S&T BANCORP INC

Previous wording

This Annual Report on Form 10-Kcontains or incorporates statements that we believe are “forward-looking statements”within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements generally relate to our financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives, outlook for earnings, revenues, expenses, capital and liquidity levels and ratios, asset levels, asset quality, financial position and other matters regarding or affecting S&T and its future business and operations. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words or phrases such as “will likely result,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “forecast,” “project,” “intend,” “believe,” “assume,” “strategy,” “trend,” “plan,” “outlook,” “outcome,” “continue,” “remain,” “potential,” “opportunity,” “comfortable,” “current,” “position,” “maintain,” “sustain,” “seek,” “achieve,” and variations of such words and similar expressions, or future or conditional verbs such as will, would, should, could or may. Although we believe the assumptions upon which these forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, any of these assumptions could prove to be inaccurate and the forward-looking statements based on these assumptions could be incorrect. The matters discussed in these forward-looking statements are subject to various risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results and trends to differ materially from those made, projected, or implied in or by the forward-looking statements depending on a variety of uncertainties or other factors including, but not limited to: credit losses and the credit risk of our commercial and consumer loan products; changes in the level of charge-offs and changes in estimates of the adequacy of the allowance for credit losses, or ACL; cyber-security concerns; rapid technological developments and changes; operational risks or risk management failures by us or critical third parties, including fraud risk; our ability to manage our reputational risks; sensitivity to the interest rate environment, a rapid increase in interest rates or a change in the shape of the yield curve; a change in spreads on interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities; any remaining uncertainties with the transition from LIBOR as a reference rate; regulatory supervision and oversight, including changes in regulatory capital requirements and our ability to address those requirements; unanticipated changes in our liquidity position; unanticipated changes in regulatory and governmental policies impacting interest rates and financial markets; changes in accounting policies, practices or guidance; legislation affecting the financial services industry as a whole, and S&T, in particular; developments affecting the industry and the soundness of financial institutions and further disruption to the economy and U.S. banking system; the outcome of pending and future litigation and governmental proceedings; increasing price an…

Excerpt shortened here; the source contains the full paragraph.

Current wording

This Annual Report on Form 10-Kcontains or incorporates statements that we believe are “forward-looking statements”within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements generally relate to our financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives, outlook for earnings, revenues, expenses, capital and liquidity levels and ratios, asset levels, asset quality, financial position and other matters regarding or affecting S&T and its future business and operations. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words or phrases such as “will likely result,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “forecast,” “project,” “intend,” “believe,” “assume,” “strategy,” “trend,” “plan,” “outlook,” “outcome,” “continue,” “remain,” “potential,” “opportunity,” “comfortable,” “current,” “position,” “maintain,” “sustain,” “seek,” “achieve” and variations of such words and similar expressions, or future or conditional verbs such as will, would, should, could or may. Although we believe the assumptions upon which these forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, any of these assumptions could prove to be inaccurate and the forward-looking statements based on these assumptions could be incorrect. The matters discussed in these forward-looking statements are subject to various risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results and trends to differ materially from those made, projected or implied in or by the forward-looking statements depending on a variety of uncertainties or other factors including, but not limited to: credit losses and the credit risk of our commercial and consumer loan products; changes in the level of charge-offs and changes in estimates of the adequacy of the allowance for credit losses, or ACL; cybersecurity concerns; rapid technological developments and changes; operational risks or risk management failures by us or critical third parties, including fraud risk; our ability to manage our reputational risks; sensitivity to the interest rate environment, a rapid increase in interest rates or a change in the shape of the yield curve; a change in spreads on interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities; regulatory supervision and oversight, including changes in regulatory capital requirements and our ability to address those requirements; unanticipated changes in our liquidity position; unanticipated changes in regulatory and governmental policies impacting interest rates and financial markets; changes in accounting policies, practices or guidance; legislation affecting the financial services industry as a whole, and S&T, in particular; developments affecting the industry and the soundness of financial institutions and further disruption to the economy and U.S. banking system; the outcome of pending and future litigation and governmental proceedings; increasing price and product/service competition; the ability to continue to introduce competitive new…

Excerpt shortened here; the source contains the full paragraph.

Previous wording

GAAP that involve a significant level of estimation uncertainty and have had or are reasonably likely to have a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations. We currently view the determination of the ACL and goodwill and other intangible assets to be critical accounting policies. We did not significantly change the manner in which we applied our critical accounting policies or developed related assumptions or estimates during 2023. We have reviewed these critical accounting estimates and related disclosures with the Audit Committee.

Current wording

We view critical accounting policies to be those which are highly dependent on subjective or complex estimates, assumptions and judgments and where changes in those estimates and assumptions could have a significant impact on the consolidated financial statements. Further, we view critical accounting estimates as those estimates made in accordance with GAAP that involve a significant level of estimation uncertainty and have had or are reasonably likely to have a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations. We currently view the determination of the ACL and goodwill to be critical accounting policies. We did not significantly change the manner in which we applied our critical accounting policies or developed related assumptions or estimates during 2024. We have reviewed these critical accounting estimates and related disclosures with the Audit Committee.

