for impairment —
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
Ending balance: collectively
evaluated for impairment 806
2,128
1,444
7,847
222
1,305
705
511
14,968
Total $ 806
$ 2,128
$ 1,444
$ 7,847
$ 222
$ 1,305
$ 705
$ 511
$ 14,968

Loans:

Ending balance: individually
evaluated for impairment 133
1,301
—
—
—
—
—
—
1,434
Ending balance: collectively
evaluated for impairment 190,598
492,558
62,521
172,151
39,076
35,471
231,587
—
1,223,962
Total $ 190,731
$ 493,859
$ 62,521
$ 172,151
$ 39,076
$ 35,471
$ 231,587
$ —
$ 1,225,396



Allowance for loan and lease losses:	Beginning balance		Provision (recovery) for loan and lease losses			Charge-offs			Recoveries		Ending balance
Three Months Ended December 31, 2017	(Dollars in Thousands)
National Lending
Insurance premium finance	$	796	$	51		$	(129	)	$	7	$	725
Other commercial finance	4		—			—			—		4
Commercial finance	800		51			(129		)	7		729
Tax services	5		1,017			—			413		1,435
Total National Lending	805		1,068			(129		)	420		2,164
Community Banking
Commercial real estate and operating	2,820		329			—			—		3,149
Consumer one-to-four family real estate and other	809		(113		)	(31		)	—		665
Agricultural real estate and operating	2,574		(590		)	—			—		1,984
Unallocated	526		374			—			—		900
Total Community Banking	6,729		—			(31		)	—		6,698
Total	$	7,534	$	1,068		$	(160	)	$	420	$	8,862

~~Federal regulations promulgated by the Office~~



	Allowance						Loans and Leases
Recorded Investment	Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment		Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment		Total		Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment		Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment		Total
As of December 31, 2018	(Dollars in Thousands)
National Lending
Asset based lending	$	—	$	2,065	$	2,065	$	2,371	$	551,701	$	554,072
Factoring	134		928		1,062		1,680		283,232		284,912
Lease financing	—		1,084		1,084		5,000		285,889		290,889
Insurance premium finance	—		972		972		—		330,712		330,712
SBA/USDA	—		253		253		—		67,893		67,893
Other commercial finance	—		291		291		—		89,402		89,402
Commercial finance	134		5,593		5,727		9,051		1,608,829		1,617,880
Consumer credit products	—		1,151		1,151		—		96,144		96,144
Other consumer finance	—		4,222		4,222		—		182,510		182,510
Consumer finance	—		5,373		5,373		—		278,654		278,654
Tax services	—		1,546		1,546		—		76,575		76,575
Warehouse finance	—		176		176		—		176,134		176,134
Total National Lending	134		12,688		12,822		9,051		2,140,192		2,149,243
Community Banking
Commercial real estate and operating	—		6,570		6,570		402		863,351		863,753
Consumer one-to-four family real estate and other	—		719		719		138		256,203		256,341
Agricultural real estate and operating	—		1,179		1,179		1,511		57,460		58,971
Total Community Banking	—		8,468		8,468		2,051		1,177,014		1,179,065
Total	$	134	$	21,156	$	21,290	$	11,102	$	3,317,206	$	3,328,308



	Allowance						Loans and Leases
Recorded Investment	Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment⁽¹⁾		Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment⁽¹⁾		Total		Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment		Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment		Total
As of September 30, 2018	(Dollars in Thousands)
National Lending
Asset based lending	$	—	$	107	$	107	$	1,404	$	476,513	$	477,917
Factoring	—		64		64		3,331		280,890		284,221
Lease financing	—		59		59		8,877		256,438		265,315
Insurance premium finance	—		1,031		1,031		—		337,877		337,877
SBA/USDA	—		13		13		—		59,374		59,374
Other commercial finance	—		28		28		—		85,145		85,145
Commercial finance	—		1,302		1,302		13,612		1,496,237		1,509,849
Consumer credit products	—		785		785		—		80,605		80,605
Other consumer finance	—		2,820		2,820		—		189,756		189,756
Consumer finance	—		3,605		3,605		—		270,361		270,361
Tax services	—		—		—		—		1,073		1,073
Warehouse finance	—		65		65		—		65,000		65,000
Total National Lending	—		4,972		4,972		13,612		1,832,671		1,846,283
Community Banking
Commercial real estate and operating	—		6,220		6,220		451		790,439		790,890
Consumer one-to-four family real estate and other	—		632		632		94		247,224		247,318
Agricultural real estate and operating	—		1,216		1,216		1,454		59,044		60,498
Total Community Banking	—		8,068		8,068		1,999		1,096,707		1,098,706
Total	$	—	$	13,040	$	13,040	$	15,611	$	2,929,378	$	2,944,989

⁽¹⁾Balances have been restated from what was previously reported as of ~~the Comptroller of the Currency (the "OCC"), which is the primary federal regulator of~~September 30, 2018 on the Company's ~~wholly-owned subsidiary, MetaBank (the "Bank"),~~Annual Report on Form 10-K for its fiscal year ended September 30, 2018.

Federal regulations provide for the classification of loans and other assets such as debt and equity ~~securities.~~securities considered by the Bank's primary regulator, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (the “OCC”), to be of lesser quality as “substandard,” “doubtful” or “loss.” The loan and lease classification and risk rating definitions ~~for the Company and the Bank~~ are ~~generally~~ as follows:

Pass- A pass asset is of sufficient quality in terms of repayment, collateral and management to preclude a special mention or an adverse rating.

Watch- A watch asset is generally a credit performing well under current terms and conditions but with identifiable weakness meriting additional scrutiny and corrective measures. Watch is not a regulatory classification but can be used to designate assets that are exhibiting one or more weaknesses that deserve management’s attention. These assets are of better quality than special mention assets.

Special Mention- Special mention assets are ~~credits~~a credit with potential weaknesses deserving management’s close attention and, if left uncorrected, may result in deterioration of the repayment prospects for the asset. Special mention assets are not adversely classified and do not expose an institution to sufficient risk to warrant adverse classification. Special mention is a temporary status with aggressive credit management required to garner adequate progress and move to watch or higher.

The adverse classifications are as follows:

Substandard- A substandard asset is inadequately protected by the net worth and/or repayment ability or by a weak collateral position. Assets so classified will have well-defined weaknesses creating a distinct possibility ~~that~~ the Bank will sustain some loss if the weaknesses are not corrected. Loss potential does not have to exist for an asset to be classified as substandard.

Doubtful- A doubtful asset has weaknesses similar to those classified substandard, with the degree of weakness causing the likely loss of some principal in any reasonable collection effort. Due to pending factors, the asset’s classification as loss is not yet appropriate.

Loss- A loss asset is considered uncollectible and of such little value that the asset’s continuance on the ~~Company's~~Bank’s balance sheet is no longer warranted. This classification does not necessarily mean an asset has no recovery or salvage value leaving room for future collection efforts.

The Company recognizes that concentrations of credit may naturally occur and may take the form of a large volume of related loans and leases to an individual, a specific industry, or a geographic location. Credit concentration is a direct, indirect, or contingent obligation that has a common bond where the aggregate exposure equals or exceeds a certain percentage of the Company’s Tier 1 Capital plus the Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses.

The asset classification of loans and leases at ~~June 30,~~December 31, 2018 and September 30, ~~2017~~2018 were as follows:

June 30, 2018 1-4 Family
Real Estate Commercial and
Multi-Family
Real Estate Agricultural
Real Estate Consumer Commercial
Operating Agricultural
Operating CML Insurance
Premium
Finance Total
(Dollars in Thousands)
Pass $ 214,176
$ 705,347
$ 27,456
$ 258,090
$ 46,069
$ 15,210
$ 302,022
$ 1,568,370
Watch 123
10,953
—
68
—
2,487
1,581
15,212
Special Mention 241
195
4,222
—
—
535
—
5,193
Substandard 214
—
3,797
—
—
6,389
—
10,400
Doubtful —
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
$ 214,754
$ 716,495
$ 35,475
$ 258,158
$ 46,069
$ 24,621
$ 303,603
$ 1,599,175

September 30, 2017 1-4 Family
Real Estate Commercial and
Multi-Family
Real Estate Agricultural
Real Estate Consumer Commercial
Operating Agricultural
Operating CML Insurance
Premium
Finance Total
(Dollars in Thousands)
Pass $ 195,838
$ 574,730
$ 27,376
$ 163,004
$ 35,759
$ 18,394
$ 250,459
$ 1,265,560
Watch 525
10,200
2,006
—
—
4,541
—
17,272
Special Mention 247
201
2,939
—
—
—
—
3,387
Substandard 96
379
29,479
—
—
10,659
—
40,613
Doubtful —
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
$ 196,706
$ 585,510
$ 61,800
$ 163,004
$ 35,759
$ 33,594
$ 250,459
$ 1,326,832

~~One-to-Four Family Residential Mortgage Lending~~. One-to-four family residential mortgage loan originations are generated by the Company’s marketing efforts, its present customers, walk-in customers and referrals. The Company offers fixed-rate and adjustable rate mortgage (“ARM”) loans for both permanent structures and those under construction. The Company’s one-to-four family residential mortgage originations are secured primarily by properties located in its primary market area and surrounding areas.

The Company originates one-to-four family residential mortgage loans with terms up to a maximum of 30 years and with loan-to-value ratios up to 100% of the lesser of the appraised value of the security property or the contract price. The Company generally requires that private mortgage insurance be obtained in an amount sufficient to reduce the Company’s exposure to at or below the 80% loan‑to‑value level. Residential loans generally do not include prepayment penalties. Due to consumer demand, the Company offers fixed-rate mortgage loans with terms up to 30 years, most of which conform to secondary market standards, such as Fannie Mae, Ginnie Mae, and Freddie Mac standards. The Company typically holds all fixed-rate mortgage loans and does not engage in secondary market sales. Interest rates charged on these fixed-rate loans are competitively priced according to market conditions.

The Company also offers five- and ten-year ARM loans. These loans have a fixed-rate for the stated period and, thereafter, adjust annually. These loans generally provide for an annual cap of up to 200 basis points and a lifetime cap of 600 basis points over the initial rate. As a consequence of using an initial fixed-rate and caps, the interest rates on these loans may not be as rate sensitive as the Company’s cost of funds. The Company’s ARMs do not permit negative amortization of principal and are not convertible into fixed-rate loans. The Company’s delinquency experience on its ARM loans has generally been similar to its experience on fixed-rate residential loans. The current low mortgage interest rate environment makes ARM loans relatively unattractive and very few are currently being originated.



Asset Classification	Pass		Watch		Special Mention		Substandard		Total
December 31, 2018	(Dollars in Thousands)
National Lending
Asset based lending	$	498,694	$	—	$	53,007	$	2,371	$	554,072
Factoring	244,992		—		38,240		1,680		284,912
Lease financing	284,239		—		1,650		5,000		290,889
Insurance premium finance	329,131		—		1,581		—		330,712
SBA/USDA	53,539		—		14,354		—		67,893
Other commercial finance	89,049		—		353		—		89,402
Commercial finance	1,499,644		—		109,185		9,051		1,617,880
Consumer credit products	96,144		—		—		—		96,144
Other consumer finance	182,510		—		—		—		182,510
Consumer finance	278,654		—		—		—		278,654
Tax services	76,575		—		—		—		76,575
Warehouse finance	176,134		—		—		—		176,134
Total National Lending	2,031,007		—		109,185		9,051		2,149,243
Community Banking
Commercial real estate and operating	848,456		15,297		—		—		863,753
Consumer one-to-four family real estate and other	254,458		1,496		308		79		256,341
Agricultural real estate and operating	40,558		1,590		4,836		11,987		58,971
Total Community Banking	1,143,472		18,383		5,144		12,066		1,179,065
Total loans and leases	$	3,174,479	$	18,383	$	114,329	$	21,117	$	3,328,308

~~In underwriting one-to-four family residential~~



Asset Classification	Pass		Watch		Special Mention		Substandard		Total
September 30, 2018	(Dollars in Thousands)
National Lending
Asset based lending	$	418,635	$	—	$	57,877	$	1,405	$	477,917
Factoring	248,246		—		32,644		3,331		284,221
Lease financing	252,487		—		3,951		8,877		265,315
Insurance premium finance	336,296		—		1,581		—		337,877
SBA/USDA	39,093		—		20,281		—		59,374
Other commercial finance	85,145		—		—		—		85,145
Commercial finance	1,379,902		—		116,334		13,613		1,509,849
Consumer credit products	80,605		—		—		—		80,605
Other consumer finance	189,756		—		—		—		189,756
Consumer finance	270,361		—		—		—		270,361
Tax services	1,073		—		—		—		1,073
Warehouse finance	65,000		—		—		—		65,000
Total National Lending	1,716,336		—		116,334		13,613		1,846,283
Community Banking
Commercial real estate and operating	778,445		12,251		194		—		790,890
Consumer one-to-four family real estate and other	246,463		537		239		79		247,318
Agricultural real estate and operating	42,292		2,447		4,872		10,887		60,498
Total Community Banking	1,067,200		15,235		5,305		10,966		1,098,706
Total loans and leases	$	2,783,536	$	15,235	$	121,639	$	24,579	$	2,944,989

National Lending (Commercial Finance, Consumer Finance, Tax Services and Warehouse Finance)

Commercial Finance

The Company's commercial finance product lines include asset-based lending, factoring, leasing, commercial insurance premium finance, and other commercial finance products offered on a nationwide basis. Asset-based lending and factoring primarily service small businesses that are startups, distressed and/or generally that may not otherwise qualify for traditional bank financing. Leasing focuses on providing equipment finance solutions to mid-market companies. These product offerings supplement the asset generation capacity in our community bank and tax services divisions and enhance the overall yield of our loan and lease portfolio, enabling us to earn attractive risk-adjusted net interest margins.

Asset-Based Lending. Through its Crestmark division, the Bank provides asset-based loans secured by debtors' short-term assets such as inventory, accounts receivable, and work-in-process. Asset-based loans may also be secured by real estate ~~loans,~~and equipment. The primary sources of repayment are the ~~Company evaluates both the borrower’s ability to make monthly payments and the value~~operating income of the ~~property~~borrower, the collection of the receivables securing the loan. Properties securing real estate loans made by the Company are appraised by independent appraisers approved by the Board of Directors of the Company. The Company generally requires borrowers to obtain an attorney’s title opinion loan, and/or title insurance, and fire and property insurance (including flood insurance, if necessary) in an amount not less than the amount of the loan. Real estate loans originated by the Company generally contain a “due on sale” clause allowing the Company to declare the unpaid principal balance due and payable upon the sale of the ~~security property.~~inventory securing the loan. Loans are typically revolving lines of credit with terms of one to three years, whereby the Bank withholds a contingency reserve representing the difference between the amount advanced and the fair value of the invoice amount or other collateral value. Credit risk is managed through advance rates appropriate for the collateral, standardized loan policies, established and authorized credit limits, attentive portfolio management and the use of lock box agreements and similar arrangements that result in the Company receiving and controlling the debtors' cash receipts. The Bank also originates collateralized term loans and notes receivable, with terms ranging from three to 25 years.

Factoring. Through its Crestmark division, the Bank provides factoring lending where clients provide detailed inventory, accounts receivable, and work-in-process reports for lending arrangements. The factoring clients are diversified as to industry and geography. With these loans, the Crestmark division withholds a contingency reserve, which is the difference between the fair value of the invoice amount or other collateral value and the amount advanced. This reserve is withheld for nonpayment of factored receivables, service fees and other adjustments. Credit risk is managed through standardized advance policies, established and authorized credit limits, verification of receivables, attentive portfolio management and the use of lock box agreements and similar arrangements that result in the Company receiving and controlling the client's cash receipts. In addition, clients generally guarantee the payment of purchased accounts receivable.

Lease Financing. Through its Crestmark division, the Bank provides creative, flexible lease solutions for technology, capital equipment and select transportation assets like tractors and trailers. Direct financing leases and sales-type leases substantially transfer the benefits and risks of equipment ownership to the lessee. The lease may contain provisions that transfer ownership to the lessee at the end of the initial term, contain a bargain purchase option or allow for purchase of the equipment at fair market value. Residual values are estimated at the inception of the lease. Lease maturities are generally no greater than 84 months. The focus in this lease financing category is to support middle market companies by providing a variety of financing products to help them meet their business objectives.

Insurance Premium Finance. Through its AFS/IBEX division the Bank provides, on a national basis, short-term, primarily collateralized financing to facilitate the commercial customers’ purchase of insurance for various forms of risk, otherwise known as insurance premium financing. This includes, but is not limited to, policies for commercial property, casualty and liability risk. Premiums are advanced either directly to the insurance carrier or through an intermediary/broker and repaid by the policyholder with interest during the policy term. The policyholder generally makes a 20% to 25% down payment to the insurance broker and finances the remainder over nine to 10 months on average. The down payment is set such that if the policy is canceled, the unearned premium is typically sufficient to cover the loan balance and accrued interest. The AFS/IBEX division markets itself to the insurance community as a competitive option based on service, reputation, competitive terms, cost and ease of operation.

Small Business Administration ("SBA") and United States Department of Agriculture ("USDA"). The Bank originates loans through programs partially guaranteed by the SBA or USDA. These loans are made to small businesses and professionals with what the Bank believes are lower risk characteristics.

Other Commercial Finance. Included in this category of loans are the Company's healthcare receivables loan portfolio primarily comprised of loans to individuals for medical services received. The majority of these loans are guaranteed by the hospital providing the service to the debtor and this guarantee serves to reduce credit risk as the guarantors agree to repurchase severely delinquent loans. Credit risk is minimized on these loans based on the guarantor’s repurchase agreement. This loan category also includes commercial real estate loans to customers of the Crestmark division.

Consumer Finance

Consumer Credit Products. Through the acquisition of Specialty Consumer Services, the Bank acquired a platform that provides a total solution for marketplace lending, including underwriting and loan management in the direct-to-consumer credit business. The acquired platform allows the Bank to provide innovative lending solutions through consumer credit products. The Company designs and structures its credit programs in an effort to insulate the Company from program losses and to potentially increase the liquidity attributes of such lending programs' marketability to potential bank or other purchasers. While each program is different, all contain one or more types of credit enhancements, loss protections, or trigger events. When determining the applicable program enhancement, generally, the Company uses proprietary data provided by the Company’s partner, with respect to such program, supplemented with public data to design and shape appropriate loss curves, as well as implement stresses significantly higher than base to provide protection in changing credit cycles. Credit enhancements are typically built through holding excess program interest and fees in a reserve account to pay program credit losses. Cash flow waterfall positioning allows for losses and Company program principal and interest to be paid, under certain circumstances, before servicing or other program expenses. Trigger events allow programs and originations to be suspended if certain vintage loss limits, during a specific period of time, are triggered or if cumulative loss percentages are triggered. These triggers are designed to allow the Company to address potential issues quickly. Other trigger events in certain programs provide for excess credit or reserve enhancements, which could be beyond excess interest amounts, if certain loss triggers are breached. The Bank applies a reserve for loan losses of approximately 1% on outstanding loan balances within each of the consumer credit product programs.

Through December 31, 2018, the Bank has launched two consumer credit programs. During the second quarter of fiscal 2018, the Bank entered into a three-year program agreement with Liberty Lending, LLC ("Liberty Lending") whereby the Bank provides personal loans to Liberty Lending customers. The Bank and Liberty Lending market the program jointly through a wide variety of marketing channels. The loan products under the agreement with Liberty Lending are closed-end installment loans ranging from $3,500 to $45,000 in initial principal amount with durations of between 13 and 60 months.

The Bank entered into a three-year agreement with Health Credit Services ("HCS") during the third quarter of fiscal 2018. The Bank approves and originates loans for elective medical procedures for select HCS provider offices throughout the United States. HCS works with its provider partners to market the loans, as well as provide servicing for them. The loan products offered are unsecured, closed-end installment loans with terms between 12 and 84 months and revolving lines of credit with durations between six and 60 months.

Other Consumer Finance. The Bank's purchased student loan portfolios are seasoned, floating rate, private portfolios that are serviced by a third-party servicer. The portfolio purchased during the first quarter of fiscal year 2018 is indexed to one-month LIBOR, while the portfolio purchased in the first quarter of fiscal year 2017 is indexed to three-month LIBOR plus various margins. The Company received written notification on June 18, 2018 from ReliaMax Surety Company ("ReliaMax"), the company that provided insurance coverage for the student loan portfolios, which informed policy holders that the South Dakota Division of Insurance filed a petition to have ReliaMax declared insolvent and to adopt a plan of liquidation. An Order of Liquidation was entered on June 27, 2018 by the Sixth Circuit Court in Hughes County, South Dakota, declaring ReliaMax insolvent and appointing the South Dakota Division of Insurance as liquidator to adopt a plan of liquidation. The Company expects to ultimately recover a portion of the unearned premiums, which could take a year or longer.

Tax Services

The Bank's tax services division provides short-term taxpayer advance loans. Taxpayers are underwritten to determine eligibility for these unsecured loans. Due to the nature of taxpayer advance loans, it typically takes no more than three e-file cycles (the period of time between scheduled IRS payments) from when the return is accepted by the IRS to collect from the borrower. In the event of default, the Bank has no recourse against the tax consumer. The Bank will charge off the balance of a taxpayer advance loan if there is a balance at the end of the calendar year, or when collection of principal becomes doubtful.

Through its tax services division, the Bank provides short-term electronic return originator ("ERO") advance loans on a nationwide basis. These loans are typically utilized by tax preparers to purchase tax preparation software and to prepare tax office operations for the upcoming tax season. EROs go through an underwriting process to determine eligibility for the unsecured advances. ERO loans are not ~~engaged~~collateralized. Collection on ERO advances begins once the ERO begins to process refund transfers. Generally, the Bank will charge off the balance of an ERO advance loan if there is a balance at the end of June, or when collection of principal becomes doubtful.

Warehouse Finance

In fiscal 2018, the Bank entered into a first-out participation agreement in ~~sub-prime residential mortgage originations.~~a consumer receivable asset-backed warehouse line of credit, with the Bank holding a senior collateral position enhanced by a subordinate party structure. During the first quarter of fiscal 2019, the Bank entered into two additional first-out participation agreements in asset-backed warehouse lines of credit, including consumer loan receivables and small business loan receivables. The senior collateral position of the Bank is supported by a subordinate party position.

Community Banking

Commercial ~~and Multi-Family~~ Real Estate ~~Lending~~and Operating. The Company engages in commercial and multi-family real estate lending in ~~its~~the community bank's primary market ~~area~~areas and surrounding ~~areas and, in order to supplement its loan portfolio, has purchased whole loan and participation interests in~~areas. These loans ~~from other financial institutions. The purchased loans and loan participation interests~~ are ~~generally secured by properties primarily located in the Midwest.~~

~~The Company’s commercial and multi-family real estate loan portfolio is~~ secured primarily by apartment buildings, office buildings, and hotels. Commercial and multi-family real estate loans generally are underwritten with terms not exceeding 20 years, have loan-to-value ratios of up to 80% of the appraised value of the ~~security~~ property securing the loan, and are typically secured by guarantees of the borrowers. The Company has a variety of rate adjustment features and other terms in its commercial and multi-family real estate loan portfolio. Commercial and multi-family real estate loans provide for a margin over a number of different indices. In underwriting these loans, the Company analyzes the financial condition of the borrower, the borrower’s credit history, and the reliability and predictability of the cash flow generated by the property securing the loan. Appraisals on properties securing commercial real estate loans originated by the Company are performed by independent appraisers.

Commercial and multi-family real estate loans generally present a higher level of risk than loans secured by one-to-four family residences. This greater risk is due to several factors, including the concentration of principal in a limited number of loans and borrowers, the effect of general economic conditions on income producing properties and the increased difficulty of evaluating and monitoring these types of loans. Furthermore, theThe repayment of loans secured by commercial and multi-family real estate is typically dependent upon the successful operation of the related real estate project. If the cash flow from the project is reduced (for example, if leases are not obtained or renewed, or a bankruptcy court modifies a lease term, or a major tenant is unable to fulfill its lease obligations), the borrower’s ability to repay the loan may be impaired.

The Company originates its community banking commercial operating loans primarily in its market areas. Most of these commercial operating loans have been extended to finance local and regional businesses and include short-term loans to finance machinery and equipment purchases, inventory and accounts receivable. Commercial loans also may involve the extension of revolving credit for a combination of equipment acquisitions and working capital in expanding companies. The maximum term for loans extended on machinery and equipment is based on the projected useful life of such machinery and equipment. Generally, the maximum term on non-mortgage lines of credit is one year.

The Company’s commercial operating lending policy includes credit file documentation and analysis of the borrower’s management ability, capacity to repay the loan, the adequacy of the borrower’s capital and collateral as well as an evaluation of conditions affecting the borrower. Analysis of the borrower’s past, present and future cash flows is also an important aspect of the Company’s current credit analysis. Commercial operating loans typically are made on the basis of the borrower’s ability to make repayment from the cash flow of the borrower’s business. As a result, the availability of funds for the repayment of commercial operating loans may be substantially dependent on the success of the business itself (which, in turn, is likely to be dependent upon the general economic environment). The Company’s commercial operating loans are usually secured by business assets and personal guarantees. However, the collateral securing the loans may depreciate over time, may be difficult to appraise and may fluctuate in value based on the success of the business.

~~Agricultural Lending~~Consumer One-to-Four Family Real Estate and Other. One-to-four family real estate loan originations are typically generated by the Company’s marketing efforts, its present customers, walk-in customers and referrals. The Company offers fixed-rate loans and adjustable-rate mortgage ("ARM") loans for both permanent structures and those under construction. The Company’s one-to-four family real estate loan originations are secured primarily by properties located in the community bank's primary market areas and surrounding areas.

The Company originates one-to-four family real estate loans with terms up to a maximum of 30 years and with loan-to-value ratios up to 100% of the lesser of the appraised value of the property securing the loan or the contract price. However, the vast majority of these loans are originated with loan-to-value ratios below 80%. The Company ~~originates loans~~generally requires that private mortgage insurance be obtained in an amount sufficient to ~~finance~~reduce the ~~purchase of farmland, livestock, farm machinery and equipment, seed, fertilizer and other farm-related products. Agricultural operating loans are originated~~Company’s exposure to at ~~either an adjustable~~ or ~~fixed rate of interest for up~~below the 80% loan‑to‑value level. Due to ~~a one year term or, in~~consumer demand, the case of livestock, upon sale. Such loans provide for payments of principal and interest at least annually or a lump sum payment upon maturity if the original term is less than one year. Loans secured by agricultural machinery are generally originated asCompany also offers fixed-rate mortgage loans with terms of up to ~~seven years.~~30 years, which may conform to secondary market standards such as Fannie Mae, Ginnie Mae, and Freddie Mac standards. The Company typically holds all fixed-rate mortgage loans and does not engage in secondary market sales. The Company also currently offers five- and ten-year ARM loans.

~~Agricultural~~In underwriting one-to-four family real estate loans, ~~are frequently originated with adjustable rates of interest. Generally, such loans provide for a fixed rate of interest for~~ the ~~first five~~Company evaluates both the borrower’s ability to ten years, after which the loan will balloon or the interest rate will adjust annually. These loans generally amortize over a period of 20 to 25 years. Fixed-rate agricultural real estate loans generally have terms up to ten years. Agricultural real estate loans are generally limited to 75% ofmake monthly payments and the value of the property securing the loan.

~~Agricultural lending affords~~ Properties securing real estate loans made by the Company are appraised by independent appraisers approved by the ~~opportunity to earn yields higher than those obtainable on one-to-four family residential lending, but involves a greater degree~~Board of ~~risk than one-to-four family residential mortgage loans because~~Directors of the ~~typically larger loan amount. In addition, payments on loans are dependent on~~Company. The Company generally requires borrowers to obtain an attorney’s title opinion or title insurance, as well as fire and property insurance (including flood insurance, if necessary) in an amount not less than the ~~successful operation or management~~amount of the ~~farm property securing the loan or for which an operating loan is utilized. The success of the loan may also be affected~~loan. Real estate loans originated by ~~many factors outside the control of the borrower.~~

Weather presents one of the greatest risks as hail, drought, floods, or other conditions can severely limit crop yields and thus impair loan repayments and the value of the underlying collateral. This risk can be reduced by the farmer with a variety of insurance coverages which can help to ensure loan repayment. Government support programs and the Company generally ~~require~~contain a “due on sale” clause that ~~farmers procure crop insurance coverage. Grain~~allows the Company to declare the unpaid principal balance due and ~~livestock prices also present a risk as prices may decline prior to~~payable upon the sale ~~resulting in a failure to cover production costs. These risks may be reduced by~~of the ~~farmer with the use of futures contracts or options to mitigate price risk.~~security property. The Company frequently requires borrowers to use futures contracts or options to reduce price risk and help ensure loan repayment. Another risk is the uncertainty of government programs and other regulations. During periods of low commodity prices, the income from government programs can be a significant source of cash for the borrower to make loan payments, and if these programs are discontinued or significantly changed, cash flow problems or defaults could result. Finally, many farms are dependent on a limited number of key individuals whose injury or death may resulthas not engaged in ~~an inability to successfully operate the farm.~~sub-prime residential mortgage originations.

~~Consumer Lending.~~The ~~Bank~~Company originates a variety of secured consumer loans, including home equity, home improvement, automobile and boat loans, ~~and~~as well as loans secured by savings ~~deposits. In addition, the Bank offers other secured and unsecured consumer loans and originates most of its community banking consumer loans~~deposits in its primary market areas and surrounding areas. ~~In addition, the Bank’s consumer lending portfolio includes two purchased student loan portfolios, consumer lending products, and taxpayer advance loans.~~

~~The Bank's community banking consumer loan portfolio consists primarily of home equity loans and lines of credit.~~ Substantially all of the ~~Bank's~~Company’s home equity loans and lines of credit are secured by second mortgages on principal residences. The Bank will lend amounts ~~which,~~that, togetherwith all prior liens, may be up to 90% of the appraised value of the property securing the loan. Home equity loans and lines of credit generally have maximum terms of five years.

The Bank primarily originates automobile loans on a direct basis to the borrower, as opposed to indirect loans, which are made when the Bank purchases loan contracts, often at a discount, from automobile dealers which have extended credit to their customers. The Bank’s automobile loans typically are originated at fixed interest rates with terms of up to 60 months for new and used vehicles. Loans secured by automobiles are generally originated for up to 80% of the N.A.D.A. book value of the automobile securing the loan.

Consumer loan terms vary according to the type and value of collateral, length of contract and creditworthiness of the borrower. The underwriting standards employed by the Bank for consumer loans include an application, a determination of the applicant’s payment history on other debts and an assessment of ability to meet existing obligations and payments on the proposed loan. Although creditworthiness of the applicant is a primary consideration, the underwriting process also may include a comparison of the value of the security, if any, in relation to the proposed loan amount.

~~Consumer~~

Agricultural Real Estate and Operating. The Company originates loans ~~may entail greater credit risk than residential mortgage~~to finance the purchase of farmland, livestock, farm machinery and equipment, seed, fertilizer, and other farm-related products, primarily in its market areas. Agricultural operating loans ~~particularly~~are originated at either an adjustable- or fixed-rate of interest for up to a one-year term or, in the case of ~~consumer~~livestock, are due upon sale. Agricultural real estate loans ~~which~~ are ~~unsecured or are secured by rapidly depreciable assets,~~frequently originated with adjustable rates of interest. Generally, such ~~as automobiles or recreational equipment. In such cases, any repossessed collateral~~loans provide for a ~~defaulted consumer loan may not provide an adequate source~~fixed rate of repayment of the outstanding loan balance as a result of the greater likelihood of damage, loss or depreciation. In addition, consumer loan collections are dependent on the borrower’s continuing financial stability, and thus more likely to be affected by adverse personal circumstances. Furthermore, the application of various federal and state laws, including bankruptcy and insolvency laws, may limit the amount which can be recovered on such loans.

~~The Bank's purchased student loan portfolios are seasoned, floating rate, private portfolios that are serviced by ReliaMax Lending Services LLC. The portfolio purchased during~~interest for the first ~~quarter of fiscal year 2018 is indexed~~five to 10 years, after which the ~~one-month LIBOR, while~~loan will balloon or the portfolio purchased in the first quarter of fiscal year 2017 is indexed to the three-month LIBOR plus various margins. The Company received written notification on June 18, 2018 from ReliaMax Surety Company ("ReliaMax"), which informed policy holders that the South Dakota Division of Insurance filedinterest rate will adjust annually. These loans generally amortize over a petition to have ReliaMax declared insolvent and to adopt a plan of liquidation. ReliaMax provided insurance coverage for the Company’s purchased, floating rate, seasoned student loan portfolios. In light of the potential impact to the Company’s insurance coverage with respect to the purchased student loan portfolios, the Company adjusted the allowance for loan losses attributable to the purchased student loan portfolios by $3.0 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2018.

