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home / news releases / TCBK - TriCo Bancshares Announces Annual and Quarterly Results


TCBK - TriCo Bancshares Announces Annual and Quarterly Results

TriCo Bancshares (NASDAQ: TCBK) (the “Company”), parent company of Tri Counties Bank, today announced net income of $28,222,000 for the quarter ended December 31, 2021, compared to $27,422,000 during the trailing quarter ended September 30, 2021 and $23,657,000 during the quarter ended December 31, 2020. Diluted earnings per share were $0.94 for the fourth quarter of 2021, compared to $0.92 for the third quarter of 2021 and $0.79 for the fourth quarter of 2020.

Financial Highlights

Performance highlights and other developments for the Company as of or for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2021 included the following:

  • For the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2021, the Company’s return on average assets was 1.31% and 1.43%, respectively, and the return on average equity was 11.20% and 12.10%, respectively.
  • Loan growth, excluding PPP, totaled $119.4 million (10.1% annualized) for the current quarter and $419.1 million (9.4% annualized) for the trailing twelve-month period.
  • For the current quarter, net interest margin on a tax equivalent basis was 3.50%, which was consistent with the 3.50% in the trailing quarter and 3.79% for the quarter ended December 31, 2020.
  • The efficiency ratio improved to 53.18% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2021, as compared to 58.40% for the same period of the prior year.
  • As of December 31, 2021, the Company reported total loans, total assets and total deposits of $4.92 billion, $8.61 billion and $7.37 billion, respectively. As a direct result of significant deposit growth in the last year, the loan to deposit ratio has declined to 66.74% as of December 31, 2021, as compared to 73.21% at December 31, 2020.
  • The average rate of interest paid on deposits, including non-interest-bearing deposits, equaled 0.04% during the fourth quarter of 2021, comparing favorably with 0.05% during the trailing quarter, and representing a decrease of 3 basis points from the average rate paid of 0.07% during the same quarter of the prior year.
  • The balance of PPP loans outstanding at December 31, 2021 totaled $63.3 million and the balance of SBA fees remaining to be accreted totaled $2.2 million. Over 90% of all PPP loans originated have been forgiven and repaid by the SBA.
  • Noninterest income related to service charges and fees was $11.3 million and $43.9 million for the three and twelve month periods ended December 31, 2021, an increase of 10.4% and 15.7% when compared to the same periods in 2020.
  • The provision for credit losses for loans and debt securities was approximately $1.0 million during the quarter ended December 31, 2021, as compared to a reversal of provision expense of $1.4 million during the trailing quarter ended September 30, 2021, and a provision expense totaling $4.9 million for the three month period ended December 31, 2020.
  • The allowance for credit losses to total loans was 1.74% as of December 31, 2021, compared to 1.72% as of the trailing quarter end, and 1.93% as of December 31, 2020. Non-performing assets to total assets were 0.38% at December 31, 2021, as compared to 0.37% as of September 30, 2021, and 0.39% at December 31, 2020.

“Fourth Quarter operating results remained strong as net loan growth, excluding PPP, exceeded 10 percent during the quarter. In addition, the performance of our Southern California commercial banking centers that opened in the Summer of 2021 are exceeding our internal forecasts,” commented Rick Smith, President and Chief Executive Officer. Smith added, “We also expect our acquisition of Valley Republic Bank to close in the first quarter of 2022. The Valley Team continues to build loan pipelines and their loan growth remains strong."

Peter Wiese, EVP and Chief Financial Officer also commented, “2021 represented the first year in our history where annual net income exceeded $100 million and total shareholders’ equity grew to over $1.0 billion. We thank our pandemic-weary Team for all of their hard work and efforts over the past year."

Financial results reported in this document are preliminary. Final financial results and other disclosures will be reported in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2021, and may differ materially from the results and disclosures in this document due to, among other things, the completion of final review procedures, the occurrence of subsequent events, or the discovery of additional information.

Summary Results

For the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2021, the Company’s return on average assets was 1.31% and 1.43%, respectively, while the return on average equity was 11.20% and 12.10%, respectively. For the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2020, the Company’s return on average assets was 1.24% and 0.91%, respectively, while the return on average equity was 10.37% and 7.18%, respectively.

The following is a summary of the components of the Company’s operating results and performance ratios for the periods indicated:

Three months ended

December 31,

September 30,

(dollars and shares in thousands)

2021

2021

$ Change

% Change

Net interest income

$

69,783

$

68,233

$

1,550

2.3

%

(Provision for) reversal of credit losses

(980

)

1,435

(2,415

)

(168.3

) %

Noninterest income

16,502

15,095

1,407

9.3

%

Noninterest expense

(46,679

)

(45,807

)

(872

)

1.9

%

Provision for income taxes

(10,404

)

(11,534

)

1,130

(9.8

) %

Net income

$

28,222

$

27,422

$

800

2.9

%

Diluted earnings per share

$

0.94

$

0.92

$

0.02

2.2

%

Dividends per share

$

0.25

$

0.25

$

%

Average common shares

29,724

29,714

10

%

Average diluted common shares

29,870

29,851

19

0.1

%

Return on average total assets

1.31

%

1.30

%

Return on average equity

11.20

%

11.02

%

Efficiency ratio

54.10

%

54.97

%

Three months ended
December 31,

(dollars and shares in thousands)

2021

2020

$ Change

% Change

Net interest income

$

69,783

$

66,422

$

3,361

5.1

%

Reversal of credit losses

(980

)

(4,850

)

3,870

(79.8

) %

Noninterest income

16,502

16,580

(78

)

(0.5

) %

Noninterest expense

(46,679

)

(45,745

)

(934

)

2.0

%

Provision for income taxes

(10,404

)

(8,750

)

(1,654

)

18.9

%

Net income

$

28,222

$

23,657

$

4,565

19.3

%

Diluted earnings per share

$

0.94

$

0.79

$

0.15

19.0

%

Dividends per share

$

0.25

$

0.22

$

0.03

13.6

%

Average common shares

29,724

29,757

(33

)

(0.1

) %

Average diluted common shares

29,870

29,863

7

%

Return on average total assets

1.31

%

1.24

%

Return on average equity

11.20

%

10.37

%

Efficiency ratio

54.10

%

55.11

%

Twelve months ended
December 31,

(dollars and shares in thousands)

2021

2020

$ Change

% Change

Net interest income

$

271,539

$

257,727

$

13,812

5.4

%

Reversal of (provision for) credit losses

6,775

(42,813

)

49,588

(115.8

) %

Noninterest income

63,664

55,194

8,470

15.3

%

Noninterest expense

(178,275

)

(182,758

)

4,483

(2.5

) %

Provision for income taxes

(46,048

)

(22,536

)

(23,512

)

104.3

%

Net income

$

117,655

$

64,814

$

52,841

81.5

%

Diluted earnings per share

$

3.94

$

2.16

$

1.78

82.4

%

Dividends per share

$

1.00

$

0.88

$

0.12

13.6

%

Average common shares

29,721

29,917

(196

)

(0.7

) %

Average diluted common shares

29,882

30,028

(146

)

(0.5

) %

Return on average total assets

1.43

%

0.91

%

Return on average equity

12.10

%

7.18

%

Efficiency ratio

53.18

%

58.40

%

SBA Paycheck Protection Program

In March 2020 (Round 1) and subsequently in December 2020 (Round 2), the Small Business Administration ("SBA") Paycheck Protection Program ("PPP") was created to help small businesses keep workers employed during the COVID-19 crisis. Tri Counties Bank, through its online portal, facilitated the ability for borrowers to open a new deposit account and submit PPP applications during the entirety of the Programs. The SBA ended PPP and did not accept new borrowing applications, effective May 31, 2021.

The following is a summary of PPP loan related information as of the periods indicated:

(dollars in thousands)

December 31, 2021

September 30, 2021

June 30, 2021

March 31, 2021

December 31, 2020

Total number of PPP loans outstanding

450

1,449

2,209

2,484

2,310

PPP loan balance (Round 1 origination), gross

$

2,544

$

9,302

$

51,547

$

193,958

$

333,982

PPP loan balance (Round 2 origination), gross

60,767

148,159

197,035

176,316

n/a

Total PPP loans, gross outstanding

$

63,311

$

157,461

$

248,582

$

370,274

$

333,982

PPP deferred loan fees (Round 1 origination)

$

1

$

40

$

477

$

2,358

$

7,212

PPP deferred loan fees (Round 2 origination)

2,163

5,973

8,513

7,072

n/a

Total PPP deferred loan fees outstanding

$

2,164

$

6,013

$

8,990

$

9,430

$

7,212

As of December 31, 2021, the total gross balance outstanding of PPP loans was $63,311,000 as compared to total PPP originations of $640,410,000. In connection with the origination of these loans, the Company earned approximately $25,299,000 in loan fees, offset by deferred loan costs of approximately $1,245,000, the net of which will be recognized over the earlier of loan maturity (between 24-60 months), repayment or receipt of forgiveness confirmation. As of December 31, 2021, there was approximately $2,164,000 in net deferred fee income remaining to be recognized. During the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2021, the Company recognized $3,842,000 and $14,148,000, respectively in fees on PPP loans as compared with $4,643,000 and $7,760,000 for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2020, respectively.