Previous wording

In conjunction with our capital stress testing process, we consider different economic scenarios that impact the ACL. Among other balance sheet and income statement changes, our severely adverse scenario would have resulted in an increase to the ACL of approximately 70 percent. This severely adverse scenario shows how sensitive the ACL can be to key qualitative and quantitative assumptions underlying the overall ACL calculation. To the extent actual losses are higher than management estimates, additional provision for credit losses could be required and could adversely affect our earnings or financial position in future periods.

Current wording

In conjunction with our capital stress testing process, we consider different economic scenarios that impact the ACL. Among other balance sheet and income statement changes, our severely adverse scenario would have resulted in an increase to the ACL of approximately 75 percent. This severely adverse scenario shows how sensitive the ACL can be to key qualitative and quantitative assumptions underlying the overall ACL calculation. To the extent actual losses are higher than management estimates, additional provision for credit losses could be required and could adversely affect our earnings or financial position in future periods.

Previous wording

As a result of acquisitions, we have recorded goodwill and identifiable intangible assets in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired.

Current wording

As a result of acquisitions, we have recorded goodwill in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired.

Previous wording

Return on average tangible shareholders' equity (non-GAAP) is a key profitability metric used by management to measure financial performance. The following table provides a reconciliation of return on average tangible shareholders' equity (non-GAAP) by reconciling net income (GAAP) per the Consolidated Statements of Net Income to net income before amortization and intangibles and average shareholder's equity to average tangible shareholders' equity for the periods presented:

Current wording

Return on average tangible shareholders' equity (non-GAAP) is a key profitability metric used by management to measure financial performance. The following table provides a reconciliation of return on average tangible shareholders' equity (non-GAAP) by reconciling net income (GAAP) per the Consolidated Statements of Net Income to net income before amortization of intangibles and average shareholder's equity to average tangible shareholders' equity for the periods presented:

Previous wording

We are a bank holding company that is headquartered in Indiana, Pennsylvania with assets of $9.6 billion at December 31, 2023. We operate in Pennsylvania and Ohio providing a full range of financial services with retail and commercial banking products, cash management services, trust and brokerage services. Our common stock trades on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “STBA”.

Current wording

We are a bank holding company that is headquartered in Indiana, Pennsylvania with assets of $9.7 billion at December 31, 2024. We operate in Pennsylvania and Ohio providing a full range of financial services with retail and commercial banking products, cash management services, trust and brokerage services. Our common stock trades on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “STBA.”

Previous wording

Our purpose is building a better future together through people-forward banking. We believe that all banking should be personal. We cultivate relationships rooted in trust, strengthened by going above and beyond and renewed with every interaction. Our strategic priorities for 2024 and beyond will be focused on our deposit franchise, core profitability, asset quality and talent and engagement.

Current wording

Our purpose is building a better future together through people-forward banking. We believe that all banking should be personal. We cultivate relationships rooted in trust, strengthened by going above and beyond and renewed with every interaction. Our strategic priorities for 2025 and beyond will be focused on growing our deposit franchise, core profitability, asset quality and talent and engagement.

Previous wording

Net interest income increased $33.6 million, or 10.65 percent, to $349.4 million compared to $315.8 million in 2022. Interest and dividend income increased $137.2 million and interest expense increased $103.5 million compared to 2022. The net interest margin, or NIM, on an FTE basis (non-GAAP) increased 37 basis points to 4.13 percent compared to 3.76 percent in 2022. The increases in net interest income and NIM on an FTE basis (non-GAAP) were primarily due to higher interest rates during 2023 and an asset sensitive balance sheet. NIM is reconciled to net interest margin adjusted to an FTE basis (non-GAAP) above in the "Explanation of Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures" section of this Management’s Discussion and Analysis, or MD&A.

Current wording

Net interest income decreased $14.6 million, or 4.18 percent, to $334.8 million in 2024 compared to $349.4 million in 2023. Net interest income on an FTE basis (non-GAAP) decreased $14.4 million, or 4.11 percent, compared to 2023. The net interest margin, or NIM, on an FTE basis (non-GAAP) decreased 31 basis points to 3.82 percent in 2024 compared to 4.13 percent in 2023. The decreases in net interest income and NIM on an FTE basis (non-GAAP) were primarily due to the impact of higher interest rates on total interest-bearing liabilities. While higher interest rates positively impacted interest income and rates on interest-earning assets, it was more than offset by higher interest expense and rates on interest-bearing liabilities. NIM is reconciled to net interest margin adjusted to an FTE basis (non-GAAP) above in the "Explanation of Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures" section of this Management’s Discussion and Analysis, or MD&A.

Previous wording

The provision for credit losses increased $9.5 million to $17.9 million for 2023 compared to $8.4 million for 2022. The increase in the provision for credit losses was mainly due to an increase in net charge-offs in 2023 and our qualitative reserve. Net loan charge-offs were $13.2 million, or 0.18 percent of average loans, in 2023 compared to $2.6 million, or 0.04 percent of average loans, in 2022.

Current wording

The provision for credit losses decreased $17.8 million to $0.1 million for 2024 compared to $17.9 million for 2023. The significant decline in the provision for credit losses was mainly due to a lower level of ACL related to decreases in our criticized and classified loans and a decrease in net loan charge-offs. Net loan charge-offs were $8.3 million, or 0.11 percent of average loans, in 2024 compared to $13.2 million, or 0.18 percent of average loans, in 2023.