Through the acquisition of Specialty Consumer Services (“SCS”), the Bank acquired a platform that provides a total solution for marketplace lending, including underwriting and loan management in the direct-to-consumer credit business. The acquired platform allows the Bank to provide innovative lending solutions to the unbanked and under-banked segment through innovative consumer credit products.

The Company designs and structures its credit programs in an effort to insulate the Company from program losses and to potentially increase the liquidity attributes of such lending program’s marketability to potential bank or other purchasers. While each program is different, all contain one or more types of credit enhancements, loss protections, or trigger events. When determining the applicable program enhancement, generally, the Company uses proprietary data provided by the Company’s partner, with respect to such program, supplemented with public data to design appropriate loss curves, shape of the curves, as well as implement stresses significantly higher than base to provide protection in changing credit cycles. Credit enhancements are typically built through holding excess program interest and fees in a reserve account to pay program credit losses. Waterfall positioning allows under certain circumstances for losses and Company program principal and interest to be paid before servicing or other program expenses. Trigger events allow programs and originations to be suspended if certain vintage loss limits are triggered or if cumulative loss percentages are triggered. These triggers are designed to allow the Company to address potential issues quickly. Other trigger events in certain programs provide for excess credit or reserve enhancements, which could be beyond excess interest amounts, should certain loss triggers be breached.

~~Through June 30, 2018, the Bank has launched two consumer credit programs. The Bank, including SCS, continues its development of new alternative portfolio lending products.~~

During the second quarter of fiscal 2018, the Company entered into a three-year program agreement with Liberty Lending whereby the Bank provides personal loans to Liberty Lending customers. Meta and Liberty Lending market the program jointly through a wide variety of marketing channels. The loan products under this agreement are closed-end installment loans ranging from $3,500 to $45,000 in initial principal amount with durations of between 13 and 60 months. The Company expects to apply a provision of approximately 1% on outstanding loan balances within this program.

The Company entered into a three-year agreement with Health Credit Services ("HCS") during the third quarter of fiscal 2018. The Bank approves and originates loans for elective medical procedures for select HCS provider offices throughout the United States. HCS works with its provider partners to market the loans, as well as provide servicing for them. The loan products offered are unsecured, closed-end installment loans with terms between 12 and 84 months and revolving lines of credit with durations between six and 60 months. The Company expects to apply a provision of approximately 1% ~~on outstanding loan balances within this program.~~

The Bank's tax services division provides short-term taxpayer advance loans. Taxpayers are underwritten to determine eligibility for the unsecured loans. Due to the nature of taxpayer advance loans, it typically takes no more than three e-file cycles (the period of ~~time between scheduled IRS payments) from when the return is accepted by the IRS~~20 to collect from the borrower. In the event of default, the Bank has no recourse against the tax consumer. Generally, the Company will charge off the balance of a taxpayer advance loan if there is a balance at the end of the calendar year, or when collection of principal becomes doubtful.

~~Commercial Operating Lending. The Company also originates commercial operating loans. Most of the Company’s commercial operating~~25 years. Fixed-rate agricultural real estate loans typically have ~~been extended~~terms up to ~~finance local and regional businesses and include short-term~~10 years. Agricultural real estate loans are generally limited to finance machinery and equipment purchases, inventory and accounts receivable. Commercial loans also may involve the extension of revolving credit for a combination of equipment acquisitions and working capital in expanding companies. The Company also extends short-term commercial Electronic Return Originator ("ERO") advance loans through its tax services division as described in more detail below.

The maximum term for loans extended on machinery and equipment is based on the projected useful life of such machinery and equipment. Generally, the maximum term on non-mortgage commercial lines of credit is one year. The loan-to-value ratio on such loans and lines of credit generally may not exceed 80%75% of the value of the ~~collateral~~property securing the loan. The Company’s commercial operating lending policy includes credit file documentation and analysis of the borrower’s character, capacity to repay the loan, the adequacy of the borrower’s capital and collateral as well as an evaluation of conditions affecting the borrower. Analysis of the borrower’s past, present and future cash flows is also an important aspect of the Company’s credit analysis. As described further below, such

Payments on loans are ~~believed to carry higher credit risk than more traditional lending activities.~~

Unlike residential mortgage loans, which generally are made on the basis of the borrower’s ability to make repayment from his or her employment and other income and which are secured by real property whose value tends to be more easily ascertainable, commercial operating loans typically are made on the basis of the borrower’s ability to make repayment from the cash flow of the borrower’s business. As a result, the availability of funds for the repayment of commercial operating loans may be substantially dependent on the successful operation or management of the farm property securing the loan or for which an operating loan is utilized. The success of the ~~business itself (which, in turn, is likely to~~loan may also be ~~dependent upon~~affected by many factors outside the ~~general economic environment). The Company’s commercial operating loans are usually, but not always, secured by business assets~~control of the borrower such as weather, government support programs and ~~personal guarantees. However, the collateral securing the loans may depreciate over time,~~grain and livestock prices. These risks may be ~~difficult~~reduced, by the farmer, with the use of crop insurance coverage and futures contracts or options to ~~appraise and may fluctuate in value based on~~mitigate price risk, both of which the ~~success~~Company frequently requires of the ~~business.~~

~~Through its tax services division, the Company provides short-term ERO advance loans~~borrowers to help ensure loan repayment. Many farms are also dependent on a ~~nationwide basis. These loans are typically utilized~~limited number of key individuals whose injury or death may result in an inability to ~~purchase tax preparation software and to prepare tax offices for~~successfully operate the upcoming tax season. EROs go through an underwriting process to determine eligibility for the unsecured advances. ERO loans are not collateralized. Collection on ERO advances begins once the ERO begins to process refund transfers. Generally, the Company will charge off the balance of an ERO advance loan if there is a balance at the end of June, or when collection of principal becomes doubtful.farm.

~~Commercial Insurance Premium Finance Lending~~. Through its AFS/IBEX division, the Bank provides short-term and primarily collateralized financing to facilitate the commercial customers’ purchase of insurance for various forms of risk otherwise known as commercial insurance premium financing. This includes, but is not limited to, policies for commercial property, casualty and liability risk. The AFS/IBEX division markets itself to the insurance community as a competitive option based on service, reputation, competitive terms, cost and ease of operation.

Commercial insurance premium financing is the business of extending credit to a policyholder to pay for insurance premiums when the insurance carrier requires payment in full at inception of coverage. Premiums are advanced either directly to the insurance carrier or through an intermediary/broker and repaid by the policyholder with interest during the policy term. The policyholder generally makes a 20% to 25% down payment to the insurance broker and finances the remainder over nine to ten months on average. The down payment is set such that if the policy is canceled, the unearned premium is typically sufficient to cover the loan balance and accrued interest.

Due to the nature of collateral for commercial insurance premium finance receivables, it customarily takes 60-210 days to convert the collateral into cash. In the event of default, AFS/IBEX, by statute and contract, has the power to cancel the insurance policy and establish a first position lien on the unearned portion of the premium from the insurance carrier. In the event of cancellation, the cash returned in payment of the unearned premium by the insurer has typically been sufficient to cover the receivable balance, the interest and other charges due. Due to notification requirements and processing time by most insurance carriers, many receivables will become delinquent beyond 90 days while the insurer is processing the return of the unearned premium. Generally, when a loan becomes delinquent for 210 days or more, or when collection of principal or interest becomes doubtful, the Company will charge off the loan balance and any remaining interest and fees after applying any collection from the insurance company.

Past due loans and leases at ~~June 30,~~December 31, 2018 and September 30, ~~2017~~2018 were as follows:

Accruing and Non-accruing Loans Non-performing Loans
June 30, 2018 30-59 Days
Past Due 60-89 Days
Past Due > 89 Days Past Due Total Past
Due Current Total Loans
Receivable > 89 Days Past Due and Accruing Non-accrual balance Total
(Dollars in Thousands)
1-4 Family Real Estate $ —
$ —
$ 214
$ 214
$ 214,540
214,754
79
$ 135
$ 214
Commercial and Multi-Family Real Estate —
—
—
—
716,495
716,495
—
—
—
Agricultural Real Estate —
—
—
—
35,475
35,475
—
—
—
Consumer 2,657
15,461
1,846
19,964
238,194
258,158
1,846
—
1,846
Commercial Operating —
—
—
—
46,069
46,069
—
—
—
Agricultural Operating —
—
—
—
24,621
24,621
—
—
—
CML Insurance Premium Finance 1,111
561
3,669
5,341
298,262
303,603
3,669
—
3,669
Total $ 3,768
$ 16,022
$ 5,729
$ 25,519
$ 1,573,656
1,599,175
5,594
$ 135
$ 5,729



	Accruing and Non-accruing Loans and Leases												Non-performing Loans and Leases
Past Due Loans and Leases	30-59 Days Past Due		60-89 Days Past Due		> 89 Days Past Due		Total Past Due		Current		Total Loans and Leases Receivable		> 89 Days Past Due and Accruing		Non-accrual balance		Total
December 31, 2018	(Dollars in Thousands)
National Lending
Asset based lending	$	739	$	—	$	336	$	1,075	$	552,997	$	554,072	$	—	$	1,007	$	1,007
Factoring	—		—		—		—		284,912		284,912		—		307		307
Lease financing	9,685		4,205		5,259		19,149		271,740		290,889		1,335		4,841		6,176
Insurance premium finance	1,579		789		2,796		5,164		325,548		330,712		2,796		—		2,796
SBA/USDA	483		—		—		483		67,410		67,893		—		—		—
Other commercial finance	—		—		—		—		89,402		89,402		—		—		—
Commercial finance	12,486		4,994		8,391		25,871		1,592,009		1,617,880		4,131		6,155		10,286
Consumer credit products	701		369		310		1,380		94,764		96,144		310		—		310
Other consumer finance	2,879		1,497		3,196		7,572		174,938		182,510		3,196		—		3,196
Consumer finance	3,580		1,866		3,506		8,952		269,702		278,654		3,506		—		3,506
Tax services	—		—		—		—		76,575		76,575		—		—		—
Warehouse finance	—		—		—		—		176,134		176,134		—		—		—
Total National Lending	16,066		6,860		11,897		34,823		2,114,420		2,149,243		7,637		6,155		13,792
Community Banking
Commercial real estate and operating	25		—		—		25		863,728		863,753		—		—		—
Consumer one-to-four family real estate and other	67		20		79		166		256,175		256,341		79		—		79
Agricultural real estate and operating	—		—		—		—		58,971		58,971		—		—		—
Total Community Banking	92		20		79		191		1,178,874		1,179,065		79		—		79
Total Loans and Leases	$	16,158	$	6,880	$	11,976	$	35,014	$	3,293,294	$	3,328,308	$	7,716	$	6,155	$	13,871

Accruing and Non-accruing Loans Non-performing Loans
September 30, 2017 30-59 Days
Past Due 60-89 Days
Past Due > 89 Days Past Due Total Past
Due Current Total Loans
Receivable > 89 Days Past Due and Accruing Non-accrual balance Total
(Dollars in Thousands)
1-4 Family Real Estate $ 370
$ 79
$ —
$ 449
$ 196,257
$ 196,706
—
$ —
$ —
Commercial and Multi-Family Real Estate 295
—
390
685
584,825
585,510
—
685
685
Agricultural Real Estate —
—
34,198
34,198
27,602
61,800
34,198
—
34,198
Consumer 2,512
558
1,406
4,476
158,528
163,004
1,406
—
1,406
Commercial Operating —
—
—
—
35,759
35,759
—
—
—
Agricultural Operating —
—
97
97
33,497
33,594
97
—
97
CML Insurance Premium Finance 1,509
2,442
1,205
5,156
245,303
250,459
1,205
—
1,205
Total $ 4,686
$ 3,079
$ 37,296
$ 45,061
$ 1,281,771
$ 1,326,832
36,906
$ 685
$ 37,591



	Accruing and Non-accruing Loans and Leases												Non-performing Loans and Leases
Past Due Loans and Leases	30-59 Days Past Due		60-89 Days Past Due		> 89 Days Past Due		Total Past Due		Current		Total Loans and Leases Receivable		> 89 Days Past Due and Accruing		Non-accrual balance		Total
September 30, 2018	(Dollars in Thousands)
National Lending
Asset based lending	$	1,235	$	2,151	$	94	$	3,480	$	474,437	$	477,917	$	94	$	—	$	94
Factoring	—		—		—		—		284,221		284,221		—		—		—
Lease financing	16,542		532		2,921		19,995		245,320		265,315		726		2,864		3,590
Insurance premium finance	1,864		1,019		2,981		5,864		332,013		337,877		2,981		—		2,981
SBA/USDA	1,067		—		—		1,067		58,307		59,374		—		—		—
Other commercial finance	—		—		—		—		85,145		85,145		—		—		—
Commercial finance	20,708		3,702		5,996		30,406		1,479,443		1,509,849		3,801		2,864		6,665
Consumer credit products	532		284		147		963		79,642		80,605		147		—		147
Other consumer finance	2,677		1,311		2,237		6,225		183,531		189,756		2,237		—		2,237
Consumer finance	3,209		1,595		2,384		7,188		263,173		270,361		2,384		—		2,384
Tax services	—		—		1,073		1,073		—		1,073		1,073		—		1,073
Warehouse finance	—		—		—		—		65,000		65,000		—		—		—
Total National Lending	23,917		5,297		9,453		38,667		1,807,616		1,846,283		7,258		2,864		10,122
Community Banking
Commercial real estate and operating	—		—		—		—		790,890		790,890		—		—		—
Consumer one-to-four family real estate and other	105		—		79		184		247,134		247,318		79		—		79
Agricultural real estate and operating	—		—		—		—		60,498		60,498		—		—		—
Total Community Banking	105		—		79		184		1,098,522		1,098,706		79		—		79
Total Loans and Leases	$	24,022	$	5,297	$	9,532	$	38,851	$	2,906,138	$	2,944,989	$	7,337	$	2,864	$	10,201

~~Total~~Certain loans and leases 89 days or more past due ~~decreased $19.6 million~~as to ~~$25.5 million at June 30, 2018~~interest or principal continue to accrue because they are (1) well-secured and in the process of collection or (2) one-to-four family real estate loans or consumer loans exempt under regulatory rules from ~~$45.1 million at September 30, 2017. This decrease was due to a $31.6 million decrease in loans greater than 89~~being classified as non-accrual until later delinquency, usually 120 days past due. The primary driver of the decrease in loans greater than 89 days past due was a large, well-collateralized agricultural loan relationship for which the Company took ownership of the properties serving as collateral upon execution of a deed in lieu of foreclosure and transferred the loans to foreclosed real estate and repossessed assets on January 2, 2018. Also contributing to the decrease in loans past due was the payment in full of a previously disclosed $7.0 million non-performing agricultural loan during the first quarter of fiscal 2018. Partially offsetting the decrease in loans greater than 89 days past due was an increase of $12.9 million in loans 60-89 days past due, primarily driven by tax services loans. Due to demonstrated repayments in previous tax seasons, the Company will charge off the balance of taxpayer advance loans if they are delinquent at the end of the calendar year, or when collection of principal becomes doubtful. As of June 30, 2018, there was a $1.6 million commercial insurance premium finance loan greater than 210 days past due. The Bank’s AFS/IBEX division has filed a lawsuit seeking its rights to a refund of the unearned insurance premiums related to the loan. A discovery schedule has been established and is scheduled to proceed until January 31, 2019. The Bank is seeking recovery of all amounts to which it is entitled and intends to vigorously pursue its claims against the defendants. See “Legal Proceedings” under Note 6 to the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, which is incorporated herein by reference, for further details.

When analysis of borrower or lessee operating results and financial condition indicates that underlying cash flows of the borrower’s business are not adequate to meet its debt service requirements, the loan or lease is evaluated for impairment. Often, this is associated with a delay or shortfall in scheduled payments, as described above.

Impaired loans and leases at ~~June 30,~~December 31, 2018 and September 30, ~~2017~~2018 were as follows:

Recorded
Balance Unpaid Principal
Balance Specific
Allowance
June 30, 2018 (Dollars in Thousands)
Loans without a specific valuation allowance
1-4 Family Real Estate $ 94
$ 94
$ —
Commercial and Multi-Family Real Estate 409
409
—
Consumer 47
47
—
Agricultural Operating 2,135
2,135
—
Total $ 2,685
$ 2,685
$ —
Loans with a specific valuation allowance

1-4 Family Real Estate $ 135
$ 135
$ 25
Total $ 135
$ 135
$ 25



December 31, 2018	Recorded Balance		Unpaid Principal Balance		Specific Allowance
Loans and leases without a specific valuation allowance	(Dollars in Thousands)
National Lending
Asset based lending	$	2,371	$	2,871	$	—
Factoring	885		1,453		—
Lease financing	5,000		5,000		—
Commercial finance	8,256		9,324		—
Total National Lending	8,256		9,324		—
Community Banking
Commercial real estate and operating	402		402		—
Consumer one-to-four family real estate and other	138		138		—
Agricultural real estate and operating	1,511		1,511		—
Total Community Banking	2,051		2,051		—
Total	$	10,307	$	11,375	$	—
Loans and leases with a specific valuation allowance
National Lending
Factoring	$	795	$	795	$	134
Commercial finance	795		795		134
Total National Lending	795		795		134
Total	$	795	$	795	$	134

Recorded
Balance Unpaid Principal
Balance Specific
Allowance
September 30, 2017 (Dollars in Thousands)
Loans without a specific valuation allowance
1-4 Family Real Estate $ 72
$ 72
$ —
Commercial and Multi-Family Real Estate 1,109
1,109
—
Total $ 1,181
$ 1,181
$ —



September 30, 2018	Recorded Balance		Unpaid Principal Balance		Specific Allowance
Loans and leases without a specific valuation allowance	(Dollars in Thousands)
National Lending
Asset based lending	$	1,325	$	1,325	$	—
Factoring	1,383		1,713		—
Lease financing	5,491		5,491		—
Commercial finance	8,199		8,529		—
Total National Lending	8,199		8,529		—
Community Banking	405		405		—
Commercial real estate and operating	140		140		—
Consumer one-to-four family real estate and other	1,454		1,454		—
Agricultural real estate and operating	1,999		1,999		—
Total	$	10,198	$	10,528	$	—
Loans and leases with a specific valuation allowance
National Lending
Asset based lending	$	79	$	79	$	22
Factoring	1,948		2,198		49
Lease financing	3,386		3,386		517
Commercial finance	5,413		5,663		588
Total National Lending	5,413		5,663		588
Total	$	5,413	$	5,413	$	588

The following table provides the average recorded investment in impaired loans and leases for the three ~~and nine~~ month periods ended ~~June 30,~~December 31, 2018 and 2017.

Three Months Ended June 30, Nine Months Ended June 30,
2018 2017 2018 2017
Average
Recorded
Investment Average
Recorded
Investment Average
Recorded
Investment Average
Recorded
Investment
(Dollars in Thousands)
1-4 Family Real Estate $ 230
$ 210
$ 150
$ 197
Commercial and Multi-Family Real Estate 604
1,196
761
765
Agricultural Real Estate —
388
—
194
Consumer 112
—
74
—
Commercial Operating —
201
—
269
Agricultural Operating 2,670
715
1,567
358
Total $ 3,616
$ 2,710
$ 2,552
$ 1,783



	December 31, 2018				December 31, 2017
	Average Recorded Investment		Recognized Interest Income		Average Recorded Investment		Recognized Interest Income
	(Dollars in Thousands)
National Lending
Asset based lending	$	1,726	$	79	$	—	$	—
Factoring	2,780		5		—		—
Lease financing	7,585		10		—		—
Commercial finance	12,091		94		—		—
Total National Lending	12,091		94		—		—
Community Banking
Commercial real estate and operating	404		4		975		5
Consumer one-to-four family real estate and other	139		2		100		2
Agricultural real estate and operating	1,473		25		351		14
Total Community Banking	2,016		31		1,426		21
Total loans and leases	$	14,107	$	125	$	1,426	$	21

The Company’s troubled debt restructurings ~~(“TDR”~~("TDRs") typically involve forgiving a portion of interest or principal on existing loans, making loans at a rate materially less than current market rates, or extending the term of the loan.There were two community banking loans with an aggregate balance of $0.1 million and one national lending lease with a balance of $0.1 million that was modified in a TDR during the three months ended December 31, 2018, all of which were modified to extend the term of the loan, and no loans modified in a TDR during the three ~~month period~~months ended ~~June 30, 2018 or during the three and nine month periods ended June 30,~~December 31, 2017. ~~There were $3.8 million of loans modified in a TDR during the nine month period ended June 30, 2018.~~

~~During the nine months ended June 30,~~At December 31, 2018, ~~new TDRs consisted of five agricultural operating loans, one one-to-four family residential mortgage loan,~~foreclosed and ~~one consumer loan. All of the TDRs that were added during the nine month period ended June 30, 2018 were modified~~repossessed assets totaled $31.5 million, compared to ~~extend the term of the loan.~~

During the nine months ended June 30, 2018, the Company had one one-to-four family residential mortgage loan with a balance of $0.1 million that was modified as a TDR within the previous 12 months and for which there was a payment default. There were no TDR loans for which there was a payment default during the three month period ended June 30, 2018. For the three and nine month periods ended June 30, 2017, there were no TDR loans for which there was a payment default.

~~NOTE 3. ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES~~

~~At June 30, 2018, the Company’s allowance for loan losses increased to $22.0 million from $7.5~~$31.6 million at September 30, ~~2017.~~2018. There were no impairments on or valuation allowances established for any foreclosed and repossess assets at either date. The ~~increase~~Company did not have at December 31, 2018 any loans or leases in the ~~allowance for loan losses from September 30, 2017 to June 30, 2018 was primarily due to the additional provision expense~~process of $20.3 million related to tax services loans due to the Company retaining all tax services loans on its balance sheet, as compared to the previous year when a majority of these loans were sold. Also contributing to the increase was a $3.0 million provision on the Company's purchased student loan portfolios. During the nine months ended June 30, 2018, the Company recorded a provision for loan losses of $24.7 million compared to $10.7 million for the same period of the prior year. The Company had $10.3 million of net charge-offs for the nine months ended June 30, 2018, of which $8.6 million was related to a portion of the Company's taxpayer advances and $1.5 million was related to the charge offs of the Company's remaining ERO advance balances. This compared to $1.4 millionof net charge-offs for the nine months ended June 30, 2017. See “Consumer Lending” under Note 2 to the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, which is incorporated herein by reference, for further details on the Company's purchased student loan portfolios.foreclosure.

The allowance for loan losses is established through the provision for loan losses based on management’s evaluation of the risk inherent in its loan portfolio and changes in the nature and volume of its loan activity, including those loans which are being specifically monitored by management. Such evaluation, which includes a review of loans for which full collectability may not be reasonably assured, considers, among other matters, the estimated fair value of the underlying collateral, economic conditions, historical loan loss experience and other factors that warrant recognition in providing for an appropriate loan loss allowance.

Management closely monitors economic developments both regionally and nationwide and considers these factors when assessing the appropriateness of its allowance for loan losses. Management believes that, based on a detailed review of the loan portfolio, historic loan losses, current economic conditions, the size of the loan portfolio and other factors, the level of the allowance for loan losses at June 30, 2018, reflected an appropriate allowance against probable losses from the loan portfolio. Although the Company maintains its allowance for loan losses at a level it considers to be appropriate, investors and others are cautioned that there can be no assurance that future losses will not exceed estimated amounts, or that additional provisions for loan losses will not be required in future periods. In addition, the Company’s determination of the allowance for loan losses is subject to review by the OCC, which can require the establishment of additional general or specific allowances.

Real estate properties acquired through foreclosure are recorded at the lesser of fair value or the recorded investment. If fair value at the date of foreclosure is lower than the balance of the related loan, the difference will be charged to the allowance for loan losses at the time of transfer. Valuations are periodically updated by management and, if the value declines, a specific provision for losses on such property is established by a charge to operations.

NOTE 4.5. EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE

Earnings per share is computed after deducting dividends. The Company has granted restricted share awards with dividend rights that are considered to be participating securities. Accordingly, a portion of the Company’s earnings is allocated to those participating securities in the earnings per share calculation. Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing income available to common stockholders after the allocation of dividends and undistributed earnings to the participating securities by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised, and is computed after giving consideration to the weighted average dilutive effect of the Company’s stock options and after the allocation of earnings to the participating securities. Antidilutive options are disregarded in earnings per share calculations. The share and per share amounts for fiscal year 2018 have been restated to reflect the 3-for-1 forward stock split of the Company's common stock that was effected by the Company on October 4, 2018.

A reconciliation of net income and common stock share amounts used in the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share for the three ~~and nine~~ months ended ~~June 30,~~December 31, 2018 and 2017 is presented below.


Three Months Ended June 30,	2018		2017
Three Months Ended December 31,					2018		2017
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share and Per Share Data)
Basic income per common share:
Net income attributable to Meta Financial Group, Inc.	$	6,792	$	9,787	$	15,398	$	4,670
Weighted average common shares outstanding	9,699,824		9,349,989		39,335,054		28,970,334
Basic income per common share	0.70		1.05		0.39		0.16

Diluted income per common share:
Net income attributable to Meta Financial Group, Inc.	$	6,792	$	9,787	$	15,398	$	4,670
Weighted average common shares outstanding	9,699,824		9,349,989		39,335,054		28,970,334
Outstanding options - based upon the two-class method	39,836		60,320		71,453		168,189
Weighted average diluted common shares outstanding	9,739,660		9,410,309		39,406,507		29,138,523
Diluted income per common share	0.70		1.04		0.39		0.16

Nine Months Ended June 30, 2018 2017
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share and Per Share Data)
Basic income per common share:
     Net income attributable to Meta Financial Group, Inc. $ 42,898
$ 43,173
Weighted average common shares outstanding 9,681,103
9,208,867
     Basic income per common share 4.43
4.69

Diluted income per common share:
     Net income attributable to Meta Financial Group, Inc. $ 42,898
$ 43,173
Weighted average common shares outstanding 9,681,103
9,208,867
     Outstanding options - based upon the two-class method 38,892
60,524
Weighted average diluted common shares outstanding 9,719,995
9,269,391
     Diluted income per common share 4.41
4.66

NOTE 6. SECURITIES

~~NOTE 5. SECURITIES~~

~~During the first quarter of fiscal~~On October 1, 2018, the Company ~~early~~ adopted ~~Accounting Standard Update ("ASU") 2017-12,~~ ~~"Derivatives~~ASU 2016-01 on a prospective basis, which redefined the definition of equity securities and ~~Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements~~required their segregation from available for sale debt securities. While changes in the fair value of debt securities continue to ~~Accounting for Hedging Activities."~~ ~~Due~~be recorded in the equity category of accumulated other comprehensive income, the new guidance requires that changes in fair value of equity securities with readily determinable fair value be recorded in current earnings. As required by the new guidance, the unrealized gain in fair value on equity securities with readily determinable fair value (recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income at September 30, 2018) was reclassified to ~~the early adoption~~retained earnings on October 1, 2018. The amount of the ~~ASU, the Company transferred $204.7~~reclassification was $0.5 million, net of ~~investment~~tax. Equity securities with readily determinable fair value include mutual funds of $1.8 million at cost and ~~$101.3~~$1.8 million ~~of MBS from Held to Maturity ("HTM") to Available for Sale ("AFS") during the first quarter of fiscal~~at fair value at December 31, 2018. ~~This change allows for enhanced balance sheet management and provides the opportunity for more liquidity, should it be needed.~~

The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses and estimated fair values of available for sale ("AFS") and held to maturity ("HTM") debt securities at ~~June 30,~~December 31, 2018 and September 30, ~~2017~~2018 are presented below.

Available For Sale
At June 30, 2018 AMORTIZED
COST
GROSS
UNREALIZED
GAINS
GROSS
UNREALIZED
(LOSSES)
FAIR
VALUE
(Dollars in Thousands)
Debt securities
Small business administration securities 51,785
27
(853 ) 50,959
Obligations of states and political subdivisions 14,472
60
(162 ) 14,370
Non-bank qualified obligations of states and political subdivisions 1,105,310
2,594
(24,430 ) 1,083,474
Asset-backed securities 199,400
1,784
(345 ) 200,839
Mortgage-backed securities 593,454
—
(17,455 ) 575,999
Total debt securities 1,964,421
4,465
(43,245 ) 1,925,641
Common equities and mutual funds 1,347
550
(1 ) 1,896
Total available for sale securities $ 1,965,768
$ 5,015
$ (43,246 ) $ 1,927,537

At September 30, 2017 AMORTIZED
COST
GROSS
UNREALIZED
GAINS
GROSS
UNREALIZED
(LOSSES)
FAIR
VALUE
(Dollars in Thousands)
Debt securities
Small business administration securities 57,046
825
—
57,871
Non-bank qualified obligations of states and political subdivisions 938,883
14,983
(3,037 ) 950,829
Asset-backed securities 94,451
2,381
—
96,832
Mortgage-backed securities 588,918
1,259
(3,723 ) 586,454
Total debt securities 1,679,298
19,448
(6,760 ) 1,691,986
Common equities and mutual funds 1,009
436
—
1,445
Total available for sale securities $ 1,680,307
$ 19,884
$ (6,760 ) $ 1,693,431



At December 31, 2018	AMORTIZED COST		GROSS UNREALIZED GAINS		GROSS UNREALIZED (LOSSES)			FAIR VALUE
	(Dollars in Thousands)
Debt securities AFS
Small business administration securities	$	94,242	$	165	$	(351	)	$	94,056
Obligations of states and political subdivisions	15,023		73		(146		)	14,950
Non-bank qualified obligations of states and political subdivisions	970,288		2,787		(28,504		)	944,571
Asset-backed securities	287,247		1,261		(1,215		)	287,293
Mortgage-backed securities	366,467		157		(12,438		)	354,186
Total debt securities AFS	$	1,733,267	$	4,443	$	(42,654	)	$	1,695,056
Common equities and mutual funds⁽¹⁾⁽²⁾	$	3,494	$	357	$	(14	)	$	3,837

Held to Maturity
At June 30, 2018 AMORTIZED
COST
GROSS
UNREALIZED
GAINS
GROSS
UNREALIZED
(LOSSES)
FAIR
VALUE
(Dollars in Thousands)
Debt securities
Obligations of states and political subdivisions $ 3,831
$ 16
$ (21 ) $ 3,826
Non-bank qualified obligations of states and political subdivisions 212,329
73
(9,916 ) 202,486
Mortgage-backed securities 8,218
—
(372 ) 7,846
Total held to maturity securities $ 224,378
$ 89
$ (10,309 ) $ 214,158
⁽¹⁾Equity securities at fair value are included within other assets on the consolidated statement of financial condition at December 31, 2018 and September 30, 2018.

⁽²⁾ ASU 2016-01 adopted on October 1, 2018, on a prospective basis, removed equity securities from AFS category at December 31, 2018.


At September 30, 2017	AMORTIZED COST		GROSS UNREALIZED GAINS		GROSS UNREALIZED (LOSSES)			FAIR VALUE
At September 30, 2018										AMORTIZED COST		GROSS UNREALIZED GAINS		GROSS UNREALIZED (LOSSES)			FAIR VALUE
	(Dollars in Thousands)									(Dollars in Thousands)
Debt securities
Debt securities AFS
Small business administration securities										$	45,591	$	1	$	(1,255	)	$	44,337
Obligations of states and political subdivisions	$	19,247	$	157	$	(36	)	$	19,368	17,154		49		(293		)	16,910
Non-bank qualified obligations of states and political subdivisions	430,593		4,744		(2,976		)	432,361		1,140,884		826		(31,825		)	1,109,885
Asset-backed securities										310,700		2,585		(257		)	313,028
Mortgage-backed securities	113,689		—		(1,233		)	112,456		378,301		—		(14,236		)	364,065
Total held to maturity securities	$	563,529	$	4,901	$	(4,245	)	$	564,185
Total debt securities AFS										$	1,892,630	$	3,461	$	(47,866	)	$	1,848,225
Common equities and mutual funds⁽¹⁾										3,172		635		(7		)	3,800
Total AFS securities⁽¹⁾										$	1,895,802	$	4,096	$	(47,873	)	$	1,852,025

⁽¹⁾Equity securities at fair value are included within other assets on the consolidated statement of financial condition at December 31, 2018 and September 30, 2018.