COVID Deferrals

Following the passage of the CARES Act legislation, the "Interagency Statement on Loan Modifications and Reporting for Financial Institutions Working with Customers Affected by the Coronavirus" was issued by federal bank regulators, which offers temporary relief from troubled debt restructuring accounting for loan payment deferrals for certain customers whose businesses are experiencing economic hardship due to Coronavirus. The applicable period for this relief, originally expected to expire on December 31, 2020, was extended through 2021 by way of the Consolidated Appropriations Act.

The following is a summary of COVID related loan customer modifications with outstanding balances as of December 31, 2021:

Modification Type

Deferral Term

(dollars in thousands)

Modified Loan Balances
Outstanding

% of Total
Category of Loans

Interest Only Deferral

Principal and
Interest Deferral

90 Days

180 Days

Other

Commercial real estate:

CRE non-owner occupied

$

18,437

1.2

%

100.0

%

%

%

79.5

%

20.5

%

CRE owner occupied

Multifamily

Farmland

Total commercial real estate loans

18,437

0.6

79.5

20.5

Consumer loans

Commercial and industrial

Construction

Agriculture production

Leases

Total modifications

$

18,437

0.4

%

100.0

%

%

%

79.5

%

20.5

%

The remaining balance outstanding as of December 31, 2021 are expected to conclude their modification period during the first half of 2022. The COVID deferral relief period under the CARES act legislation ended effective January 1, 2022, as such, any further requests for modification from borrowers will be evaluated in accordance with loan modification accounting guidance.

Balance Sheet

Total loans outstanding, excluding PPP, grew to $4.86 billion as of December 31, 2021, an increase of 9.4% over the prior year, and an annualized increase of 10.1% over the trailing quarter. Investments increased to $2.43 billion as of December 31, 2021, an increase of 16.3% annualized over the trailing quarter. Average earning assets to total average assets continued to increase to 93.0% at December 31, 2021, as compared to 92.9% and 92.4% at September 30, 2021, and December 31, 2020, respectively. The loan to deposit ratio was 66.7% at December 31, 2021, as compared to 67.5% and 73.2% at September 30, 2021, and December 31, 2020, respectively.

Total shareholders' equity increased by $18,170,000 during the quarter ended December 31, 2021, primarily as a result of net income of $28,222,000, offset by a decrease in accumulated other comprehensive income of $2,746,000, and $7,433,000 in cash dividends paid on common stock. As a result, the Company’s book value increased to $33.64 per share at December 31, 2021 as compared to $33.05 and $31.12 at September 30, 2021, and December 31, 2020, respectively. The Company’s tangible book value per share, a non-GAAP measure, calculated by subtracting goodwill and other intangible assets from total shareholders’ equity and dividing that sum by total shares outstanding, was $25.80 per share at December 31, 2021, as compared to $25.16 and $23.09 at September 30, 2021, and December 31, 2020, respectively.

Trailing Quarter Balance Sheet Change

Ending balances

As of December 31,

September 30,

$ Change

Annualized
% Change

(dollars in thousands)

2021

2021

Total assets

$

8,614,787

$

8,458,030

$

156,757

7.4

%

Total loans

4,916,624

4,887,496

29,128

2.4

%

Total loans, excluding PPP

4,855,477

4,736,048

119,429

10.1

%

Total investments

2,427,885

2,333,015

94,870

16.3

%

Total deposits

$

7,367,159

$

7,236,822

$

130,337

7.2

%

Organic loan growth, excluding PPP, of $119,429,000 or 10.1% on an annualized basis was realized during the quarter ended December 31, 2021, primarily within commercial real estate. In addition, investment security growth was $94,870,000 or 16.3% on an annualized basis as excess liquidity, driven by continued strong deposit growth, was put to use in higher yielding earning assets. Deposit balances increased during the fourth quarter of 2021 by $130,337,000 or 7.2% annualized.

Average Trailing Quarter Balance Sheet Change

Qtrly avg balances for the period ended

December 31,

September 30,

$ Change

Annualized
% Change

(dollars in thousands)

2021

2021

Total assets

$

8,546,004

$

8,348,111

$

197,893

9.5

%

Total loans

4,862,457

4,897,922

(35,465

)

(2.9

) %

Total loans, excluding PPP

4,759,294

4,684,492

74,802

6.4

%

Total investments

2,402,582

2,149,311

253,271

47.1

%

Total deposits

$

7,304,659

$

7,137,263

$

167,396

9.4

%

The decrease in average total loans of $35,465,000, or 2.9% on an annualized basis, during the fourth quarter of 2021, was led by the quarter over quarter decline in net PPP loan balances outstanding totaling $90,301,000. As noted above, the significant growth in both ending and average balances of investment securities was a direct result of management's focus on the deployment of excess cash balances which remained elevated due to continued deposit growth during the quarter.

Year Over Year Balance Sheet Change

Ending balances

As of December 31,

(dollars in thousands)

2021

2020

$ Change

% Change

Total assets

$

8,614,787

$

7,639,529

$

975,258

12.8

%

Total loans

4,916,624

4,763,127

153,497

3.2

%

Total loans, excluding PPP

4,855,477

4,436,357

419,120

9.4

%

Total investments

2,427,885

1,719,102

708,783

41.2

%

Total deposits

$

7,367,159

$

6,505,934

$

861,225

13.2

%

Net PPP loan balances outstanding have declined by $265,623,000 during the twelve months ended December 31, 2021, meanwhile, non-PPP loan balances (both organic and purchased) have increased by $419,120,000 during the same period. This has led to a beneficial and meaningful shift in the makeup of the loan portfolio, despite total loan balances increasing modestly during the year ended December 31, 2021, by $153,497,000 or 3.2%. The Company's non-PPP loan originations have increased significantly over the past year but have also been challenged by an acceleration in payoffs. Specifically, during the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, loan originations totaled approximately $1.46 billion and $0.79 billion, respectively; while payoffs of loans totaled $1.04 billion and $0.66 billion, respectively. Loan originations are inclusive of those related to the Company's recently opened Southern California loan production offices which contributed $34,742,000 and $38,828,000 during the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2021, respectively. Investment securities increased to $2,427,885,000 at December 31, 2021, a change of $708,783,000 or 41.2% from the prior year.

Net Interest Income and Net Interest Margin

The following is a summary of the components of net interest income for the periods indicated:

Three months ended

December 31,

September 30,

(dollars in thousands)

2021

2021

$ Change

% Change

Interest income

$

71,024

$

69,628

$

1,396

2.0

%

Interest expense

(1,241

)

(1,395

)

154

(11.0

) %

Fully tax-equivalent adjustment (FTE) (1)

274

265

9

3.4

%

Net interest income (FTE)

$

70,057

$

68,498

$

1,559

2.3

%

Net interest margin (FTE)

3.50

%

3.50

%

Acquired loans discount accretion, net:

Amount (included in interest income)

$

1,780

$

2,034

$

(254

)

Net interest margin less effect of acquired loan discount accretion (1)

3.41

%

3.40

%

0.01

%

PPP loans yield, net:

Amount (included in interest income)

$

4,094

$

3,507

$

587

Net interest margin less effect of PPP loan yield (1)

3.34

%

3.42

%

(0.08

) %

Acquired loans discount accretion and PPP loan yield, net:

Amount (included in interest income)

$

5,874

$

5,541

$

333

Net interest margin less effect of acquired loan discount accretion and PPP loan yield (1)

3.25

%

3.31

%

(0.06

) %

Three months ended
December 31,

(dollars in thousands)

2021

2020

$ Change

% Change

Interest income

$

71,024

$

68,081

$

2,943

4.3

%

Interest expense

(1,241

)

(1,659

)

418

(25.2

) %

Fully tax-equivalent adjustment (FTE) (1)

274

258

16

6.2

%

Net interest income (FTE)

$

70,057

$

66,680

$

3,377

5.1

%

Net interest margin (FTE)

3.50

%

3.79

%

Acquired loans discount accretion, net:

Amount (included in interest income)

$

1,780

$

1,960

$

(180

)

Net interest margin less effect of acquired loan discount accretion (1)

3.41

%

3.68

%

(0.27

) %

PPP loans yield, net:

Amount (included in interest income)

$

4,094

$

5,676

$

(1,582

)

Net interest margin less effect of PPP loan yield (1)

3.34

%

3.68

%

(0.34

) %

Acquired loans discount accretion and PPP loan yield, net:

Amount (included in interest income)

$

5,874

$

7,636

$

(1,762

)

Net interest margin less effect of acquired loan discount accretion and PPP loan yield (1)

3.25

%

3.57

%

(0.32

) %

Twelve months ended
December 31,

(dollars in thousands)

2021

2020

$ Change

% Change

Interest income

$

277,047

$

267,184

$

9,863

3.7

%

Interest expense

(5,508

)

(9,457

)

3,949

(41.8

) %

Fully tax-equivalent adjustment (FTE) (1)

1,071

1,069

2

0.2

%

Net interest income (FTE)

$

272,610

$

258,796

$

13,814

5.3

%

Net interest margin (FTE)

3.58

%

3.96

%

Acquired loans discount accretion, net:

Amount (included in interest income)

$

8,091

$

8,171

$

(80

)

Net interest margin less effect of acquired loan discount accretion (1)

3.47

%

3.85

%

(0.38

) %

PPP loans yield, net:

Amount (included in interest income)

$

16,643

$

10,635

$

6,008

Net interest margin less effect of PPP loan yield (1)

3.48

%

3.97

%

(0.49

) %

Acquired loans discount accretion and PPP loan yield, net:

Amount (included in interest income)

$

24,734

$

18,806

$

5,928

Net interest margin less effect of acquired loans discount and PPP loan yield (1)

3.37

%

3.84

%

(0.47

) %

(1)

Certain information included herein is presented on a fully tax-equivalent (FTE) basis and / or to present additional financial details which may be desired by users of this financial information. The Company believes the use of these non-generally accepted accounting principles (non-GAAP) measures provide additional clarity in assessing its results, and the presentation of these measures are common practice within the banking industry. See additional information related to non-GAAP measures at the back of this document.

Loans may be acquired at a premium or discount to par value, in which case, the premium is amortized (subtracted from) or accreted (added to) interest income over the remaining life of the loan. Generally, as time goes on, the dollar impact of loan discount accretion and loan premium amortization decrease as the purchased loans mature or pay off early. Upon the early pay off of a loan, any remaining unaccreted discount or unamortized premium is immediately taken into interest income; and as loan payoffs may vary significantly from quarter to quarter, so may the impact of discount accretion and premium amortization on interest income. As a result of the increase in interest rates, the prepayment rate of portfolio loans, inclusive of those acquired at a premium or discount, declined during the fourth quarter of 2021. During the three months ended December 31, 2021, September 30, 2021, and December 31, 2020, purchased loan discount accretion was $1,780,000, $2,034,000, and $1,960,000, respectively.

The following table shows the components of net interest income and net interest margin on a fully tax-equivalent (FTE) basis for the quarterly periods indicated:

ANALYSIS OF CHANGE IN NET INTEREST MARGIN ON EARNING ASSETS

(unaudited, dollars in thousands)

Three months ended

Three months ended

Three months ended

December 31, 2021

September 30, 2021

December 31, 2020

Average
Balance

Income/
Expense

Yield/
Rate

Average
Balance

Income/
Expense

Yield/
Rate

Average
Balance

Income/
Expense

Yield/
Rate

Assets

Loans, excluding PPP

$

4,759,294

$

56,710

4.73

%

$

4,684,492

$

57,218

4.85

%

$

4,363,873

$

55,339

5.04

%

PPP loans

103,163

4,094

15.74

%

213,430

3,507

6.52

%

403,842

5,676

5.59

%

Investments-taxable

2,261,161

9,028

1.58

%

2,019,283

7,741

1.52

%

1,458,856

6,022

1.64

%

Investments-nontaxable (1)

141,421

1,186

3.33

%

130,028

1,147

3.50

%

113,656

1,121

3.92

%

Total investments

2,402,582

10,214

1.69

%

2,149,311

8,888

1.64

%

1,572,512

7,143

1.81

%

Cash at Federal Reserve and other banks

682,759

280

0.16

%

710,936

280

0.16

%

658,355

181

0.11

%

Total earning assets

7,947,798

71,298

3.56

%

7,758,169

69,893

3.57

%

6,998,582

68,339

3.88

%

Other assets, net

598,206

589,942

572,370

Total assets

$

8,546,004

$

8,348,111

$

7,570,952

Liabilities and shareholders’ equity

Interest-bearing demand deposits

$

1,544,176

$

58

0.01

%

$

1,507,697

$

116

0.03

%

$

1,275,550

$

43

0.01

%

Savings deposits

2,486,532

291

0.05

%

2,407,368

328

0.05

%

2,145,543

405

0.08

%

Time deposits

315,953

349

0.44

%

321,381

411

0.51

%

362,104

661

0.73

%

Total interest-bearing deposits

4,346,661

698

0.06

%

4,236,446

855

0.08

%

3,783,197

1,109

0.12

%

Other borrowings

50,667

7

0.05

%

48,330

6

0.05

%

32,504

4

0.05

%

Junior subordinated debt

58,004

536

3.67

%

57,891

534

3.66

%

57,581

546

3.77

%

Total interest-bearing liabilities

4,455,332

1,241

0.11

%

4,342,667

1,395

0.13

%

3,873,282

1,659

0.17

%

Noninterest-bearing deposits

2,957,998

2,900,817

2,557,978

Other liabilities

132,910

117,601

232,224

Shareholders’ equity

999,764

987,026

907,468

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

$

8,546,004

$

8,348,111

$

7,570,952

Net interest rate spread (1) (2)

3.45

%

3.45

%

3.71

%

Net interest income and margin (1) (3)

$

70,057

3.50

%

$

68,498

3.50

%

$

66,680

3.79

%

(1)

Fully taxable equivalent (FTE). All yields and rates are calculated using specific day counts for the period and year as applicable.

(2)

Net interest spread is the average yield earned on interest-earning assets minus the average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities.

(3)

Net interest margin is computed by calculating the difference between interest income and interest expense, divided by the average balance of interest-earning assets.

Net interest income (FTE) during the three months ended December 31, 2021 increased $1,559,000 or 2.3% to $70,057,000 compared to $68,498,000 during the three months ended September 30, 2021. Over the same period, net interest margin remained unchanged at 3.50%, as compared to the trailing quarter. This is attributed to an elevated yield earned from PPP loans during the quarter as a result of fee income accretion following Round 2 PPP loans being forgiven by the SBA and repaid, which was offset by a decline in yield of non-PPP loans totaling 12 basis points.

As compared to the same quarter in the prior year, average loan yields, excluding PPP, decreased 31 basis points from 5.04% during the three months ended December 31, 2020, to 4.73% during the three months ended December 31, 2021. The accretion of discounts from acquired loans added 15 and 17 basis points to loan yields during the quarters ended December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. Therefore, of the 31 basis point decrease in yields on loans during the comparable three month periods ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, 29 basis points was attributable to decreases in market rates, while 2 basis points resulted from less accretion of discounts. The index utilized in a significant portion of the Company’s variable rate loans, Wall Street Journal Prime, has remained unchanged at 3.25% since March 15, 2020, when it was reduced from 4.25%.

The rates paid on interest bearing liabilities generally remained flat during the quarter ended December 31, 2021 compared to the trailing quarter. The decline in interest expense when compared to the same quarter from the prior year, however, was primarily attributed to reductions in the rates offered on deposit products. As a result, the cost of interest-bearing deposits decreased by 6 basis points during the quarter ended December 31, 2021, to 0.06% from 0.12% during the same quarter of the prior year. In addition, the level of noninterest-bearing deposits continues to benefit the average cost of total deposits which decreased to 0.04% in the current quarter compared to 0.7% in the fourth quarter of the prior year. Specifically, the ratio of average total noninterest-bearing deposits to total average deposits was 40.5% and 40.6% as of December 31, 2021 and September 30, 2021, respectively, as compared to 40.3% in the quarter ended December 31, 2020.