Previous wording

Noninterest expense increased $13.6 million to $210.3 million compared to $196.7 million in 2022. Salaries and employee benefits increased $8.2 million primarily due to higher salaries related to inflationary wage pressure, the acquisition of new talent and a change in the valuation adjustment on a nonqualified benefit plan. Loan-related expense increased $2.1 million primarily due to an increase in loan collection and legal expenses for the workout of criticized and classified loans. Furniture, equipment and software expense increased $1.3 million due to new software implemented in 2023. FDIC insurance increased $1.3 million due to a two basis point increase in the assessment rate. The efficiency ratio (non-GAAP) for 2023 improved to 51.35 percent compared to 52.34 percent for 2022 due to higher revenue in 2023. A reconciliation of the efficiency ratio (non-GAAP) is provided above in the "Explanation of Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures" section of this MD&A.

Current wording

Noninterest expense increased $8.6 million to $218.9 million in 2024 compared to $210.3 million in 2023. Salaries and employee benefits increased $10.5 million primarily due to higher salaries related to annual merit increases, the acquisition of new talent and higher incentives and medical costs. Professional services and legal decreased $2.4 million primarily due to higher consulting expenses in 2023 compared to 2024. Other noninterest expense decreased $3.2 million primarily due to the adoption of PAM and a $2.1 million decrease in loan collection and appraisal expense compared to 2023. As a result of adopting PAM, amortization expense related to tax credit equity investments of $4.3 million is included in income tax expense for 2024 compared to $2.1 million included in other noninterest expense in 2023. The efficiency ratio (non-GAAP) for 2024 was 55.99 percent compared to 51.35 percent for 2023. A reconciliation of the efficiency ratio (non-GAAP) is provided above in the "Explanation of Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures" section of this MD&A.

Previous wording

The provision for income taxes increased $0.6 million to $34.0 million in 2023 compared to $33.4 million in 2022. The increase in our income tax provision was primarily due to a $9.9 million increase in pretax income in 2023 compared to 2022. The effective tax rate decreased 0.8 percent to 19.0 percent in 2023 compared to 19.8 percent in 2022. The decrease in the effective tax rate was primarily due to an increase in Low Income Housing Tax Credits, or LIHTCs, in 2023 compared to 2022.

Current wording

The provision for income taxes decreased $0.4 million to $33.6 million in 2024 compared to $34.0 million in 2023. The decrease in our income tax provision was primarily due to a $14.0 million decrease in income before taxes in 2024 compared to 2023 partially offset by the adoption of PAM as explained above. The effective tax rate increased to 20.4 percent in 2024 compared to 19.0 percent in 2023. The increase in the effective tax rate was primarily due to the adoption of PAM.

Previous wording

As part of our interest rate risk management strategy, we use interest rate swaps to add stability to net interest income by managing our exposure to interest rate movements. During 2022, we entered into interest rate swaps with a total notional amount of $500.0 million with original maturities ranging from three to five years. There were no new interest rates swaps entered into in 2023. Our strategy is to reduce our exposure to variability in expected future cash flows related to interest payments on commercial loans that are currently indexed to the 1-month SOFR rate. Interest rates have increased substantially in 2022 and 2023 resulting in an unrealized loss on the cash flow hedges of $11.6 million, which is reported in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), or OCI, net of applicable taxes.

Current wording

As part of our interest rate risk management strategy, we use interest rate swaps to add stability to net interest income by managing our exposure to interest rate movements. During 2022, we entered into interest rate swaps with a total notional amount of $500.0 million with original maturities ranging from three to five years. There were no new interest rates swaps entered into in 2024 or 2023. Our strategy is to reduce our exposure to variability in expected future cash flows related to interest payments on commercial loans that are currently indexed to the 1-month SOFR rate. Interest rates increased substantially in 2022 and 2023 followed by decreases in 2024 resulting in an unrealized loss on the cash flow hedges of $7.5 million at December 31, 2024, which is reported in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), or OCI, net of applicable taxes. This is an improvement of $4.1 million compared to the $11.6 million unrealized loss at December 31, 2023.

Previous wording

The following tables provide information regarding the average balances, interest and rates earned on interest-earning assets and the average balances, interest and rates paid on interest-bearing liabilities for the periods presented:

Current wording

The following tables provide information regarding the average balances, interest and rates earned on interest-earning assets, and interest and rates paid on interest-bearing liabilities for the periods presented:

Previous wording

Net interest income on an FTE basis (non-GAAP) increased $34.1 million, or 10.7 percent, compared to 2022. The net interest margin, or NIM, on an FTE basis (non-GAAP) increased 37 basis points to 4.13 percent compared to 3.76 percent in 2022. The increases in net interest income and NIM on an FTE basis (non-GAAP) were primarily due to higher interest rates during 2023.