Held to Maturity
At December 31, 2018	AMORTIZED COST		GROSS UNREALIZED GAINS		GROSS UNREALIZED (LOSSES)			FAIR VALUE
	(Dollars in Thousands)
Debt securities
Non-bank qualified obligations of states and political subdivisions	$	153,075	$	—	$	(8,820	)	$	144,255
Mortgage-backed securities	7,661		—		(326		)	7,335
Total held to maturity securities	$	160,736	$	—	$	(9,146	)	$	151,590



At September 30, 2018	AMORTIZED COST		GROSS UNREALIZED GAINS		GROSS UNREALIZED (LOSSES)			FAIR VALUE
	(Dollars in Thousands)
Debt securities
Non-bank qualified obligations of states and political subdivisions	$	163,893	$	—	$	(10,758	)	$	153,135
Mortgage-backed securities	7,850		—		(422		)	7,428
Total held to maturity securities	$	171,743	$	—	$	(11,180	)	$	160,563

Management has implemented a process to identify securities with potential credit impairment that are other-than-temporary. This process involves evaluation of the length of time and extent to which the fair value has been less than the amortized cost basis, review of available information regarding the financial position of the issuer, monitoring the rating, watch, and outlook of the security, monitoring changes in value, cash flow projections, and the Company’s intent to sell a security or whether it is more likely than not the Company will be required to sell the security before the recovery of its amortized cost which, in some cases, may extend to maturity. To the extent the Company determines that a security is deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired, an impairment loss is recognized.

For all securities considered temporarily impaired, the Company does not intend to sell these securities, and it is not more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost, which may occur at maturity. The Company believes it will collect all principal and interest due on all investments with amortized cost in excess of fair value and considered only temporarily impaired.

GAAP requires that, at acquisition, an enterprise classify debt securities into one of three categories: ~~Available for Sale (“AFS”), Held to Maturity (“HTM”)~~AFS, HTM or trading. AFS securities are carried at fair value on the consolidated statements of financial condition, and unrealized holding gains and losses are excluded from earnings and recognized as a separate component of equity in accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”). HTM debt securities are measured at amortized cost. Both AFS and HTM are subject to review for other-than-temporary impairment. The Company did not have any trading securities at ~~June 30,~~December 31, 2018 or September 30, ~~2017.~~2018.

Gross unrealized losses and fair value, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position at ~~June 30,~~December 31, 2018 and September 30, ~~2017,~~2018, were as follows:



	LESS THAN 12 MONTHS					OVER 12 MONTHS					TOTAL
At December 31, 2018	Fair Value		Unrealized (Losses)			Fair Value		Unrealized (Losses)			Fair Value		Unrealized (Losses)
	(Dollars in Thousands)
Debt securities AFS
Small business administration securities	$	—	$	—		$	28,318	$	(351	)	$	28,318	$	(351	)
Obligations of states and political subdivisions	2,089		(6		)	7,198		(140		)	9,287		(146		)
Non-bank qualified obligations of states and political subdivisions	112,208		(2,443		)	525,831		(26,061		)	638,039		(28,504		)
Asset-backed securities	162,550		(1,215		)	—		—			162,550		(1,215		)
Mortgage-backed securities	4,063		(16		)	321,021		(12,422		)	325,084		(12,438		)
Total debt securities AFS	$	280,910	$	(3,680	)	$	882,368	$	(38,974	)	$	1,163,278	$	(42,654	)
Common equities and mutual funds⁽¹⁾⁽²⁾	2,001		(14		)	—		—			2,001		(14		)

⁽¹⁾Equity securities at fair value are included within other assets on the consolidated statement of financial condition at December 31, 2018 and September 30, 2018.

⁽²⁾ ASU 2016-01 adopted on October 1, 2018, on a prospective basis, removed equity securities from AFS category at December 31, 2018.

Available For Sale LESS THAN 12 MONTHS OVER 12 MONTHS TOTAL
At June 30, 2018 Fair
Value Unrealized
(Losses) Fair
Value Unrealized
(Losses) Fair
Value Unrealized
(Losses)
(Dollars in Thousands)
Debt securities
Small business administration securities $ 47,646
$ (853 ) $ —
$ —
$ 47,646
$ (853 )
Obligations of states and political subdivisions 8,443
(162 ) —
—
8,443
(162 )
Non-bank qualified obligations of states and political subdivisions 786,022
(23,032 ) 25,062
(1,398 ) 811,084
(24,430 )
Asset-backed securities 107,027
(345 ) —
—
107,027
(345 )
Mortgage-backed securities 306,713
(6,289 ) 265,169
(11,166 ) 571,882
(17,455 )
Total debt securities 1,255,851
(30,681 ) 290,231
(12,564 ) 1,546,082
(43,245 )
Common equities and mutual funds 1,896
(1 ) —
—
1,896
(1 )
Total available for sale securities $ 1,257,747
$ (30,682 ) $ 290,231
$ (12,564 ) $ 1,547,978
$ (43,246 )



	LESS THAN 12 MONTHS					OVER 12 MONTHS					TOTAL
At September 30, 2018	Fair Value		Unrealized (Losses)			Fair Value		Unrealized (Losses)			Fair Value		Unrealized (Losses)
	(Dollars in Thousands)
Debt securities AFS
Small Business Administration securities	$	43,097	$	(1,255	)	$	—	$	—		$	43,097	$	(1,255	)
Obligations of state and political subdivisions	11,036		(279		)	881		(14		)	11,917		(293		)
Non-bank qualified obligations of states and political subdivisions	626,693		(13,539		)	358,095		(18,286		)	984,788		(31,825		)
Asset-backed securities	146,638		(257		)	—		—			146,638		(257		)
Mortgage-backed securities	121,217		(3,292		)	242,849		(10,944		)	364,066		(14,236		)
Total debt securities AFS	$	948,681	$	(18,622	)	$	601,825	$	(29,244	)	$	1,550,506	$	(47,866	)
Common equities and mutual funds⁽¹⁾	1,818		(7		)	—		—			1,818		(7		)
Total debt AFS securities⁽¹⁾	$	950,499	$	(18,629	)	$	601,825	$	(29,244	)	$	1,552,324	$	(47,873	)

⁽¹⁾Equity securities at fair value are included within other assets on the consolidated statement of financial condition at December 31, 2018 and September 30, 2018.


	LESS THAN 12 MONTHS					OVER 12 MONTHS					TOTAL
At September 30, 2017	Fair Value		Unrealized (Losses)			Fair Value		Unrealized (Losses)			Fair Value		Unrealized (Losses)
Held To Maturity																LESS THAN 12 MONTHS				OVER 12 MONTHS					TOTAL
At December 31, 2018																Fair Value		Unrealized (Losses)		Fair Value		Unrealized (Losses)			Fair Value		Unrealized (Losses)
	(Dollars in Thousands)															(Dollars in Thousands)
Debt securities
Non-bank qualified obligations of states and political subdivisions	280,900		(2,887		)	5,853		(150		)	286,753		(3,037		)	$	—	$	—	$	144,255	$	(8,820	)	$	144,255	$	(8,820	)
Mortgage-backed securities	237,897		(1,625		)	100,287		(2,098		)	338,184		(3,723		)	—		—		7,335		(326		)	7,335		(326		)
Total debt securities	518,797		(4,512		)	106,140		(2,248		)	624,937		(6,760		)
Total available for sale securities	$	518,797	$	(4,512	)	$	106,140	$	(2,248	)	$	624,937	$	(6,760	)
Total held to maturity securities																$	—	$	—	$	151,590	$	(9,146	)	$	151,590	$	(9,146	)

Held To Maturity LESS THAN 12 MONTHS OVER 12 MONTHS TOTAL
At June 30, 2018 Fair
Value Unrealized
(Losses) Fair
Value Unrealized
(Losses) Fair
Value Unrealized
(Losses)
(Dollars in Thousands)
Debt securities
Obligations of states and political subdivisions $ 1,407
$ (2 ) $ 1,342
$ (19 ) $ 2,749
$ (21 )
Non-bank qualified obligations of states and political subdivisions 118,237
(5,141 ) 79,222
(4,775 ) 197,459
(9,916 )
Mortgage-backed securities —
—
7,847
(372 ) 7,847
(372 )
Total held to maturity securities $ 119,644
$ (5,143 ) $ 88,411
$ (5,166 ) $ 208,055
$ (10,309 )


	LESS THAN 12 MONTHS					OVER 12 MONTHS					TOTAL					LESS THAN 12 MONTHS					OVER 12 MONTHS					TOTAL
At September 30, 2017	Fair Value		Unrealized (Losses)			Fair Value		Unrealized (Losses)			Fair Value		Unrealized (Losses)
At September 30, 2018																Fair Value		Unrealized (Losses)			Fair Value		Unrealized (Losses)			Fair Value		Unrealized (Losses)
	(Dollars in Thousands)															(Dollars in Thousands)
Debt securities
Obligations of states and political subdivisions	$	1,364	$	(6	)	$	4,089	$	(30	)	$	5,453	$	(36	)
Non-bank qualified obligations of states and political subdivisions	202,018		(2,783		)	6,206		(193		)	208,224		(2,976		)	$	5,767	$	(287	)	$	147,368	$	(10,471	)	$	153,135	$	(10,758	)
Mortgage-backed securities	112,456		(1,233		)	—		—			112,456		(1,233		)	—		—			7,428		(422		)	7,428		(422		)
Total held to maturity securities	$	315,838	$	(4,022	)	$	10,295	$	(223	)	$	326,133	$	(4,245	)	$	5,767	$	(287	)	$	154,796	$	(10,893	)	$	160,563	$	(11,180	)

At ~~June 30,~~December 31, 2018, the investment portfolio included securities with current unrealized losses ~~which~~that have existed for longer than one year. All of these securities are considered to be acceptable credit risks. Because (i) the declines in fair value were due to changes in market interest rates, not in estimated cash flows, ~~and because~~(ii) the Company does not intend ~~to sell these securities (has~~or has not made a decision to ~~sell)~~sell these securities and (iii) it is not more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the securities before recovery of their amortized cost basis, which may occur at maturity, no other-than-temporary impairment was recorded at ~~June 30,~~December 31, 2018.

The amortized cost and fair value of debt securities by contractual maturity as of the dates set forth below are shown below. Certain securities have call features which allow the issuer to call the security prior to maturity. Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities in mortgage-backed securities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. Therefore, mortgage-backed securities are not included in the maturity categories in the following maturity summary. The expected maturities of certain housing related municipal securities, Small Business Administration and asset-backed securities may differ from contractual maturities because the borrowers may have the right to prepay the obligation. However, certain prepayment penalties may apply.



Securities at Fair Value	AMORTIZED COST		FAIR VALUE
	AMORTIZED COST		FAIR VALUE
At December 31, 2018	(Dollars in Thousands)

Due in one year or less	$	1,585	$	1,581
Due after one year through five years	25,283		25,483
Due after five years through ten years	250,025		251,933
Due after ten years	1,089,907		1,061,873
	1,366,800		1,340,870
Mortgage-backed securities	366,467		354,186
Total securities at fair value	$	1,733,267	$	1,695,056


Available For Sale	AMORTIZED COST		FAIR VALUE
					AMORTIZED COST		FAIR VALUE
At June 30, 2018	(Dollars in Thousands)
At September 30, 2018					(Dollars in Thousands)

Due in one year or less	$	100	$	100	$	2,532	$	2,529
Due after one year through five years	29,352		29,688		41,415		41,504
Due after five years through ten years	348,304		348,680		352,099		350,143
Due after ten years	993,211		971,174		1,118,283		1,089,984
	1,370,967		1,349,642		1,514,329		1,484,160
Mortgage-backed securities	593,454		575,999		378,301		364,065
Common equities and mutual funds	1,347		1,896
Total available for sale securities	$	1,965,768	$	1,927,537
Common equities and mutual funds⁽¹⁾					3,172		3,800
Total securities at fair value					$	1,895,802	$	1,852,025

⁽¹⁾Equity securities at fair value are included within other assets on the consolidated statement of financial condition at December 31, 2018 and September 30, 2018.

AMORTIZED
COST
FAIR
VALUE
At September 30, 2017 (Dollars in Thousands)

Due in one year or less $ —
$ —
Due after one year through five years 36,586
37,674
Due after five years through ten years 347,831
358,198
Due after ten years 705,963
709,660
1,090,380
1,105,532
Mortgage-backed securities 588,918
586,454
Common equities and mutual funds 1,009
1,445
Total available for sale securities $ 1,680,307
$ 1,693,431



Held To Maturity	AMORTIZED COST		FAIR VALUE
	AMORTIZED COST		FAIR VALUE
At December 31, 2018	(Dollars in Thousands)

Due after ten years	$	153,075	$	144,255
	153,075		144,255
Mortgage-backed securities	7,661		7,335
Total held to maturity securities at cost	$	160,736	$	151,590

Held To Maturity AMORTIZED
COST
FAIR
VALUE

At June 30, 2018 (Dollars in Thousands)

Due in one year or less $ 2,395
$ 2,390
Due after one year through five years 18,829
18,761
Due after five years through ten years 20,335
20,175
Due after ten years 174,601
164,986
216,160
206,312
Mortgage-backed securities 8,218
7,846
Total held to maturity securities $ 224,378
$ 214,158



	AMORTIZED COST		FAIR VALUE
At September 30, 2018	(Dollars in Thousands)
Due after ten years	$	163,893	$	153,135
	163,893		153,135
Mortgage-backed securities	7,850		7,428
Total held to maturity securities at cost	$	171,743	$	160,563

AMORTIZED
COST
FAIR
VALUE
At September 30, 2017 (Dollars in Thousands)
Due in one year or less $ 1,483
$ 1,480
Due after one year through five years 17,926
18,160
Due after five years through ten years 144,996
147,832
Due after ten years 285,435
284,257
449,840
451,729
Mortgage-backed securities 113,689
112,456
Total held to maturity securities $ 563,529
$ 564,185
Other investments, at cost, which are included in other assets on the consolidated statement of financial condition, include equity securities without a readily determinable fair value and shares of stock in the Federal Home Loan Bank ("FHLB") of Des Moines. Equity securities without a readily determinable fair value totaled $2.0 million at December 31, 2018 and $2.0 million at September 30, 2018, respectively. FHLB of Des Moines stock at December 31, 2018 and September 30, 2018 totaled $15.6 million and $23.4 million, respectively. The decrease in FHLB stock directly correlates with lower short-term borrowings balances at December 31, 2018 compared to September 30, 2018. The Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, MetaBank, is required by federal law to maintain FHLB stock as a member of FHLB of Des Moines. These equity securities are ‘restricted’ in that they can only be sold back to the respective institution from which they were acquired or another member institution at par. Therefore, FHLB stock is less liquid than other marketable equity securities, and the fair value approximates cost. The Company evaluates impairment for investments held at cost on at least an annual basis based on the ultimate recoverability of the par value. No impairment was recognized for such investments for the three months ended December 31, 2018.

NOTE ~~6. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES~~7. RENTAL EQUIPMENT, NET

~~In the normal course~~Rental equipment was as follows as of ~~business, the Bank makes various commitments to extend credit which are not reflected in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.~~

~~At June 30,~~December 31, 2018 and September 30, ~~2017, unfunded loan commitments approximated $282.8 million and $233.2 million, respectively, excluding undisbursed portions~~2018.



	December 31, 2018			September 30, 2018
	(Dollars in thousands)
Computers and IT networking equipment	$	50,122		$	55,215
Motor vehicles and other	50,259			45,293
Office furniture and equipment	3,756			3,738
Solar panels and equipment	102,105			65,938
Total	206,242			170,183

Accumulated depreciation	(59,427		)	(62,893		)
Net book value	$	146,815		$	107,290

Future minimum lease payments receivable on equipment under operating leases was as follows as of loans in process. Commitments, which are disbursed subject to certain limitations, extend over various periods of time. Generally, unused commitments are canceled upon expiration of the commitment term as outlined in each individual contract.December 31, 2018.



	December 31, 2018
	(Dollars in thousands)
2019	$	22,679
2020	19,444
2021	14,679
2022	9,283
2023	7,808
2024 and thereafter	18,882
Total	$	92,775

NOTE 8. STOCK COMPENSATION

The Company ~~had two commitments totaling $4.1 million~~maintains the amended and restated Meta Financial Group, Inc. 2002 Omnibus Incentive Plan, as amended (the "2002 Omnibus Incentive Plan"), which, among other things, provides for the awarding of stock options and nonvested (restricted) shares to ~~purchase a security~~certain officers and directors of the Company. Awards are granted by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors based on the performance of the award recipients or other relevant factors.

Compensation expense for share-based awards is recorded over the vesting period at ~~June 30, 2018 and none~~the fair value of the award at ~~September 30, 2017.~~the time of the grant. The exercise price of options or fair value of non-vested (restricted) shares granted under the Company’s incentive plan is equal to the fair market value of the underlying stock at the grant date. The Company ~~had no commitments~~has elected, with the adoption of ASU 2016-09, to ~~sell securities at June 30, 2018~~record forfeitures as they occur.

The following tables show the activity of options and nonvested (restricted) shares granted, exercised, or ~~September 30, 2017.~~forfeited under the 2002 Omnibus Incentive Plan for the three months ended December 31, 2018:



	Number of Shares		Weighted Average Exercise Price		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (Yrs)	Aggregate Intrinsic Value
	(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Data ⁽¹⁾)
Options outstanding, September 30, 2018	155,961		$	8.48	1.78	$	2,974
Granted	—		—		—	—
Exercised	(45,132	)	8.95		—	742
Forfeited or expired	—		—		—	—
Options outstanding, December 31, 2018	110,829		$	8.29	1.67	$	1,230

Options exercisable, December 31, 2018	110,829		$	8.29	1.67	$	1,230



	Number of Shares		Weighted Average Fair Value at Grant
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Data ⁽¹⁾)
Nonvested (restricted) shares outstanding, September 30, 2018	1,005,813		$	29.89
Granted	224,102		25.11
Vested	(245,842	)	27.29
Forfeited or expired	—		—
Nonvested (restricted) shares outstanding, December 31, 2018	984,073		$	29.45

⁽¹⁾ All share and per share data has been adjusted to reflect the 3-for-1 forward stock split effected by the Company on October 4, 2018.

At ~~June 30,~~December 31, 2018, ~~Meta Capital, LLC,~~stock-based compensation expense not yet recognized in income totaled $18.3 million, which is expected to be recognized over a ~~wholly-owned subsidiary~~weighted average remaining period of ~~MetaBank, had $0.5 million in outstanding investment commitments.~~3.11 years.

NOTE 9. INCOME TAXES

The ~~exposure~~Company recorded an income tax benefit of $1.7 million for the three months ended December 31, 2018, resulting in an effective tax rate of (11.56%), compared to ~~credit loss~~an income tax expense of $5.7 million, or an effective tax rate of 54.90%, for the three months ended December 31, 2017. The Company’s effective tax rate is lower than the U.S. statutory rate of 21% primarily because of the anticipated effect of investment tax credits during fiscal year 2019. The Company’s effective tax rate in the ~~event~~future will depend in part on actual investment tax credits earned as part of ~~non-performance by other parties to financial instruments for commitments to extend credit is represented by the contractual amount~~its financing of ~~those instruments. The same credit policies and collateral requirements are used in making commitments and conditional obligations as are used for on-balance-sheet instruments.~~solar energy projects.

~~Since certain commitments to make loans and to fund lines of credit and loans in process expire without being used,~~The table below compares the amount does not necessarily represent future cash commitments. In addition, commitments used to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established inincome tax expense components for the ~~contract.~~periods presented.



Three Months Ended December 31,	2018			2017
(Dollars in Thousands)
Provision at statutory rate	$	3,072		$	2,540
Tax-exempt income	(1,201		)	(2,068		)
State income taxes	701			718
Interim period effective rate adjustment	5,263			717
Tax credit investments, net - federal	(9,568		)	—
Tax Reform rate adjustment	—			3,635
Other, net	42			142
Income tax expense	$	(1,691	)	$	5,684
Effective tax rate	(11.56		%)	54.90		%

~~Legal Proceedings~~

The Bank was served on April 15, 2013, with a lawsuit captioned Inter National Bank v. NetSpend Corporation, MetaBank, BDO USA, LLP d/b/a BDO Seidman, Cause No. C-2084-12-I filed in the District Court of Hidalgo County, Texas. The Plaintiff’s Second Amended Original Petition and Application for Temporary Restraining Order and Temporary Injunction adds both MetaBank and BDO Seidman to the original causes of action against NetSpend. NetSpend acts as a prepaid card program manager and processor for both Inter National Bank ("INB") and MetaBank. According to the Petition, NetSpend has informed INB that the depository accounts at INB for the NetSpend program supposedly contained $10.5 million less than they should. INB alleges that NetSpend has breached its fiduciary duty by making affirmative misrepresentations to INB about the safety and stability of the program, and by failing to timely disclose the nature and extent of any alleged shortfall in settlement of funds related to cardholder activity and the nature and extent of NetSpend’s systemic deficiencies in its accounting and settlement processing procedures. To the extent that an accounting reveals that there is an actual shortfall, INB alleges that MetaBank may be liable for portions or all of said sum due to the fact that funds have been transferred from INB to MetaBank, and thus MetaBank would have been unjustly enriched. The Bank is vigorously contesting this matter. In January 2014, NetSpend was granted summary judgment in this matter which is under appeal. Because the theory of liability against both NetSpend and the Bank is the same, the Bank views the NetSpend summary judgment as a positive in support of its position. An estimate of a range of reasonably possible loss cannot be made at this stage of the litigation because discovery is still being conducted.

The Bank was served, on October 14, 2016, with a lawsuit captioned Card Limited, LLC v. MetaBank dba Meta Payment Systems, Civil No. 2:16-cv-00980 in the United States District Court for the District of Utah. This action was initiated by a former prepaid program manager of the Bank, which was terminated by the Bank in fiscal year 2016. Card Limited alleges that after all of the programs were wound down, there were two accounts with a positive balance to which they are entitled. The Bank’s position is that Card Limited is not entitled to the funds contained in said accounts. The total amount to which Card Limited claims it is entitled is $4.0 million. The Bank intends to vigorously defend this claim. An estimate of a range of reasonably possible loss cannot be made at this stage of the litigation because discovery is still being conducted.

On February 9, 2018, the Bank’s AFS/IBEX division filed a lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York captioned AFS/IBEX, a division of MetaBank v. Aegis Managing Agency Limited ("AMA"), Aegis Syndicate 1225 (together with AMA, the "Aegis defendants"), CRC Insurance Services, Inc. ("CRC"), and Transportation Underwriters, Inc. The suit was filed against commercial insurance underwriters and brokers that facilitated the issuance of commercial insurance policies to Red Hook Construction Group-II, LLC (“Red Hook”). The Bank’s position is that both CRC and Transportation Underwriters represented to the Bank that, upon cancellation of the insurance policies prior to their stated terms, any unearned premiums would be refunded. The Bank then provided insurance premium financing to Red Hook, and Red Hook executed a written premium finance agreement pursuant to which Red Hook assigned its rights to any unearned premiums to the Bank. After the policies were cancelled, the Aegis defendants failed to return the unearned insurance premiums totaling just over $1.6 million owed to the Bank under the insurance policies and the premium finance agreement. A discovery schedule has been established and is scheduled to proceed until January 31, 2019. The Bank is seeking recovery of all amounts to which it is entitled at law or equity and intends to vigorously pursue its claims against the defendants.

From time to time, the Company or its subsidiaries are subject to certain legal proceedings and claims in the ordinary course of business. Accruals have been recorded when the outcome is probable and can be reasonably estimated. While management currently believes that the ultimate outcome of these proceedings will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position or its results of operations, legal proceedings are inherently uncertain and unfavorable resolution of some or all of these matters could, individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on the Company’s and its subsidiaries’ respective businesses, financial condition or results of operations.

NOTE ~~7. STOCK COMPENSATION~~10. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

In the normal course of business, the Bank makes various commitments to extend credit that are not reflected in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements.

At December 31, 2018 and September 30, 2018, unfunded loan commitments approximated $858.1 million and $748.8 million, respectively, excluding undisbursed portions of loans in process. Commitments, which are disbursed subject to certain limitations, extend over various periods of time. Generally, unused commitments are canceled upon expiration of the commitment term as outlined in each individual contract.

The Company ~~maintains~~had no commitments to purchase securities at December 31, 2018 and $1.4 million in commitments to purchase securities at September 30, 2018. The Company had no commitments to sell securities at December 31, 2018 or September 30, 2018.

The exposure to credit loss in the ~~amended~~event of non-performance by other parties to financial instruments for commitments to extend credit is represented by the contractual amount of those instruments. The same credit policies and ~~restated Meta Financial Group, Inc. 2002 Omnibus Incentive Plan,~~collateral requirements are used in making commitments and conditional obligations as ~~amended (the "2002 Omnibus Incentive Plan"), which, among~~are used for on-balance-sheet instruments. At December 31, 2018 and at September 30, 2018, the Company had an allowance for credit losses on off-balance sheet credit exposures of $0.1 million. This amount is maintained as a separate liability account within other ~~things, provides~~liabilities.

Since certain commitments to make loans and to fund lines of credit and loans in process expire without being used, the amount does not necessarily represent future cash commitments. In addition, commitments used to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract.

Legal Proceedings

The Bank was served on April 15, 2013, with a lawsuit captioned Inter National Bank v. NetSpend Corporation, MetaBank, BDO USA, LLP d/b/a BDO Seidman, Cause No. C-2084-12-I filed in the District Court of Hidalgo County, Texas. The Plaintiff’s Second Amended Original Petition and Application for Temporary Restraining Order and Temporary Injunction adds both MetaBank and BDO Seidman to the original causes of action against NetSpend. NetSpend acts as a prepaid card program manager and processor for both Inter National Bank ("INB") and MetaBank. According to the Petition, NetSpend has informed INB that the depository accounts at INB for the ~~awarding~~NetSpend program supposedly contained $10.5 million less than they should. INB alleges that NetSpend has breached its fiduciary duty by making affirmative misrepresentations to INB about the safety and stability of ~~stock options~~the program, and ~~nonvested (restricted) shares~~by failing to timely disclose the nature and extent of any alleged shortfall in settlement of funds related to cardholder activity and the nature and extent of NetSpend’s systemic deficiencies in its accounting and settlement processing procedures. To the extent that an accounting reveals that there is an actual shortfall, INB alleges that MetaBank may be liable for portions or all of said sum due to the fact that funds have been transferred from INB to MetaBank, and thus MetaBank would have been unjustly enriched. The Bank is vigorously contesting this matter. In January 2014, NetSpend was granted summary judgment in this matter which is under appeal. Because the theory of liability against both NetSpend and the Bank is the same, the Bank views the NetSpend summary judgment as a positive in support of its position. An estimate of a range of reasonably possible loss cannot be made at this stage of the litigation because discovery is still being conducted.

On February 9, 2018, the Bank’s AFS/IBEX division filed a lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York captioned AFS/IBEX, a division of MetaBank v. Aegis Managing Agency Limited ("AMA"), Aegis Syndicate 1225 (together with AMA, the "Aegis defendants"), CRC Insurance Services, Inc. ("CRC"), and Transportation Underwriters, Inc. The suit was filed against commercial insurance underwriters and brokers that facilitated the issuance of commercial insurance policies to Red Hook Construction Group-II, LLC (“Red Hook”). The Bank’s position is that both CRC and Transportation Underwriters represented to the Bank that, upon cancellation of the insurance policies prior to their stated terms, any unearned premiums would be refunded. The Bank then provided insurance premium financing to Red Hook, and Red Hook executed a written premium finance agreement pursuant to which Red Hook assigned its rights to any unearned premiums to the Bank. After the policies were cancelled, the Aegis defendants failed to return the unearned insurance premiums totaling just over $1.6 million owed to the Bank under the insurance policies and the premium finance agreement. The Bank is seeking recovery of all amounts to which it is entitled at law or equity and intends to vigorously pursue its claims against the defendants.

The Bank was served on December 24, 2018, with a lawsuit captioned The Ohio Valley Bank Company v. MetaBank dba Refund Advantage, Case No. 18 CV 134 in the Court of Common Pleas, Gallia County, Ohio. This action alleges that MetaBank breached a contract with The Ohio Valley Bank Company by terminating the contract before the term expired, resulting in over $3.0 million in damages. The Bank intends to vigorously defend this claim. An estimate of a range of reasonably possible loss cannot be made at this stage of the litigation because discovery is still being conducted.

From time to time, the Company or its subsidiaries are subject to certain ~~officers~~legal proceedings and ~~directors~~claims in the ordinary course of business. Accruals have been recorded when the outcome is probable and can be reasonably estimated. While management currently believes that the ultimate outcome of these proceedings will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position or its results of operations, legal proceedings are inherently uncertain and unfavorable resolution of some or all of these matters could, individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on the Company’s and its subsidiaries’ respective businesses, financial condition or results of operations.

NOTE 11. REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS

On October 1, 2018, the Company adopted ASC 606 on a modified retrospective basis. Prior period amounts have not been adjusted to reflect the adoption of ASC 606 and continue to be reported in accordance with the Company’s historical accounting policies. The impact of the ~~Company. Awards are granted~~Company’s adoption of ASC 606 was limited to the MPS division within the Payments reporting segment. Upon adoption, Meta recorded a cumulative-effect adjustment that increased retained earnings by $1.5 million, net of tax.

ASC 606 applies to all contracts with customers unless such revenue is specifically addressed under existing guidance. The table below presents the ~~Compensation Committee~~Company’s revenue by operating segment. For additional descriptions of the ~~Board~~Company’s operating segments, including additional financial information and the underlying management accounting process, see Note 13. Segment Reporting to the Consolidated Financial Statements.



(Dollars in thousands)	Payments				Banking					Corporate Services/Other						Consolidated Company
Quarter Ended December 31,	2018		2017		2018		2017			2018			2017			2018			2017
Net interest income⁽¹⁾	$	9,400	$	4,669	$	51,792	$	15,597		$	(920	)	$	5,930		$	60,272		$	26,196
Noninterest income:
Refund transfer product fees	261		192		—		—			—			—			261			192
Tax advance product fees⁽¹⁾	1,685		1,947		—		—			—			—			1,685			1,947
Card fees	19,273		25,174		78		73			—			—			19,351			25,247
Rental income⁽¹⁾	—		—		10,890		—			—			—			10,890			—
Loan and lease fees⁽¹⁾	—		—		1,247		1,292			—			—			1,247			1,292
Bank-owned life insurance⁽¹⁾	—		—		—		—			642			669			642			669
Deposit fees	1,534		728		404		120			—			—			1,938			848
Loss on sale of securities AFS⁽¹⁾	—		—		—		—			(22		)	(1,010		)	(22		)	(1,010		)
Gain of loans and leases⁽¹⁾	—		—		867		—			—			—			867			—
Gain (loss) on foreclosed real estate⁽¹⁾	—		—		15		(19		)	—			—			15			(19		)
Other income⁽¹⁾	73		60		768		19			36			23			877			102
Total noninterest income	22,826		28,101		14,269		1,485			656			(318		)	37,751			29,268
Revenue	$	32,226	$	32,770	$	66,061	$	17,082		$	(264	)	$	5,612		$	98,023		$	55,464

⁽¹⁾These revenues are not within scope of ~~Directors based on~~ASC 606. Additional details are included in other footnotes to the accompanying financial statements. The scope of ASC 606 explicitly excludes net interest income as well as many other revenues for financial assets and liabilities, including loans, leases, and securities.

Following is a discussion of key revenues within the scope of ASC 606. The Company provides services to customers that have related performance obligations that must be completed to recognize revenue. Revenues are generally recognized immediately upon the completion of the ~~award recipients~~service or ~~other relevant factors.~~over time as services are performed. Any services performed over time generally require that the Company renders services each period, therefore the Company measures progress in completing these services based upon the passage of time. Revenue from contracts with customers did not generate significant contract assets and liabilities.