ANALYSIS OF CHANGE IN NET INTEREST MARGIN ON EARNING ASSETS

(unaudited, dollars in thousands)

Twelve months ended December 31, 2021

Twelve months ended December 31, 2020

Average
Balance

Income/
Expense

Yield/
Rate

Average
Balance

Income/
Expense

Yield/
Rate

Assets

Loans, excluding PPP

$

4,625,410

$

225,626

4.88

%

$

4,361,679

$

223,086

5.11

%

PPP loans

250,391

16,643

6.65

%

284,326

10,635

3.74

%

Investments-taxable

1,914,788

30,352

1.59

%

1,302,367

28,659

2.20

%

Investments-nontaxable (1)

160,863

4,639

2.88

%

116,717

4,636

3.97

%

Total investments

2,075,651

34,991

1.69

%

1,419,084

33,295

2.35

%

Cash at Federal Reserve and other banks

663,801

858

0.13

%

467,376

1,237

0.26

%

Total earning assets

7,615,253

278,118

3.65

%

6,532,465

268,253

4.11

%

Other assets, net

594,420

590,966

Total assets

$

8,209,673

$

7,123,431

Liabilities and shareholders’ equity

Interest-bearing demand deposits

$

1,493,922

$

327

0.02

%

$

1,313,804

$

332

0.03

%

Savings deposits

2,360,605

1,256

0.05

%

2,015,134

2,595

0.13

%

Time deposits

324,636

1,735

0.53

%

397,216

3,958

1.00

%

Total interest-bearing deposits

4,179,163

3,318

0.08

%

3,726,154

6,885

0.18

%

Other borrowings

43,236

22

0.05

%

28,863

17

0.06

%

Junior subordinated debt

57,844

2,168

3.75

%

57,426

2,555

4.45

%

Total interest-bearing liabilities

4,280,243

5,508

0.13

%

3,812,443

9,457

0.25

%

Noninterest-bearing deposits

2,837,745

2,289,168

Other liabilities

119,471

119,710

Shareholders’ equity

972,214

902,110

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

$

8,209,673

$

7,123,431

Net interest rate spread (1) (2)

3.52

%

3.86

%

Net interest income and margin (1) (3)

$

272,610

3.58

%

$

258,796

3.96

%

(1)

Fully taxable equivalent (FTE). All yields and rates are calculated using specific day counts for the period and year as applicable.

(2)

Net interest spread is the average yield earned on interest-earning assets minus the average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities.

(3)

Net interest margin is computed by calculating the difference between interest income and interest expense, divided by the average balance of interest-earning assets.

Interest Rates and Loan Portfolio Composition

During the quarter ended December 31, 2021, market interest rates, including many rates that serve as reference indices for variable rate loans, increased modestly. However, the loan portfolio yield continues to have a downward bias due to the repricing of loans at lower rates and increased market competition stemming from loan to deposit ratios at historic lows. As of December 31, 2021, the Company's loan portfolio consisted of approximately $4.9 billion in outstanding principal with a weighted average coupon rate of 4.28%, inclusive of the PPP program loans. Excluding PPP loans, the Company's loan portfolio has approximately $4.8 billion outstanding with a weighted average coupon rate of 4.32% as of December 31, 2021. Included in the December 31, 2021 loan total, exclusive of PPP loans, are variable rate loans totaling $3.0 billion of which 87.8% or $2.6 billion were at their floor rate. The remaining variable rate loans totaling $365.0 million, which carried a weighted average coupon rate of 4.76% as of December 31, 2021, are subject to further rate adjustment. If those remaining variable rate loans were to collectively, through future rate adjustments, be reduced to their respective floors, they would have a weighted average coupon rate of approximately 4.23% which would result in the reduction of the weighted average coupon rate of the total loan portfolio, exclusive of PPP loans, from 4.32% to approximately 4.29%.

As of December 31, 2020, the Company's loan portfolio consisted of approximately $4.80 billion in outstanding principal with a weighted average coupon rate of 4.35%, inclusive of the PPP program loans. Excluding PPP loans, the Company's loan portfolio has approximately $4.47 billion outstanding with a weighted average coupon rate of 4.60% as of December 31, 2020. Included in the December 31, 2020 loan total, exclusive of PPP loans, are variable rate loans totaling $3.02 billion of which 88.2% or $2.66 billion were at their floor rate. The remaining variable rate loans totaling $357.0 million, which carried a weighted average coupon rate of 5.03% as of December 31, 2020, are subject to further rate adjustment. If those remaining variable rate loans were to collectively, through future rate adjustments, be reduced to their respective floors, they would have a weighted average coupon rate of approximately 4.36% which would result in the reduction of the weighted average coupon rate of the total loan portfolio, exclusive of PPP loans, from 4.60% to approximately 4.55%.

Asset Quality and Credit Loss Provisioning

During the three months ended December 31, 2021, the Company recorded a provision for credit losses of $980,000, as compared to a reversal of provision for credit losses of $1,435,000 during the trailing quarter, and a provision expense of $4,850,000 during the last quarter of 2020.

The following table presents details of the provision for credit losses for the periods indicated:

Three months ended

(dollars in thousands)

December 31, 2021

September 30, 2021

June 30, 2021

March 31, 2021

December 31, 2020

Addition to (reversal of) allowance for credit losses

$

715

$

(1,495

)

$

(145

)

$

(6,240

)

$

4,450

Addition to (reversal of) reserve for unfunded loan commitments

265

60

(115

)

180

400

Total provision for credit losses

$

980

$

(1,435

)

$

(260

)

$

(6,060

)

$

4,850

The following table presents the activity in the allowance for credit losses on loans for the periods indicated:

Three months ended

Twelve months ended

(dollars in thousands)

December 31, 2021

December 31, 2020

December 31, 2021

December 31, 2020

Balance, beginning of period

$

84,306

$

87,575

$

91,847

$

30,616

Impact from adoption of ASU 2016-13

18,913

Provision for (reversal of) credit losses

715

4,450

(7,165

)

42,188

Loans charged-off

(197

)

(560

)

(2,392

)

(1,755

)

Recoveries of previously charged-off loans

552

382

3,086

1,885

Balance, end of period

$

85,376

$

91,847

$

85,376

$

91,847

The allowance for credit losses (ACL) was $85,376,000 as of December 31, 2021, a net increase of $1,070,000 over the immediately preceding quarter. The provision of allowance for credit losses of $715,000 was necessary as net recoveries totaling $355,000 during the quarter were less than the required increases in quantitative and qualitative reserve components. More specifically, the qualitative reserves required under the cohort model increased required reserves by $857,000, while quantitative factors added approximately $213,000.

The Company utilizes a forecast period of approximately eight quarters and obtains the forecast data from publicly available sources as of the balance sheet date. This forecast data continues to evolve and included improving shifts in the magnitude of changes for both the unemployment and GDP factors leading up to the balance sheet date. However, management notes that the majority of economic forecasts utilized in the ACL calculation have remained directionally consistent with preceding quarters, as general economic conditions continue to improve, albeit at a pace slower than expected due to unforeseen disruptions in the supply chain and increasing energy prices. In addition, management notes that the level of governmental assistance provided through PPP as well as other programs during the last several quarters has been unprecedented. As a result, management continues to believe that certain credit weakness are likely present in the overall economy and that it is appropriate to maintain a reserve level that incorporates such risk factors.

Loans past due 30 days or more decreased by $6,207,000 during the quarter ended December 31, 2021 to $4,332,000, as compared to $10,539,000 at September 30, 2021. Non-performing loans were $30,350,000 at December 31, 2021, an increase of $1,560,000 and $3,486,000, respectively, from $28,790,000 and $26,864,000 as of September 30, 2021, and December 31, 2020, respectively.

The following table illustrates the total loans by risk rating and their respective percentage of total loans for the periods presented.

(dollars in thousands)

December 31,
2021

% of Total
Loans

September 30,
2021

% of Total
Loans

December 31,
2020

% of Total
Loans

Risk Rating:

Pass

$

4,787,077

97.4

%

$

4,698,475

96.1

%

$

4,555,154

95.6

%

Special Mention

77,461

1.5

%

138,699

2.9

%

158,241

3.4

%

Substandard

52,086

1.1

%

50,322

1.0

%

49,732

1.0

%

Total

$

4,916,624

$

4,887,496

$

4,763,127

Classified loans to total loans

1.06

%

1.03

%

1.04

%

Loans past due 30+ days to total loans

0.09

%

0.22

%

0.14

%

The Company's loan portfolio for non-classified loans (loans graded special mention or better) remains consistent for the quarter ended December 31, 2021, as compared to the trailing quarter September 30, 2021, representing 98.9% and 99.0% of total loans outstanding, respectively. Loans risk graded special mention decreased notably, by approximately $61,238,000 during the current quarter as compared to the trailing quarter, while loans risk graded substandard increased by $1,764,000 over the same period. The improvement in special mention risk graded loans was primarily attributed to a single relationship totaling approximately $56,200,000 being paid off during the quarter.

There was one addition to other real estate owned totaling $503,000 during the quarter ended December 31, 2021, and there was one sale for approximately $582,000, which generated a net gain of $22,000 for the quarter. As of December 31, 2021, other real estate owned consisted of six properties with a carrying value of approximately $2,594,000.