Current wording

Net interest income on an FTE basis (non-GAAP) decreased $14.4 million, or 4.11 percent to $337.5 million in 2024 compared to $351.9 million in 2023. The net interest margin, or NIM, on an FTE basis (non-GAAP) decreased 31 basis points to 3.82 percent compared to 4.13 percent in 2023. The decreases in net interest income and NIM on an FTE basis (non-GAAP) were primarily due to the impact of higher interest rates on total interest-bearing liabilities. While higher interest rates positively impacted interest income and rates on interest-earning assets, it was more than offset by higher interest expense and rates on interest-bearing liabilities. Strong customer deposit growth in 2024 has helped to improve our overall funding mix by reducing borrowings.

Previous wording

Interest income on an FTE basis (non-GAAP) increased $137.6 million compared to 2022. The increase in interest income on an FTE basis (non-GAAP) was primarily due to higher interest rates. Average loan balances increased $326.3 million compared to 2022. The average yield on loan balances increased 154 basis points compared to 2022 due to higher interest rates. Average interest-bearing deposits with banks decreased $236.4 million compared to 2022 due to declines in deposit balances and loan growth. The average yield on interest-bearing deposits with banks increased 439 basis points compared to 2022 due to increased interest rates. Overall, the FTE rate (non-GAAP) on interest-earning assets increased 158 basis points compared to 2022.

Current wording

Interest income on an FTE basis (non-GAAP) increased $38.1 million to $518.6 million in 2024 compared to $480.5 million in 2023. The increase in interest income on an FTE basis (non-GAAP) was primarily due to higher interest rates on interest earning assets. The average yield on loan balances increased 20 basis points compared to 2023 due to higher interest rates. Average loan balances increased $0.3 billion to $7.7 billion in 2024 compared to $7.4 billion in 2023. Overall, the FTE rate (non-GAAP) on interest-earning assets increased 23 basis points compared to 2023.

Previous wording

The provision for credit losses includes a provision for losses on loans and on unfunded commitments. The provision for credit losses fluctuates based on changes in loan balances, risk ratings, net loan charge-offs/recoveries, the macro environment and our Current Expected Credit Loss, or CECL, forecast. The provision for credit losses increased $9.5 million to $17.9 million for 2023 compared to $8.4 million for 2022. The provision for credit losses included a reduction of $1.4 million for the reserve for unfunded commitments for 2023 compared to an increase of $3.0 million for 2022.

Current wording

The provision for credit losses includes a provision for losses on loans and on unfunded commitments. The provision for credit losses fluctuates based on changes in loan balances, loan risk ratings, net loan charge-offs/recoveries, the macro environment and our Current Expected Credit Loss, or CECL, forecast.

Previous wording

The increase in the provision for credit losses for 2023 compared to 2022 was primarily due to increases in net loan charge-offs and our qualitative reserve. Net loan charge-offs for 2023 were $13.2 million, or 0.18 percent of average loans, compared to $2.6 million, or 0.04 percent of average loans for 2022. Offsetting loan charge-offs during 2023 were $11.5 million of loan recoveries which included a $9.3 million recovery related to a 2020 customer fraud compared to $9.0 million of loan recoveries during 2022. The increase in qualitative reserve was primarily due to deterioration in the CRE Price Index and our qualitative reserve capturing additional expected losses in commercial loans that are not included in the model. Offsetting the increase in provision for credit losses during 2023 was a $4.4 million decrease in the provision for unfunded loan commitments primarily due to a decrease in loss rates and unused commitments in the construction portfolio.

Current wording

Net loan charge-offs for 2024 were $8.3 million, or 0.11 percent of average loans, compared to $13.2 million, or 0.18 percent of average loans, for 2023. Offsetting loan charge-offs of $24.6 million during 2023 was a $9.3 million recovery related to a 2020 customer fraud. Refer to the "Credit Quality" section of this MD&A for further details.

Previous wording

The effective tax rate, which is total tax expense as a percentage of income before taxes, decreased to 19.0 percent in 2023 compared to 19.8 percent in 2022. The decrease in the effective tax rate was primarily due to an increase in LIHTCs in 2023 compared to 2022. We have generated an annual effective tax rate that is less than the statutory rate of 21 percent due to benefits resulting from tax-exempt interest, excludable dividend income, tax-exempt income on Bank Owned Life Insurance, or BOLI, and tax benefits associated with LIHTCs.

Current wording

The effective tax rate, which is total tax expense as a percentage of income before taxes, increased to 20.4 percent in 2024 compared to 19.0 percent in 2023. The increase in the effective tax rate in 2024 compared to 2023 was primarily due to the adoption of PAM. We have generated an annual effective tax rate that is less than the statutory rate of 21 percent due to benefits resulting from tax-exempt interest, excludable dividend income, tax-exempt income on Bank Owned Life Insurance, or BOLI, and tax benefits associated with Low Income Housing Tax Credits, or LIHTC, which is partially offset by PAM.

Previous wording

Securities remained relatively unchanged at $970.4 million at December 31, 2023 compared to $1.0 billion at December 31, 2022. Thebond portfolio was in a net unrealized loss position of $82.0 millionat December 31, 2023 compared to a net unrealized loss position of $102.3 million at December 31, 2022. The decrease in the net unrealized loss portion of the bond portfolio of $20.3 million was due to a change in interest rates.