~~Compensation expense~~Refund Transfer Product Fees

Refund transfer fees are specific to the tax products offered by Refund Advantage and EPS. These fees are for ~~share-based awards~~products, services such as payment processing, and product referral commissions. Software partner fees paid and/or incurred are recorded on a net basis. The Company’s obligation for product fees and commissions is ~~recorded over the vesting period at the fair value of the award~~satisfied at the time of the ~~grant. The exercise price of options or fair value of non-vested (restricted) shares granted under the Company’s incentive plan~~product delivery and obligation for payment processing is ~~equal to the fair market value of the underlying stock~~satisfied at the ~~grant date.~~time of processing. The ~~Company has elected,~~transaction price for such activity is based upon stand-alone fees within the terms and conditions. Receivables related to refund transfer fees, which reflect earned revenue with unconditional rights to payment for product fee income, were $113,935 and $827,039 as of December 31, 2018 and September 30, 2018, respectively. All refund transfer fees are recorded within the ~~adoption of ASU 2016-09, to record forfeitures as they occur.~~

~~The following tables show the activity of options and nonvested (restricted) shares granted, exercised, or forfeited under the 2002 Omnibus Incentive Plan for the nine months ended June 30, 2018:~~

Number
of
Shares
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term (Yrs)
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Data)
Options outstanding, September 30, 2017 75,757
$ 22.62
2.28
$ 4,225
Granted —
—
—
—
Exercised (23,770 ) 16.45
—
1,909
Forfeited or expired —
—
—
—
Options outstanding, June 30, 2018 51,987
$ 25.45
2.04
$ 3,741

Options exercisable, June 30, 2018 51,987
$ 25.45
2.04
$ 3,741
Payments reporting segment.

Card Fees

Number
of
Shares
Weighted
Average
Fair Value
at Grant
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Data)
Nonvested (restricted) shares outstanding, September 30, 2017 304,526
$ 86.96
Granted 64,071
92.58
Vested (71,881 ) 86.17
Forfeited or expired (1,191 ) 79.06
Nonvested (restricted) shares outstanding, June 30, 2018 295,525
$ 88.40
Card fees relate to MPS, retail bank, Refund Advantage and EPS products. These fees are for products and services such as card activation, product support, processing, and servicing. The Company earns these fees based upon the underlying terms and conditions with each cardholder over the contract term. Agreements with the Company’s cardholders are considered daily service contracts as they are not fixed in duration. The Company’s obligation for card activation and product support fees is satisfied at the time of product delivery, while the obligation for processing and servicing is satisfied over the course of each month. The transaction price for such activity is based upon the stand-alone fees within the terms and conditions of the cardholder agreements. Card fee revenue also includes income from sponsorships, associations and networks, and interchange income. Sponsorship income relates to fees charged to the Company’s ATM sponsorship partners, where the obligation is satisfied over the course of each month. Association and network income reflect incentives, performance bonuses and rebates with MasterCard and Visa. The obligation for such income is satisfied at the time when certain thresholds of transaction volume have been met. Interchange income is generated by cardholder activity, and therefore the Company’s obligations are satisfied as activity occurs. The transaction price for such activity is based on underlying rates and activity thresholds within the terms and conditions of the applicable agreements. Card fee revenue also includes breakage revenue. Breakage represents the estimated amount that will not be redeemed by the holder of unregistered, unused prepaid cards for goods or services. Breakage revenue is recognized ratably over the expected customer usage period and is an estimate based on cardholder behavior and breakage rates and is impacted by escheatment laws. Card fees are recorded within the Payments and Banking reporting segments.

~~During~~Deposit Fees

Fees are earned on depository accounts for commercial and consumer customers and include fees for account services, overdraft services, safety deposit box rentals, and event-driven services (i.e. returned checks, ATM surcharge, card replacement, wire transfers, and stop pays). The Company’s obligation for event-driven services is satisfied at the ~~first~~time of the event when the service is delivered, while its obligation for account services is satisfied over the course of each month. The Company’s obligation for overdraft services is satisfied at the time of overdraft. The transaction price for such activity is based upon stand-alone fees within the terms and ~~second quarters~~conditions of ~~fiscal 2017, stock awards were granted to~~ the ~~Company's three highest paid executive officers~~deposit agreements. Deposit fees are recorded within the Payments and Banking reporting segment.

Principal vs Agent

The Payments reporting segment includes principal/agent relationships. Within this segment, MPS relationships are recorded on a gross basis within the income statement, as Meta is the principal in ~~connection with their signing of employment agreements~~the contract, with the ~~Company. These stock awards vest over eight years.~~

~~At June 30, 2018, stock-based compensation expense not yet recognized~~exception of association/network contracts and partner/processer contracts for prepaid cards, which are recorded on a net basis within the income statement as Meta is the agent in these contracts. Also within this segment, Tax service relationships are recorded on a gross basis within the income ~~totaled $14.9 million,~~statement, as Meta is the principal in the contract, with the exception of contracts with software providers and merchants, which are recorded on a net basis within the income statement as Meta is ~~expected to be recognized over a weighted average remaining period of 3.63 years.~~the agent in these contracts.

~~NOTE 8. SEGMENT INFORMATION~~

An operating segment is generally defined as a component of a business for which discrete financial information is available and whose results are reviewed by the chief operating decision-maker. Operating segments are aggregated into reportable segments if certain criteria are met.

~~The Company reports its results of operations through the following three business segments:~~ ~~Payments, Banking, and Corporate Services/Other. Meta Payments Systems ("MPS"), Refund Advantage, EPS Financial ("EPS"), SCS, and other tax businesses are reported in the~~ ~~Payments~~ ~~segment. Community Banking and the Company's other lending divisions are reported in the~~ ~~Banking segment. Certain shared services, including the investment portfolio, wholesale deposits and borrowings, are included in Corporate Services/Other.~~

~~The Company reclassified goodwill, intangibles, related intangible amortization expense, and certain acquisition related expenses during fiscal year 2017 from the~~ ~~Corporate Services / Other~~ ~~segment to~~ ~~Payments~~ ~~and~~ ~~Banking~~ ~~based on how annual impairment testing is performed. Prior period amounts have also been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.~~

~~The following tables present segment data for the Company for the three and nine months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.~~

Payments Banking Corporate
Services/Other Total
Three Months Ended June 30, 2018
Interest income $ 6,298
$ 19,085
$ 8,721
$ 34,104
Interest expense —
1,008
4,685
5,693
Net interest income 6,298
18,077
4,036
28,411
Provision for loan losses 1,189
4,126
—
5,315
Non-interest income 31,307
1,318
600
33,225
Non-interest expense 27,796
7,172
14,085
49,053
Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit) 8,620
8,097
(9,449 ) 7,268

Total assets 190,437
1,623,715
2,355,007
4,169,159
Total goodwill 87,145
11,578
—
98,723
Total deposits 2,641,838
241,572
638,223
3,521,633

Payments Banking Corporate
Services/Other Total
Nine Months Ended June 30, 2018
Interest income $ 17,545
$ 52,615
$ 28,173
$ 98,333
Interest expense 1,645
2,821
11,855
16,321
Net interest income 15,900
49,794
16,318
82,012
Provision for loan losses 20,335
4,391
—
24,726
Non-interest income 155,082
4,044
786
159,912
Non-interest expense 99,592
20,723
41,277
161,592
Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit) 51,055
28,724
(24,173 ) 55,606

Total assets 190,437
1,623,715
2,355,007
4,169,159
Total goodwill 87,145
11,578
—
98,723
Total deposits 2,641,838
241,572
638,223
3,521,633

Payments Banking Corporate
Services/Other Total
Three Months Ended June 30, 2017
Interest income $ 3,576
$ 14,092
$ 11,193
$ 28,861
Interest expense —
717
3,201
3,918
Net interest income 3,576
13,375
7,992
24,943
Provision for loan losses 352
888
—
1,240
Non-interest income 28,934
1,190
696
30,820
Non-interest expense 26,570
6,020
9,629
42,219
Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit) 5,588
7,657
(941 ) 12,304

Total assets 196,717
1,245,840
2,577,136
4,019,693
Total goodwill 87,145
11,578
—
98,723
Total deposits 2,443,332
224,886
485,001
3,153,219

Payments Banking Corporate
Services/Other Total
Nine Months Ended June 30, 2017
Interest income $ 9,800
$ 37,654
$ 31,700
$ 79,154
Interest expense 503
1,932
7,977
10,412
Net interest income 9,297
35,722
23,723
68,742
Provision for loan losses 8,566
2,166
—
10,732
Non-interest income 138,420
3,648
271
142,339
Non-interest expense 97,927
18,114
29,877
145,918
Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit) 41,224
19,090
(5,883 ) 54,431

Total assets 196,717
1,245,840
2,577,136
4,019,693
Total goodwill 87,145
11,578
—
98,723
Total deposits 2,443,332
224,886
485,001
3,153,219

~~NOTE 9. NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS~~

~~Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2016-13,~~ ~~Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments~~

This ASU requires organizations to replace the incurred loss impairment methodology with a methodology reflecting expected credit losses with considerations for a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to substantiate credit loss estimates. This ASU is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019. The Company has been analyzing its data and has taken measures to ensure its systems capture data applicable to the standard. In addition, the Company is undergoing a readiness assessment with an external consultant that began in the first quarter of fiscal 2018. The Company has chosen a vendor for a software solution and has begun the implementation of the software.

~~ASU No. 2016-02,~~ ~~Leases (Topic 842): Amendments to the Leases Analysis~~

This ASU requires organizations to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet, along with disclosing key information about leasing arrangements. This update is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within that reporting period. The Company is expanding its initial assessment of the ASU due to the Crestmark acquisition and the Company still expects that the standard will be immaterial to its consolidated financial statements with the Company's leases.

~~ASU No. 2014-09,~~ ~~Revenue Recognition - Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)~~

This ASU provides guidance on when to recognize revenue from contracts with customers. The objective of this ASU is to eliminate diversity in practice related to this topic and to provide guidance that would streamline and enhance revenue recognition requirements. The ASU defines five steps to recognize revenue, including identify the contract with a customer, identify the performance obligations in the contract, determine a transaction price, allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations and then recognize the revenue when or as the entity satisfies a performance obligation. This update is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period, and the Company is currently assessing all income streams, including different prepaid card programs, so as to ascertain how revenues, including breakage, will be recognized under the standard.

~~ASU 2016-15,~~ ~~Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments~~

This ASU addresses eight classification issues related to the statement of cash flows including: debt prepayment or debt extinguishment costs, settlement of zero-coupon bonds, contingent consideration payments made after a business combination, proceeds from the settlement of insurance claims, proceeds from the settlement of corporate-owned life insurance policies, including bank-owned life insurance policies, distributions received from equity method investees, beneficial interests in securitization transactions, and separately identifiable cash flows and application of the predominance principle. This update is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2017, and the Company expects the impact to its consolidated financial statements to be minimal.

~~ASU 2017-08,~~ ~~Receivables - Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs (Subtopic 310-20): Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities~~

This ASU requires entities to shorten the amortization period for certain callable debt securities held at a premium. Specifically, the amendments in this update require the premium to be amortized to the earliest call date. The amendments do not require an accounting change for securities held at a discount; the discount continues to be amortized to maturity. The amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018, and will not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

~~ASU 2017-12,~~ ~~Receivables - Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities~~

This ASU targets improving the accounting treatment for hedging activities and provides more flexibility in defining what can be hedged, while reducing earnings volatility due to ineffective hedges, and minimizing documentation requirements. The ASU also offers the ability to reclassify prepayable debt securities from HTM to AFS and subsequently sell the securities, as long as the securities are eligible to be hedged. This update is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted in any interim period or fiscal year before the effective date. The Company early adopted ASU 2017-12 as of October 1, 2017. The Company reclassified certain prepayable debt securities from HTM to AFS during the first quarter of fiscal 2018. See Note 5 to the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on the securities reclassified.

~~ASU 2016-01,~~ ~~Financial Instruments (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities~~

This ASU allows equity investments that do not have a readily determinable fair value to be remeasured at fair value either upon the occurrence of an observable price change or upon identification of an impairment. The ASU also requires enhanced disclosure about those investments. The ASU simplifies the impairment assessment of equity investments without readily determinable fair values by requiring assessment for impairment qualitatively at each reporting period. Entities that are required to disclose the fair value of financial instruments measured at amortized cost on the balance sheet are required to use the exit price notion consistent with Topic 820, ~~Fair Value Measuremen~~t. This update will be effective for annual and interim periods in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact of ASU 2016-01 on its consolidated financial statements and does not deem impact will be material.

NOTE ~~10.~~12. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 820, Fair Value Measurements defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring the fair value of assets and liabilities using a hierarchy system and requires disclosures about fair value measurement. It clarifies that fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants in the market in which the reporting entity transacts.

The fair value hierarchy is as follows:

Level 1 Inputs - Valuation is based upon quoted prices for identical instruments traded in active markets that the Company has the ability to access at measurement date.

Level 2 Inputs - Valuation is based upon (1) quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, (2) quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active and (3) model-based valuation techniques for which significant assumptions are observable in the market.

Level 3 Inputs - Valuation is generated from model-based techniques that use significant assumptions not observable in the market and are used only to the extent that observable inputs are not available. These unobservable assumptions reflect the Company’s own estimates of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Valuation techniques include use of option pricing models, discounted cash flow models and similar techniques.

Debt Securities Available for Sale and ~~Held to Maturity~~Equity Securities. ~~Securities~~Debt securities available for sale and equity securities are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis and securities held to maturity are carried at amortized cost. Fair value measurement is based upon quoted prices, if available. If quoted prices are not available, fair values are measured using an independent pricing service. For both Level 1 and Level 2 securities, management uses various methods and techniques to corroborate prices obtained from the pricing service, including but not limited to reference to dealer or other market quotes, and by reviewing valuations of comparable instruments. The Company’s Level 1 securities include equity securities and mutual funds. Level 2 securities include U.S. Government agency and instrumentality securities, U.S. Government agency and instrumentality mortgage-backed securities, municipal bonds and corporate debt securities. The Company had no Level 3 securities at ~~June 30,~~December 31, 2018 or September 30, ~~2017.~~2018.

The fair values of securities are determined by obtaining quoted prices on nationally recognized securities exchanges (Level 1 inputs), or valuation 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 significant assumptions are observable in the market (Level 2 inputs). The Company considers these valuations supplied by a third party provider which utilizes several sources for valuing fixed-income securities. These sources include Interactive Data Corporation, Reuters, Standard and Poor’s, Bloomberg Financial Markets, Street Software Technology, and the third party provider’s own matrix and desk pricing. The Company, no less than annually, reviews the third party’s methods and source’s methodology for reasonableness and to ensure an understanding of inputs utilized in determining fair value. Sources utilized by the third party provider include but are not limited to pricing models that vary based by asset class and include available trade, bid, and other market information. This methodology includes but is not limited to broker quotes, proprietary models, descriptive terms and conditions databases, as well as extensive quality control programs. Monthly, the Company receives and compares prices provided by multiple securities dealers and pricing providers to validate the accuracy and reasonableness of prices received from the third party provider. On a monthly basis, the Investment Committee reviews mark-to-market changes in the securities portfolio for reasonableness.

The following table summarizes the fair values of debt securities available for sale and ~~held to maturity~~equity securities at ~~June 30,~~December 31, 2018 and September 30, ~~2017. Securities available for sale~~2018, as they are measured at fair value on a recurring ~~basis, while securities held to maturity are carried at amortized cost in the consolidated statements of financial condition.~~basis.


	Fair Value At June 30, 2018
	Available For Sale								Held to Maturity								Fair Value At December 31, 2018
(Dollars in Thousands)	Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Debt securities
Debt securities AFS
Small business administration securities	50,959		—		50,959		—		—		—		—		—		$	94,056	$	—	$	94,056	$	—
Obligations of states and political subdivisions	14,370		—		14,370		—		3,826		—		3,826		—		14,950		—		14,950		—
Non-bank qualified obligations of states and political subdivisions	1,083,474		—		1,083,474		—		202,486		—		202,486		—		944,571		—		944,571		—
Asset-backed securities	200,839		—		200,839		—		—		—		—		—		287,293		—		287,293		—
Mortgage-backed securities	575,999		—		575,999		—		7,846		—		7,846		—		354,186		—		354,186		—
Total debt securities	1,925,641		—		1,925,641		—		214,158		—		214,158		—
Common equities and mutual funds	1,896		1,896		—		—		—		—		—		—
Total securities	$	1,927,537	$	1,896	$	1,925,641	$	—	$	214,158	$	—	$	214,158	$	—
Total debt securities AFS																	1,695,056		—		1,695,056		—
Common equities and mutual funds⁽¹⁾⁽²⁾																	$	3,837	$	3,837	$	—	$	—

⁽¹⁾Equity securities at fair value are included within other assets on the consolidated statement of financial condition at December 31, 2018 and September 30, 2018.

⁽²⁾ ASU 2016-01 adopted on October 1, 2018, on a prospective basis, removed equity securities from AFS category at December 31, 2018.


	Fair Value At September 30, 2017																Fair Value At September 30, 2018
	Available For Sale								Held to Maturity								Available For Sale
(Dollars in Thousands)	Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Debt securities
Debt securities AFS
Small business administration securities	57,871		—		57,871		—		—		—		—		—		$	44,337	$	—	$	44,337	$	—
Obligations of states and political subdivisions	—		—		—		—		19,368		—		19,368		—		16,910		—		16,910		—
Non-bank qualified obligations of states and political subdivisions	950,829		—		950,829		—		432,361		—		432,361		—		1,109,885		—		1,109,885		—
Asset-backed securities	96,832		—		96,832		—		—		—		—		—		313,028		—		313,028		—
Mortgage-backed securities	586,454		—		586,454		—		112,456		—		112,456		—		364,065		—		364,065		—
Total debt securities	1,691,986		—		1,691,986		—		564,185		—		564,185		—
Total debt securities AFS																	1,848,225		—		1,848,225		—
Common equities and mutual funds(1)	1,445		1,445		—		—		—		—		—		—		3,800		3,800		—		—
Total securities	$	1,693,431	$	1,445	$	1,691,986	$	—	$	564,185	$	—	$	564,185	$	—	$	1,852,025	$	3,800	$	1,848,225	$	—

⁽¹⁾Equity securities at fair value are included within other assets on the consolidated statement of financial condition at December 31, 2018 and September 30, 2018.

The Company did not transfer any AFS debt securities or equity securities between fair value hierarchy categories at December 31, 2018 or September 30, 2018.

~~Loans.~~Loans and Leases. The Company does not record loans and leases at fair value on a recurring basis. ~~However, if~~If a loan ~~is considered impaired, an allowance for loan losses is established. Once a loan~~or lease is identified as individually impaired, management then measures impairment in accordance with ASC 310, Receivables. See Note 4 Loans and Leases, Net for further information.

The following table summarizes the assets of the Company that were measured at fair value in the consolidated statements of financial condition on a non-recurring basis as of ~~June 30,~~December 31, 2018 and September 30, ~~2017.~~2018.


	Fair Value At June 30, 2018								Fair Value At December 31, 2018
(Dollars in Thousands)	Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Impaired Loans, net
1-4 family residential mortgage loans	$	110	$	—	$	—	$	110
Total Impaired Loans	110		—		—		110
Impaired Loans and Leases, net
Asset Based Lending									$	761	$	—	$	—	$	761
Factoring									724		—		—		724
Commercial finance									1,485		—		—		1,485
Total National Lending									1,485		—		—		1,485
Total Impaired Loans and Leases									1,485		—		—		1,485
Foreclosed Assets, net	$	29,922	$	—	$	—	$	29,922	31,548		—		—		31,548
Total	$	30,032	$	—	$	—	$	30,032	$	33,033	$	—	$	—	$	33,033


	Fair Value At September 30, 2017								Fair Value At September 30, 2018
(Dollars in Thousands)	Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Foreclosed Assets, net	292		—		—		292
Impaired loans and leases, net
Asset Based Lending									$	57	$	—	$	—	$	57
Factoring									1,899		—		—		1,899
Lease Financing									2,869		—		—		2,869
Commercial finance									4,825		—		—		4,825
Total National Lending									4,825		—		—		4,825
Total impaired loans and leases									4,825		—		—		4,825
Foreclosed assets, net									31,638		—		—		31,638
Total	$	292	$	—	$	—	$	292	$	36,463	$	—	$	—	$	36,463


	Quantitative Information About Level 3 Fair Value Measurements						Quantitative Information About Level 3 Fair Value Measurements
(Dollars in Thousands)	Fair Value at June 30, 2018		Fair Value at September 30, 2017	Valuation Technique	Unobservable Input	Range of Inputs	Fair Value at December 31, 2018		Fair Value at September 30, 2018	Valuation Technique	Unobservable Input	Range of Inputs
Impaired Loans, net	$	110	—	Market approach	Appraised values ⁽¹⁾	4.00 - 10.00%
Impaired loans and leases, net							$	1,485	4,825	Market approach	Appraised values (1)	4.00 - 10.00%
Foreclosed Assets, net	$	29,922	292	Market approach	Appraised values ⁽¹⁾	4.00 - 10.00%	$	31,548	31,638	Market approach	Appraised values (1)	4.00 - 10.00%


⁽¹⁾	The Company generally relies on external appraisers to develop this information. Management reduced the appraised value by estimating selling costs in a range of 4% to 10%.

The following table discloses the Company’s estimated fair value amounts of its financial instruments as of the dates set forth below. It is management’s belief that the fair values presented below are reasonable based on the valuation techniques and data available to the Company as of ~~June 30,~~December 31, 2018 and September 30, ~~2017,~~2018, as more fully described below. The operations of the Company are managed from a going concern basis and not a liquidation basis. As a result, the ultimate value realized for the financial instruments presented could be substantially different when actually recognized over time through the normal course of operations. Additionally, a substantial portion of the Company’s inherent value is the Bank’s capitalization and franchise value. Neither of these components have been given consideration in the presentation of fair values below.

The following presents the carrying amount and estimated fair value of the financial instruments held by the Company at ~~June 30,~~December 31, 2018 and September 30, ~~2017.~~

2018.

June 30, 2018
Carrying
Amount Estimated
Fair Value Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
(Dollars in Thousands)
Financial assets
Cash and cash equivalents $ 71,276
$ 71,276
$ 71,276
$ —
$ —

Securities available for sale 1,927,537
1,927,537
1,896
1,925,641
—
Securities held to maturity 224,378
214,158
—
214,158
—
Total securities 2,151,915
2,141,695
1,896
2,139,799
—

Loans receivable:

One to four family residential mortgage loans 214,754
213,285
—
—
213,285
Commercial and multi-family real estate loans 716,495
706,662
—
—
706,662
Agricultural real estate loans 35,475
34,821
—
—
34,821
Consumer loans 258,158
274,871
—
—
274,871
Commercial operating loans 46,069
45,505
—
—
45,505
Agricultural operating loans 24,621
24,423
—
—
24,423
CML insurance premium finance loans 303,603
302,898
—
—
302,898
Total loans receivable 1,599,175
1,602,465
—
—
1,602,465

Federal Home Loan Bank stock 7,446
7,446
—
7,446
—
Accrued interest receivable 17,825
17,825
17,825
—
—

Financial liabilities

Non-interest bearing demand deposits 2,637,987
2,637,987
2,637,987
—
—
Interest bearing demand deposits, savings, and money markets 205,536
205,536
205,536
—
—
Certificates of deposit 57,151
56,381
—
56,381
—
Wholesale non-maturing deposits 74,061
74,061
74,061
—
—
Wholesale certificates of deposit 546,898
546,155
—
546,155
—
Total deposits 3,521,633
3,520,120
2,917,584
602,536
—

Federal funds purchased 24,000
24,000
24,000
—
—
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase 3,226
3,226
—
3,226
—
Capital lease 1,892
1,892
—
1,892
—
Trust preferred securities 10,310
10,464
—
10,464
—
Subordinated debentures 73,442
75,188
—
75,188
—
Accrued interest payable 3,705
3,705
3,705
—
—



	December 31, 2018
(Dollars in Thousands)	Carrying Amount		Estimated Fair Value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Financial assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	164,169	$	164,169	$	164,169	$	—	$	—

Debt securities available for sale	1,695,056		1,695,056		—		1,695,056		—
Debt securities held to maturity	160,736		151,590		—		151,590		—
Equity securities ⁽¹⁾	3,837		3,837		3,837		—		—
Total securities	1,859,629		1,850,483		3,837		1,846,646		—

Loans held for sale	33,560		33,560		—		33,560		—

Loans and leases:
Asset based lending	554,072		541,707		—		—		541,707
Factoring	284,912		281,731		—		—		281,731
Lease financing	290,889		291,205		—		—		291,205
Insurance premium finance	330,712		329,753		—		—		329,753
SBA/USDA	67,893		67,891		—		—		67,891
Other commercial finance	89,402		89,859		—		—		89,859
Commercial finance	1,617,880		1,602,146		—		—		1,602,146
Consumer credit products	96,144		95,310		—		—		95,310
Other consumer finance	182,510		178,616		—		—		178,616
Consumer finance	278,654		273,926		—		—		273,926
Tax services	76,575		76,568		—		—		76,568
Warehouse finance	176,134		173,488		—		—		173,488
Total National Lending	2,149,243		2,126,128		—		—		2,126,128
Commercial real estate and operating	863,753		849,384		—		—		849,384
Consumer one to four family real estate and other	256,341		252,230		—		—		252,230
Agricultural real estate and operating	58,971		56,906		—		—		56,906
Total Community Banking	1,179,065		1,158,520		—		—		1,158,520
Total loans and leases	3,328,308		3,284,648		—		—		3,284,648

Federal Home Loan Bank stock	15,600		15,600		—		15,600		—
Accrued interest receivable	22,076		22,076		22,076		—		—

Financial liabilities
Noninterest-bearing demand deposits	2,739,757		2,739,757		2,739,757		—		—
Interest-bearing demand deposits, savings, and money markets	235,450		235,450		235,450		—		—
Certificates of deposits	170,629		169,397		—		169,397		—
Wholesale non-maturing deposits	146,227		146,227		146,227		—		—
Wholesale certificates of deposits	1,644,384		1,640,910		—		1,640,910		—
Total deposits	4,936,447		4,931,741		3,121,434		1,810,307		—

Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank	—		—		—		—		—
Federal funds purchased	227,000		227,000		227,000		—		—
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase	4,226		4,226		—		4,226		—
Capital leases	1,860		1,860		—		1,860		—
Trust preferred securities	13,662		13,867		—		13,867		—
Subordinated debentures	73,528		75,000		—		75,000		—
Accrued interest payable	11,280		11,280		11,280		—		—

⁽¹⁾Equity securities at fair value are included within other assets on the consolidated statement of financial condition at December 31, 2018 and September 30, 2018.


	September 30, 2017										September 30, 2018
	Carrying Amount		Estimated Fair Value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	(Dollars in Thousands)
(Dollars in Thousands)											Carrying Amount		Estimated Fair Value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Financial assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	1,267,586	$	1,267,586	$	1,267,586	$	—	$	—	$	99,977	$	99,977	$	99,977	$	—	$	—

Securities available for sale	1,693,431		1,693,431		1,445		1,691,986		—		1,852,025		1,852,025		3,800		1,848,225		—
Securities held to maturity	563,529		564,185		—		564,185		—		172,154		160,974		—		160,974		—
Total securities	2,256,960		2,257,616		1,445		2,256,171		—		2,024,179		2,012,999		3,800		2,009,199		—

Loans receivable:
One to four family residential mortgage loans	196,706		196,970		—		—		196,970
Commercial and multi-family real estate loans	585,510		576,330		—		—		576,330
Agricultural real estate loans	61,800		61,584		—		—		61,584
Consumer loans	163,004		163,961		—		—		163,961
Commercial operating loans	35,759		35,723		—		—		35,723
Agricultural operating loans	33,594		32,870		—		—		32,870
CML insurance premium finance loans	250,459		250,964		—		—		250,964
Total loans receivable	1,326,832		1,318,402		—		—		1,318,402
Loans held for sale											15,606		15,606		—		15,606		—

Loans and leases:
Asset based lending											477,917		477,471		—		—		477,471
Factoring											284,221		283,424		—		—		283,424
Lease financing											265,315		264,679		—		—		264,679
Insurance premium finance											337,877		337,212		—		—		337,212
SBA/USDA											59,374		61,072		—		—		61,072
Other commercial finance											85,145		83,111		—		—		83,111
Commercial finance											1,509,849		1,506,969		—		—		1,506,969
Consumer credit products											80,605		80,633		—		—		80,633
Other consumer finance											189,756		197,320		—		—		197,320
Consumer finance											270,361		277,953		—		—		277,953
Tax services											1,073		1,073		—		—		1,073
Warehouse finance											65,000		64,978		—		—		64,978
Total National Lending											1,846,283		1,850,973		—		—		1,850,973
Commercial real estate and operating											790,890		773,203		—		—		773,203
Consumer one to four family real estate and other											247,318		244,730		—		—		244,730
Agricultural real estate and operating											60,498		58,849		—		—		58,849
Total Community Banking											1,098,706		1,076,782		—		—		1,076,782
Total loans and leases											2,944,989		2,927,755		—		—		2,927,755

Federal Home Loan Bank stock	61,123		61,123		—		61,123		—		23,400		23,400		—		23,400		—
Accrued interest receivable	19,380		19,380		19,380		—		—		22,016		22,016		22,016		—		—

Financial liabilities
Non-interest bearing demand deposits	2,454,057		2,454,057		2,454,057		—		—
Interest bearing demand deposits, savings, and money markets	169,557		169,557		169,557		—		—
Certificates of deposit	123,637		123,094		—		123,094		—
Noninterest-bearing demand deposits											2,405,274		2,405,274		2,405,274		—		—
Interest-bearing demand deposits, savings, and money markets											218,347		218,347		218,347		—		—
Certificates of deposits											276,180		273,800		—		273,800		—
Wholesale non-maturing deposits	18,245		18,245		18,245		—		—		94,384		94,384		94,384		—		—
Wholesale certificates of deposits	457,928		457,509		—		457,509		—		1,436,802		1,432,146		—		1,432,146		—
Total deposits	3,223,424		3,222,462		2,641,859		580,603		—		4,430,987		4,423,951		2,718,005		1,705,946		—

Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank	415,000		415,003		—		415,003		—		—		—		—		—		—
Federal funds purchased	987,000		987,000		987,000		—		—		422,000		422,000		422,000		—		—
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase	2,472		2,472		—		2,472		—		3,694		3,694		—		3,694		—
Capital lease	1,938		1,938		—		1,938		—
Capital leases											1,876		1,876		—		1,876		—
Trust preferred securities	10,310		10,447		—		10,447		—		13,661		13,866		—		13,866		—
Subordinated debentures	73,347		76,500		—		76,500		—		73,491		75,563		—		75,563		—
Accrued interest payable	2,280		2,280		2,280		—		—		7,794		7,794		7,794		—		—

The following sets forth the methods and assumptions used in determining the fair value estimates for the Company’s financial instruments at ~~June 30,~~December 31, 2018 and September 30, ~~2017.~~2018.

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

The carrying amount of cash and short-term investments is assumed to approximate the fair value.

DEBT SECURITIES AVAILABLE FOR SALE AND ~~HELD TO MATURITY~~EQUITY SECURITIES

~~Securities~~Debt securities available for sale and equity securities are recorded at fair value on a recurring ~~basis and securities held to maturity are carried at amortized cost.~~basis. Fair values for these investment securities are based on obtaining quoted prices on nationally recognized securities exchanges, or matrix pricing, which is a mathematical technique widely used in the industry to value debt securities without relying exclusively on quoted prices for the specific securities, but rather by relying on the securities’ relationship to other benchmark quoted securities.

LOANS HELD FOR SALE

The carrying amount of loans held for sale is assumed to approximate the fair value.

LOANS ~~RECEIVABLE,~~AND LEASES, NET

~~The~~Upon adoption of ASU 2016-01, the fair value of loans isand leases were estimated using an exit price methodology. The exit price estimation of fair value is based on the present value of expected cash flows, which are based on the contractual terms of the loans, adjusted for prepayments and a ~~historical or replacement cost basis concept (i.e.,~~discount rate based on the relative risk of the cash flows. Other considerations include the loan type, remaining life of the loan and credit risk. In comparison, loan and lease fair values as of September 30, 2018 were estimated on an entrance price ~~concept). The fair value of loans was estimated by discounting the~~methodology, which discounts future cash flows using the ~~current~~then-current rates at which a similar ~~loans~~loan would be made to borrowers with similar credit ratings and for ~~similar~~the same remaining maturities. ~~When using the discounting method to determine~~The fair value ~~homogeneous~~of non-impaired loans ~~with similar terms~~ and ~~conditions were grouped together~~leases as of December 31, 2018 and ~~discounted at a target rate at which similar loans would be made to borrowers at June~~September 30, 2018 or September 30, 2017. In addition, when computing the estimated fair value for all loans, allowances for loan losses have been subtracted from the calculated fair value as a result of the discounted cash flow which approximates the fair value adjustment for the credit quality component.are not comparable.

FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANK (“FHLB”) STOCK

The fair value of FHLB stock is assumed to approximate book value since the Company is only able to redeem this stock at par value.

ACCRUED INTEREST RECEIVABLE

The carrying amount of accrued interest receivable is assumed to approximate the fair value.

DEPOSITS

The carrying values of ~~non-interest bearing~~noninterest-bearing checking deposits, ~~interest bearing~~interest-bearing checking deposits, savings, money markets, and wholesale non-maturing deposits are assumed to approximate fair value since ~~such~~ deposits are immediately withdrawable without penalty. The fair value of time ~~certificates of deposit~~certificate deposits and wholesale ~~certificates of deposit were~~certificate deposits are estimated ~~by discounting expected future~~using a discounted cash flows bycalculation that applies the ~~current rates offered on certificates~~FHLB Des Moines curve to aggregated expected maturities of ~~deposit with similar remaining maturities.~~

time deposits. In accordance with ASC 825, Financial Instruments, no value has been assigned to the Company’s long-term relationships with its deposit customers (core value of deposits intangible) since such ~~intangibles are~~intangible is not a financial ~~instruments~~instrument as defined under ASC 825.

ADVANCES FROM FHLB

The fair value of such advances was estimated by discounting the expected future cash flows using current interest rates for advances with similar terms and remaining maturities.

FEDERAL FUNDS PURCHASED

The carrying amount of federal funds purchased is assumed to approximate the fair value.

SECURITIES SOLD UNDER AGREEMENTS TO REPURCHASE AND SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES

The fair value of these instruments was estimated by discounting the expected future cash flows using derived interest rates approximating market over the contractual maturity of such borrowings.

ACCRUED INTEREST PAYABLE

The carrying amount of accrued interest payable is assumed to approximate the fair value.

LIMITATIONS

Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time and are based on relevant market information about the financial instrument. Additionally, fair value estimates are based on existing on- and off-balance sheet financial instruments without attempting to estimate the value of anticipated future business, customer relationships and the value of assets and liabilities that are not considered financial instruments. These estimates do not reflect any premium or discount that could result from offering the Company’s entire holdings of a particular financial instrument for sale at one time. Furthermore, since no market exists for certain of the Company’s financial instruments, fair value estimates may be based on judgments regarding future expected loss experience, 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 a high level of precision. Changes in assumptions as well as tax considerations could significantly affect the estimates. Accordingly, based on the limitations described above, the aggregate fair value estimates are not intended to represent the underlying value of the Company, on either a going concern or a liquidation basis.

~~NOTE 11. GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS~~

The Company held a total of $98.7 million of goodwill as of June 30, 2018. The recorded goodwill was due to two separate business combinations during fiscal 2015 and two separate business combinations during the first quarter of fiscal 2017. The fiscal 2015 business combinations included $11.6 million of goodwill in connection with the purchase of substantially all of the commercial loan portfolio and related assets of AFS/IBEX on December 2, 2014 and $25.4 million of goodwill in connection with the purchase of substantially all of the assets and liabilities of Refund Advantage on September 8, 2015. The fiscal 2017 business combinations included $30.4 million of goodwill in connection with the purchase of substantially all of the assets of EPS Financial, LLC on November 1, 2016, and $31.4 million of goodwill in connection with the purchase of substantially all of the assets and specified liabilities of Specialty Consumer Services LP on December 14, 2016. The goodwill associated with these transactions is deductible for tax purposes.

~~The changes in the carrying amount of the Company’s goodwill and intangible assets for the nine months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017 were as follows:~~

2018 2017
Nine Months Ended June 30, (Dollars in Thousands)
Goodwill
Beginning balance $ 98,723
$ 36,928
Acquisitions during the period —
61,795
Write-offs during the period —
—
Ending balance $ 98,723
$ 98,723

Trademark⁽¹⁾

Non-Compete⁽²⁾

Customer
Relationships⁽³⁾

All Others⁽⁴⁾
Total
Intangibles
Balance as of September 30, 2017 $ 10,051
$ 1,782
$ 31,707
$ 8,638
$ 52,178
Acquisitions during the period —
—
—
85
85
Amortization during the period (477 ) (367 ) (4,548 ) (685 ) (6,077 )
Write-offs during the period —
—
—
(88 ) (88 )
Balance as of June 30, 2018 $ 9,574
$ 1,415
$ 27,159
$ 7,950
$ 46,098

Gross carrying amount $ 10,990
$ 2,480
$ 57,810
$ 10,587
$ 81,867
Accumulated amortization (1,416 ) (1,065 ) (20,403 ) (2,020 ) (24,904 )
Accumulated impairment —
—
(10,248 ) (617 ) (10,865 )
Balance as of June 30, 2018 $ 9,574
$ 1,415
$ 27,159
$ 7,950
$ 46,098

⁽¹⁾ ~~Book amortization period of 5-15 years. Amortized using the straight line and accelerated methods.~~

⁽²⁾ ~~Book amortization period of 3-5 years. Amortized using the straight line method.~~

⁽³⁾ ~~Book amortization period of 10-30 years. Amortized using the accelerated method.~~

⁽⁴⁾ ~~Book amortization period of 3-20 years. Amortized using the straight line method.~~

Trademark⁽¹⁾

Non-Compete⁽²⁾

Customer
Relationships⁽³⁾

All Others⁽⁴⁾
Total
Intangibles
Balance as of September 30, 2016 $ 5,149
$ 127
$ 20,590
$ 3,055
$ 28,921
Acquisitions during the period 5,500
2,180
31,770
6,922
46,372
Amortization during the period (442 ) (371 ) (9,084 ) (598 ) (10,495 )
Write-offs during the period —
—
—
—
—
Balance as of June 30, 2017 $ 10,207
$ 1,936
$ 43,276
$ 9,379
$ 64,798

Gross carrying amount $ 10,990
$ 2,480
$ 57,810
$ 10,478
$ 81,758
Accumulated amortization (783 ) (544 ) (14,534 ) (1,099 ) (16,960 )
Balance as of June 30, 2017 $ 10,207
$ 1,936
$ 43,276
$ 9,379
$ 64,798

⁽¹⁾ ~~Book amortization period of 15 years. Amortized using the straight line and accelerated methods.~~

⁽²⁾ ~~Book amortization period of 3 years. Amortized using the straight line method.~~

⁽³⁾ ~~Book amortization period of 10-30 years. Amortized using the accelerated method.~~

⁽⁴⁾ ~~Book amortization period of 3-20 years. Amortized using the straight line method.~~

The estimated amortization expense of intangible assets assumes no activities, such as acquisitions, which would result in additional amortizable intangible assets. Estimated amortization expense of intangible assets in the remaining three months of fiscal 2018 and subsequent fiscal years is as follows:

(Dollars in Thousands)
Remaining in 2018 $ 1,632
2019 7,151
2020 5,753
2021 5,184
2022 4,262
2023 3,624
Thereafter 18,492
Total anticipated intangible amortization $ 46,098

The Company tests intangible assets for impairment at least annually or more often if conditions indicate a possible impairment. There were no impairments to intangible assets during the three and nine months ended June 30, 2018 or 2017. The annual goodwill impairment test for fiscal 2018 will be conducted at September 30, 2018.

~~NOTE 12. INCOME TAXES~~

Income tax expense for the nine months ended June 30, 2018 was $12.7 million, resulting in an effective tax rate of 22.9%, compared to $11.3 million, or an effective tax rate of 20.7%, for the nine months ended June 30, 2017.

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the "Tax Act") was signed into law on December 22, 2017. The Tax Act has a significant impact on the U.S. corporate income tax regime by lowering the U.S. corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% effective for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2018 in addition to implementing numerous other changes. U.S. GAAP requires that the impact of tax legislation be recognized in the period in which the law was enacted.

As a result of the Tax Act, the Company remeasured its deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities during its fiscal 2018 first quarter, resulting in additional income tax expense of $3.6 million. As the Company’s fiscal year end ends on September 30, the statutory corporate rate for fiscal 2018 will be prorated to 24.53%.

In December 2017, the Securities and Exchange Commission staff issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 ("SAB 118"), which provides guidance regarding how a company is to reflect provisional amounts when necessary information is not yet available, prepared or analyzed sufficiently to complete its accounting for the effect of the changes in the Tax Act. The income tax expense of $3.6 million recorded during the fiscal 2018 first quarter represented all then-known and estimable impacts of the Tax Act and is a provisional amount based on the Company’s current best estimate. This provisional amount incorporates assumptions made based upon the Company’s then-current interpretations of the Tax Act and may change as the Company receives additional clarification and implementation guidance, and as data becomes available allowing for a more accurate scheduling of the deferred tax assets and liabilities, including those related to items potentially impacted by the Tax Act such as fixed assets and employee compensation. Adjustments to this provisional amount through December 22, 2018 will be included in income from operations as an adjustment to tax expense in future periods.

NOTE 13. ~~REGULATORY MATTERS~~SEGMENT REPORTING

~~On January 5, 2015,~~An operating segment is generally defined as a component of a business for which discrete financial information is available and whose results are reviewed by the ~~Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) published industry guidance~~chief operating decision-maker. Operating segments are aggregated into reportable segments if certain criteria are met.

The Company reports its results of operations through the following three business segments: Payments, Banking, and Corporate Services/Other. The Meta Payment Systems and Tax Services divisions are reported in the ~~form of Frequently Asked Questions (“FAQs”) with respect to~~Payments segment. The Community Banking, Commercial Finance and Consumer Finance divisions are reported in the ~~categorization of deposit liabilities as “brokered” deposits. On November 13, 2015,~~Banking segment. Certain shared services, including the ~~FDIC issued~~investment portfolio, wholesale deposits and borrowings, are included in Corporate Services/Other.

The following tables present segment data for comment updated and annotated FAQs, and on June 30, 2016, the FDIC finalized the FAQs. The Company believes that the final FAQs do not materially impact the processes that it uses to identify, accept and report brokered deposits. On April 26, 2016, the FDIC issued a final rule to amend how small banks (less than $10 billion in assets that have been FDIC insured for at least five years) are assessed for deposit insurance (the "Final Rule"). The Final Rule imposes higher assessments for banks that the FDIC believes present higher risk profiles. The Final Rule became effective with the Bank's December 2016 assessment invoice, which the Company ~~received in March 2017.~~for the three months ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.



	Payments		Banking		Corporate Services/Other			Total
Three Months Ended December 31, 2018
Net interest income (loss)	$	9,400	$	51,792	$	(920	)	$	60,272
Provision for loan and lease losses	1,495		7,604		—			9,099
Noninterest income	22,826		14,269		656			37,751
Noninterest expense	21,362		33,843		19,090			74,295
Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)	9,369		24,614		(19,354		)	14,629

Total assets	302,368		3,793,647		2,086,750			6,182,765
Total goodwill	87,145		216,125		—			303,270
Total deposits	2,753,702		554,939		1,627,806			4,936,447

Due to the Bank’s status as a "well-capitalized" institution under the FDIC's prompt corrective action regulations, and further with respect to the Bank’s financial condition in general, the Company does not at this time anticipate that either the FAQs or the Final Rule will have a material adverse impact on the Company’s business operations. However, should the Bank ever fail to be well-capitalized in the future, as a result of failing to meet the well-capitalized requirements, or the imposition of an individual minimum capital requirement or similar formal requirements, then, notwithstanding that the Bank has capital in excess of the well-capitalized minimum requirements, the Bank would be prohibited, absent waiver from the FDIC, from utilizing brokered deposits (i.e., may not accept, renew or rollover brokered deposits), which could produce serious adverse effects on the Company’s liquidity, and financial condition and results of operations. Similarly, should the Bank’s financial condition in general deteriorate, future FDIC assessments could have a material adverse effect on the Company.



	Payments		Banking		Corporate Services/Other			Total
Three Months Ended December 31, 2017
Net interest income	$	4,669	$	15,597	$	5,930		$	26,196
Provision for loan losses	1,017		51		—			1,068
Noninterest income	28,101		1,485		(318		)	29,268
Noninterest expense	26,934		6,568		10,540			44,042
Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)	4,819		10,463		(4,928		)	10,354

Total assets	380,442		1,478,693		3,558,828			5,417,963
Total goodwill	87,145		11,578		—			98,723
Total deposits	2,768,736		236,494		508,415			3,513,645

NOTE 14. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

~~In mid-July,~~As previously disclosed, J. Tyler Haahr stepped down as Chief Executive Officer of the Company and MetaBank effective as of October 30, 2018 and assumed the role of Non-Executive Chairman of each of the Boards of Directors of the Company and MetaBank (together, the “Boards”). The Company entered into a ~~first-out participation agreement in a highly secured, consumer receivable asset-based warehouse line~~Transition and General Release Agreement (the “Transition Agreement”) with Mr. Haahr as of ~~credit.~~January 16, 2019. The Transition Agreement provided for Mr. Haahr's continued service as Non-Executive Chairman of the Boards and as an employee of the Company ~~holds a senior position providing up to $65.0 million with~~and MetaBank until the ~~subordinate party contributing up to $100.0 million, thereby enhancing~~date of the Company’s ~~position with significant subordination.~~

~~As previously disclosed,~~Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which was held on January ~~9, 2018, Meta~~30, 2019 (the “Annual Meeting”). The Transition Agreement also provided for, among other things, the Company's payment to Mr. Haahr a lump sum payment in cash, accelerated vesting of certain equity awards, and ~~MetaBank, entered into an Agreement and Plan~~the continued vesting of ~~Merger (the “merger agreement”), with Crestmark Bancorp, Inc., a Michigan corporation (“Crestmark”), and Crestmark Bank, a Michigan state-chartered bank and a wholly-owned subsidiary~~certain other equity awards, resulting in $6.1 million in compensation expense which the Company will incur in the second quarter of Crestmark (“Crestmark Bank”). On August 1, 2018, pursuant to the merger agreement, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth therein, Crestmark merged with and into Meta, with Meta as the surviving entity (the “merger”), and, immediately thereafter, pursuant to the terms of a separate merger agreement between MetaBank and Crestmark Bank, Crestmark Bank merged with and into MetaBank, with MetaBank surviving as Meta’s wholly-owned subsidiary. Under the terms of the merger agreement, at the effective time of the merger, (i) each share of Crestmark common stock converted into the right to receive 2.65 shares of Meta common stock and (ii) each outstanding option to purchase Crestmark common stock was canceled and converted into the right to receive an amount in cash. The aggregate value of the acquisition, based on the closing price of Meta shares on July 31, 2018 of $89.45, was $316.1 million.

fiscal year 2019. Effective as of the ~~closing~~date of the ~~merger, W. David Tull, Crestmark’s Chairman~~Annual Meeting, Mr. Haahr’s employment with the Company and ~~Chief Executive Officer,~~MetaBank terminated, and ~~Michael R. Kramer,~~he has been deemed to have resigned as a ~~member at~~director of the ~~law firm Dickinson Wright, PLLC, were appointed to the Board of Directors of Meta~~Company and MetaBank and ~~Mick Goik, President~~from all other offices and ~~Chief Operating Officer of Crestmark, was named Executive Vice President of~~positions with the Company, MetaBank and ~~President of the Meta Commercial Finance Division, which includes Crestmark. Crestmark will continue to operate from its headquarters in Troy, Michigan.~~their affiliates.

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

META FINANCIAL GROUP, INC®.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

Meta Financial Group, Inc.®, (“~~Meta Financial”~~Meta” or “the Company” or “us”) and its wholly-owned subsidiary, MetaBank® (the “Bank” or “MetaBank”), may from time to time make written or oral “forward-looking statements,” including statements contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, in ~~its~~the Company's other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), in its reports to stockholders, and in other communications by the Company and the Bank, which are made in good faith by the Company pursuant to the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

You can identify forward-looking statements by words such as “may,” “hope,” “will,” “should,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” “continue,” “could,” “future,” or the negative of those terms, or other words of similar meaning or similar expressions. You should carefully read statements that contain these words because they discuss our future expectations or state other “forward-looking” information. These forward-looking statements are based on information currently available to us and assumptions about future events, and include statements with respect to the Company’s beliefs, expectations, estimates, and intentions, which are subject to significant risks and uncertainties, and are subject to change based on various factors, some of which are beyond the Company’s control. Such risks, uncertainties and other factors may cause our actual growth, results of operations, financial condition, cash flows, performance and business prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements. Such statements address, among others, the following subjects: ~~statements regarding the potential benefits of, and other expectations for the Company giving effect to, the merger with Crestmark;~~ future operating results; customer retention; loan and other product demand; important components of the ~~Company’s~~Company's statements of financial condition and operations; the Company’s expected recoveries with respect to its purchased student loan portfolios and the estimated impact on the Company's provision for loan losses; anticipated realized pre-tax yields, net of provision for credit losses and direct servicing costs, with respect to its purchased student loan portfolios; growth and expansion; new products and services, such as those offered by MetaBank or ~~MPS, a division of MetaBank;~~the Company's Payments divisions (which include Meta Payment Systems, Refund Advantage, EPS Financial and Specialty Consumer Services); credit quality and adequacy of reserves; technology; and the ~~Company’s~~Company's employees. The following factors, among others, could cause the ~~Company’s~~Company's financial performance and results of operations to differ materially from the expectations, estimates, and intentions expressed in such forward-looking statements: risks relating to the risk that the businesses of Meta and MetaBank, on the one hand, and Crestmark and Crestmark Bank, on the other hand, may not be combined successfully, or such combination may take longer, be more difficult, time-consuming or costly to accomplish than expected;recently-announced management transition; maintaining our executive management team; the expected growth opportunities, beneficial synergies and/or operating efficiencies from the ~~merger with~~acquisition of Crestmark Bancorp, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Crestmark Bank (the "Crestmark acquisition"), may not be fully realized or may take longer to realize than expected; ~~customer losses and business disruption following the merger with Crestmark; potential litigation or regulatory actions relating to the merger transaction; the risk that the Company may incur~~ unanticipated or unknown losses orand liabilities as a result of the merger with Crestmark; the risk that the amount of recoveries with respect to the Company’s purchased student loan portfolios, whether as a result of the ReliaMax liquidation plan, the state insurance guarantee fund or otherwise, is less than expected (including thatmay be incurred by the Company ~~does not recover any such amounts at all);~~following the ~~risk that the Company may recognize loan losses or direct servicing costs in excess of the Company’s estimates, whether as a result of the ReliaMax liquidation proceeding or otherwise;~~Crestmark acquisition; actual changes in interest rates and the Fed Funds rate; additional changes in tax laws; ~~maintaining our executive management team;~~ the strength of the United ~~States’~~States' economy, in general, and the strength of the local economies in which the Company conducts operations; risks relating to the recent U.S. government shutdown and any potential future government shutdown, including any adverse impact on our ability to originate or sell SBA/USDA loans and any delay by the Internal Revenue Service in processing taxpayer refunds, thereby increasing the cost to us of our refund advance loans; the effects of, and changes in, trade, monetary, and fiscal policies and laws, including interest rate policies of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the “Federal Reserve”), as well as efforts of the United States Congress and the United States Treasury in conjunction with bank regulatory agencies to stimulate the economy and protect the financial system; inflation, interest rate, market, and monetary fluctuations; the timely and efficient development of, and acceptance of, new products and services offered by the Company or its strategic partners, as well as risks (including reputational and litigation) attendant thereto, and the perceived overall value of these products and services by users; the risks of dealing with or utilizing third ~~parties;~~parties, including, in connection with the Company’s refund advance business, the risk of reduced volume of refund advance loans as a result of reduced customer demand for or acceptance of usage of Meta’s strategic partners’ refund advance products; any actions which may be initiated by our regulators in the future; the impact of changes in financial services laws and regulations, including, but not limited to, laws and regulations relating to the tax refund industry and the insurance premium finance industry; our relationship with our primary regulators, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and the Federal Reserve, as well as the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, which insures MetaBank’s deposit accounts up to applicable limits; technological changes, including, but not limited to, the protection of electronic files or databases; acquisitions; litigation risk, in general, including, but not limited to, those risks involving ~~MetaBank’s~~MetaBank's divisions; the growth of the Company’s business, as well as expenses related thereto; continued maintenance by MetaBank of its status as a well-capitalized institution, particularly in light of our growing deposit base, a portion of which has been characterized as ~~“brokered”;~~“brokered;” changes in consumer spending and saving habits; and the success of the Company at maintaining its ~~high-quality~~high quality asset level and managing and collecting assets of borrowers in default should problem assets increase.

The foregoing list of factors is not exclusive. We caution you not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements included in this Quarterly Report speak only as of the date hereof. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to us or any person acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained or referred to in this section. Additional discussions of factors affecting the Company’s business and prospects are included under the caption "Risk Factors" and in other sections of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, ~~2017~~2018 and in other filings made with the SEC. The Company expressly disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time by or on behalf of the Company or its subsidiaries, whether as a result of new information, changed circumstances or future events or for any other reason.

GENERAL

The Company, a registered unitary savings and loan holding company, is a Delaware corporation, the principal assets of which are all the issued and outstanding shares of the Bank, a federal savings bank. Unless the context otherwise requires, references herein to the Company include Meta ~~Financial~~ and the Bank, and all direct or indirect subsidiaries of Meta ~~Financial~~ on a consolidated basis.

The Company’s common stock trades on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “CASH.”

The following discussion focuses on the consolidated financial condition of the Company at ~~June 30,~~December 31, 2018, compared to September 30, ~~2017,~~2018, and the consolidated results of operations for the three ~~and nine~~ months ended ~~June 30,~~December 31, 2018 and 2017. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the Company’s consolidated financial statements, and notes thereto, for the year ended September 30, ~~2017~~2018 and the related management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations contained in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, ~~2017.~~2018.

~~Highlights for the 2018 Fiscal Third Quarter Ended June 30, 2018~~EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

~~Total loans receivable, net of allowance for loan losses, increased $366.0 million, or 30%, at June~~On October 30, 2018, ~~compared~~the Company announced that it appointed Brad Hanson, President of Meta Financial Group, MetaBank and Meta Payment Systems, to ~~June~~the additional role of Chief Executive Officer. Hanson also continues to serve on the Meta Board. Mr. Hanson replaces J. Tyler Haahr, who stepped down as Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Haahr remained Chairman of the Board and an employee through the Company’s Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which was held January 30, ~~2017.~~2019. Frederick V. Moore, previously Lead Director and Vice Chairman, was appointed to serve as Chairman of the Board effective January 30, 2019.

In January 2019, the Company announced three key elements to its near term plan that management expects will enhance long-term value for shareholders. The three key initiatives within the plan are as follows:

1) Increase the percentage of balance sheet funding from core deposits.

2) Optimize the earning asset mix of the balance sheet.

3) Improve operating efficiencies.

The Company ~~successfully launched two consumer credit product programs, and loan originations from those programs totaled $27.0~~recorded net income of $15.4 million, or $0.39 per diluted share for the quarter ended December 31, 2018 comparing favorably to net income of $4.7 million of $0.16 per diluted share that was recorded during the fiscal 2017 first quarter. Total revenue for the fiscal 2019 first quarter was $98.0 million, compared to $55.5 million for the ~~three months ended June 30, 2018.~~same quarter in fiscal 2018, an increase of $42.5 million, or 77%. The ~~Company anticipates its consumer credit originations to exceed $45.0 million~~improvement in revenue and net income was driven primarily by the Company's improved earning asset mix in connection with the acquisition of Crestmark in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2018. ~~As previously announced, a program with CURO Group Holdings Corp is expected to pilot launch during~~

During the ~~latter part of the fiscal fourth~~first quarter of ~~2018, but~~fiscal 2019, the Company ~~anticipates limited volumes from that program~~began issuing tax refund transfers, ERO advances and taxpayer advances for the ~~fourth quarter. In addition,~~upcoming 2018 income tax season. The balance of tax services loans at December 31, 2018 was $76.6 million and the Company has negotiated a three-year agreement with one of the nation's largest mortgage companies to originate up to $1 billion of consumer installment loans over the term of the contract, and also expects to launch this new program during the fiscal fourth quarter.

~~Net interest income was $28.4~~recorded $1.9 million in ~~the 2018 fiscal third quarter, an increase of $3.5 million, or 14%, compared to $24.9 million in the 2017 fiscal third quarter.~~refund transfer and tax advance product fees.

The Company ~~recorded~~entered into two new warehouse finance lines of credit during the first quarter of fiscal 2019. With the addition of these two new lines of credit, warehouse finance loans grew to $176.1 million at December 31, 2018. Along with the growth in the warehouse finance portfolio, commercial finance loans and leases increased to $1.62 billion at the end of the 2019 first quarter. Total gross loans and leases totaled $3.33 billion at December 31, 2018.

The growth in loans and leases during the first quarter of fiscal 2019 led to net interest income of $60.3 million and net interest margin tax-equivalent ("NIM, TE") of 4.76%. The net effect of purchase accounting accretion attributable to the Crestmark acquisition contributed 18 basis points to NIM,TE for the first quarter of fiscal 2019. The Company's average assets increased to $5.98 billion during the first quarter of fiscal 2019. Management anticipates that NIM, TE will continue to increase as the loan and lease portfolio continues to grow along with the Company's noninterest-bearing checking deposits.

Noninterest income for the quarter ended December 31, 2018 increased to $37.8 million. Contributing to the increase were increases in rental income, deposit fees, other income, gain on sale of loans and leases and a ~~provision~~lower loss on sale of securities. For the quarter ended December 31, 2018, noninterest expense was $74.3 million. The increase in noninterest expense over the prior year fiscal first quarter was primarily due to the addition of the Crestmark division which was not present in the comparable quarter in the prior fiscal year.

The Company affirms its previously stated estimates that, within its consumer credit products portfolio, net cumulative program loan losses would need to be between 15% to 20% for the current prime program and between 25% to 30% for the current non-prime program in order for the 1% allowance for loan losses ~~of $5.3 million~~for its current consumer loan programs not to be adequate. Expected cumulative net loss rates are estimated to be under 8% for the ~~three months ended June 30, 2018, compared to $1.2 million~~prime program and under 10% for the ~~same period~~non-prime program. Program loss rates are dependent on curvature of the ~~prior year. The provision for~~loss curve. A quicker, or steeper curve, may impact these rates. Current curvature is based on historical or like-program statistics. In constructing its contracts with its current partners, the ~~2018 fiscal third quarter includes a $3.0 million provision~~Company instituted the ability to suspend or terminate any new originations if net cumulative loss rates exceed certain levels. These suspension or termination loss rates are set well below the estimated net cumulative loss rate levels which would lead to the inadequacy of the 1% allowance for loan losses related to the Company's purchased student loan portfolios. Provision for loan losses related to tax services loans increased $0.8 million to $1.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018 compared to the same period of the prior year. For a more detailed discussion of the purchased student loan portfolios provision for loan losses, see "Business Updates" below.

~~Tax product fee income increased $1.6 million, or 29%, from $5.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017 to $7.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018.~~

~~Payments division average deposits increased $207.5 million, or 9%, for the 2018 fiscal third quarter when compared to the same quarter of fiscal 2017.~~

~~Non-performing assets (“NPAs”) were 0.86% of total assets at June 30, 2018, compared to 1.17% at June 30, 2017.~~

~~BUSINESS UPDATES~~

On June 18, 2018, the Company received written notification from ReliaMax Surety Company ("ReliaMax"), the entity that provided insurance for the Company's purchased student loans, informing policy holders that the South Dakota Division of Insurance filed a petition to have ReliaMax declared insolvent and to adapt a plan of liquidation. An Order of Liquidation was entered on June 27, 2018 by the Sixth Circuit Court in Hughes County, South Dakota, declaring ReliaMax insolvent and appointing the South Dakota Division of Insurance as liquidator to adapt a plan of liquidation. The Company expects to ultimately recover a substantial portion of the unearned premiums and anticipates realized pre-tax yields, net of on-going provision for credit losses and direct servicing costs, for the portfolios to range between 5.50% and 7.50%. However, the Company expects to recognize ongoing provision expense of $0.6 million to $0.8 million per quarter on its purchased student loan portfolios until the recovery is collected, which could be a year or longer.

In mid-July, 2018, the Company entered into a first-out participation agreement in a highly secured, consumer receivable asset-based warehouse line of credit. The Company holds a senior position, providing up to $65.0 million, with the subordinate party contributing up to $100.0 million. The Company expects to realize a variable yield with a floor of 6%.

On August 1, 2018, Meta completed the acquisition of Crestmark and its bank subsidiary, Crestmark Bank. Pursuant to the terms of the transaction, Crestmark shareholders are entitled to receive 2.65 shares of Meta common stock for each share of Crestmark common stock. The aggregate value of the acquisition, based on the closing price of Meta shares on July 31, 2018 of $89.45, was $316.1 million. See Note 14 to the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, which is incorporated herein by reference, for a more detailed discussion of the completed acquisition of Crestmark.

Meta Capital, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of MetaBank formed in April 2017, was established by the Company to help drive innovation by evaluating and investing primarily in financial technology companies. Through June 30, 2018, Meta Capital, LLC has invested a total of $5.0 million in early-to mid-stage financial technology companies, with an additional $0.5 million in outstanding investment commitments.

Meta believes that the consumer lending agreements will position the Company to capitalize on the Company's national deposit base and distribution channels, as well as allow the Company to leverage its Specialty Consumer Services team and Meta's balance sheet to generate significantly higher margins from these products relative to other Meta lending products. These consumer credit programs are expected to generate positive earnings effects in fiscal 2019, and the Company expects to see further income growth in fiscal 2020 as programs scale and even greater efficiencies are expected to take hold. Accordingly, the new agreements announced in fiscal 2018 are expected to require upfront investment to generate future higher returns. By leveraging the leadership and talent at its Specialty Consumer Services group, as well as its origination and decision science platform, the Company expects to develop channels of consumer loan originations with prudent risk management and credit structuring. Generally, credit structuring may include influence of the seniority of Meta’s position within the cash flow waterfall as well as other credit enhancement protections.losses.

FINANCIAL CONDITION

At ~~June 30,~~December 31, 2018, the Company’s total assets ~~decreased~~increased by ~~$1.06 billion,~~$347.7 million, or ~~20%~~6%, to ~~$4.17~~$6.18 billion compared to ~~$5.23~~$5.84 billion at September 30, ~~2017,~~2018, primarily due to ~~a significant reduction in cash and cash equivalents that was partially offset by~~ an increase in loans ~~receivables.~~and leases.

Total cash and cash equivalents was ~~$71.3~~$164.2 million at ~~June 30,~~December 31, 2018, ~~a decrease~~an increase of ~~$1.20 billion,~~$64.2 million, or ~~94%~~64%, from ~~$1.27 billion~~$100.0 million at September 30, ~~2017.~~2018. The ~~decrease~~increase was primarily the result of the Company's ~~decreased~~increased balances maintained at other banking institutions. The Company maintains its cash investments primarily in interest-bearing overnight deposits with the FHLB of Des Moines and the Federal Reserve Bank. ~~At September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2017, the Company temporarily repositioned the balance sheet to prepare for the upcoming seasonal tax lending activity.~~

The total investment portfolio decreased ~~$105.0~~$164.2 million, or 5%8%, to ~~$2.15~~$1.86 billion at ~~June 30,~~December 31, 2018, compared to ~~$2.26~~$2.02 billion at September 30, ~~2017,~~2018, as maturities, sales, and principal pay downs exceeded purchases. The Company’s portfolio of ~~investment~~ securities ~~and mortgage-backed securities ("MBS")~~customarily consists primarily of ~~U.S. Government agency and instrumentality~~ MBS, ~~U.S. Government related asset backed securities, U.S. Government agency or instrumentality collateralized housing related municipal securities, and high quality~~which have expected lives much shorter than the stated final maturity, non-bank qualified obligations of states and political subdivisions (“NBQ”)., which mature in approximately 15 years or less, and other tax exempt municipal mortgage related pass through securities which have average lives much shorter than their stated final maturities. All MBS held by the Company at December 31, 2018 were issued by a U.S. Government agency or instrumentality. Of the total MBS, ~~$576.0~~$354.2 million, at fair value, were classified as available for sale, and ~~$8.2~~$7.7 million, at cost, were classified as held to maturity. Of the total investment securities, ~~$1.35~~$1.34 billion, at fair value, were classified as available for sale and ~~$216.2~~$153.1 million, at cost, were classified as held to maturity. During the ~~nine~~three month period ended ~~June 30,~~December 31, 2018, the Company purchased ~~$311.6~~$51.4 million of investment securities available for sale ~~$111.2 million MBS securities,~~ and no investment securities held to ~~maturity.~~

~~During the first quarter of fiscal 2018, the Company early adopted Accounting Standard Update ("ASU") 2017-12,~~ ~~Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities. Due to the early adoption of the ASU, the Company transferred $204.7 million of investment securities and $101.3 million of~~maturity or MBS ~~from HTM to AFS during the first quarter of fiscal 2018. This change allows for enhanced balance sheet management and provides the opportunity for more liquidity, should it be needed.~~securities.