Allocation of Credit Loss Reserves by Loan Type

As of December 31, 2021

As of December 31, 2020

(dollars in thousands)

Amount

% of Loans
Outstanding

Amount

% of Loans
Outstanding

Commercial real estate:

CRE - Non Owner Occupied

$

25,739

1.61

%

$

29,380

1.91

%

CRE - Owner Occupied

10,691

1.51

%

10,861

1.74

%

Multifamily

12,395

1.51

%

11,472

1.79

%

Farmland

2,315

1.34

%

1,980

1.30

%

Total commercial real estate loans

51,140

1.55

%

53,693

1.82

%

Consumer:

SFR 1-4 1st Liens

10,723

1.60

%

10,117

1.83

%

SFR HELOCs and Junior Liens

10,510

3.11

%

11,771

3.59

%

Other

2,241

3.34

%

3,260

4.20

%

Total consumer loans

23,474

2.19

%

25,148

2.62

%

Commercial and Industrial

3,862

1.49

%

4,252

0.81

%

Construction

5,667

2.55

%

7,540

2.65

%

Agricultural Production

1,215

2.39

%

1,209

2.74

%

Leases

18

0.27

%

5

0.13

%

Allowance for credit losses

85,376

1.74

%

91,847

1.93

%

Reserve for unfunded loan commitments

3,790

3,400

Total allowance for credit losses

$

89,166

1.81

%

$

95,247

2.00

%

For the periods presented in the table above and for purposes of calculating the "% of Loans Outstanding", PPP loans are included in the segment "Commercial and Industrial." PPP loans are fully guaranteed and therefore would not require any loss reserve allocation. Excluding the net outstanding balances of PPP loans from the ratio of the ACL to total loans results in a reserve ratio of approximately 1.76% as of December 31, 2021. In addition to the allowance for credit losses above, the Company has acquired various performing loans whose fair value as of the acquisition date was determined to be less than the principal balance owed on those loans. This difference represents the collective discount of credit, interest rate and liquidity measurements which is expected to be amortized over the life of the loans. As of December 31, 2021, the unamortized discount associated with acquired loans totaled $16,107,000 and, if aggregated with the ACL, would collectively represent 2.06% of total gross loans and 2.09% of total loans less PPP loans.

Non-interest Income

The following table presents the key components of non-interest income for the current and trailing quarterly periods indicated:

Three months ended

(dollars in thousands)

December 31, 2021

September 30, 2021

$ Change

% Change

ATM and interchange fees

$

6,421

$

6,516

$

(95

)

(1.5

) %

Service charges on deposit accounts

3,674

3,608

66

1.8

%

Other service fees

888

897

(9

)

(1.0

) %

Mortgage banking service fees

475

476

(1

)

(0.2

) %

Change in value of mortgage servicing rights

(181

)

(232

)

51

(22.0

) %

Total service charges and fees

11,277

11,265

12

0.1

%

Increase in cash value of life insurance

713

644

69

10.7

%

Asset management and commission income

930

957

(27

)

(2.8

) %

Gain on sale of loans

1,672

1,814

(142

)

(7.8

) %

Lease brokerage income

204

183

21

11.5

%

Sale of customer checks

117

107

10

9.3

%

Gain on sale of investment securities

n/m

Loss on marketable equity securities

(27

)

(14

)

(13

)

92.9

%

Other

1,616

139

1,477

1,062.6

%

Total other non-interest income

5,225

3,830

1,395

36.4

%

Total non-interest income

$

16,502

$

15,095

$

1,407

9.3

%

Non-interest income increased $1,407,000 or 9.3% to $16,502,000 during the three months ended December 31, 2021, compared to $15,095,000 during the trailing quarter September 30, 2021. This was largely the result of death benefits totaling $702,000 being realized and an increase in the fair value of certain equity investments totaling approximately $804,000, both recorded within other non-interest income. As a partial offset, gain on sale of mortgage loans declined by $142,000 or 7.8% during the quarter ended December 31, 2021, as interest rates continued to trend higher, contributing to a decline in total mortgage origination and refinance activity.

The following table presents the key components of non-interest income for the current and prior year periods indicated:

Three months ended December 31,

(dollars in thousands)

2021

2020

$ Change

% Change

ATM and interchange fees

$

6,421

$

5,747

$

674

11.7

%

Service charges on deposit accounts

3,674

3,518

156

4.4

%

Other service fees

888

860

28

3.3

%

Mortgage banking service fees

475

469

6

1.3

%

Change in value of mortgage servicing rights

(181

)

(376

)

195

(51.9

) %

Total service charges and fees

11,277

10,218

1,059

10.4

%

Increase in cash value of life insurance

713

746

(33

)

(4.4

) %

Asset management and commission income

930

745

185

24.8

%

Gain on sale of loans

1,672

3,460

(1,788

)

(51.7

) %

Lease brokerage income

204

173

31

17.9

%

Sale of customer checks

117

111

6

5.4

%

Gain on sale of investment securities

n/m

Loss on marketable equity securities

(27

)

(8

)

(19

)

237.5

%

Other

1,616

1,135

481

42.4

%

Total other non-interest income

5,225

6,362

(1,137

)

(17.9

) %

Total non-interest income

$

16,502

$

16,580

$

(78

)

(0.5

) %

In addition to the discussion above within the non-interest income for the three months ended December 31, 2021, ATM and interchange fees improved $674,000 or 11.7% as a result of increased usage due to relaxed social distancing guidelines during the quarter December 31, 2021 when compared to the same period in the prior year. During the quarters ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, death benefits totaling $702,00 and $498,000, respectively, were realized.

The following table presents the key components of non-interest income for the current and prior year periods indicated:

Twelve months ended December 31,

(dollars in thousands)

2021

2020

$ Change

% Change

ATM and interchange fees

$

25,356

$

21,660

$

3,696

17.1

%

Service charges on deposit accounts

14,013

13,944

69

0.5

%

Other service fees

3,570

3,156

414

13.1

%

Mortgage banking service fees

1,881

1,855

26

1.4

%

Change in value of mortgage servicing rights

(872

)

(2,634

)

1,762

(66.9

) %

Total service charges and fees

43,948

37,981

5,967

15.7

%

Increase in cash value of life insurance

2,775

2,949

(174

)

(5.9

) %

Asset management and commission income

3,668

2,989

679

22.7

%

Gain on sale of loans

9,580

9,122

458

5.0

%

Lease brokerage income

746

668

78

11.7

%

Sale of customer checks

459

414

45

10.9

%

Gain on sale of investment securities

7

(7

)

n/m

Gain (loss) on marketable equity securities

(86

)

64

(150

)

(234.4

) %

Other

2,574

1,000

1,574

157.4

%

Total other non-interest income

19,716

17,213

2,503

14.5

%

Total non-interest income

$

63,664

$

55,194

$

8,470

15.3

%

Total non-interest income increased by $8,470,000 or 15.3% to $63,664,000 during the twelve months ended December 31, 2021, compared to $55,194,000 during the same period ended December 31, 2020. Generally, the changes in non-interest income for the year ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 are consistent with the changes already discussed. Additionally, during the year ended 2020, there was substantial downward pressure on interest rates following the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in a decline in the fair value of mortgage servicing rights totaling $2,634,000 during the period.

Non-interest Expense

The following table presents the key components of non-interest expense for the current and trailing quarterly periods indicated:

Three months ended

(dollars in thousands)

December 31, 2021

September 30, 2021

$ Change

% Change

Base salaries, net of deferred loan origination costs

$

19,123

$

17,673

$

1,450

8.2

%

Incentive compensation

3,932

3,123

809

25.9

%

Benefits and other compensation costs

4,611

5,478

(867

)

(15.8

) %

Total salaries and benefits expense

27,666

26,274

1,392

5.3

%

Occupancy

3,713

3,771

(58

)

(1.5

) %

Data processing and software

3,893

3,689

204

5.5

%

Equipment

1,298

1,336

(38

)

(2.8

) %

Intangible amortization

1,193

1,409

(216

)

(15.3

) %

Advertising

819

966

(147

)

(15.2

) %

ATM and POS network charges

1,551

1,692

(141

)

(8.3

) %

Professional fees

927

1,090

(163

)

(15.0

) %

Telecommunications

534

574

(40

)

(7.0

) %

Regulatory assessments and insurance

678

673

5

0.7

%

Merger and acquisition expenses

872

651

221

33.9

%

Postage

232

156

76

48.7

%

Operational losses

299

244

55

22.5

%

Courier service

346

286

60

21.0

%

Gain on sale or acquisition of foreclosed assets

(23

)

(144

)

121

(84.0

) %

(Gain) loss on disposal of fixed assets

6

(19

)

25

(131.6

) %

Other miscellaneous expense

2,675

3,159

(484

)

