CAMDEN NATIONAL CORP

Previous wording

Refer to Note 18 of the consolidated financial statements for further discussion.

Current wording

On January 2, 2025, the Company completed its previously announced stock-for stock acquisition of Northway. The total consideration paid by the Company consisted of approximately $96.5 million (approximately 2.3 million shares of the Company’s common stock) based on the closing price of the Company’s common stock of $42.25, as reported by Nasdaq on January 2, 2025. Results of operations and cash flows for all periods presented in this Annual Report on Form 10-K reflect only the results of operations and cash flows of the Company and do not include the results of operations or cash flows of Northway. In addition, neither the shares of Company common stock issued as consideration in the acquisition nor any purchase accounting adjustment that the Company will make in connection with the acquisition are reflected in the Company’s financial condition for any period presented in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The Company will account for the Northway acquisition as a business combination in results of operations for the first quarter of 2025. For additional information regarding the Company’s acquisition of Northway, refer to Note 23 of the consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Previous wording

In addition to evaluating the Company’s results of operations in accordance with GAAP, management supplements this evaluation with an analysis of certain non-GAAP financial measures, such as adjusted net income; adjusted diluted earnings per share; adjusted return on average assets; adjusted return on average equity; pre-tax, pre-provision income and adjusted pre-tax, pre-provision; income; the efficiency ratio; return on average tangible equity and adjusted return on average tangible equity; tangible book value per share and tangible common equity ratio; net interest income (fully-taxable equivalent); and core deposits and average core deposits. We utilize these non-GAAP financial measures for purposes of measuring our performance against our peer group and other financial institutions and analyzing our internal performance. We also believe these non-GAAP financial measures help investors better understand the Company’s operating performance and trends and allow for better performance comparisons to other banks. In addition, these non-GAAP financial measures remove the impact of unusual items that may obscure trends in the Company’s underlying performance. These disclosures should not be viewed as a substitute for GAAP operating results, nor are they necessarily comparable to non-GAAP performance measures that may be presented by other financial institutions.

Current wording

In addition to evaluating the Company’s results of operations in accordance with GAAP, management supplements this evaluation with an analysis of certain non-GAAP financial measures, such as core net income; core diluted earnings per share; core return on average assets; core return on average equity; pre-tax, pre-provision income and core pre-tax, pre-provision; income; the efficiency ratio; return on average tangible equity and core return on average tangible equity; tangible book value per share and tangible common equity ratio; net interest income (fully-taxable equivalent); and core deposits and average core deposits. We utilize these non-GAAP financial measures for purposes of measuring our performance against our peer group and other financial institutions and analyzing our internal performance. We also believe these non-GAAP financial measures help investors better understand the Company’s operating performance and trends and allow for better performance comparisons to other banks. In addition, these non-GAAP financial measures remove the impact of unusual items that may obscure trends in the Company’s underlying performance. These disclosures should not be viewed as a substitute for GAAP operating results, nor are they necessarily comparable to non-GAAP performance measures that may be presented by other financial institutions.

Previous wording

Adjusted Net Income; Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share; Adjusted Return on Average Assets; and Adjusted Return on Average Equity. Adjusted net income, adjusted diluted earnings per share, adjusted return on average assets and adjusted return on average equity are each supplemental measures that exclude certain transactions as outlined and calculated in the table below. Each item reconciles to reported net income, diluted earnings per share, return on average assets and return on average equity. The Company believes these adjusted financial metrics assist users of its financial statements with their financial analysis period-over-period as they are adjusted for certain non-recurring items.

Current wording

Core Net Income; Core Diluted Earnings per Share; Core Return on Average Assets; and Core Return on Average Equity. Core net income, core diluted earnings per share, core return on average assets and core return on average equity are each supplemental measures that exclude certain transactions as outlined and calculated in the table below. Each item reconciles to reported net income, diluted earnings per share, return on average assets and return on average equity. The Company believes these core financial metrics assist users of its financial statements with their financial analysis period-over-period as they are core for certain non-recurring items.

Previous wording

(1) Assumed a 21% income tax rate.

Current wording

(1) Assumed a 21% income tax rate for eligible costs.

Previous wording

Pre-Tax, Pre-Provision Income and Adjusted Pre-Tax, Pre-Provision Income. Pre-tax, pre-provision income and adjusted pre-tax, pre-provision income are each a supplemental measure of operating earnings and performance. Pre-tax, pre-provision income is calculated as net income before adjustment for provision (credit) for credit losses and adjustment for income tax expense, and adjusted pre-tax, pre-provision income is calculated as net income before adjustment for net loss on sale of securities and adjustment for SBA PPP loan income. These supplemental measures became more widely used by financial institutions as a measure of financial performance for comparability across financial institutions due to the provision for credit losses, as well as the SBA PPP loan income that was received on SBA loans originated, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic that were not a recurring and sustainable source of revenues for financial institutions.