The Company’s portfolio of ~~net~~gross loans ~~receivable~~and leases increased ~~$257.5~~by $383.3 million, or ~~20%~~13%, to ~~$1.58~~$3.33 billion at ~~June 30,~~December 31, 2018, from ~~$1.32~~$2.94 billion at September 30, ~~2017. This increase was primarily attributable to a $131.0~~2018.

National lending loans and leases increased $303.0 million, or ~~22%~~16% to $2.15 billion at December 31, 2018 compared to September 30, 2018. Within the national lending portfolios, commercial finance loans and leases increased $108.0 million, warehouse finance portfolio increased $111.1 million, tax services loans increased $75.5 million, and the consumer finance portfolio increased $8.3 million at December 31, 2018 compared to September 30, 2018. Community banking loans grew $80.4 million, or 7%, ~~increase~~at December 31, 2018 compared to September 30, 2018, primarily due to growth in commercial real estate loans.

As of December 31, 2018, the remaining balance of acquired loans ~~a $95.2~~and leases from the Crestmark acquisition was $889.0 million ~~or 58%, increase~~and the remaining balances of the credit and interest rate mark discounts related to the acquired loans and leases were $10.1 million and $4.8 million, respectively. On August 1, 2018, the Company acquired loans and leases from the Crestmark acquisition totaling $1.06 billion and recorded related credit and interest rate mark discounts of $11.4 million and $5.5 million, respectively.

Through the Bank, the Company owns stock in ~~consumer loans, largely~~the FHLB due to the ~~purchased student loan portfolios~~Bank’s membership and ~~consumer credit products,~~participation in this banking

system. The FHLB requires a ~~$53.1~~level of stock investment based on a pre-determined formula. The Company’s investment in such stock decreased $7.8 million, or ~~21%~~33%, ~~increase in commercial insurance premium finance loans, an $18.0~~to $15.6 million ~~or 9%, increase in residential mortgage loans, and a $10.3~~at December 31, 2018, from $23.4 million ~~or 29%, increase in commercial operating loans, offset in part by a $35.3 million, or 37%, decrease in total agricultural loans.~~at September 30, 2018. The decrease in ~~the agricultural loan~~FHLB stock directly correlates with lower short-term borrowings balances ~~was due~~at December 31, 2018 compared to ~~two large relationships, one that was paid off in the 2018 fiscal first quarter and the other that was transferred to foreclosed real estate and repossessed assets on January 2,~~September 30, 2018. Community banking loans increased $117.8 million, or 13%, during this period. Of the $716.5 million in commercial and multi-family real estate loans at June 30, 2018, $161.0 million were considered high-volatility commercial real estate (“HVCRE”) loans. While such HVCRE loans are risk-weighted at 150% rather than 100%, as is customary for non-HVCRE commercial loans, the increase to the Company’s risk-weighted assets was inconsequential in terms of the Company’s capital ratios.

Total end-of-period deposits increased ~~$298.2~~$505.5 million, or 9%11%, at ~~June 30,~~December 31, 2018 to ~~$3.52~~$4.94 billion from ~~$3.22~~$4.43 billion at September 30, ~~2017,~~2018, primarily related to increases of ~~$183.9~~$334.5 million in ~~non-interest bearing~~noninterest-bearing deposits, ~~$144.8~~$259.4 million in wholesale deposits, ~~$35.8~~and $17.1 million in interest-bearing checking ~~deposits, and $3.9 million in savings~~ deposits. The increase in total deposits was partially offset by a ~~$66.5~~$105.6 million decrease in certificates of deposit.

The average balance of total deposits and interest-bearing liabilities was ~~$3.83~~$5.10 billion for the ~~nine~~three month period ended ~~June 30,~~December 31, 2018, compared to ~~$3.48~~$3.62 billion for the same period of the prior fiscal year. The average balance of ~~non-interest bearing~~noninterest-bearing deposits for the ~~nine~~three month period ended ~~June 30,~~December 31, 2018 increased by ~~$196.0~~$161.0 million, or 9%7%, to ~~$2.48~~$2.49 billion compared to the same period in the prior year. ~~Deposits attributable to the Payments segment increased by $204.9~~

The Company's total borrowings decreased $194.4 million, or 8%38%, ~~to $2.64 billion at June 30, 2018, compared to $2.44 billion~~from $514.7 million at September 30, ~~2017.~~

~~Total borrowings decreased $1.38 billion, or 92%, from $1.49 billion at September 30, 2017~~2018 to ~~$112.9~~$320.3 million at ~~June 30,~~December 31, 2018, primarily due to a decrease in short-term borrowings. At September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2017, the Company's cash balances were much higher than normal due to a temporary repositioning of the balance sheet at those dates as part of its preparations for the 2018 tax season. The Company’s ~~overnight federal funds purchased fluctuates~~short-term borrowings fluctuate on a daily basis due to the nature of a portion of its ~~non-interest bearing~~noninterest-bearing deposit base, primarily related to payroll processing timing with a higher volume of ~~overnight federal funds purchased~~short-term borrowings on Monday ~~through Wednesday,~~and Tuesday, which are typically paid down ~~on Thursday and Friday. Secondarily,~~throughout the week. This predictable fluctuation may be augmented near a ~~portion~~month-end by a prefunding of certain ~~programs are pre-funded, typically in the final week~~programs. The Company also has an available no fee line of ~~the month and the corresponding deposits are received typically on the first day~~credit with JP Morgan of ~~the following month causing a temporary increased need for overnight borrowings. Accordingly, our level of borrowings may fluctuate significantly on any particular quarter end date.~~$25.0 million with no funds advanced at December 31, 2018.

At ~~June 30,~~December 31, 2018, the Company’s stockholders’ equity totaled ~~$443.9~~$770.7 million, an increase of ~~$9.4~~$23.0 million, from ~~$434.5~~$747.7 million at September 30, ~~2017.~~2018. The increase was attributable to net earnings, ~~and~~ an increase in additional paid-in capital ~~partially offset by~~and lower losses in accumulated other comprehensive income, ~~(loss) and cash dividends paid.~~partially offset by a decrease in treasury stock. At ~~June 30,~~December 31, 2018, the Bank continued to exceed all regulatory requirements for classification as a well‑capitalized institution. See “Liquidity and Capital Resources” for further information.

Non-performing Assets and Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses

Generally, ~~for the Company's community banking loans,~~ when a loan or lease becomes delinquent 90 days or more or when the collection of principal or interest becomes doubtful, the Company will place the loan or lease on a non-accrual status and, as a result, previously accrued interest income on the loan or lease is reversed against current income. The loan or lease will generally remain inon a non-accrual status until six months of good payment history has been established or management believes the ~~loan becomes current~~financial status of the borrower has been significantly restored. Certain relationships in the table below are over 90 days past due and ~~has demonstrated a sustained period~~still accruing. The Company considers these relationships as being in the process of ~~satisfactory performance, typically after six months.~~

~~For the Company's national lending portfolio, which includes commercial~~collection. Insurance premium finance loans, consumer finance and tax services

loans ~~the loan product types~~ are generally not placed ~~into~~on non-accrual status, ~~as they~~but are ~~typically charged~~instead written off when the ~~defined delinquency threshold has been reached, or else when the~~collection of principal orand interest ~~income becomes~~become doubtful. The delinquency threshold for commercial insurance premium finance loans is generally 210 days past due, while the delinquency threshold for consumer finance loans is generally 180 days past due. As of June 30, 2018, there was a $1.6 million commercial insurance premium finance loan greater than 210 days past due. The loan is well-collateralized and the Bank’s AFS/IBEX division has filed a lawsuit seeking its rights to a refund of the unearned insurance premiums. See “Legal Proceedings” under Note 6 to the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, which is incorporated herein by reference, for further details.

~~Taxpayer advance loans~~Loans and leases, or portions thereof, are originated through the Company's tax divisions. Due to the nature of taxpayer advance loans, it typically takes no more than three e-file cycles, the period of time between scheduled IRS payments, from when the return is accepted to collect. In the event of default, MetaBank has no recourse with the tax consumer. Generally, the Company will chargecharged off ~~the balance of a taxpayer advance loan if there is a balance at the end of the calendar year, or~~ when collection of principal becomes doubtful. ~~The Company's~~Generally, this is associated with a delay or shortfall in payments of greater than 210 days for insurance premium finance, 180 days for tax and other specialty lending loans, 120 days for consumer credit products and 90 days for other loans. Action is taken to charge off ERO loans ~~are generally charged off~~ if ~~there is a balance at~~such loans have not been collected by the end of June ~~or when collection~~and taxpayer advance loans if such loans have not been collected by the end of ~~principal becomes doubtful.~~the calendar year. Non-accrual loans and troubled debt restructurings are generally considered impaired.

The Company believes that the level of allowance for loan and lease losses at ~~June 30,~~December 31, 2018 was appropriate and reflected probable losses related to these ~~loans;~~loans and leases; however, there can be no assurance that all loans and leases will be fully collectible or that the present level of the allowance will be adequate in the future. See “Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses” below.

The table below sets forth the amounts and categories of non-performing assets in the Company’s portfolio as of the dates set forth below. Foreclosed assets include assets acquired in settlement of loans.

Non-Performing Assets As Of
June 30, 2018 September 30, 2017
Non-Performing Loans (Dollars in Thousands)

Non-Accruing Loans:
1-4 Family Real Estate $ 135
$ —
Commercial and Multi-Family Real Estate —
685
Total 135
685

Accruing Loans Delinquent Greater Than 89 Days:

1-4 Family Real Estate 79
—
Agricultural Real Estate —
34,198
Consumer 1,846
1,406
Agricultural Operating —
97
CML Insurance Premium Finance 3,669
1,205
Total 5,594
36,906

Total Non-Performing Loans⁽¹⁾
5,729
37,591

Other Assets

Foreclosed Assets:
1-4 Family Real Estate —
62
Commercial and Multi-Family Real Estate —
230
Agricultural Real Estate 29,922
—
Total 29,922

292

Total Other Assets $ 29,922

$ 292

Total Non-Performing Assets $ 35,651

$ 37,883
Total as a Percentage of Total Assets 0.86 % 0.72 %



	Non-Performing Assets As Of
	December 31, 2018			September 30, 2018
Non-performing loans and leases	(Dollars in Thousands)

Non-accruing loans and leases:
Asset based lending	$	1,007		$	—
Lease financing	4,841			2,864
Commercial finance	6,155			2,864
Total National Lending	6,155			2,864
Total	6,155			2,864

Accruing loans and leases delinquent 90 days or more:
Asset based lending	—			94
Lease financing	1,335			726
Insurance premium finance	2,796			2,981
Commercial finance	4,131			3,801
Consumer credit products	310			147
Other consumer finance	3,196			2,237
Consumer finance	3,506			2,384
Tax services	—			1,073
Total National Lending	7,637			7,258
Consumer one-to-four family real estate and other	79			79
Total Community Banking	79			79
Total	7,716			7,337

Total non-performing loans and leases	13,871			10,201

Other assets
Foreclosed and repossessed assets:
Commercial finance	1,626			1,626
Consumer one-to-four family real estate and other	—			90
Agricultural real estate and operating	29,922			29,922
Total	31,548			31,638

Total other assets	31,548			31,638

Total non-performing assets	$	45,419		$	41,839
Total as a percentage of total assets	0.73		%	0.72		%

⁽¹⁾At June 30, 2018, the Company had one one-to-four family real estate loan with a balance of $0.1 million that was modified as a TDR within the previous 12 months and for which there was a payment default during the nine months ended June 30, 2018. At September 30, 2017, the Company had no TDRs with a payment default.

At ~~June 30,~~December 31, 2018, non-performing loans and leases totaled ~~$5.7~~$13.9 million, representing ~~0.36%~~0.42% of total loans and leases, compared to ~~$37.6~~$10.2 million, or ~~2.83%~~0.35% of total loans and leases at September 30, 2017. This decrease in non-performing loans was primarily due to a previously disclosed large well-collateralized agricultural loan relationship for which the Company took ownership upon execution of the deed in lieu of the properties serving as collateral and transferred the loans to foreclosed real estate and repossessed assets on January 2, 2018. Also contributing to the decrease in non-performing loans from September 30, 2017 to June 30, 2018 was the payoff of a previously disclosed $7.0 million non-performing agricultural loan during the first quarter of fiscal 2018.

At June 30, 2018, foreclosed assets totaled $29.9 million, compared to $0.3 million at September 30, 2017. The increase in foreclosed assets was primarily due to the transfer of the aforementioned large well-collateralized agricultural loan relationship. If the properties are sold prior to the end of the agreed-upon receivership period set forth in the settlement agreement, the Company will be entitled to all principal, note interest, legal and other fees and expenses. After the receivership period ends, if the properties are not sold, the Company will be entitled to the fair value of the properties, which the Company believes to be significantly in excess of all principal, note interest, legal and other fees and expenses.

Classified Assets. Federal regulations provide for the classification of loans, leases, and other assets such as debt and equity securities considered by our primary regulator, the OCC, to be of lesser quality as “substandard,” “doubtful” or ~~“loss.~~“loss,” with each such classification dependent on the facts and circumstances surrounding the assets in question. An asset is considered “substandard” if it is inadequately protected by the current net worth and paying capacity of the obligor or of the collateral pledged, if any. “Substandard” assets include those characterized by the “distinct possibility” that the Bank will sustain “some loss” if the deficiencies are not corrected. Assets classified as “doubtful” have all of the weaknesses inherent in those classified “substandard,” with the added characteristic that the weaknesses present make “collection or liquidation in full,” on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions and values, “highly questionable and improbable.” Assets classified as “loss” are those considered “uncollectible” and of such minimal value that their continuance as assets without the establishment of a specific loss reserve is not warranted.

General allowances represent loss allowances which have been established to recognize the inherent risk associated with lending activities, but which, unlike specific allowances, have not been allocated to particular problem assets. When assets are classified as “loss,” the Bank is required either to establish a specific allowance for losses equal to 100% of that portion of the asset so classified or to charge off such amount. The Bank’s determinations as to the classification of its assets and the amount of its valuation allowances are subject to review by its regulatory authorities, which may order the establishment of additional general or specific loss allowances. General allowances represent loss allowances which have been established to recognize the inherent risk associated with lending activities, but which, unlike specific allowances, have not been allocated to particular problem assets. Specific allowances represent loss allowances which have been established to recognize the risk associated with particular problem assets. When assets are classified as “loss,” the Bank is required either to establish a specific allowance for losses equal to 100% of that portion of the asset so classified or to charge-off such amount. While management may periodically allocate portions of the allowance for specific classified loans, the entire allowance is available for any loan charge-offs that occur.

On the basis of management’s review of its loans, leases, and other assets, at ~~June 30,~~December 31, 2018, the Company had classified ~~$10.4~~$21.1 million of its assets as substandard and did not classify any assets as doubtful or loss. At September 30, ~~2017,~~2018, the Company classified ~~$40.6~~$24.6 million of its assets as substandard and did not classify any assets as doubtful or loss.

Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses. The allowance for loan and lease losses is established through a provision for loan and lease losses based on management’s evaluation of the risk inherent in its loan and lease portfolio and changes in the nature and volume of its loan and lease activity, including those loans ~~which~~and leases that are being specifically monitored by management. Such evaluation, which includes a review of loans and leases for which full collectability may not be reasonably assured, ~~involves~~includes consideration of, among other matters, the estimated fair value of the underlying collateral, economic conditions, historical loan and lease loss experience and other factors that warrant recognition in providing for an appropriate loan and lease loss allowance.

Management closely monitors economic developments both regionally and nationwide, and considers these factors when assessing the appropriateness of its allowance for loan and lease losses. The current economic environment continues to show signs of ~~improvement across the US as indicated by the unemployment rate~~stability and ~~GDP. While there are still areas~~improvement in the country that are struggling with higher unemployment overall the unemployment rate in the US has been improving. GDP in the first quarter of calendar year 2018 dipped to 2% compared to the prior three quarters but rebounded in the June quarter. The adverse weather conditions in the Midwest and other areas from 2017 have generally improved with recent rainfall, but the adverse conditions could return later this summer should conditions worsen. If drought conditions were to return, it would potentially have an adverse impact on the yields on crops.Bank’s markets. The Bank’s average loss rates over the past ~~several~~three years were low relative to industry averages for ~~all~~such years, offset, in the case of fiscal 2016, with a higher agricultural loss rate driven by the charge-off of one relationship. The Bank does not believe it is likely these low loss conditions will continue indefinitely. Each loan ~~portfolios have been relatively low, compared~~and lease segment is evaluated using both historical loss factors as well as other qualitative factors, in order to ~~peer group data for prior years, in part due to~~determine the ~~improving economic and other conditions.~~ amount of risk the Company believes exists within that segment.

Management believes that, based on a detailed review of the ~~Company's~~ loan and lease portfolio, historic loan and lease losses, current economic conditions, the size of the ~~Company's~~ loan and lease portfolio and other factors, the level of the allowance for loan and lease losses at ~~June 30,~~December 31, 2018 reflected an appropriate allowance against probable losses ~~for~~from the ~~Company's loan~~lending portfolio. ~~While management believes the current level of allowance is adequate, changing weather, economic or political conditions could result in losses in excess of the current allowance.~~

~~As previously disclosed,~~Although the Company ~~received written notification on June 18, 2018 from ReliaMax, which informed policy holders~~maintains its allowance for loan and lease losses at a level it considers to be appropriate, investors and others are cautioned that ~~the South Dakota Division of Insurance filed a petition to have ReliaMax declared insolvent~~there can be no assurance that future losses will not exceed estimated amounts, or that additional provisions for loan and ~~to adopt a plan of liquidation. ReliaMax indicated~~lease losses will not be required in its notice that the impact on outstanding insurance coverage will be clearer sometime after the hearing and after the Division’s liquidation plan is finalized. An Order of Liquidation was entered on June 27, 2018 by the Sixth Circuit Court in Hughes County, South Dakota, declaring ReliaMax insolvent and appointing the South Dakota Division of Insurance as liquidator to adopt a plan of liquidation. ReliaMax provided insurance coverage forfuture periods. In addition, the Company’s ~~purchased, floating rate, seasoned student loan portfolios.~~

~~In light~~determination of ~~the potential impact to the Company’s insurance coverage, the Company adjusted~~ the allowance for loan and lease losses ~~attributable~~is subject to ~~its student loan portfolios for~~review by the ~~quarterly period ending June 30, 2018. The~~OCC, which can require the establishment of additional ~~allowance was a $3.0 million pre-tax charge to provision for loan losses.~~general or specific allowances.

At ~~June 30,~~December 31, 2018, the Company had established an allowance for loan and lease losses totaling ~~$22.0~~$21.3 million, compared to ~~$7.5~~$13.0 million at September 30, ~~2017. This~~2018. The increase in the Company's allowance for loan and lease losses was driven primarily ~~due~~by increases in the allowance of $4.4 million in the commercial finance portfolio, $1.8 million in consumer finance loans, and $1.5 million in tax services loans. Growth in the commercial finance portfolio was largely attributable to ~~additional provision expense~~the Crestmark division. The increase in consumer finance is related to ~~loans originated by~~the Company now taking on all of the risk of the student loan portfolio, while the change in the tax services ~~divisions along with the Company's aforementioned adjustment to the allowance for~~portfolio was driven by tax loan losses attributable to the purchased student loan portfolios. During the nine months ended June 30, 2018, the Company recorded a provision for loan losses of $24.7 million, partially offset by $10.3 million of net charge-offs, of which $8.6 million and $1.5 million were related to taxpayer advances and ERO advances, respectively. During the nine months ended June 30, 2017, the Company recorded a provision for loan losses of $10.7 million and $1.4 million~~of net charge-offs.~~

~~The allowance for loan losses reflects management’s best estimate of probable losses inherent~~originations occurring in the portfolio based on currently available information. In addition to the factors mentioned above, future additions to the allowance for loan losses may become necessary based upon changing economic conditions, increased loan balances or changes in the underlying collateralfirst quarter of ~~the Company's loan portfolio. In addition, the Company's regulators have the ability to order us to increase our allowance.~~fiscal year 2019.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

The Company’s financial statements are prepared in accordance with ~~U.S.~~ GAAP. The financial information contained within these financial statements is, to a significant extent, based on approximate measures of the financial effects of transactions and events that have already occurred. Management has identified its critical accounting policies, which are those policies that, in management's view, are most important in the ~~policies described below as Critical Accounting Policies.~~portrayal of our financial condition and results of operations, and include those for the allowance for loan and lease losses, goodwill and identifiable intangible assets. These policies involve complex and subjective decisions and assessments. Some of these estimates may be uncertain at the time they are made, could change from period to period, and could have a material impact on the financial statements. ~~This~~A discussion ~~and analysis should be read in conjunction with~~of the Company’s ~~financial statements~~critical accounting policies and estimates can be found in the ~~accompanying notes presented in Part II, Item 8 “Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of its~~Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, ~~2017, and information contained herein.~~

~~Allowance for Loan Losses~~. The Company’s allowance for loan loss methodology incorporates a variety of risk considerations, both quantitative and qualitative, in establishing an allowance for loan loss that management believes is appropriate at each reporting date. Quantitative factors include the Company’s historical loss experience, delinquency and charge-off trends, collateral values,2018. There were no significant changes ~~in non-performing loans, and other factors. Quantitative factors also incorporate known information about individual loans, including borrowers’ sensitivity~~ to interest rate movements. Qualitative factors include the general economic environment in the Company’s markets, including economic conditions throughout the Midwest and, in particular, the state of certain industries. Size and complexity of individual credits in relation to loan structure, existing loanthese critical accounting policies and ~~pace~~estimates during the first three months of portfolio growth are other qualitative factors that are considered in the methodology. Although management believes the levels of the allowance at both June 30, 2018 and September 30, 2017 were adequate to absorb probable losses inherent in the Company's loan portfolio, a decline in local economic conditions or other factors could result in losses in excess of the applicable allowance.

~~Goodwill and Intangible Assets~~. Each quarter, the Company evaluates the estimated useful lives of its amortizable intangible assets and whether events or changes in circumstances warrant a revision to the remaining periods of amortization. In accordance with ASC 350, ~~Intangibles - Goodwill and Other~~, recoverability of these assets is measured by comparison of the carrying amount of the asset to the future undiscounted cash flows the asset is expected to generate. If the asset is considered to be impaired, the amount of any impairment is measured as the difference between the carrying value and the fair value of the impaired asset.

~~In addition, goodwill and intangible assets are tested annually as of our~~ fiscal year end for impairment or more often if conditions indicate a possible impairment. Determining the fair value of a reporting unit involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions include revenue growth rates and operating margins used to calculate future cash flows, risk-adjusted discount rates, future economic and market conditions, comparison of the Company’s market value to book value and determination of appropriate market comparables. Actual future results may differ from those estimates.2019.

Assumptions and estimates about future values and remaining useful lives of the Company’s intangible and other long-lived assets are complex and subjective. They can be affected by a variety of factors, including external factors such as industry and economic trends, and internal factors such as changes in the Company’s business strategy and internal forecasts. Although the Company believes the historical assumptions and estimates used are reasonable and appropriate, different assumptions and estimates could materially impact the reported financial results.

Customer relationship, trademark, and non-compete intangibles are amortized over the periods in which the asset is expected to meaningfully contribute to the business as a whole, using either the present value of excess earnings or straight line amortization, depending on the nature of the intangible asset. Patents are estimated to have a useful life of 20 years, beginning on the date the patent application is originally filed. Thus, patents are amortized based on the remaining useful life once granted. Periodically, the Company reviews the intangible assets for events or circumstances that may indicate a change in recoverability of the underlying basis.

~~Deferred Tax Assets~~. The Company accounts for income taxes according to the asset and liability method. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the enacted tax rates applicable to income for the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. Deferred tax assets are recognized subject to management’s judgment that realization is more-likely-than-not. An estimate of probable income tax benefits that will not be realized in future years is required in determining the necessity for a valuation allowance.

~~Security Impairment~~. Management monitors the investment securities portfolio for impairment on a security by security basis. Management has a process in place to identify securities that could potentially have a credit impairment that is other-than-temporary. This process involves the length of time and extent to which the fair value has been less than the amortized cost basis, review of available information regarding the financial position of the issuer, monitoring the rating of the security, monitoring changes in value, cash flow projections, and the Company’s intent to sell a security or whether it is more likely than not the Company will be required to sell the security before the recovery of its amortized cost which, in some cases, may extend to maturity. To the extent we determine that a security is deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired, an impairment loss is recognized. If the Company intends to sell a security or it is more likely than not that the Company would be required to sell a security before the recovery of its amortized cost, the Company recognizes an other-than-temporary impairment in earnings for the difference between amortized cost and fair value. If we do not expect to recover the amortized cost basis, we do not plan to sell the security and if it is not more likely than not that the Company would be required to sell a security before the recovery of its amortized cost, the recognition of the other-than-temporary impairment is bifurcated. For those securities, the Company separates the total impairment into a credit loss component recognized in earnings, and the amount of the loss related to other factors is recognized in other comprehensive income net of taxes.

The amount of the credit loss component of a debt security impairment is estimated as the difference between amortized cost and the present value of the expected cash flows of the security. The present value is determined using the best estimate of cash flows discounted at the effective interest rate implicit to the security at the date of purchase or the current yield to accrete an asset- backed or floating rate security. Cash flow estimates for trust preferred securities are derived from scenario-based outcomes of forecasted default rates, loss severity, prepayment speeds and structural support.

~~Level 3 Fair Value Measurement~~. U.S. GAAP requires the Company to measure the fair value of financial instruments under a standard which describes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value. Level 3 measurement includes significant unobservable inputs that reflect the Company’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability. Level 3 assets and liabilities include financial instruments whose value is determined using pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies, or similar techniques, as well as instruments for which the determination of fair value requires significant management judgment or estimation. Although management believes that it uses a best estimate of information available to determine fair value, due to the uncertainty of future events, the approach includes a process that may differ significantly from other methodologies and still produce an estimate that is in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

General. The Company recorded net income of ~~$6.8~~$15.4 million, or ~~$0.70~~$0.39 per diluted share, for the three months ended ~~June 30,~~December 31, 2018, compared to net income of ~~$9.8~~$4.7 million, or ~~$1.04~~$0.16 per diluted share, for the three months ended ~~June 30,~~December 31, 2017. The 2018 fiscal third quarter pre-tax results included a $3.0 million provision for loan losses related to the Company's purchased student loan portfolios, $2.4 million of merger and acquisition related expenses, and $0.8 million of expense related to the Company's early termination of a vendor contract. The 2018 fiscal third quarter pre-tax results also included $1.7 million in amortization of intangible assets and $1.3 million in non-cash stock-related compensation associated with executive officer employment agreements. Total revenue for the fiscal ~~2018 third~~2019 first quarter was ~~$61.6~~$98.0 million, compared to ~~$55.8~~$55.5 million for the same quarter in fiscal ~~2017,~~2018, an increase of ~~$5.8~~$42.5 million, or ~~11%~~77%. ~~This~~The increase in net income and revenue was primarily due to ~~growth in interest income.~~

The Company recorded net income of $42.9 million, or $4.41 per diluted share, for the nine months ended June 30, 2018, compared to $43.2 million, or $4.66 per diluted share, for the same period in fiscal year 2017. The decrease in net earnings for the nine months ended June 30, 2018 was primarily due to increases of $15.7 million in non-interest expense and $14.0 million in provision for loan losses, offset by increases of $17.6 million in non-interest income and $13.3 millionimprovement in net interest ~~income. Total revenue for~~income attributable to the ~~nine months ended June 30, 2018 was $241.9 million, compared to $211.1 million for the same period~~acquisition of ~~the prior year, an increase of $30.8 million, or 15%, driven by growth in loan interest income, tax product fee income, card fee income, and deposit fee income.~~

~~Seasonality~~. In the industries for electronic payments processing and tax refund processing, companies commonly experience seasonal fluctuations in revenue. For example, in recent years, the Company's results of operations for the first half of each fiscal year have been favorably affected by large numbers of taxpayers electing to receive their tax refunds via direct deposit on our pre-paid cards, which caused operating revenues to be higherCrestmark in the ~~first half~~fourth quarter of ~~those years than they were in the corresponding second half of those years. Meta's tax business is expected to continue to generate the vast majority of its revenues in the Company's~~ fiscal second quarter, with some additional revenues in the third quarter, while most expenses are spread throughout the year with some elevated expenses in the December and March quarters. Management expects the Company's revenue to continue to be based on seasonal factors that affect the electronic payments processing and tax refund processing industries as a whole. The Company and its tax preparation partners rely on the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”), technology, and employees when processing and preparing tax refunds and tax-related products and services.2018.

Net Interest Income. Net interest income for the fiscal ~~2018 third~~2019 first quarter increased by ~~$3.5~~$34.1 million, or ~~14%~~130%, to ~~$28.4~~$60.3 million from ~~$24.9~~$26.2 million for the same quarter in ~~2017,~~2018, primarily due to ~~an enhanced interest-earning asset mix relating to increases~~growth in ~~the community banking~~loan and ~~national lending loan portfolios~~lease balances and ~~higher corresponding rates when compared to investments, particularly MBS.~~expansion in net interest margin. The quarterly average outstanding balance of loans and leases from all sources as a percentage of interest-earning assets increased from ~~33%~~37% as of the end of the ~~third~~first fiscal quarter of ~~2017~~2018 to ~~40%~~60% as of the end of the ~~third~~first fiscal quarter of ~~2018. In addition, lower-yielding agency MBS decreased from 22% of interest-earning assets~~2019.

Net interest margin ("NIM") was 4.60% in the fiscal ~~2017 third quarter to 16% of interest-earning assets for the same quarter in 2018.~~

For the nine months ended June 30, 2018, net interest income increased 19% to $82.0 million from $68.7 million for the same period in the prior year. This increase was primarily due to increases of volume and overall yields in loans, primarily in the community banking, commercial insurance premium finance, and purchased student loan portfolios.

~~Net interest margin was 2.94% in the fiscal 2018 third~~2019 first quarter, an increase of 18184 basis points from 2.76% in the fiscal ~~2017 third~~2018 first quarter. ~~Tax equivalent net interest margin ("~~NIM,~~TE")~~TE was ~~3.23%~~ 4.76% in the fiscal 2019 first quarter, an increase of 170 basis points from 3.06%in the fiscal 2018 ~~third quarter, a decrease of two basis points from 3.25%~~first quarter. The increase in NIM and NIM, TE in the fiscal ~~2017 third quarter. The decrease was primarily related~~2019 first quarter compared to ~~a change in the corporate tax rate resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the "Tax Act"). Excluding changes resulting from the Tax Act, the reported NIM,TE of 3.23% would have been 3.42%.~~

~~For the nine months ended June 30, 2018, net interest margin was 2.77%, an increase of 22 basis points from 2.55% for~~ the same period of the prior ~~year. NIM, TE for~~year was primarily attributable to higher net loan and lease yields attained through the ~~nine months ended June 30, 2018 was 3.06%, an increase of four basis points from 3.02% for the same period of the prior year.~~

Crestmark division.

The overall reported tax equivalent yield (“TEY”) on average earning assets increased by 13234 basis points to ~~3.82%~~5.89% when comparing the fiscal ~~2018 third~~2019 first quarter to the same period of the prior fiscal ~~year, which~~year. The improvement was driven primarily by the Company's improved earning asset mix, ~~with~~which reflects increased ~~exposure to its commercial insurance premium finance, consumer, and community banking loan portfolios. The reported 3.82% TEY on earning assets reflects~~balances in the ~~lowered corporate prorated tax rate of the Company's tax-exempt securities~~national lending portfolio. ~~Excluding changes resulting from the adoption of the Tax Act, reported TEY on earning assets would have been 4.01%.~~

The fiscal ~~2018 third~~2019 first quarter TEY on the securities portfolio ~~decreased~~increased by ~~nine~~20 basis points to ~~3.11%~~3.13% compared to the same period of the prior year TEY of 3.20%, primarily due to the adoption of the Tax Act, which lowered the TEY on tax-exempt securities. Had corporate tax rates not changed due to the Tax Act, reported securities portfolio TEY yield would have increased to 3.43% due to new investments in higher-yielding investment securities.2.93%.