(15.3

) %

Total other non-interest expense

19,013

19,533

(520

)

(2.7

) %

Total non-interest expense

$

46,679

$

45,807

$

872

1.9

%

Average full-time equivalent staff

1,074

1,049

25

2.4

%

Non-interest expense for the quarter ended December 31, 2021 increased $872,000 or 1.9% to $46,679,000 as compared to $45,807,000 during the trailing quarter ended September 30, 2021. Total salaries and benefits expense increased by $1,392,000 or 5.3%, led by wage related increases of $1,450,000 or 8.2% to $19,123,000. More specifically, the wage related change in the quarter was substantially due to growth in average full-time equivalent staff and additionally by transitory items caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, overtime and non-incentive stipends associated with special projects. Incentive compensation increased by $809,000 or 25.9%, while benefits and other compensation costs decreased by $867,000 or 15.8%, respectively, during the quarter ended December 31, 2021, both due to metrics that were impacted by the results of individual employee and Company-wide performance benchmarks for growth and profitability. Merger and acquisition expenses associated with the proposed merger with Valley Republic Bancorp, which is pending regulatory approval, totaled $872,000 during the current quarter. In addition, during the three months ended December 31, 2021, and September 30, 2021 expenses totaling approximately $800,000 and $710,000, respectively are attributable to the Company's recently opened loan production offices, of which approximately $606,000 and $598,00, respectively relates to salaries and benefits.

The following table presents the key components of non-interest expense for the current and prior year quarterly periods indicated:

Three months ended December 31,

(dollars in thousands)

2021

2020

$ Change

% Change

Base salaries, net of deferred loan origination costs

$

19,123

$

16,510

$

2,613

15.8

%

Incentive compensation

3,932

2,342

1,590

67.9

%

Benefits and other compensation costs

4,611

9,621

(5,010

)

(52.1

) %

Total salaries and benefits expense

27,666

28,473

(807

)

(2.8

) %

Occupancy

3,713

3,815

(102

)

(2.7

) %

Data processing and software

3,893

2,919

974

33.4

%

Equipment

1,298

1,293

5

0.4

%

Intangible amortization

1,193

1,430

(237

)

(16.6

) %

Advertising

819

762

57

7.5

%

ATM and POS network charges

1,551

1,536

15

1.0

%

Professional fees

927

823

104

12.6

%

Telecommunications

534

618

(84

)

(13.6

) %

Regulatory assessments and insurance

678

601

77

12.8

%

Merger and acquisition expenses

872

872

n/m

Postage

232

377

(145

)

(38.5

) %

Operational losses

299

609

(310

)

(50.9

) %

Courier service

346

401

(55

)

(13.7

) %

Gain on sale or acquisition of foreclosed assets

(23

)

(177

)

154

(87.0

) %

Loss on disposal of fixed assets

6

30

(24

)

(80.0

) %

Other miscellaneous expense

2,675

2,235

440

19.7

%

Total other non-interest expense

19,013

17,272

1,741

10.1

%

Total non-interest expense

$

46,679

$

45,745

$

934

2.0

%

Average full-time equivalent staff

1,074

1,030

44

4.3

%

Non-interest expense increased by $934,000 or 2.0% to $46,679,000 during the three months ended December 31, 2021 as compared to $45,745,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2020. The change in total salaries and benefits expense was modest with a decrease of $807,000 or 2.8%, however, the individual components did experience significant volatility that was largely offset. The increases in salary and wage related matters of $2,613,000 or 15.8% and incentive compensation of $1,590,000 or 67.9% during the three months ended December 31, 2021 are attributed to the factors discussed above. The significant decline in benefits and compensation costs equaling $5,010,000 or 52.1% reflects a normalization of retirement obligations and insurance costs that were elevated during the comparative period during 2020. Other miscellaneous expenses increased by $440,000 or 19.7% during the quarter due to increasing volume of routine business related activities, such as credit appraisal fees and business travel.

The following table presents the key components of non-interest expense for the current and prior year periods indicated:

Twelve months ended December 31,

(dollars in thousands)

2021

2020

$ Change

% Change

Base salaries, net of deferred loan origination costs

$

69,844

$

70,164

$

(320

)

(0.5

) %

Incentive compensation

14,957

10,022

4,935

49.2

%

Benefits and other compensation costs

21,550

31,935

(10,385

)

(32.5

) %

Total salaries and benefits expense

106,351

112,121

(5,770

)

(5.1

) %

Occupancy

14,910

14,528

382

2.6

%

Data processing and software

13,985

13,504

481

3.6

%

Equipment

5,358

5,704

(346

)

(6.1

) %

Intangible amortization

5,464

5,723

(259

)

(4.5

) %

Advertising

2,899

2,827

72

2.5

%

ATM and POS network charges

6,040

5,433

607

11.2

%

Professional fees

3,657

3,222

435

13.5

%

Telecommunications

2,253

2,601

(348

)

(13.4

) %

Regulatory assessments and insurance

2,581

1,594

987

61.9

%

Merger and acquisition expenses

1,523

1,523

n/m

Postage

710

1,068

(358

)

(33.5

) %

Operational losses

964

1,168

(204

)

(17.5

) %

Courier service

1,214

1,414

(200

)

(14.1

) %

Gain on sale or acquisition of foreclosed assets

(233

)

(234

)

1

(0.4

) %

(Gain) loss on disposal of fixed assets

(439

)

67

(506

)

(755.2

) %

Other miscellaneous expense

11,038

12,018

(980

)

(8.2

) %

Total other non-interest expense

71,924

70,637

1,287

1.8

%

Total non-interest expense

$

178,275

$

182,758

$

(4,483

)

(2.5

) %

Average full-time equivalent staff

1,039

1,093

(54

)

(4.9

) %

The changes in non-interest expense for the twelve months ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 are generally consistent with the changes in the comparable three month periods discussed above. During the twelve months ended December 31, 2021, expenses totaling approximately $1,745,000 are attributable to the Company's recently opened loan production offices, of which approximately $1,430,000 relates to salaries and benefits. Regulatory assessment and insurance expense increased in the current year to date period primarily due to the expiration of credits during the 2020 year and to a lesser extent, the overall balance sheet growth of the bank. Additionally, the aforementioned merger agreement with Valley Republic Bancorp has contributed $1,523,000 in additional costs during the year ended 2021.

Provision for Income Taxes

The Company’s effective tax rate was 28.1% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2021, as compared to 25.8% for the year ended December 31, 2020. The reduced effective tax rate in the prior year was made possible through the provisions of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”) which provided the Company with an opportunity to file amended tax returns and generate proposed refunds of approximately $805,000. While the Company has initiated several tax strategies in anticipation of future tax rate increases, it is not anticipated that any will directly impact the Company's effective tax rate until such rate changes have been legislatively approved. Other differences between the Company's effective tax rate and applicable federal and state statutory rates are due to the proportion of non-taxable revenue and low income housing tax credits as compared to the levels of pre-tax earnings.

About TriCo Bancshares

Established in 1975, Tri Counties Bank is a wholly-owned subsidiary of TriCo Bancshares (NASDAQ: TCBK) headquartered in Chico, California, providing a unique brand of customer Service with Solutions available in traditional stand-alone and in-store bank branches in communities throughout Northern and Central California. Tri Counties Bank provides an extensive and competitive breadth of consumer, small business and commercial banking financial services, along with convenient around-the-clock ATMs, online and mobile banking access. Brokerage services are provided by Tri Counties Advisors through affiliation with Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Visit www.TriCountiesBank.com to learn more.