Current wording

Securities remained unchanged at $1.0 billion at December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023. The bond portfolio was in a net unrealized loss position of $71.7 million at December 31, 2024 compared to a net unrealized loss position of $82.0 million at December 31, 2023. The improvement in the net unrealized loss position of $10.3 million was primarily due to realized losses of $7.9 million during 2024 as a result of repositioning $144.3 million of our securities portfolio into longer-duration, higher yielding securities.

Previous wording

Total borrowings increased $64.4 million to $503.6 million at December 31, 2023 compared to $439.2 million at December 31, 2022 primarily due to loan growth.

Current wording

Total borrowings decreased $253.3 million, or 50.3 percent, to $250.3 million at December 31, 2024 compared to $503.6 million at December 31, 2023, primarily due to strong growth in customer deposits.

Previous wording

Total shareholders’ equity increased by $98.8 million to $1.3 billion at December 31, 2023 compared to $1.2 billion at December 31, 2022. The increase was primarily due to net income of $144.8 million and other comprehensive income of $21.2 million, offset by dividends of $49.9 million and common stock repurchases of $20.0 million.

Current wording

Total shareholders’ equity increased by $96.8 million to $1.4 billion at December 31, 2024 compared to $1.3 billion at December 31, 2023. The increase was primarily due to net income of $131.3 million and other comprehensive income of $13.9 million offset by dividends of $51.1 million.

Previous wording

We invest in various securities in order to maintain a source of liquidity, to satisfy various pledging requirements, to increase net interest income and as a tool of ALCO to reposition the balance sheet for interest rate risk purposes. Securities are subject to market risks that could negatively affect the level of liquidity available to us. Security purchases are subject to an investment policy approved annually by our Board of Directors and administered through ALCO and our treasury function. Our securities portfolio represents 10.2 percent of total assets and is classified as available for sale.The portfolio primarily consists of structured agency backed fixed income securities with limited credit exposure. Securities decreased $32.4 million to $970.4 million at December 31, 2023 compared to $1.0 billion at December 31, 2022.

Current wording

We invest in various securities in order to maintain a source of liquidity, to satisfy various pledging requirements, to increase net interest income and as a tool of ALCO to reposition the balance sheet for interest rate risk purposes. Securities are subject to market risks that could negatively affect the level of liquidity available to us. Security purchases are subject to an investment policy approved annually by our Board of Directors and administered through ALCO and our treasury function. Our entire securities portfolio is classified as available for sale. The portfolio primarily consists of structured agency-backed, fixed-income securities with limited credit exposure. Total securities available for sale increased to $987.6 million at December 31, 2024 compared to $970.4 million at December 31, 2023.

Previous wording

At December 31, 2023, our bond portfolio was in a net unrealized loss position of $82.0 million compared to a net unrealized loss position of $102.3 million at December 31, 2022. At December 31, 2023, our bond portfolio had gross unrealized losses of $83.8 million offset by $1.8 million in gross unrealized gains, compared to December 31, 2022, when total gross unrealized losses were $102.6 million offset by gross unrealized gains of $0.3 million.

Current wording

At December 31, 2024, our bond portfolio was in a net unrealized loss position of $71.7 million compared to a net unrealized loss position of $82.0 million at December 31, 2023. At December 31, 2024, our bond portfolio had gross unrealized losses of $72.7 million offset by $1.0 million in gross unrealized gains compared to December 31, 2023, when total gross unrealized losses were $83.8 million offset by gross unrealized gains of $1.8 million.

Previous wording

Management evaluates the securities portfolio to determine if an ACL is needed each quarter. We did not record an ACL related to the securities portfolio at December 31, 2023 or December 31, 2022. The unrealized losses on debt securities were primarily attributable to changes in interest rates and not related to the credit quality of these securities. All debt securities were determined to be investment grade and paying principal and interest according to the contractual terms of the security at December 31, 2023. We do not intend to sell and it is more likely than not that we will not be required to sell any of the securities in an unrealized loss position before recovery of their amortized cost. We did not recognize any impairment charges on our securities portfolio in 2023, 2022 or 2021. The securities portfolio could generate impairments in future periods requiring realized losses to be reported.

Current wording

Management evaluates the securities portfolio to determine if an ACL is needed each quarter. We did not record an ACL related to the securities portfolio at December 31, 2024 or December 31, 2023. The unrealized losses on debt securities were primarily attributable to changes in interest rates and not related to the credit quality of these securities. All debt securities were determined to be investment grade and paying principal and interest according to the contractual terms of the security at December 31, 2024. We do not intend to sell and it is more likely than not that we will not be required to sell any of the securities in an unrealized loss position before recovery of their amortized cost. We did not recognize any impairment charges on our securities portfolio in 2024, 2023 or 2022.

Previous wording

The following table summarizes our loan portfolio as of December 31:

Current wording

The following table summarizes our loan portfolio as of the dates presented:

Previous wording

We maintain a General Lending Policy to control the quality of our loan portfolio. The policy delegates the authority to extend loans under specific guidelines and underwriting standards. The General Lending Policy is formulated by management and reviewed and ratified annually by the Board of Directors.

Current wording

We adhere to a General Lending Policy to maintain the quality of our loan portfolio. The policy delegates the authority to extend loans under specific guidelines and underwriting standards. The General Lending Policy is formulated by management and reviewed and ratified annually by the Board of Directors.