The Company’s average interest-earning assets for the fiscal ~~2018 third~~2019 first quarter increased by ~~$244.9 million,~~$1.43 billion, or 7%38%, to ~~$3.87~~$5.19 billion, from the comparable quarter in ~~2017.~~2018. The increase was primarily ~~from~~attributable to growth in the Company's loan and lease portfolio of ~~$356.6 million,~~$1.71 billion, of which ~~$212.6~~$1.50 billion was related to an increase in national lending loans and leases and $215.9 million was related to community banking ~~loans and $144.0 million was related to national lending~~ loans. This increase was partially offset by a decrease in total investment securities of ~~$128.1 million. The Company's management believes it has~~$226.4 million, which decreased as the ~~flexibility~~Company continued to ~~reasonably manage total balance sheet growth moving forward, if needed.~~

~~Average interest-earning assets for the nine months ended June 30, 2018 increased $358.7 million~~utilize sales of securities and cash flow from ~~the comparable prior fiscal year period, while interest-bearing liabilities increased by $150.1 million.~~

its amortizing securities portfolio to fund loan growth.

The Company’s average balance of total deposits and interest-bearing liabilities was ~~$3.70~~$5.10 billion for the three-month period ended ~~June 30,~~December 31, 2018, compared to ~~$3.48~~$3.62 billion for the same period in the prior year, representing an increase of 6%41%. This increase was primarily due to increases in ~~non-interest-bearing deposits of $170.7 million,~~average wholesale deposits of ~~$105.1~~$1.21 billion, average noninterest-bearing deposits of $161.0 million, average time deposits of $76.6 million, and average interest-bearing checking of ~~$55.8~~$31.4 million, partially offset by a decrease in average balance of total borrowings of ~~$99.1~~$7.5 million.

Overall, the Company's cost of funds for all deposits and borrowings averaged ~~0.62%~~1.14% during the fiscal ~~2018 third~~2019 first quarter, compared to ~~0.45%~~0.51% for the ~~year-ago period.~~2018 first fiscal quarter. This increase was primarily due to ~~an increase~~a rise in short-term interest rates affecting overnight borrowing rates, other wholesale funding, ~~rates.~~and the interest-bearing time deposits acquired by the Company in connection with the Crestmark acquisition in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2018. The Company's overall cost of deposits was ~~0.29%~~ 0.91%in the ~~2018~~2019 fiscal ~~third~~first quarter, compared to ~~0.15%~~0.24% in the same quarter of 2017. When excluding wholesale deposits, which the Company utilizes at advantageous rates when compared to the overnight borrowing rates, thereby lowering funding costs, the Company's cost of deposits for the third quarter of fiscal 2018 would have been 0.04%. At June 30, 2018 and 2017, low-cost checking deposits represented 79% and 81% of total deposits, respectively.2018.

The following tables present, for the periods indicated, the Company’s total dollar amount of interest income from average interest-earning assets and the resulting yields, as well as the interest expense on average interest-bearing liabilities, expressed both in dollars and rates. ~~Tax equivalent~~Tax-equivalent adjustments have been made in yield on ~~interest bearing~~interest-bearing assets and net interest margin. Non-accruing loans and leases have been included in the table as loans carrying a zero yield.


Three Months Ended June 30,	2018						2017
Three Months Ended December 31,													2018						2017
(Dollars in Thousands)	Average Outstanding Balance		Interest Earned / Paid		Yield / Rate ⁽¹⁾		Average Outstanding Balance		Interest Earned / Paid		Yield / Rate⁽²⁾		Average Outstanding Balance		Interest Earned / Paid		Yield / Rate⁽¹⁾		Average Outstanding Balance		Interest Earned / Paid		Yield / Rate⁽²⁾
Interest-earning assets:
Cash & fed funds sold	$	57,164	$	388	2.72	%	$	40,833	$	229	2.24	%	$	45,383	$	555	4.85	%	$	100,321	$	607	2.40	%
Mortgage-backed securities	617,815		3,950		2.56	%	783,164		4,544		2.33	%	381,285		2,698		2.81	%	673,411		3,758		2.21	%
Tax exempt investment securities	1,373,444		8,635		3.34	%	1,348,589		8,314		3.80	%	1,237,198		7,803		3.17	%	1,408,552		8,698		3.25	%
Asset-backed securities	189,389		1,537		3.25	%	117,834		782		2.66	%	298,445		2,712		3.61	%	93,631		765		3.24	%
Other investment securities	74,038		538		2.91	%	133,169		903		2.72	%	110,879		710		2.54	%	78,584		586		2.96	%
Total investments	2,254,686		14,660		3.11	%	2,382,756		14,543		3.20	%	2,027,807		13,923		3.13	%	2,254,178		13,807		2.93	%
Commercial finance loans	299,676		3,813		5.10	%	227,160		2,792		4.93	%
Consumer finance loans	188,827		3,717		7.89	%	129,097		2,072		6.44	%
Tax services loans	22,268		—		—	%	10,508		—		—	%
National lending loans⁽³⁾	510,771		7,530		5.91	%	366,765		4,864		5.32	%
Community banking loans⁽⁴⁾	1,050,126		11,526		4.40	%	837,539		9,225		4.42	%
Total loans	1,560,897		19,056		4.90	%	1,204,304		14,089		4.69	%
Total commercial finance													1,562,054		39,281		9.98	%	249,927		2,868		4.55	%
Total consumer finance													291,421		6,230		8.48	%	204,024		3,109		6.04	%
Total tax services													11,009		2		0.07	%	12,378		—		—	%
Total warehouse finance													99,818		1,632		6.49	%	—		—		—	%
National Lending loans and leases													1,964,302		47,145		9.52	%	466,329		5,977		5.09	%
Community Banking loans													1,156,072		13,353		4.58	%	940,161		10,466		4.42	%
Total loans and leases													3,120,374		60,498		7.69	%	1,406,490		16,443		4.64	%
Total interest-earning assets	$	3,872,747	$	34,104	3.82	%	$	3,627,893	$	28,861	3.69	%	5,193,564		$	74,976	5.89	%	3,760,989		$	30,857	3.55	%
Non-interest-earning assets	367,543						371,685
Noninterest-earning assets													787,973						361,960
Total assets	$	4,240,290					$	3,999,578					$	5,981,537					$	4,122,949

Interest-bearing liabilities:
Interest-bearing checking	$	98,235	$	54	0.22	%	$	42,447	$	45	0.42	%	$	102,880	$	58	0.23	%	$	71,448	$	50	0.28	%
Savings	59,546		10		0.07	%	59,081		8		0.05	%	53,661		10		0.07	%	53,084		8		0.06	%
Money markets	46,742		28		0.24	%	43,479		19		0.18	%	54,288		64		0.47	%	47,899		27		0.22	%
Time deposits	60,373		167		1.11	%	75,417		139		0.74	%	205,049		881		1.71	%	128,496		366		1.13	%
Wholesale deposits	453,885		2,005		1.77	%	348,771		828		0.95	%	1,698,492		9,583		2.24	%	483,878		1,434		1.18	%
Total interest-bearing deposits	718,781		2,264		1.26	%	569,195		1,039		0.73	%	2,114,370		10,596		1.99	%	784,805		1,885		0.95	%
Overnight fed funds purchased	402,088		2,041		2.04	%	512,154		1,470		1.15	%	393,315		2,481		2.50	%	139,152		525		1.50	%
FHLB advances	—		—		—	%	8,923		125		5.61	%	—		—		—	%	268,913		937		1.38	%
Subordinated debentures	73,430		1,102		6.02	%	73,290		1,112		6.09	%	73,504		1,161		6.27	%	73,359		1,113		6.02	%
Other borrowings	36,408		286		3.15	%	16,642		172		4.13	%	30,058		466		6.15	%	22,982		201		3.47	%
Total borrowings	511,926		3,429		2.69	%	611,009		2,879		1.89	%	496,877		4,108		3.28	%	504,406		2,776		2.18	%
Total interest-bearing liabilities	1,230,707		5,693		1.86	%	1,180,204		3,918		1.33	%	2,611,247		14,704		2.23	%	1,289,211		4,661		1.43	%
Non-Interest Bearing Deposits	2,465,750		—		—	%	2,295,046		—		—	%
Noninterest-bearing deposits													2,489,148		—		—	%	2,328,159		—		—	%
Total deposits and interest-bearing liabilities	$	3,696,457	$	5,693	0.62	%	$	3,475,250	$	3,918	0.45	%	5,100,395		$	14,704	1.14	%	3,617,370		$	4,661	0.51	%
Other non-interest bearing liabilities	98,973						99,919
Other noninterest-bearing liabilities													128,900						71,398
Total liabilities	3,795,430						3,575,169						5,229,295						3,688,768
Shareholders' equity	444,860						424,409						752,242						434,181
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$	4,240,290					$	3,999,578					$	5,981,537					$	4,122,949
Net interest income and net interest rate spread including non-interest bearing deposits			$	28,411	3.21	%			$	24,943	3.24	%
Net interest income and net interest rate spread including noninterest-bearing deposits															$	60,272	4.75	%			$	26,196	3.04	%

Net interest margin					2.94	%					2.76	%					4.60	%					2.76	%
Tax equivalent effect					0.29	%					0.49	%
Net interest margin, tax equivalent⁽⁵⁾					3.23	%					3.25	%
Tax-equivalent effect																	0.16	%					0.30	%
Net interest margin, tax-equivalent⁽³⁾																	4.76	%					3.06	%

⁽¹⁾ Tax rate used to arrive at the TEY for the three months ended ~~June 30,~~December 31, 2018 was ~~24.53%~~21%.

⁽²⁾ Tax rate used to arrive at the TEY for the three months ended ~~June 30,~~December 31, 2017 was ~~35%~~24.53%.

^{(3) Previously stated Specialty Finance Loans have been renamed as National Lending Loans. National Lending Loans are comprised of loan portfolios that are not generated by the Community Bank.}

~~(4) Previously stated Retail Bank loans have been renamed as Community Banking Loans.~~

~~(5)~~ Net interest margin expressed on a ~~fully taxable equivalent~~fully-taxable-equivalent basis ("Net interest margin, ~~tax equivalent"~~tax-equivalent") is a non-GAAP financial measure. The tax-equivalent adjustment to net interest income recognizes the estimated income tax savings when comparing taxable and tax-exempt assets and adjusting for federal and state exemption of interest income. We believe that it is a standard practice in the banking industry to present net interest margin expressed on a ~~fully taxable equivalent~~fully-taxable-equivalent basis, and accordingly believe the presentation of this non-GAAP financial measure may be useful for peer comparison purposes.

Nine Months Ended June 30, 2018 2017
(Dollars in Thousands)
Average
Outstanding
Balance Interest
Earned /
Paid
Yield /
Rate ⁽¹⁾
Average
Outstanding
Balance Interest
Earned /
Paid
Yield /
Rate⁽²⁾
Interest-earning assets:
Cash & fed funds sold $ 96,496
$ 1,717
2.38 % $ 176,336
$ 1,212
0.92 %
Mortgage-backed securities 644,578
11,755
2.44 % 745,566
12,345
2.21 %
Tax exempt investment securities 1,404,571
26,333
3.32 % 1,289,311
23,541
3.76 %
Asset-backed securities 131,705
3,522
3.58 % 117,901
2,200
2.49 %
Other investment securities 77,455
1,662
2.87 % 115,188
2,316
2.69 %
Total investments 2,258,309
43,272
3.07 % 2,267,966
40,402
3.13 %
Commercial finance 266,310
9,691
4.87 % 202,015
7,220
4.78 %
Consumer finance 187,335
10,043
7.17 % 92,501
4,627
6.69 %
Tax services loans 146,071
833
0.76 % 63,796
11
0.02 %
National lending loans⁽³⁾
599,716
20,567
4.59 % 358,312
11,858
4.42 %
Community banking loans⁽⁴⁾
1,005,831
32,777
4.36 % 799,071
25,682
4.30 %
Total loans 1,605,546
53,344
4.44 % 1,157,383
37,540
4.34 %
Total interest-earning assets $ 3,960,351
$ 98,333
3.61 % $ 3,601,685
$ 79,154
3.41 %
Non-interest-earning assets 392,873
363,041

Total assets $ 4,353,224
$ 3,964,726

Interest-bearing liabilities:
Interest-bearing checking $ 90,055
$ 155
0.23 % $ 41,048
$ 126
0.41 %
Savings 57,397
27
0.06 % 56,079
23
0.06 %
Money markets 47,814
82
0.23 % 45,672
61
0.18 %
Time deposits 102,636
877
1.14 % 102,819
570
0.74 %
Wholesale deposits 540,193
5,965
1.48 % 561,994
3,381
0.80 %
Total interest-bearing deposits 838,095
7,106
1.13 % 807,612
4,161
0.69 %
Overnight fed funds purchased 315,359
4,244
1.80 % 286,212
2,030
0.95 %
FHLB advances 91,392
947
1.39 % 12,037
388
4.31 %
Subordinated debentures 73,394
3,329
6.07 % 73,256
3,335
6.09 %
Other borrowings 26,343
695
3.53 % 15,390
498
4.32 %
Total borrowings 506,488
9,215
2.43 % 386,895
6,251
2.16 %
Total interest-bearing liabilities 1,344,583
16,321
1.62 % 1,194,507
10,412
1.17 %
Non-Interest Bearing Deposits 2,482,274
—
— % 2,286,266
—
— %
Total deposits and interest-bearing liabilities $ 3,826,857
$ 16,321
0.57 % $ 3,480,773
$ 10,412
0.40 %
Other non-interest bearing liabilities 85,626
94,842

Total liabilities 3,912,483
3,575,615

Shareholders' equity 440,741
389,111

Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $ 4,353,224
$ 3,964,726

Net interest income and net interest rate spread including non-interest bearing deposits $ 82,012
3.04 % $ 68,742
3.01 %

Net interest margin 2.77 % 2.55 %
Tax equivalent effect 0.29 % 0.47 %
Net interest margin, tax equivalent⁽⁵⁾
3.06 % 3.02 %

~~(1) Tax rate used to arrive at the TEY for the nine months ended June 30, 2018 was 24.53%.~~

~~(2) Tax rate used to arrive at the TEY for the nine months ended June 30, 2017 was 35%.~~

~~(3) Previously stated Specialty Finance Loans have been renamed as National Lending Loans. National Lending Loans are comprised of loan portfolios that are not generated by the Community Bank.~~

~~(4) Previously stated Retail Bank loans have been renamed as Community Banking Loans.~~

(5) Net interest margin expressed on a fully taxable equivalent basis ("Net interest margin, tax equivalent") is a non-GAAP financial measure. The tax-equivalent adjustment to net interest income recognizes the estimated income tax savings when comparing taxable and tax-exempt assets and adjusting for federal and state exemption of interest income. We believe that it is a standard practice in the banking industry to present net interest margin expressed on a fully taxable equivalent basis, and accordingly believe the presentation of this non-GAAP financial measure may be useful for peer comparison purposes.

Provision for Loan and Lease Losses. The Company recorded a ~~$5.3~~$9.1 million provision for loan and lease losses ~~during~~for the three month period ended ~~June 30,~~December 31, 2018, as compared to a ~~$1.2~~$1.1 million provision for loan and lease losses ~~during~~for the three month period ended ~~June 30,~~December 31, 2017. The provision for loan losses during the three months ended June 30, 2018 was predominantly driven by a $3.0 million provision for loan losses related to the Company's purchased student loan portfolios. The Company expects to recover a substantial portion of the unearned premiums related to the purchased student loan portfolios in the future. However, the Company expects to recognize ongoing provision expense of $0.6 million to $0.8 million per quarter on its purchased student loan portfolios until the recovery is collected, which could be a year or longer. The period over period increase included a $0.8 million increase in tax services provision. Also see Note 34 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial ~~Statements.~~Statements included in this quarterly report.

For the nine month period ended June 30, 2018, the Company recorded a provision for loan losses of $24.7 million, as compared to a $10.7 million provision for loan losses during the nine month period ended June 30, 2017.

~~Non-Interest~~Noninterest Income. ~~Non-interest~~Noninterest income for the fiscal ~~2018 third~~2019 first quarter increased by ~~$2.4~~$8.5 million, or 8%29%, to ~~$33.2~~$37.8 million from ~~$30.8~~$29.3 million for the same period in the prior fiscal year, largely due to ~~an increase~~increases in ~~total tax product fee~~rental income of ~~$1.6~~$10.9 million, ~~or 29%,~~deposit fees of $1.1 million, gain on sale of loans and ~~an increase in deposit fee income~~leases of $0.9 million, ~~when comparing the current quarter~~and other income of $0.8 million. Lower losses on sale of securities also contributed to the ~~same period of the prior fiscal year.~~overall increase in noninterest income. Partially offsetting the ~~increases,~~increase in noninterest income, card fee income decreased ~~$0.2~~$5.9 million, or 1%23%, to ~~$22.8~~$19.4 million from the same quarter of the prior fiscal year.

~~The increase~~ This expected reduction in total tax product fee income was primarily due to an increase in refund transfer fees of $1.6 million. When comparing pre-tax income for the tax services business, the 2018 fiscal first and third quarters were higher than the same periods of the prior year, while the 2018 fiscal second quarter was lower than the same period of the prior year due to different program and product structures and in part due to payment processing, as anticipated IRS delays flowed into April and shifted some of that revenue into the Company's third quarter. Total fiscal 2018 year-to-date pre-tax income through June 30, 2018 for our tax services business declined approximately $2.9 million, or 6%, compared to the same nine-month period of fiscal 2017. Overall pre-tax income related to the 2018 tax season is still expected to be close to, but less than, the previous year's tax season. As previously disclosed, the Company experienced refund advance margin compression caused largely by an increase in average loan size and change in provider mix, with some partners performing better and others performing below our original expectations. Management views the 2018 overall tax season positively given the loss of a significant tax partner that provided approximately half of the Company's 2017 taxpayer advance loans.

~~The increase in deposit~~residual fee income was related to the ~~transition from card fee income to deposit fee income and growth~~wind-down of ~~certain fees in fiscal year 2018, in each case, from a product in~~ the Company's relationships with two non-strategic payments division. This change also contributed to the slight decrease in card fee income. If these particular fees would have remained as card fee income, card fee income would have increased 3% when comparing the fiscal 2018 third quarter to the same period of the prior year.

A reduction in residual fee income related to a wind-down of two of our non-strategic partners also led to the slight decrease in card fee income when comparing the current quarter to the same period of the prior year. When excluding residual fee income, card fee income would have increased 3% when comparing the current quarter to the same period of the prior year. The Company expects growth in card fee income to be moderated by declining residual fee income through fiscal year 2019. The Company expects total 2018 fiscal year card fee income to be between $95 million and $100 million and expects total 2018 fiscal year card fee expense to be between $24 million and $29 million.

Non-interest income for the nine months ended June 30, 2018 was $159.9 million, an increase of $17.6 million, or 12%, from $142.3 million in the same period in the prior fiscal year. This increase was primarily due to increases in total tax product fee income, card fee income, and deposit fee income of $7.2 million, $6.9 million, and $2.5 million, respectively.

partners.

~~Non-Interest~~Noninterest Expense. ~~Non-interest~~Noninterest expense increased ~~$6.8~~$30.3 million, or ~~16%~~69%, to ~~$49.1~~$74.3 million for the ~~2018~~2019 fiscal ~~third~~first quarter, compared to the same quarter in ~~2017.~~2018. This increase was primarily caused by increases of ~~$2.2~~$10.7 million in compensation and benefits expense, ~~$1.4~~$7.8 million in operating lease equipment depreciation expense. Increases in intangible amortization expense, occupancy and equipment, legal and consulting, and other expense ~~$1.4 million in other expenses, $1.3 million in card processing expense and $0.7 million in occupancy and equipment, offset in part by a decrease of $0.2 million in amortization~~also contributed to the increase on noninterest expense. The increase in compensation ~~expense~~and benefits was primarily due to the addition of the Crestmark division along with increased staffing to support the Company's other growing business initiatives in consumer credit, the business to be conducted following the consummation of the Crestmark acquisition, and growth in other business units. Non-interest expense was also impacted by start-up expenses associated with the new national consumer lendingline initiatives. The integration of EPS Financial and Specialty Consumer Services allowed the Company to gain scale and cost savings in the tax services divisions this fiscal year, and the Company expects to gain further efficiencies during the remainder of fiscal 2018. During the fiscal 2018 third quarter, the Company had $2.4 million of merger and acquisition related expenses.

Non-interest expense for the nine months ended June 30, 2018 increased by $15.7 million, or 11%, to $161.6 million compared to the same period in the prior fiscal year. Compensation and benefits expense increased $12.1 million, or 18%, for the 2018 nine month period, versus the same period last year due primarily to a 15% increase in overall staffing and synergy severance costs in the Company's tax divisions. Also contributing to the increase period over period were increases in legal and consulting expense of $2.8 million, card processing expense of $2.4 million, other expense of $2.5 million, and occupancy and equipment expense of $1.9 million. These increases were partially offset by decreases in intangible amortization expense of $4.4 million and tax advance product expense of $1.5 million.

Income Tax. ~~Income~~The Company recorded an income tax ~~expense~~benefit for the fiscal ~~2018 third~~2019 first quarter ~~was $0.5~~of $1.7 million, resulting in an effective tax rate of ~~6.5%~~(11.56%), compared to ~~$2.5~~an income tax expense of $5.7 million, or an effective tax rate of ~~20.5%~~54.90%, for the ~~2017~~ fiscal ~~third~~2018 first quarter. The Company originated $35.6 million in solar leasing initiatives and recorded a related income tax expense and effective tax rate decreased primarily due to decreased annual projected earnings for fiscal 2018 from the prior quarter projection and the corresponding adjustment for the prior quarters madebenefit in the ~~third~~fiscal first quarter of 2019. Investment tax credits related to these solar leasing initiatives and future originations in fiscal ~~2018. Also, contributing to~~2019 will be recognized ratably based on income over the ~~decrease in income tax expense were the provisions~~duration of the ~~Tax Act, which lowered Meta’s statutory federal corporate~~current fiscal year. The timing and impact of future solar tax ~~rate~~credits are expected to vary from ~~35% in fiscal year 2017~~period to ~~24.53% in fiscal year 2018,~~period, and ~~reduced earnings before~~Meta intends to undertake only those tax incredit opportunities that meet the ~~third quarter of fiscal year 2018. For the first nine months of fiscal year 2018, the effective tax rate was 22.9%.~~Company's underwriting criteria.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

The Company’s primary sources of funds are deposits, derived principally through its Payments divisions, and to a lesser extent through its Community Banking division borrowings, principal and interest payments on loans and mortgage-backed securities, and maturing investment securities. In addition, the Company utilizes wholesale deposit sources to provide temporary funding when necessary or when favorable terms are available. While scheduled loan repayments and maturing investments are relatively predictable, deposit flows and early loan repayments are influenced by the level of interest rates, general economic conditions and competition. The Company uses its capital resources principally to meet ongoing commitments to fund maturing certificates of deposits and loan commitments, to maintain liquidity, and to meet operating expenses. At ~~June 30,~~December 31, 2018, the Company had commitments to originate and purchase loans and unused lines of credit totaling ~~$282.8~~$858.1 million. The Company believes that loan repayments and other sources of funds will be adequate to meet its foreseeable short- and long-term liquidity needs.

In July 2013, the Company’s primary federal regulator, the Federal Reserve and the Bank’s primary federal regulator, the OCC, approved final rules (the “Basel III Capital Rules”) establishing a new comprehensive capital framework for U.S. banking ~~organizations.~~organizations, which replaced earlier frameworks adopted in 1988 ("Basel I") and 2004 (Basel II). The Basel III Capital Rules generally implement the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision’s (the “Basel Committee”) December 2010 final capital framework referred to as “Basel III” for strengthening international capital standards. The Basel III Capital Rules substantially revised the risk-based capital requirements applicable to financial institution holding companies and their depository institution subsidiaries, including us and the Bank, as compared to U.S. general risk-based capital rules. The Basel III Capital Rules revised the definitions and the components of regulatory capital, as well as addressed other issues affecting the numerator in banking institutions’ regulatory capital ratios. The Basel III Capital Rules also addressed asset risk weights and other matters affecting the denominator in banking institutions’ regulatory capital ratios and replaced the existing general risk-weighting approach, which was derived from the Basel Committee’s 1988 “Basel I” capital accords, with a more risk-sensitive approach based, in part, on the “standardized approach” in the Basel Committee’s 2004 “Basel II” capital accords. In addition, the Basel III Capital Rules implemented certain provisions of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, including the requirements of Section 939A to remove references to credit ratings from the federal agencies’ rules. The Basel III Capital Rules became effective for us and the Bank on January 1, 2015, subject to phase-in periods for certain of their components and other provisions.

Pursuant to the Basel III Capital Rules, the Company and the Bank, respectively, are subject to new regulatory capital adequacy requirements promulgated by the Federal Reserve and the OCC. Failure by the Company or Bank to meet minimum capital requirements could result in certain mandatory and discretionary actions by our regulators that could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial statements. Prior to January 1, 2015, the Bank was subject to capital requirements under Basel I and there were no capital requirements for the Company. Under the capital requirements and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Company and the Bank must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of the Company’s and the Bank’s assets, liabilities and certain off-balance-sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. The Company’s and the Bank’s capital amounts and classifications are also subject to qualitative judgments by regulators about components, risk weightings and other factors.

Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require the Company and the Bank to maintain minimum ratios (set forth in the table below) of total risk-based capital and Tier 1 capital (as defined in the regulations) to risk-weighted assets (as defined), and a leverage ratio consisting of Tier 1 capital (as defined) to average assets (as defined). At ~~June 30,~~December 31, 2018, both the Bank and the Company exceeded federal regulatory minimum capital requirements to be classified as well-capitalized under the prompt corrective action requirements. The Company and the Bank took the accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) opt-out election; under the rule, non-advanced approach banking organizations were given a one-time option to exclude certain AOCI components.

The tables below include certain non-GAAP financial measures that are used by investors, analysts and bank regulatory agencies to assess the capital position of financial services companies. Management reviews these measures along with other measures of capital as part of its financial analysis.


							Minimum
							Requirement to Be						Minimum to be		Minimum to be
					Minimum		Well Capitalized						Adequately		Well Capitalized
					Requirement For		Under Prompt						Capitalized Under		Under Prompt
					Capital Adequacy		Corrective Action						Prompt Corrective		Corrective Action
At June 30, 2018	Company		Bank		Purposes		Provisions
At December 31, 2018									Company		Bank		Action Provisions		Provisions

Tier 1 leverage ratio	8.29	%	10.16	%	4.00	%	5.00	%	7.90	%	9.01	%	4.00	%	5.00	%
Common equity Tier 1 capital ratio	13.92		17.57		4.50		6.50		10.11		11.87		4.50		6.50
Tier 1 capital ratio	14.35		17.57		6.00		8.00		10.47		11.91		6.00		8.00
Total qualifying capital ratio	18.37		18.50		8.00		10.00		12.69		12.41		8.00		10.00

Due to the predictable, quarterly cyclicality of noninterest-bearing deposits in conjunction with tax season business activity, management believes that a six-month capital calculation is a useful metric to monitor the Company’s overall capital management process. As such, the Bank’s six-month average Tier 1 leverage ratio, Common Equity Tier 1 capital ratio, Tier 1 capital ratio, and Total qualifying capital ratio as of December 31, 2018 were 9.46%, 13.42%, 13.47%, and 14.03%, respectively.

The following table provides certain non-GAAP financial measures used to compute certain of the ratios included in the table above, as well as a reconciliation of such non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable financial measure in accordance with GAAP:


	Standardized Approach (1) June 30, 2018			Standardized Approach⁽¹⁾ December 31, 2018
	(Dollars in Thousands)			(Dollars in Thousands)

Total equity	$	443,913
Total stockholders' equity				$	770,728
Adjustments:
LESS: Goodwill, net of associated deferred tax liabilities	94,781			299,037
LESS: Certain other intangible assets	46,098			61,317
LESS: Net deferred tax assets from operating loss and tax credit carry-forwards				4,720
LESS: Net unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities	(28,601		)	(28,829		)
LESS: Noncontrolling interest				3,267
LESS: Unrealized currency gains (losses)				(357		)
Common Equity Tier 1 ⁽¹⁾	331,635			431,573
Long-term debt and other instruments qualifying as Tier 1	10,310			13,661
Tier 1 minority interest not included in common equity tier 1 capital				1,796
Total Tier 1 capital	341,945			447,030
Allowance for loan losses	22,151
Allowance for loan and lease losses				21,422
Subordinated debentures (net of issuance costs)	73,442			73,528
Total qualifying capital	437,538			541,980

⁽¹⁾ Capital ratios were determined using the Basel III capital rules that became effective on January 1, 2015. Basel III revised the definition of capital, increased minimum capital ratios, and introduced a minimum common equity tier 1 capital ratio; those changes are being fully phased in through the end of 2021.

The following table provides a reconciliation of tangible common equity and tangible common equity excluding AOCI, each of which is used in calculating tangible book value data, to Total Stockholders' Equity at ~~June 30,~~December 31, 2018. Each of tangible common equity and tangible common equity excluding AOCI is a non-GAAP financial measure that is commonly used within the banking industry.


	June 30, 2018			December 31, 2018
	(Dollars in Thousands)			(Dollars in Thousands)
Total Stockholders' Equity	$	443,913		$	770,728
LESS: Goodwill	98,723			303,270
LESS: Intangible assets	46,098			66,366
Tangible common equity	299,092			401,092
LESS: AOCI	(28,601		)	(29,186		)
Tangible common equity excluding AOCI	327,693			430,278

Due to the predictable, quarterly cyclicality of non-interest bearing deposits in conjunction with tax season business activity, management believes that a six-month capital calculation is a useful metric to monitor the Company’s overall capital management process. As such, the Bank’s six-month average Tier 1 leverage ratio, Common Equity Tier 1 capital ratio, Tier 1 capital ratio, and Total qualifying capital ratio as of June 30, 2018 were 9.64%, 16.53%, 16.53%, and 17.40%, respectively.

~~Beginning~~Since January 1, 2016, ~~Basel III implemented a requirement for all banking organizations~~the Company and the Bank have been required to maintain a capital conservation buffer above the minimum risk-based capital requirements in order to avoid certain limitations on capital distributions, stock repurchases and discretionary bonus payments to executive ~~officers.~~officers for 2018. The capital conservation buffer is exclusively composed of Common Equity Tier 1 capital, and it applies to each of the three risk-based capital ratios but not the leverage ratio. The implementation of the capital conservation buffer ~~began~~by annual increments finished on January 1, ~~2016, which increased or will increase the three risk-based capital ratios by 0.625% each year through~~ 2019, ~~at which point~~with the Common Equity Tier 1 risk-based, Tier 1 risk-based and total risk-based capital ratios ~~will be~~now being 7.0%, 8.5% and 10.5%, respectively.

Based on current and expected continued profitability and subject to continued access to capital markets, we believe that the Company and the Bank will continue to meet targeted capital ratios required by the revised requirements, as they become effective.

CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS

See "Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations-Contractual Obligations" in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for its fiscal year ended September 30, ~~2017~~2018 for a summary of our contractual obligations as of September 30, ~~2017.~~2018. There were no material changes outside the ordinary course of our business in contractual obligations from September 30, ~~2017~~2018 through ~~June 30,~~December 31, 2018.

OFF-BALANCE SHEET FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS

For discussion of the Company’s off-balance sheet financing arrangements as of ~~June 30,~~December 31, 2018, see Note 610 to our consolidated financial statements included in Part I, Item 1 “Financial Statements” of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Depending on the extent to which the commitments or contingencies described in Note 610 occur, the effect on the Company’s capital and net income could be significant.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

MARKET RISK

The Company derives a portion of its income from the excess of interest collected over interest paid. The rates of interest the Company earns on assets and pays on liabilities generally are established contractually for a period of time. Market interest rates change over time. Accordingly, the Company’s results of operations, like those of most financial institutions, are impacted by changes in interest rates and the interest rate sensitivity of its assets and liabilities. The risk associated with changes in interest rates and the Company’s ability to adapt to these changes is known as interest rate risk and is the Company’s only significant “market” risk.

The Company monitors and measures its exposure to changes in interest rates in order to comply with applicable government regulations and risk policies established by the Board of Directors, and in order to preserve stockholder value. In monitoring interest rate risk, the Company analyzes assets and liabilities based on characteristics including size, coupon rate, repricing frequency, maturity date and likelihood of prepayment.