Forward-Looking Statement

The statements contained herein that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements based on management’s current expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effects on the Company. Such statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and are generally beyond our control. There can be no assurance that future developments affecting us will be the same as those anticipated by management. We caution readers that a number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied or projected by, such forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the following: the strength of the United States economy in general and the strength of the local economies in which we conduct operations; 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; inflation, interest rate, market and monetary fluctuations on the Company's business condition and financial operating results; the impact of changes in financial services policies, laws and regulations; technological changes; weather, natural disasters and other catastrophic events that may or may not be caused by climate change and their effects on economic and business environments in which the Company operates; the continuing adverse impact on the U.S. economy, including the markets in which we operate due to the COVID-19 global pandemic, and the impact of a slowing U.S. economy and increased unemployment on the performance of our loan portfolio, the market value of our investment securities, the availability of sources of funding and the demand for our products; adverse developments with respect to U.S. or global economic conditions and other uncertainties, including the impact of supply chain disruptions, inflationary pressures and labor shortages on the economic recovery and our business; the costs or effects of mergers, acquisitions or dispositions we may make, whether we are able to obtain any required governmental approvals in connection with any such mergers, acquisitions or dispositions, and/or our ability to realize the contemplated financial business benefits associated with any such activities; the ability to execute our business plan in new lending markets; the future operating or financial performance of the Company, including our outlook for future growth and changes in the level of our nonperforming assets and charge-offs; the appropriateness of the allowance for credit losses, including the timing and effects of the implementation of the current expected credit losses model; any deterioration in values of California real estate, both residential and commercial; the effect of changes in accounting standards and practices; possible other-than-temporary impairment of securities held by us; changes in consumer spending, borrowing and savings habits; our ability to attract and maintain deposits and other sources of liquidity; changes in the financial performance and/or condition of our borrowers; our noninterest expense and the efficiency ratio; competition and innovation with respect to financial products and services by banks, financial institutions and non-traditional providers including retail businesses and technology companies; the challenges of integrating and retaining key employees; the costs and effects of litigation and of unexpected or adverse outcomes in such litigation; a failure in or breach of our operational or security systems or infrastructure, or those of our third-party vendors or other service providers, including as a result of cyber-attacks and the cost to defend against such attacks; change to U.S. tax policies, including our effective income tax rate; the effect of a fall in stock market prices on our brokerage and wealth management businesses; the discontinuation of the London Interbank Offered Rate and other reference rates; and our ability to manage the risks involved in the foregoing. Additional factors that could cause results to differ materially from those described above can be found in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, which has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and are available in the “Investor Relations” section of our website, https://www.tcbk.com/investor-relations and in other documents we file with the SEC. Annualized, pro forma, projections and estimates are not forecasts and may not reflect actual results. We undertake no obligation (and expressly disclaim any such obligation) to update or alter our forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by law.

TRICO BANCSHARES—CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA

(Unaudited. Dollars in thousands, except share data)

Three months ended

December 31,
2021

September 30,
2021

June 30,
2021

March 31,
2021

December 31,
2020

Revenue and Expense Data

Interest income

$

71,024

$

69,628

$

68,479

$

67,916

$

68,081

Interest expense

1,241

1,395

1,396

1,476

1,659

Net interest income

69,783

68,233

67,083

66,440

66,422

Provision for (benefit from) credit losses

980

(1,435

)

(260

)

(6,060

)

4,850

Noninterest income:

Service charges and fees

11,277

11,265

10,930

10,476

10,218

Gain on sale of investment securities

Other income

5,225

3,830

5,027

5,634

6,362

Total noninterest income

16,502

15,095

15,957

16,110

16,580

Noninterest expense:

Salaries and benefits

27,666

26,274

27,081

25,330

28,473

Occupancy and equipment

5,011

5,107

4,907

5,243

5,108

Data processing and network

5,444

5,381

4,752

4,448

4,455

Other noninterest expense

8,558

9,045

7,431

6,597

7,709

Total noninterest expense

46,679

45,807

44,171

41,618

45,745

Total income before taxes

38,626

38,956

39,129

46,992

32,407

Provision for income taxes

10,404

11,534

10,767

13,343

8,750

Net income

$

28,222

$

27,422

$

28,362

$

33,649

$

23,657

Share Data

Basic earnings per share

$

0.95

$

0.92

$

0.95

$

1.13

$

0.80

Diluted earnings per share

$

0.94

$

0.92

$

0.95

$

1.13

$

0.79

Dividends per share

$

0.25

$

0.25

$

0.25

$

0.25

$

0.22

Book value per common share

$

33.64

$

33.05

$

32.53

$

31.71

$

31.12

Tangible book value per common share (1)

$

25.80

$

25.16

$

24.60

$

23.72

$

23.09

Shares outstanding

29,730,424

29,714,609

29,716,294

29,727,122

29,727,214

Weighted average shares

29,723,791

29,713,558

29,718,603

29,727,182

29,756,831

Weighted average diluted shares

29,870,059

29,850,530

29,903,560

29,904,974

29,863,478

Credit Quality

Allowance for credit losses to gross loans

1.74

%

1.72

%

1.74

%

1.73

%

1.93

%

Loans past due 30 days or more

$

4,332

$

10,539

$

9,292

$

10,550

$

6,767

Total nonperforming loans

$

30,350

$

28,790

$

32,705

$

28,941

$

26,864

Total nonperforming assets

$

32,944

$

31,440

$

24,952

$

31,250

$

29,708

Loans charged-off

$

197

$

1,582

$

387

$

226

$

560

Loans recovered

$

552

$

1,321

$

653

$

560

$

382

Selected Financial Ratios

Return on average total assets

1.31

%

1.30

%

1.40

%

1.75

%

1.24

%

Return on average equity

11.20

%

11.02

%

11.85

%

14.51

%

10.37

%

Average yield on loans, excluding PPP

4.73

%

4.85

%

4.93

%

5.02

%

5.04

%

Average yield on interest-earning assets

3.56

%

3.57

%

3.65

%

3.82

%

3.88

%

Average rate on interest-bearing deposits

0.06

%

0.08

%

0.08

%

0.10

%

0.12

%

Average cost of total deposits

0.04

%

0.05

%

0.05

%

0.06

%

0.07

%

Average rate on borrowings & subordinated debt

1.98

%

2.02

%

2.31

%

2.42

%

2.43

%

Average rate on interest-bearing liabilities

0.11

%

0.13

%

0.13

%

0.15

%

0.17

%

Net interest margin (fully tax-equivalent) (1)

3.50

%

3.50

%

3.58

%

3.74

%

3.79

%

Loans to deposits

66.74

%

67.54

%

70.72

%

72.37

%

73.21

%

Efficiency ratio

54.10

%

54.97

%

53.19

%

50.42

%

55.11

%

Supplemental Loan Interest Income Data

Discount accretion on acquired loans

$

1,780

$

2,034

$

2,566

$

1,712

$

1,960

All other loan interest income (excluding PPP) (1)

$

54,930

$

55,184

$

54,559

$

52,861

$

53,379

Total loan interest income (excluding PPP) (1)

$

56,710

$

57,218

$

57,125

$

54,573

$

55,339

(1)

Non-GAAP measure.

TRICO BANCSHARES—CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA

(Unaudited. Dollars in thousands)

Balance Sheet Data

December 31,
2021

September 30,
2021

June 30,
2021

March 31,
2021

December 31,
2020

Cash and due from banks

$

768,421

$

740,236

$

639,740

$

609,522

$

669,551

Securities, available for sale, net

2,210,876

2,098,786

1,850,547

1,685,076

1,417,289

Securities, held to maturity, net

199,759

216,979

235,778

260,454

284,563

Restricted equity securities

17,250

17,250

17,250

17,250

17,250

Loans held for sale

3,466

3,072

5,723

3,995

6,268

Loans:

Commercial real estate

3,306,054

3,222,737

3,194,336

3,108,624

2,951,902

Consumer

1,071,551

1,053,653

1,050,609

1,041,213

952,108

Commercial and industrial

259,355

345,027

452,069

551,077

526,327

Construction

222,281

216,680

200,714

221,613

284,842

Agriculture production

50,811

44,410

41,967

39,753

44,164

Leases

6,572

4,989

5,199

4,697

3,784

Total loans, gross

4,916,624

4,887,496

4,944,894

4,966,977

4,763,127

Allowance for credit losses

(85,376

)

(84,306

)

(86,062

)

(85,941

)

(91,847

)

Total loans, net

4,831,248

4,803,190

4,858,832

4,881,036

4,671,280

Premises and equipment

78,687

78,968

79,178

82,338

83,731

Cash value of life insurance

117,857

120,932

120,287

119,543

118,870

Accrued interest receivable

19,292

18,425

18,923

19,442

20,004

Goodwill

220,872

220,872

220,872

220,872

220,872

Other intangible assets

12,369

13,562

14,971

16,402

17,833

Operating leases, right-of-use

25,665

26,815

26,365

27,540

27,846

Other assets

109,025

98,943

81,899

88,142

84,172

Total assets

$

8,614,787

$

8,458,030

$

8,170,365

$

8,031,612

$

7,639,529

Deposits:

Noninterest-bearing demand deposits

$

2,979,882

$

2,943,016

$

2,843,783

$

2,766,510

$

2,581,517

Interest-bearing demand deposits

1,568,682

1,519,426

1,486,321

1,465,915

1,414,908

Savings deposits

2,521,011

2,447,706

2,337,557

2,302,927

2,164,942

Time certificates

297,584

326,674

324,392

328,048

344,567

Total deposits

7,367,159

7,236,822

6,992,053

6,863,400

6,505,934

Accrued interest payable

928

1,056

1,026

970

1,362

Operating lease liability

26,280

27,290

26,707

27,780

27,973

Other liabilities

112,070

107,282

85,388

102,955

94,597

Other borrowings

50,087

45,601

40,559

36,226

26,914

Junior subordinated debt

58,079

57,965

57,852

57,742

57,635

Total liabilities

7,614,603

7,476,016

7,203,585

7,089,073

6,714,415

Common stock

532,244

531,339

531,038

531,367

530,835

Retained earnings

466,959

446,948

427,575

408,211

381,999

Accum. other comprehensive income (loss)