Current wording

Pre-Tax, Pre-Provision Income. Pre-tax, pre-provision income is a supplemental measure of operating earnings and performance. Pre-tax, pre-provision income is calculated as net income before adjustment for (credit) provision for credit losses and adjustment for income tax expense. This supplemental measure became a widely used by financial institutions as a measure of financial performance for comparability across financial institutions.

Previous wording

Return on Average Tangible Equity and Adjusted Return on Average Tangible Equity. Return on average tangible equity is the ratio of (i) net income, adjusted for tax effected amortization of core deposit intangible assets and other adjustments, as necessary, to (ii) average shareholders' equity, adjusted for average goodwill and core deposit intangible assets. This adjusted financial ratio reflects a shareholders' return on tangible capital deployed in our business and is a common performance measure within the financial services industry. Adjusted return on average tangible equity is calculated the same as return on average tangible equity but uses adjusted net income which excludes certain transactions as shown in the table above. The Company believes this adjusted metric assists users of its financial statements with their period-over-period financial analysis as it is adjusted for certain non-recurring items.

Current wording

Return on Average Tangible Equity and Core Return on Average Tangible Equity. Return on average tangible equity is the ratio of (i) net income, adjusted for tax effected amortization of core deposit intangible assets and other adjustments, as necessary, to (ii) average shareholders' equity, adjusted for average goodwill and core deposit intangible assets. This adjusted financial ratio reflects a shareholders' return on tangible capital deployed in our business and is a common performance measure within the financial services industry. Core return on average tangible equity is calculated the same as return on average tangible equity but uses core net income which excludes certain transactions as shown in the table above. The Company believes this adjusted metric assists users of its financial statements with their period-over-period financial analysis as it is adjusted for certain non-recurring items.

Previous wording

Critical accounting policies are defined as those that are reflective of significant judgments and uncertainties, and could potentially result in materially different results under different assumptions and conditions. In preparing the Company’s consolidated financial statements, management is required to make significant estimates and assumptions that affect assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses reported. Actual results could materially differ from our current estimates, as a result of changing conditions and future events. Several estimates are particularly critical and are susceptible to significant near-term change, including (i) the ACL, including the ACL on loans, off-balance sheet credit exposures and investments; (ii) accounting for acquisitions and the subsequent review of goodwill and intangible assets generated in an acquisition for impairment; (iii) income taxes; and (iv) accounting for defined benefit and postretirement plans.

Current wording

Critical accounting estimates are defined as those that are reflective of significant judgments and uncertainties, and could potentially result in materially different results under different assumptions and conditions. In preparing the Company’s consolidated financial statements, management is required to make significant estimates and assumptions that affect assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses reported. Actual results could materially differ from our current estimates, as a result of changing conditions and future events. Estimates particularly critical and susceptible to significant near-term change, include (i) the ACL on loans and (ii) accounting for acquisitions and the subsequent review of goodwill and intangible assets generated in an acquisition for impairment.

Previous wording

The recorded ACL on loans and HTM debt investments is determined based on the amortized cost basis of the assets and may be determined at various levels, including homogeneous loan pools, individual credits with unique risk factors, and CUSIP. We use a discounted cash flow approach to calculate the ACL for each loan segment. Within the discounted cash flow model, a probability of default (“PD”) and loss given default (“LGD”) assumption is applied to calculate the expected loss for each loan segment. PD is the probability the asset will default within a given timeframe and LGD is the percentage of the assets not expected to be collected due to default. PD and LGD data may be derived using (1) internal historical default and loss experience, as well as from (2) external data if there are not statistically meaningful loss events or our own internal loss data does not span a full economic cycle for a given loan segment.

Current wording

The recorded ACL on loans is determined based on the amortized cost basis of the assets and may be determined at various levels, including homogeneous loan pools and individual credits with unique risk factors. We use a discounted cash flow approach to calculate the ACL for each loan segment. Within the discounted cash flow model, a probability of default (“PD”) and loss given default (“LGD”) assumption is applied to calculate the expected loss for each loan segment. PD is the probability the asset will default within a given timeframe and LGD is the percentage of the assets not expected to be collected due to default. PD and LGD data may be derived using (1) internal historical default and loss experience, as well as from (2) external data if there are not statistically meaningful loss events or our own internal loss data does not span a full economic cycle for a given loan segment.

Previous wording

CECL may create more volatility in our ACL, particularly our ACL on loans and ACL on off-balance sheet credit exposures. Under CECL, our ACL may increase or decrease period-to-period based on many factors, including, but not limited to: (i) macroeconomic forecasts and conditions; (ii) a change in the forecast period; (iii) a change in the reversion speed; (iv) a change in the prepayment speed assumption; (v) an increase or decrease in loan balances, including changes to our loan portfolio mix; (vi) credit quality of the loan portfolio; and (vii) various qualitative factors outlined in ASU 2016-13.