Previous wording

We attempt to limit our exposure to credit risk by diversifying our loan portfolio by segment, geography, collateral and industry and actively managing concentrations. When concentrations exist in certain segments, we assess the credit risk within those segments to determine if additional reserve is needed in the qualitative portion of the ACL. Total commercial loans represented 70.1 percent of total portfolio loans at December 31, 2023 compared to 73.0 percent at December 31, 2022. Within our commercial portfolio, the CRE and commercial construction portfolios combined comprised $3.7 billion, or 69.4 percent, of total commercial loans and 48.6 percent of total portfolio loans at December 31, 2023 compared to $3.5 billion, or 67.2 percent, of total commercial loans and 49.1 percent of total portfolio loans at December 31, 2022.

Current wording

We attempt to limit our exposure to credit risk by diversifying our loan portfolio by segment, geography, collateral and industry and actively managing concentrations. When concentrations exist in certain segments, we assess the credit risk within those segments to determine if additional reserve is needed in the qualitative portion of the ACL. Total commercial loans represented 68.2 percent of total portfolio loans at December 31, 2024 compared to 70.1 percent at December 31, 2023. Within our commercial portfolio, the CRE and commercial construction portfolios combined comprised $3.7 billion, or 70.8 percent, of total commercial loans and 48.3 percent of total portfolio loans at December 31, 2024 compared to $3.7 billion, or 69.4 percent, of total commercial loans and 48.6 percent of total portfolio loans at December 31, 2023.

Previous wording

We lend primarily in Pennsylvania and the contiguous states of Ohio, New York, West Virginia, New Jersey, Delaware and Maryland. The majority of our commercial and consumer loans are made to businesses and individuals in these states resulting in a geographic concentration. We believe our knowledge of these markets outweighs the geographic concentration risk. Our operating knowledge at the local and regional level is derived from our front-line connection to the customer and our understanding of their businesses. We also have a portfolio management group that utilizes multiple data sources including customer information, publicly available data and subscription service data to assess risk on an on-going basis and strong overall risk management practices which help us understand and evaluate concentration risk. Our CRE and commercial construction portfolios have exposure outside this geography of 3.9 percent of the combined portfolios and 1.9 percent of total portfolio loans at December 31, 2023. This compares to 5.8 percent of the combined portfolios and 2.9 percent of total portfolio loans at December 31, 2022.

Current wording

We lend primarily in Pennsylvania and the contiguous states of Ohio, New York, West Virginia, New Jersey, Delaware and Maryland. The majority of our commercial and consumer loans are made to businesses and individuals in these states resulting in a geographic concentration. We believe our knowledge of these markets outweighs the geographic concentration risk. Our operating knowledge at the local and regional level is derived from our front-line connection to the customer and our understanding of their businesses. We also have a portfolio management group that utilizes multiple data sources including customer information, publicly available data and subscription service data to assess risk on an on-going basis and strong overall risk management practices which help us understand and evaluate concentration risk. Our CRE and commercial construction portfolios have exposure outside this geography of 3.9 percent of the combined portfolios and 1.9 percent of total portfolio loans at December 31, 2024 and 2023.

Previous wording

Total portfolio loans increased $469.4 million, or 6.5 percent, to $7.7 billion at December 31, 2023 compared to $7.2 billion at December 31, 2022. As of December 31, 2023, 65.0 percent of our total loans were variable rate loans and 35.0 percent were fixed rate loans.

Current wording

Total portfolio loans increased $89.6 million, or 1.2 percent, to $7.7 billion at December 31, 2024 compared to $7.7 billion at December 31, 2023. As of December 31, 2024, 62.0 percent of our total loans were variable rate loans and 38.0 percent were fixed rate loans compared to 65.0 percent variable rate loans and 35.0 percent fixed rate loans at December 31, 2023.

Previous wording

We typically originate and sell loans into the secondary market, primarily to Fannie Mae. We sell these loans in order to mitigate interest-rate risk associated with holding lower rate, long-term residential mortgages in the loan portfolio and to generate fee revenue from sales and servicing of the loans. During 2023, our strategy changed whereby we held more mortgages on our balance sheet versus selling these loans in the secondary market. This shift in strategy was mainly due to loan pricing in the secondary market and the desire to reduce our variable rate loan exposure in this interest rate environment. We continue to monitor this strategy and could shift back to selling more residential mortgages into the secondary market in future periods. We sold $0.2 million of 1-4 family mortgages in 2023 and $28.6 million in 2022 to Fannie Mae. Our servicing portfolio of mortgage loans that we had originated and sold into the secondary market was $707.8 million at December 31, 2023 compared to $772.9 million at December 31, 2022. We also offer a variety of unsecured and secured consumer loan products.

Current wording

We typically originate and sell loans into the secondary market, primarily to Fannie Mae. We sell these loans in order to mitigate interest-rate risk associated with holding lower rate, long-term residential mortgages in the loan portfolio and to generate fee revenue from sales and servicing of the loans. Beginning in 2023, our strategy changed whereby we held more mortgages on our balance sheet versus selling these loans in the secondary market. This shift in strategy was mainly due to loan pricing in the secondary market and the desire to reduce our variable rate loan exposure in this interest rate environment. We continue to monitor our strategy and may shift back to selling more residential mortgages into the secondary market in future periods. At December 31, 2024, our servicing portfolio of mortgage loans that we originated and sold into the secondary market was $648.9 million at December 31, 2024 compared to $707.8 million at December 31, 2023.