981

3,727

8,167

2,961

12,280

Total shareholders’ equity

$

1,000,184

$

982,014

$

966,780

$

942,539

$

925,114

Quarterly Average Balance Data

Average loans, excluding PPP

$

4,759,294

$

4,684,492

$

4,646,188

$

4,407,150

$

4,363,873

Average interest-earning assets

$

7,947,798

$

7,758,169

$

7,544,581

$

7,239,726

$

6,998,582

Average total assets

$

8,546,004

$

8,348,111

$

8,128,674

$

7,808,912

$

7,570,952

Average deposits

$

7,304,659

$

7,137,263

$

6,943,081

$

6,653,754

$

6,341,175

Average borrowings and subordinated debt

$

108,671

$

106,221

$

98,774

$

90,397

$

90,085

Average total equity

$

999,764

$

987,026

$

960,145

$

940,775

$

907,468

Capital Ratio Data

Total risk based capital ratio

15.4

%

15.4

%

15.3

%

15.1

%

15.2

%

Tier 1 capital ratio

14.2

%

14.2

%

14.1

%

13.9

%

14.0

%

Tier 1 common equity ratio

13.2

%

13.2

%

13.0

%

12.9

%

12.9

%

Tier 1 leverage ratio

9.9

%

9.9

%

9.9

%

10.0

%

9.9

%

Tangible capital ratio (1)

9.2

%

9.1

%

9.2

%

9.1

%

9.3

%

(1)

Non-GAAP measure.

TRICO BANCSHARES—NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

(Unaudited. Dollars in thousands)

In addition to results presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (GAAP), this press release contains certain non-GAAP financial measures. Management has presented these non-GAAP financial measures in this press release because it believes that they provide useful and comparative information to assess trends in the Company's core operations reflected in the current quarter's results, and facilitate the comparison of our performance with the performance of our peers. However, these non-GAAP financial measures are supplemental and are not a substitute for any analysis based on GAAP. Where applicable, comparable earnings information using GAAP financial measures is also presented. Because not all companies use the same calculations, our presentation may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures as calculated by other companies. For a reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures, see the tables below:

Three months ended

Twelve months ended

(dollars in thousands)

December 31,
2021

September 30,
2021

December 31,
2020

December 31,
2021

December 31,
2020

Net interest margin

Acquired loans discount accretion, net:

Amount (included in interest income)

$

1,780

$

2,034

$

1,960

$

8,091

$

8,171

Effect on average loan yield

0.15

%

0.17

%

0.18

%

0.17

%

0.19

%

Effect on net interest margin (FTE)

0.09

%

0.10

%

0.11

%

0.11

%

0.13

%

Net interest margin (FTE)

3.50

%

3.50

%

3.79

%

3.58

%

3.96

%

Net interest margin less effect of acquired loan discount accretion (Non-GAAP)

3.41

%

3.40

%

3.68

%

3.47

%

3.85

%

PPP loans yield, net:

Amount (included in interest income)

$

4,094

$

3,507

$

5,676

$

16,643

$

10,635

Effect on net interest margin (FTE)

0.16

%

0.09

%

0.11

%

0.10

%

(0.01

) %

Net interest margin less effect of PPP loan yield (Non-GAAP)

3.34

%

3.41

%

3.68

%

3.48

%

3.97

%

Acquired loan discount accretion and PPP loan yield, net:

Amount (included in interest income)

$

5,874

$

5,541

$

7,636

$

24,734

$

18,806

Effect on net interest margin (FTE)

0.25

%

0.19

%

0.22

%

0.21

%

0.12

%

Net interest margin less effect of acquired loan discount accretion and PPP yields, net (Non-GAAP)

3.25

%

3.31

%

3.57

%

3.37

%

3.84

%

Three months ended

Twelve months ended

(dollars in thousands)

December 31,
2021

September 30,
2021

December 31,
2020

December 31,
2021

December 31,
2020

Pre-tax pre-provision return on average assets or equity

Net income (GAAP)

$

28,222

27,422

$

23,657

$

117,655

$

64,814

Exclude income tax expense

10,404

11,534

8,750

46,048

22,536

Exclude provision (benefit) for credit losses

980

(1,435

)

4,850

(6,775

)

42,813

Net income before income tax and provision expense (Non-GAAP)

$

39,606

$

37,521

$

37,257

$

156,928

$

130,163

Average assets (GAAP)

$

8,546,004

$

8,348,111

$

7,570,952

$

8,209,673

$

7,123,431

Average equity (GAAP)

999,764

987,026

907,468

972,214

902,110

Return on average assets (GAAP) (annualized)

1.31

%

1.30

%

1.24

%

1.43

%

0.91

%

Pre-tax pre-provision return on average assets (Non-GAAP) (annualized)

1.84

%

1.78

%

1.96

%

1.91

%

1.83

%

Return on average equity (GAAP) (annualized)

11.20

%

11.02

%

10.37

%

12.10

%

7.18

%

Pre-tax pre-provision return on average equity (Non-GAAP) (annualized)

15.72

%

15.08

%

16.33

%

16.14

%

14.43

%

Three months ended

Twelve months ended

(dollars in thousands)

December 31,
2021

September 30,
2021

December 31,
2020

December 31,
2021

December 31,
2020

Return on tangible common equity

Average total shareholders' equity

$

999,764

$

987,026

$

907,468

$

972,214

$

902,110

Exclude average goodwill

220,872

220,872

220,872

220,872

220,872

Exclude average other intangibles

12,966

14,267

18,549

15,131

20,695

Average tangible common equity (Non-GAAP)

$

765,926

$

751,887

$

668,047

$

736,211

$

660,543

Net income (GAAP)

$

28,222

$

27,422

$

23,657

$

117,655

$

64,814

Exclude amortization of intangible assets, net of tax effect

840

992

1,007

3,849

4,031

Tangible net income available to common shareholders (Non-GAAP)

$

29,062

28,414

$

24,664

$

121,504

$

68,845

Return on average equity

11.20

%

11.02

%

10.37

%

12.10

%

7.18

%

Return on average tangible common equity (Non-GAAP)

15.05

%

14.99

%

14.69

%

16.50

%

10.42

%

Three months ended

(dollars in thousands)

December 31,
2021

September 30,
2021

June 30,
2021

March 31,
2021

December 31,
2020

Tangible common shareholders' equity to tangible assets

Shareholders' equity (GAAP)

$

1,000,184

$

982,014

$

966,780

$

942,539

$

925,114

Exclude goodwill and other intangible assets, net

233,241

234,434

235,843

237,274

238,705

Tangible shareholders' equity (Non-GAAP)

$

766,943

$

747,580

$

730,937

$

705,265

$

686,409

Total assets (GAAP)

$

8,614,787

$

8,458,030

$

8,170,365

$

8,031,612

$

7,639,529

Exclude goodwill and other intangible assets, net

233,241

234,434

235,843

237,274

238,705

Total tangible assets (Non-GAAP)

$

8,381,546

$

8,223,596

$

7,934,522

$

7,794,338

$

7,400,824

Common s/h equity to total assets (GAAP)

11.61

%

11.61

%

11.83

%

11.74

%

12.11

%

Tangible common shareholders' equity to tangible assets (Non-GAAP)

9.15

%

9.09

%

9.21

%

9.05

%

9.27

%

Three months ended

(dollars in thousands)

December 31,
2021

September 30,
2021

June 30,
2021

March 31,
2021

December 31,
2020

Tangible common shareholders' equity per share

Tangible s/h equity (Non-GAAP)

$

766,943

$

747,580

$

730,937

$

705,265

$

686,409

Tangible assets (Non-GAAP)

8,381,546

8,223,596

7,934,522

7,794,338

7,400,824

Common shares outstanding at end of period

29,730,424

29,714,609

29,716,294

29,727,122

29,727,214

Common s/h equity (book value) per share (GAAP)

$

33.64

$

33.05

$

32.53

$

31.71

$

31.12

Tangible common shareholders' equity (tangible book value) per share (Non-GAAP)

$

25.80

$

25.16

$

24.60

$

23.72

$

23.09

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220125005585/en/

Peter G. Wiese
EVP & Chief Financial Officer (530) 898-0300

Stock Information

Company Name: TriCo Bancshares
Stock Symbol: TCBK
Market: NASDAQ
Website: tcbk.com

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