If the Company’s assets mature or reprice more rapidly or to a greater extent than its liabilities, then economic value of equity and net interest income would tend to increase during periods of rising rates and decrease during periods of falling interest rates. Conversely, if the Company’s assets mature or reprice more slowly or to a lesser extent than its liabilities, then economic value of equity and net interest income would tend to decrease during periods of rising interest rates and increase during periods of falling interest rates.

The Company currently focuses lending efforts toward originating and purchasing competitively priced adjustable-rate and fixed-rate loan products with short to intermediate terms to maturity, and may originate loans with terms longer than five years for borrowers that have a strong credit profile and typically lower loan-to-value ratios. This approach allows the Company to better maintain a portfolio of loans that will have less sensitivity to changes in the level of interest rates, while providing a reasonable spread to the cost of liabilities used to fund the loans.

The Company’s primary objective for its investment portfolio is to provide a source of liquidity for the Company. In addition, the investment portfolio may be used in the management of the Company’s interest rate risk profile. The investment policy generally calls for funds to be invested among various categories of security types and maturities based upon the Company’s need for liquidity, desire to achieve a proper balance between minimizing risk while maximizing yield, the need to provide collateral for borrowings and to fulfill the Company’s asset/liability management goals.

The Company’s cost of funds responds to changes in interest rates due to the relatively short-term nature of its wholesale deposit portfolio, and due to the relatively short-term nature of its borrowed funds. The Company believes that its growing portfolio of longer duration, low-cost deposits generated from its prepaid division provides a stable and profitable funding vehicle, but also subjects the Company to greater risk in a falling interest rate environment than it would otherwise have without this portfolio. This risk is due to the fact that, while asset yields may decrease in a falling interest rate environment, the Company cannot significantly reduce interest costs associated with these deposits, which thereby compress the Company’s net interest margin. As a result of the Company’s interest rate risk exposure in this regard, the Company typically does not enter into any new longer-term wholesale borrowings, and generally has not emphasized longer-term time deposit products.

The Board of Directors and relevant government regulations establish limits on the level of acceptable interest rate risk at the Company, to which management adheres. There can be no assurance, however, that, in the event of an adverse change in interest rates, the Company’s efforts to limit interest rate risk will be successful.

Interest Rate Risk (“IRR”)

Overview. The Company actively manages interest rate risk, as changes in market interest rates can have a significant impact on reported earnings. The Bank, like other financial institutions, is subject to interest rate risk to the extent that its interest-bearing liabilities mature or reprice more rapidly than its interest-earning assets. The Company's interest rate risk analysis is designed to compare income and economic valuation simulations in market scenarios designed to alter the direction, magnitude and speed of interest rate changes, as well as the slope of the yield curve. The Company does not currently engage in trading activities to control interest rate risk although it may do so in the future, if deemed necessary, to help manage interest rate risk.

Earnings at risk and economic value analyses. As a continuing part of its financial strategy, the Bank considers methods of managing an asset/liability mismatch consistent with maintaining acceptable levels of net interest income. In order to monitor interest rate risk, the Board of Directors has created an Investment Committee whose principal responsibilities are to assess the Bank’s asset/liability mix and implement strategies that will enhance income while managing the Bank’s vulnerability to changes in interest rates.

The Company uses two approaches to model interest rate risk: Earnings at Risk (“EAR analysis”) and Economic Value of Equity (“EVE analysis”). Under EAR analysis, net interest income is calculated for each interest rate scenario to the net interest income forecast in the base case. EAR analysis measures the sensitivity of interest-sensitive earnings over a one-year minimum time horizon. The results are affected by projected rates, prepayments, caps and floors. Management exercises its best judgement in making assumptions regarding events that management can influence, such as non-contractual deposit re-pricing, as well as events outside of management's control, such as customer behavior on loan and deposit activity and the effect that competition has on both loan and deposit pricing. These assumptions are subjective and, as a result, net interest income simulation results will differ from actual results due to the timing, magnitude, and frequency of interest rate changes, changes in market conditions, customer behavior and management strategies, among other factors. We perform various sensitivity analyses on assumptions of deposit attrition and deposit re-pricing. Market-implied forward rates and various likely and extreme interest rate scenarios can be used for EAR analysis. These likely and extreme scenarios can include rapid and gradual interest rate ramps, rate shocks and yield curve twists.

The EAR analysis used in the following table reflects the required analysis used no less than quarterly by management. It models -100, +100, +200, +300, and +400 basis point parallel shifts in market interest rates over the next one-year period. Due to the current low level of interest rates, only a -100 basis point parallel shift is represented.

The Company was within Board policy limits for all interest rate scenarios using the snapshot as of ~~June 30,~~December 31, 2018 as required by regulation. The table below shows the results of the scenarios as of ~~June 30,~~December 31, 2018:

~~Net Sensitive Earnings at Risk~~

Net Sensitive Earnings at Risk
Balances as of June 30, 2018 Standard (Parallel Shift) Year 1
Net Interest Income at Risk%
-100 +100 +200 +300 +400
Basis Point Change Scenario -5.8 % 3.6 % 6.7 % 9.6 % 12.5 %
Board Policy Limits -8.0 % -8.0 % -10.0 % -15.0 % -20.0 %



Net Sensitive Earnings at Risk
		Change in Interest Income/Expense for a given change in interest rates
		Over / (Under) Base Case Parallel Shift
(Dollars in thousands)	Book Value	-100		Base	100		200		300		400
Total Interest-Sensitive Income	5,209,294	273,926		296,035	317,810		339,058		360,043		381,008
Total Interest-Sensitive Expense	2,429,777	42,769		56,704	70,965		85,225		99,485		113,745
Net Interest-Sensitive Income	2,779,517	231,157		239,331	246,845		253,833		260,558		267,263

Basis Point Change Scenario	—	-3.4	%	—	3.1	%	6.1	%	8.9	%	11.7	%
Board Policy Limits	—	-8.0	%	—	-8.0	%	-10.0	%	-15.0	%	-20.0	%

The EAR analysis reported at ~~June 30,~~December 31, 2018, shows that in all rising rate scenarios, more assets than liabilities would reprice over the modeled one-year period.

IRR is a snapshot in time. The Company’s business and deposits are very predictably cyclical on a weekly, monthly and yearly basis. The Company’s static IRR results could vary depending on which day of the week and timing in relation to certain payrolls, as well as time of the month in regard to early funding of certain programs, when this snapshot is taken. The Company’s overnight federal funds purchased fluctuates on a predictable daily and monthly basis due to fluctuations in a portion of its ~~non-interest bearing~~noninterest-bearing deposit base, primarily related to payroll processing and timing of when certain programs are prefunded and when the funds are received.

Owing to the snapshot nature of IRR, as is required by regulators, in concert with the Company’s predictable weekly, monthly and yearly fluctuating deposit base and overnight borrowings, the results produced by static IRR analysis are not necessarily representative of what management, the Board of Directors, and others would view as the Company’s true IRR positioning. Management and the Board are aware of and understand these typical borrowing and deposit fluctuations as well as the point in time nature of IRR analysis and as such, has anticipated an outcome where the Company may temporarily be outside of Board policy limits based on a snapshot analysis.

For management to better understand the IRR position of the Bank, an alternative IRR analysis was completed whereby all June 30, 2018 values were utilized with the exception of overnight borrowings, non-interest bearing deposits, brokered deposits, cash due from banks, non-earning assets, and non-paying liabilities. To diminish potential issues documented above, quarterly average balances were utilized for overnight borrowings, non-interest-bearing deposits, brokered deposits and cash due from banks. Non-earning assets and non-paying liabilities were used to balance the balance sheet. Management believes this view on IRR, while still subject to some yearly cyclicality, typically portrays the Bank's IRR position more accurately.

~~The Company was within policy limits as of June 30, 2018 in all scenarios utilizing the alternative IRR scenario run. The table below highlights those results:~~

~~Alternative Net Sensitive Earnings at Risk~~

Net Sensitive Earnings at Risk
Alternative IRR Results Standard (Parallel Shift) Year 1
Net Interest Income at Risk%
-100 +100 +200 +300 +400
Basis Point Change Scenario -4.1 % 1.9 % 3.2 % 4.3 % 5.4 %
Board Policy Limits -8.0 % -8.0 % -10.0 % -15.0 % -20.0 %

~~The alternative EAR analysis reported at June 30, 2018 shows that in all rising rate scenarios, more assets than liabilities would reprice over the modeled one-year period.~~

~~Net Sensitive Earnings at Risk as of June 30, 2018~~

Balances as of June 30, 2018
Change in Interest Income/Expense
for a given change in interest rates
Over / (Under) Base Case Parallel Shift
Basis Point Change Scenario Book Value (in $000's) % of Total -100 Base +100 +200 +300 +400
Total Loans 1,596,050
42.4 % 75,993
81,878
87,628
93,346
98,958
104,794
Total Investments (non-TEY) and other Earning Assets 2,164,008
57.6 % 55,098
61,807
66,189
69,887
73,429
76,758
Total Interest-Sensitive Income 3,760,057
100.0 % 131,092
143,684
153,816
163,233
172,388
181,552
Total Interest-Bearing Deposits 883,649
96.8 % 8,489
13,266
18,400
23,534
28,669
33,803
Total Borrowings 29,117
3.2 % 455
749
1,044
1,338
1,633
1,928
Total Interest-Sensitive Expense 912,766
100.0 % 8,944
14,015
19,444
24,873
30,302
35,731

~~Alternative Net Sensitive Earnings at Risk~~

Alternative IRR Results
Change in Interest Income/Expense
for a given change in interest rates
Over / (Under) Base Case Parallel Shift
Basis Point Change Scenario Book Value (in $000's) % of Total -100 Base +100 +200 +300 +400
Total Loans 1,727,668
43.6 % 76,132
82,111
87,956
93,769
99,476
105,407
Total Investments (non-TEY) and other Earning Assets 2,235,543
56.4 % 56,128
63,540
68,624
73,024
77,268
81,312
Total Interest-Sensitive Income 3,963,212
100.0 % 132,260
145,651
156,580
166,793
176,744
186,718
Total Interest-Bearing Deposits 742,521
63.7 % 6,917
10,825
15,092
19,358
23,625
27,892
Total Borrowings 423,238
36.3 % 4,848
9,138
13,429
17,719
22,013
26,321
Total Interest-Sensitive Expense 1,165,759
100.0 % 11,764
19,963
28,520
37,077
45,638
54,213

The Company believes that its growing portfolio of ~~non-interest bearing~~noninterest-bearing deposits provides a stable and profitable funding vehicle and a significant competitive advantage in a rising interest rate environment as the Company’s cost of funds would likely remain relatively low, with less increase expected relative to many other banks.

Under EVE analysis, the economic value of financial assets, liabilities and off-balance sheet instruments, is derived under each rate scenario. The economic value of equity is calculated as the difference between the estimated market value of assets and liabilities, net of the impact of off-balance sheet instruments.

The EVE analysis used in the following table reflects the required analysis used no less than quarterly by management. It models immediate -100, +100, +200, +300 and +400 basis point parallel shifts in market interest rates. Due to the current low level of interest rates, only a -100 basis point parallel shift is represented.

The Company was within Board policy limits for all scenarios. The table below shows the results of the scenarios as of ~~June 30,~~December 31, 2018:

Economic Value Sensitivity as of ~~June 30,~~December 31, 2018


Balances as of June 30, 2018	Standard (Parallel Shift)
											Standard (Parallel Shift)
	Economic Value of Equity at Risk%										Economic Value of Equity at Risk%
	-100		+100		+200		+300		+400		-100		100		200		300		400
Basis Point Change Scenario	-1.0	%	-2.6	%	-6.6	%	-11.5	%	-15.3	%	-1.0	%	-0.9	%	-2.6	%	-5.1	%	-6.5	%
Board Policy Limits	-10.0	%	-10.0	%	-20.0	%	-30.0	%	-40.0	%	-10.0	%	-10.0	%	-20.0	%	-30.0	%	-40.0	%

The EVE at risk reported at ~~June 30,~~December 31, 2018 shows that as interest rates increase, the economic value of equity position will decrease from the base, primarily due to the degree of the economic value of its base asset size in relation to the economic value of its base liability size. When viewing total asset versus total liability economic value, projected total assets are affected similarly on a percentage basis as compared to projected total liabilities in a rising rate environment.

~~The Company was within policy limits in all scenarios utilizing the alternative IRR scenario run for management purposes. The table below highlights those results:~~

~~Alternative Economic Value Sensitivity~~

Alternative IRR Results Standard (Parallel Shift)
Economic Value of Equity at Risk%
-100 +100 +200 +300 +400
Basis Point Change Scenario -0.4 % -3.3 % -8.0 % -13.6 % -17.9 %
Board Policy Limits -10.0 % -10.0 % -20.0 % -30.0 % -40.0 %

The EVE at risk reported using the alternative methodology used for management purposes shows that if interest rates increase immediately, the economic value of equity position will decrease from the base, partially due to the degree of the economic value of its base asset size in relation to the economic value of its base liabilities size.

~~Detailed Economic Value Sensitivity~~

The following table details the economic value sensitivity to changes in market interest rates at June 30, 2018, for loans, investments, deposits, borrowings, and other assets and liabilities (dollars in thousands). The analysis reflects that in all rising rate scenarios, total assets are marginally less sensitive than total liabilities. Asset sensitivity is offset by the non-interest bearing deposits.

Balances as of June 30, 2018
Change in Economic Value
for a given change in interest rates
Over / (Under) Base Case Parallel Shift
Basis Point Change Scenario Book Value (in $000's) % of Total -100 +100 +200 +300 +400
Total Loans 1,596,050
38.4 % 2.0 % -2.0 % -3.9 % -5.8 % -7.6 %
Total Investment 2,159,052
52.0 % 3.8 % -4.9 % -10.1 % -15.2 % -19.6 %
Other Assets 400,146
9.6 % 0.0 % 0.0 % 0.0 % 0.0 % 0.0 %
Assets 4,155,247
100.0 % 2.7 % -3.3 % -6.7 % -10.1 % -13.0 %
Interest Bearing Deposits 883,649
24.4 % 1.1 % -1.1 % -2.1 % -3.0 % -3.9 %
Non-Interest Bearing Deposits 2,638,762
72.8 % 5.2 % -4.7 % -8.9 % -12.7 % -16.2 %
Total Borrowings & Other Liabilities 102,492
2.8 % 0.0 % 0.0 % 0.0 % 0.0 % 0.0 %
Liabilities 3,624,903
100.0 % 3.9 % -3.5 % -6.8 % -9.7 % -12.3 %

~~Detailed Alternative Economic Value Sensitivity~~

The following is EVE at risk reported using the alternative methodology used for management purposes, for loans, investments, deposits, borrowings, and other assets and liabilities (dollars in thousands). The analysis reflects that in rising interest rate scenarios, the total assets are slightly more sensitive in regard to economic value sensitivity.

Alternative IRR Results
Change in Economic Value
for a given change in interest rates
Over / (Under) Base Case Parallel Shift
Basis Point Change Scenario Book Value (in $000's) % of Total -100 +100 +200 +300 +400
Total Loans 1,727,668
41.6 % 1.8 % -1.8 % -3.6 % -5.4 % -7.0 %
Total Investment 2,173,407
52.3 % 3.8 % -4.9 % -10.0 % -15.1 % -19.4 %
Other Assets 254,172
6.1 % 0.0 % 0.0 % 0.0 % 0.0 % 0.0 %
Assets 4,155,247
100.0 % 2.7 % -3.3 % -6.7 % -10.1 % -13.0 %
Interest Bearing Deposits 742,521
20.5 % 1.3 % -1.2 % -2.3 % -3.3 % -4.3 %
Non-Interest Bearing Deposits 2,486,865
68.6 % 5.2 % -4.7 % -9.0 % -12.8 % -16.3 %
Total Borrowings & Other Liabilities 395,518
10.9 % 0.0 % 0.0 % 0.0 % 0.0 % 0.0 %
Liabilities 3,624,904
100.0 % 3.7 % -3.3 % -6.3 % -9.1 % -11.6 %

Certain shortcomings are inherent in the method of analysis discussed above and as presented in the tables above. For example, although certain assets and liabilities may have similar maturities or periods to repricing, they may react in different degrees to changes in market interest rates. Also, the interest rates on certain types of assets and liabilities may fluctuate in advance of changes in market interest rates, while interest rates on other types may lag behind changes in market rates. Additionally, certain assets, such as adjustable rate mortgage loans, have features that restrict changes in interest rates on a short-term basis and over the life of the asset. Furthermore, although management has estimated changes in the levels of prepayments and early withdrawal in these rate environments, such levels would likely deviate from those assumed in calculating the tables above. Finally, the ability of some borrowers to service their debt may decrease in the event of an interest rate increase.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures.

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Any control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable (not absolute) assurance that its objectives will be met. Furthermore, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, have been detected. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in a cost-effective control system, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that misstatements due to error or fraud will not occur or that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the Company have been detected.

DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

The Company’s management, with the participation of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s “disclosure controls and procedures”, as such term is defined in Rules 13a - 15(e) and 15d - 15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Exchange Act”) as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report.

Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, at ~~June 30,~~December 31, 2018, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective to provide reasonable assurance that (i) the information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and (ii) information required to be disclosed by us in our reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

With the participation of the Company’s management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, the Company conducted an evaluation of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting to determine whether any changes occurred during the Company’s fiscal quarter ended ~~June 30,~~December 31, 2018, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Based on such evaluation, management concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, there have not been any changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the fiscal quarter to which this report relates that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

META FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

FORM 10-Q

Item 1. Legal Proceedings. - See “Legal Proceedings” under Note 610 to the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, which is incorporated herein by reference.

I~~tem~~Item 1A. Risk Factors. - A description of our risk factors can be found in "Item 1A. Risk Factors" included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, ~~2017.~~2018. There were no material changes to those risk factors during the ~~nine~~three months ended ~~June 30, 2018, except that the following risk factors are hereby added:~~December 31, 2018.

~~There are risks associated with the transaction with Crestmark and Crestmark Bank.~~

We recently announced that, on August 1, 2018, we and MetaBank consummated the transactions contemplated by a definitive agreement and plan of merger with Crestmark and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Crestmark Bank, whereby we acquired Crestmark in an all-stock transaction. Following the Crestmark merger, the Company is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties related to the Crestmark merger, including, but not limited to, the following:

~~the businesses may not be combined successfully, or such combination may take longer, be more difficult, time-consuming or costly to accomplish than expected;~~

~~the risk that the expected growth opportunities, beneficial synergies and/or operating efficiencies from the Crestmark merger may not be fully realized or may take longer to realize than expected;~~

~~customer losses and business disruption in connection with and following the merger with Crestmark;~~

~~potential litigation or regulatory actions relating to the Crestmark transaction;~~

~~the risk that the Company may incur unanticipated or unknown losses or liabilities following completion of the Crestmark merger; and~~

~~potential adverse effects on the market price of our common stock caused by the sale of such stock held by former Crestmark shareholders following the transaction.~~

Any of the foregoing risks or similar risks could have an adverse impact on our business. We have also incurred, and will incur, significant expenses associated with the Crestmark merger, including fees of professional advisors and integration costs.

Additional information regarding the risks and uncertainties associated with the Crestmark merger are contained in the registration statement on Form S-4, which includes a joint proxy statement and prospectus, that was filed with the SEC in connection with the Crestmark merger.

Program agreements that the Company and the Bank have entered into, and expect to enter into from time to time in the future, with third parties to market and service consumer loans originated by the Bank may subject the Bank to claims from regulatory agencies and other third parties that, if successful, could negatively impact MetaBank’s ongoing and future business.

The Bank has entered into various agreements with unaffiliated third parties (“Marketers”), whereby the Marketers will market and service unsecured consumer loans underwritten and originated by the Bank. The Company expects the Bank to enter into additional similar program agreements with other third parties to market and service loans originated by the Bank, from time to time in the future. Certain types of these arrangements have been challenged both in the courts and in regulatory actions. In these actions, plaintiffs have generally argued that the “true lender” is the marketer and that the intent of such lending program is to evade state usury and loan licensing laws. Other cases have also included other claims, including racketeering and other state law claims, in their challenge of such programs. There can be no assurance that lawsuits or regulatory actions in connection with any such lending programs the Bank enters into will not be brought in the future. If a regulatory agency, consumer advocate group or other third party were to bring an action against the Bank or any of the third parties with which the Bank operates such lending programs, and such actions were successful, such an outcome could have a material adverse effect on the Bank and the Company.

~~Agreements with Marketers whereby the Bank will originate and hold unsecured consumer loans, may result in increased exposure to credit risk and fraud and may present certain additional risks.~~

Although the Bank has offered unsecured consumer loans to its customers through its brick-and-mortar branch network, the Bank’s entry into program agreements with other third parties to market and service loans originated by the Bank, such as its recently announced program agreement with Liberty Lending, LLC, represents a new area of the consumer credit market for the Bank, which presents potential increased credit risks. As a result of the loans originated under such program being unsecured, in the event a borrower does not repay the loan in accordance with its terms or otherwise defaults on the loan, the Bank may not be able to recover from the borrower an amount sufficient to pay any remaining balance on the loan. See “If the Company’s actual loan losses exceed the Company’s allowance for loan losses, the Company’s net income will decrease.” We may also become subject to claims by regulatory agencies or other third parties due to the conduct of the third parties with which the Bank operates such lending programs if such conduct does not comply with applicable laws in connection with marketing and servicing loans under the program.

~~The student loan portfolio purchases present certain risks to the Bank.~~

The Bank purchased two separate student loan portfolios in fiscal year 2017 and the beginning of fiscal year 2018. The first of which portfolios included seasoned loans that were taken by medical school students who enrolled in non-U.S. medical schools and the second included more traditional loans made to higher education students. The servicing of these loans remains with ReliaMax Lending Services, LLC. To the extent there are any issues raised in connection with the origination, transfer or servicing of the loans constituting these portfolios, including the Company's incurrence of direct servicing costs in excess of its estimates, and to the extent any related losses were not deemed to be insured losses pursuant to the surety agreement and other insurance applicable to these loans, such a determination could have a material adverse effect on the Bank and the Company.

As previously disclosed, the Company received written notification from ReliaMax Surety Company ("ReliaMax Surety"), which provided insurance coverage for the Company’s purchased student loan portfolios, on June 18, 2018 informing policy holders that the South Dakota Division of Insurance filed a petition to have ReliaMax Surety declared insolvent and to adopt a plan of liquidation. An Order of Liquidation was entered on June 27, 2018 by the Sixth Circuit Court in Hughes County, South Dakota, declaring ReliaMax Surety insolvent and appointing the South Dakota Division of Insurance as liquidator to adopt a plan of liquidation. As a result of these proceedings, the Company’s purchased student loan portfolios are no longer insured. Accordingly, at June 30, 2018 the Company recorded a $3.0 million provision on the Company’s purchased student loan portfolios, and the Company expects to recognize additional ongoing provision expense on the purchased student loan portfolios until recovery of unearned premiums is collected. The Company cannot provide any assurances whether or to what extent it will be able to recover all or any portion of unearned premiums relating to its purchased student loan portfolios, whether as a result of the ReliaMax Surety liquidation plan, the state insurance guarantee fund or otherwise. If the Company’s recovery of unearned premiums is less than expected (including if the Company does not recover any such amounts at all), the Company may recognize loan losses in the future in excess of its estimates, which may adversely affect the Company’s realized pre-tax yields on its purchased student loan portfolios and may otherwise have a material adverse impact on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.

Item 6. Exhibits.



Exhibit Number	Description

~~3.1~~10.1	~~Certificate~~Transition and General Release Agreement, dated as of ~~Incorporation,~~January 16, 2019, by and among J. Tyler Haahr, Meta Financial Group, Inc. and MetaBank, filed on January 17, 2019 as ~~amended~~an exhibit to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K, is incorporated herein by reference.

31.1	Section 302 certification of Chief Executive Officer.

31.2	Section 302 certification of Chief Financial Officer.

32.1	Section 906 certification of Chief Executive Officer.

32.2	Section 906 certification of Chief Financial Officer.

101.INS	Instance Document

101.SCH	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

101.CAL	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

101.DEF	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

101.LAB	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document

101.PRE	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

META FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

SIGNATURES

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



	META FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

Date: ~~August 8, 2018~~February 7, 2019	By:	/s/ ~~J. Tyler Haahr~~Bradley C. Hanson
		~~J. Tyler Haahr, Chairman of the Board~~Bradley C. Hanson,
		~~and~~President, Chief Executive Officer and Director

Date: ~~August 8, 2018~~February 7, 2019	By:	/s/ Glen W. Herrick
		Glen W. Herrick, Executive Vice President
		and Chief Financial Officer

6858



	Three Months Ended June 30,						Nine Months Ended June 30,
	2018			2017			2018			2017
Net income	$	6,792		$	9,787		$	42,898		$	43,173

Other comprehensive (loss) income:
Change in net unrealized (loss) gain on securities	(9,905		)	11,902			(53,377		)	(25,398		)
Losses (gains) realized in net income	22			(47		)	1,198			1,331
	(9,883		)	11,855			(52,179		)	(24,067		)
LESS: Deferred income tax effect	(2,447		)	4,472			(14,412		)	(8,544		)
Total other comprehensive (loss) income	(7,436		)	7,383			(37,767		)	(15,523		)
Total comprehensive (loss) income	$	(644	)	$	17,170		$	5,131		$	27,650



	1-4 Family Real Estate			Commercial and Multi-Family Real Estate		Agricultural Real Estate			Consumer			Commercial Operating			Agricultural Operating			CML Insurance Premium Finance			Unallocated		Total
	(Dollars in Thousands)
Three Months Ended June 30, 2018
Allowance for loan losses:
Beginning balance	$	883		$	3,904	$	146		$	18,074		$	1,716		$	619		$	746		$	990	$	27,078
Provision (recovery) for loan losses	(231		)	711		51			4,476			(26		)	(102		)	304			132		5,315
Charge offs	—			—		—			(9,000		)	(1,507		)	—			(243		)	—		(10,750		)
Recoveries	—			—		—			—			1			207			99			—		307
Ending balance	$	652		$	4,615	$	197		$	13,550		$	184		$	724		$	906		$	1,122	$	21,950

Nine Months Ended June 30, 2018

Allowance for loan losses:
Beginning balance	$	803		$	2,670	$	1,390		$	6		$	158		$	1,184		$	796		$	527	$	7,534
Provision (recovery) for loan losses	(123		)	1,945		(1,193		)	22,174			1,480			(721		)	569			595		24,726
Charge offs	(31		)	—		—			(9,000		)	(1,507		)	—			(711		)	—		(11,249		)
Recoveries	3			—		—			370			53			261			252			—		939
Ending balance	$	652		$	4,615	$	197		$	13,550		$	184		$	724		$	906		$	1,122	$	21,950

Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment	25			—		—			—			—			—			—			—		25
Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment	627			4,615		197			13,550			184			724			906			1,122		21,925
Total	$	652		$	4,615	$	197		$	13,550		$	184		$	724		$	906		$	1,122	$	21,950

Loans:
Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment	229			409		—			47			—			2,135			—			—		2,820
Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment	214,525			716,086		35,475			258,111			46,069			22,486			303,603			—		1,596,355
Total	$	214,754		$	716,495	$	35,475		$	258,158		$	46,069		$	24,621		$	303,603		$	—	$	1,599,175



	Accruing and Non-accruing Loans											Non-performing Loans
June 30, 2018	30-59 Days Past Due		60-89 Days Past Due		> 89 Days Past Due		Total Past Due		Current		Total Loans Receivable	> 89 Days Past Due and Accruing	Non-accrual balance		Total
	(Dollars in Thousands)
1-4 Family Real Estate	$	—	$	—	$	214	$	214	$	214,540	214,754	79	$	135	$	214
Commercial and Multi-Family Real Estate	—		—		—		—		716,495		716,495	—	—		—
Agricultural Real Estate	—		—		—		—		35,475		35,475	—	—		—
Consumer	2,657		15,461		1,846		19,964		238,194		258,158	1,846	—		1,846
Commercial Operating	—		—		—		—		46,069		46,069	—	—		—
Agricultural Operating	—		—		—		—		24,621		24,621	—	—		—
CML Insurance Premium Finance	1,111		561		3,669		5,341		298,262		303,603	3,669	—		3,669
Total	$	3,768	$	16,022	$	5,729	$	25,519	$	1,573,656	1,599,175	5,594	$	135	$	5,729



	Number of Shares		Weighted Average Exercise Price		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (Yrs)	Aggregate Intrinsic Value
	(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Data)
Options outstanding, September 30, 2017	75,757		$	22.62	2.28	$	4,225
Granted	—		—		—	—
Exercised	(23,770	)	16.45		—	1,909
Forfeited or expired	—		—		—	—
Options outstanding, June 30, 2018	51,987		$	25.45	2.04	$	3,741

Options exercisable, June 30, 2018	51,987		$	25.45	2.04	$	3,741



	Number of Shares		Weighted Average Fair Value at Grant
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Data)
Nonvested (restricted) shares outstanding, September 30, 2017	304,526		$	86.96
Granted	64,071		92.58
Vested	(71,881	)	86.17
Forfeited or expired	(1,191	)	79.06
Nonvested (restricted) shares outstanding, June 30, 2018	295,525		$	88.40



	Trademark⁽¹⁾			Non-Compete⁽²⁾			Customer Relationships⁽³⁾			All Others⁽⁴⁾			Total
Intangibles
Balance as of September 30, 2017	$	10,051		$	1,782		$	31,707		$	8,638		$	52,178
Acquisitions during the period	—			—			—			85			85
Amortization during the period	(477		)	(367		)	(4,548		)	(685		)	(6,077		)
Write-offs during the period	—			—			—			(88		)	(88		)
Balance as of June 30, 2018	$	9,574		$	1,415		$	27,159		$	7,950		$	46,098

Gross carrying amount	$	10,990		$	2,480		$	57,810		$	10,587		$	81,867
Accumulated amortization	(1,416		)	(1,065		)	(20,403		)	(2,020		)	(24,904		)
Accumulated impairment	—			—			(10,248		)	(617		)	(10,865		)
Balance as of June 30, 2018	$	9,574		$	1,415		$	27,159		$	7,950		$	46,098



	(Dollars in Thousands)
Remaining in 2018	$	1,632
2019	7,151
2020	5,753
2021	5,184
2022	4,262
2023	3,624
Thereafter	18,492
Total anticipated intangible amortization	$	46,098



Net Sensitive Earnings at Risk
Balances as of June 30, 2018	Standard (Parallel Shift) Year 1
	Net Interest Income at Risk%
	-100		+100		+200		+300		+400
Basis Point Change Scenario	-5.8	%	3.6	%	6.7	%	9.6	%	12.5	%
Board Policy Limits	-8.0	%	-8.0	%	-10.0	%	-15.0	%	-20.0	%



Net Sensitive Earnings at Risk
Alternative IRR Results	Standard (Parallel Shift) Year 1
	Net Interest Income at Risk%
	-100		+100		+200		+300		+400
Basis Point Change Scenario	-4.1	%	1.9	%	3.2	%	4.3	%	5.4	%
Board Policy Limits	-8.0	%	-8.0	%	-10.0	%	-15.0	%	-20.0	%



Balances as of June 30, 2018
				Change in Economic Value for a given change in interest rates
				Over / (Under) Base Case Parallel Shift
Basis Point Change Scenario	Book Value (in $000's)	% of Total		-100		+100		+200		+300		+400
Total Loans	1,596,050	38.4	%	2.0	%	-2.0	%	-3.9	%	-5.8	%	-7.6	%
Total Investment	2,159,052	52.0	%	3.8	%	-4.9	%	-10.1	%	-15.2	%	-19.6	%
Other Assets	400,146	9.6	%	0.0	%	0.0	%	0.0	%	0.0	%	0.0	%
Assets	4,155,247	100.0	%	2.7	%	-3.3	%	-6.7	%	-10.1	%	-13.0	%
Interest Bearing Deposits	883,649	24.4	%	1.1	%	-1.1	%	-2.1	%	-3.0	%	-3.9	%
Non-Interest Bearing Deposits	2,638,762	72.8	%	5.2	%	-4.7	%	-8.9	%	-12.7	%	-16.2	%
Total Borrowings & Other Liabilities	102,492	2.8	%	0.0	%	0.0	%	0.0	%	0.0	%	0.0	%
Liabilities	3,624,903	100.0	%	3.9	%	-3.5	%	-6.8	%	-9.7	%	-12.3	%