Previous wording

In the normal course of business, we offer off-balance sheet credit arrangements to enable our customers to meet their financing objectives. These instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and interest rate risk in excess of the amount recognized in the financial statements. Our exposure to credit loss, in the event the customer does not satisfy the terms of the agreement, equals the contractual amount of the obligation less the value of any collateral. We apply the same credit policies in making commitments and standby letters of credit that are used for the underwriting of loans to customers. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates, annual renewals or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. Because many of the commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements.

Current wording

In the normal course of business, we offer off-balance sheet credit arrangements to enable our customers to meet their financing objectives. These instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and interest rate risk in excess of the amount recognized in the financial statements. Our exposure to credit loss, in the event the customer does not satisfy the terms of the agreement, equals the contractual amount of the obligation less the value of any collateral. We apply the same credit policies in making commitments and standby letters of credit that are used for the underwriting of loans to customers. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates, annual renewals or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. Many of the commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, therefore, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements.

Previous wording

See Note 16 Commitments and Contingencies in Part II, Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data of this Report for details on allowance for credit losses on unfunded commitments.

Current wording

See Note 16. Commitments and Contingencies in Part II, Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data of this Report for details on the allowance for credit losses on unfunded commitments.

Previous wording

On a quarterly basis, a criticized asset meeting is held to monitor all special mention and substandard loans greater than $1.5 million and all business banking special mention and substandard loans greater than $0.5 million to establish action plans for these loans. These loans typically represent the highest risk of loss to us. We monitor these loans through regular contact with the borrower, review of current financial information and other documentation, review of all loan or potential loan restructures or modifications and the regular re-evaluation of assets held as collateral.

Current wording

On a quarterly basis, criticized asset meetings are held to monitor all special mention and substandard loans greater than $1.5 million and all business banking special mention and substandard loans greater than $0.5 million to establish action plans for these loans. These loans typically represent the highest risk of loss to us. We monitor these loans through regular contact with the borrower, review of current financial information and other documentation, review of all loan or potential loan restructures or modifications and the regular reevaluation of assets held as collateral. We also have a quarterly criticized asset meeting for the retail portfolio to review delinquent and nonaccrual loans as well as individual portfolio reviews such as unsecured, private banking and first payment default loans.

Previous wording

Additional credit risk management practices include periodic review, at least annually, and updates of our lending policies and procedures to support sound underwriting practices and portfolio management through portfolio stress testing. We have a portfolio monitoring group that performs an annual review of all commercial relationships greater than $1.5 million and a quarterly review of our Watch rated portfolio. Business banking relationships less than $1.5 million are monitored through portfolio management software that identifies credit risk indicators. Our credit risk review process serves to independently monitor credit quality and assess the effectiveness of credit risk management practices to provide oversight of all corporate lending activities. The credit risk review function has the primary responsibility for assessing commercial credit administration and credit decision functions of consumer and mortgage underwriting, as well as providing input to the loan risk rating process.

Current wording

Additional credit risk management practices include periodic loan reviews, at least annually, and updates of our lending policies and procedures to support sound underwriting practices and portfolio management through portfolio stress testing. We have a portfolio monitoring group that performs an annual review of all commercial and business banking relationships greater than $1.5 million and a quarterly review of our watch rated portfolio. Business banking relationships less than $1.5 million are monitored through portfolio management software that identifies credit risk indicators. Our credit risk review process serves to independently monitor credit quality and assess the effectiveness of credit risk management practices to provide oversight of all corporate lending activities. The credit risk review function has the primary responsibility for assessing commercial credit administration and credit decision functions of consumer and mortgage underwriting, as well as providing input to the loan risk rating process.

Previous wording

Our policy is to place loans in all categories in nonaccrual status when collection of interest or principal is doubtful, or generally when interest or principal payments are 90 days or more past due.

Current wording

Our policy is to place loans in all categories in nonaccrual status when collection of interest or principal is doubtful or generally when interest or principal payments are 90 days or more past the contractual due date.

Previous wording

Closed-end installment loans, amortizing loans secured by real estate and any other loans with payments scheduled monthly are reported past due when the borrower is in arrears two or more monthly payments. Other multi-payment obligations with payments scheduled other than monthly are reported past due when one scheduled payment is due and unpaid for 30 days or more. We monitor delinquency on a monthly basis, including early-stage delinquencies of 30 to 89 days past due for early identification of potential problem loans. Loans past due 90 days or more increased $3.9 million compared to December 31, 2022 and represented 0.30 percent of total loans at December 31, 2023. Loans past due by 30 to 89 days decreased $5.2 million and represented 0.20 percent of total loans at December 31, 2023.

Current wording

Closed-end installment loans, amortizing loans secured by real estate and any other loans with payments scheduled monthly are reported past due when the borrower is in arrears two or more monthly payments. Other multi-payment obligations with payments scheduled other than monthly are reported past due when one scheduled payment is due and unpaid for 30 days or more. We monitor delinquency on a monthly basis, including early-stage delinquencies of 30 to 89 days past due for early identification of potential problem loans.

Previous wording

Net loan charge-offs for 2023 were $13.2 million, or 0.18 percent of average loans, compared to $2.6 million, or 0.04 percent of average loans for 2022. The most significant charge-offs during 2023 were for three C&I relationships totaling $16.9 million. Offsetting loan charge-offs during 2023 were $11.5 million of loan recoveries, which included a $9.3 million recovery related to a 2020 customer fraud compared to $9.0 million of loan recoveries during 2022.

Current wording

Net loan charge-offs for 2024 were $8.3 million, or 0.11 percent of average loans, compared to $13.2 million, or 0.18 percent of average loans for 2023. Offsetting loan charge-offs during 2024 were $3.9 million in recoveries compared to $11.5 million in recoveries in 2023, which included a $9.3 million recovery related to a 2020 customer fraud.

Previous wording

At December 31, 2023, we held FHLB of Pittsburgh stock of $24.0 million compared to $22.0 million at December 31, 2022. This investment is carried at cost and evaluated for impairment based on the ultimate recoverability of the par value. We hold FHLB stock because we are a member of the FHLB of Pittsburgh. The FHLB requires members to purchase and hold a specified level of FHLB stock based upon the members’ asset values, level of borrowings and participation in other programs offered. Stock in the FHLB is non-marketable and is redeemable at the discretion of the FHLB. Members do not purchase stock in the FHLB for the same reasons that traditional equity investors acquire stock in an investor-owned enterprise. Rather, members purchase stock to obtain access to the products and services offered by the FHLB. Unlike equity securities of traditional for-profit enterprises, the stock of the FHLB does not provide its holders with an opportunity for capital appreciation because, by regulation, FHLB stock can only be purchased, redeemed and transferred at par value. We reviewed and evaluated the FHLB capital stock for impairment at December 31, 2023. The FHLB exceeds all required capital ratios. Additionally, we considered that the FHLB has been paying dividends and actively redeeming stock throughout 2023 and 2022. Accordingly, we believe sufficient evidence exists to conclude that no impairment existed at December 31, 2023.

Current wording

At December 31, 2024, we held FHLB of Pittsburgh stock of $15.2 million compared to $24.0 million at December 31, 2023. This investment is carried at cost and evaluated for impairment based on the ultimate recoverability of the par value. We hold FHLB stock because we are a member of the FHLB of Pittsburgh. The FHLB requires members to purchase and hold a specified level of FHLB stock based upon the members’ asset values, level of borrowings and participation in other programs offered. Stock in the FHLB is non-marketable and is redeemable at the discretion of the FHLB. Members do not purchase stock in the FHLB for the same reasons that traditional equity investors acquire stock in an investor-owned enterprise. Rather, members purchase stock to obtain access to the products and services offered by the FHLB. Unlike equity securities of traditional for-profit enterprises, the stock of the FHLB does not provide its holders with an opportunity for capital appreciation because, by regulation, FHLB stock can only be purchased, redeemed and transferred at par value. We reviewed and evaluated the FHLB capital stock for impairment at December 31, 2024. The FHLB exceeds all required capital ratios. Additionally, we considered that the FHLB has been paying dividends and actively redeeming stock throughout 2024 and 2023. Accordingly, we believe sufficient evidence exists to conclude that no impairment existed at December 31, 2024.

Previous wording

Total deposits increased $301.8 million, or 4.18 percent, at December 31, 2023 compared to December 31, 2022. Total customer deposits decreased $73.9 million from December 31, 2022 primarily due to lower commercial and consumer deposits due to the competitive pricing in this higher interest rate environment. Additionally, noninterest-bearing demand decreased due to the shift into interest-bearing deposits as a result of the elevated interest rate environment. Total brokered deposits increased $375.7 million from December 31, 2022. Brokered deposits are an additional source of funds utilized by ALCO as a way to diversify funding sources, as well as manage our funding costs and structure.

Current wording

We have a strong core deposit base with noninterest-bearing demand deposits representing 28.1 percent of total deposits at December 31, 2024 compared to 29.5 percent of total deposits at December 31, 2023. Total deposits increased $261.3 million, or 3.5 percent, at December 31, 2024 compared to December 31, 2023. Total customer deposits increased $411.7 million, or 5.8 percent, from December 31, 2023, as a result of our focus on our deposit franchise. Total brokered deposits decreased $150.4 million from December 31, 2023 due to strong growth in customer deposits. Brokered deposits are an additional source of funds utilized by ALCO as a way to diversify funding sources, as well as manage our funding costs and structure.

Previous wording

As a member of the IntraFi network, we are able to offer our customers insurance coverage on interest-bearing demand, money market and certificate of deposit balances in excess of the FDIC insurance limits. IntraFi balances increased $210.4 million to $277.7 million at December 31, 2023 compared to $67.3 million at December 31, 2022.

Current wording

As a member of the IntraFi network, we are able to offer our customers insurance coverage on interest-bearing demand, money market and certificate of deposit balances in excess of the FDIC insurance limits. IntraFi balances increased $47.1 million to $324.8 million at December 31, 2024 compared to $277.7 million at December 31, 2023.