Current wording

CECL may create more volatility in our ACL and particularly in our ACL on loans. Under CECL, our ACL may increase or decrease period-to-period based on many assumptions, including, but not limited to: (i) macroeconomic forecasts and conditions; (ii) a change in the forecast period; (iii) a change in the reversion speed; (iv) a change in the prepayment speed assumption; (v) various qualitative factors outlined in ASU 2016-13.

Previous wording

ACL on Loans. We consider the ACL on loans to be a critical accounting policy given the uncertainty in evaluating the allowance required to cover management’s estimate of all expected credit losses over the expected contractual life of the loans in its portfolio. Determining the appropriateness of the allowance is a key management function that requires significant judgment and estimate by management about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain. Subsequent evaluations of the current loan portfolio, in light of the factors then prevailing, may result in significant changes in the allowance in future periods. While our current evaluation indicates that the ACL on loans at December 31, 2023 and 2022 was appropriate, the allowance may need to be increased under adversely different conditions or assumptions.

Current wording

ACL on Loans. We consider the ACL on loans to be a critical accounting estimate given the uncertainty in evaluating the allowance required to cover management’s estimate of all expected credit losses over the expected contractual life of the loans in its portfolio. Determining the appropriateness of the allowance is a key management function that requires significant judgment and estimate by management about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain. Subsequent evaluations of the current loan portfolio, in light of the factors then prevailing, may result in significant changes in the allowance in future periods. While our current evaluation indicates that the ACL on loans at December 31, 2024 and 2023 was appropriate, the allowance may need to be increased under adversely different conditions or assumptions.

Previous wording

•Macroeconomic factors (loss drivers): Macroeconomic factors are used within our discounted cash flow model to forecast the PD over the forecast period. As macroeconomic factor condition worsen, the PD increases, and the corresponding LGD increases, resulting in an increase in the ACL on loans. We monitor and assess Maine unemployment, changes in Maine GDP, changes in National GDP, and changes in Maine's Housing Price Index at least annually to determine if these macroeconomic factors continue to be the most predictive indicator of losses within our loan portfolio. Macroeconomic factors used in the calculation of the ACL on loans may change from time to time and in times of greater uncertainty, we may consider a range of possible forecasts and evaluate the probability of each scenario. We assessed our loss factors again in the fourth quarter of 2023 and there were no changes made to the ACL on loans calculation for reporting as of December 31, 2023.

Current wording

•Macroeconomic factors (loss drivers): Macroeconomic factors are used within our discounted cash flow model to forecast the PD over the forecast period. As macroeconomic factor conditions worsen, the PD increases, and the corresponding LGD increases, resulting in an increase in the ACL on loans. We monitor and assess Maine unemployment, changes in Maine GDP, changes in National GDP, and changes in Maine's Housing Price Index at least annually to determine if these macroeconomic factors continue to be the most predictive indicator of losses within our loan portfolio. Macroeconomic factors used in the calculation of the ACL on loans may change from time to time and in times of greater uncertainty, we may consider a range of possible forecasts and evaluate the probability of each scenario. We assessed our loss factors again in the fourth quarter of 2024 and there were no changes made to the ACL on loans calculation for reporting as of December 31, 2024.

Previous wording

•Forecast Period and Reversion speed: The company uses a reasonable and supportable forecast period in developing the ACL, which represents the time period that management believes it can reasonably forecast the identified loss drivers. Generally, the forecast period management believes to be reasonable and supportable is set annually and validated through an assessment of economic leading indicators. In periods of greater volatility and uncertainty, such as that seen across the global markets and economies, including the U.S., we are likely to use a shorter forecast period, whereas when markets, economies and various other factors are considered more stable and certain, we are likely to use a longer forecast period. Generally, we expect our forecast period to range from one to three years. Once the reasonable and supportable forecast period is determined, The company reverts its loss expectations to the long-run historical mean for the remainder of the contract life of the asset, adjusted for prepayments. In determining the length of time over which the reversion will take place (i.e. “reversion speed”), we consider such factors such as, but not limited to, historical loan loss experience over previous economic cycles, as well as where we believe we are within the current economic cycle.

Current wording

•Forecast Period and Reversion speed: The company uses a reasonable and supportable forecast period in developing the ACL, which represents the time period that management believes it can reasonably forecast the identified loss drivers. Generally, the forecast period management believes to be reasonable and supportable is set annually and validated through an assessment of economic leading indicators. In periods of greater volatility and uncertainty, such as that seen across the global markets and economies, including the U.S., we are likely to use a shorter forecast period, whereas when markets, economies and various other factors are considered more stable and certain, we are likely to use a longer forecast period. Generally, we expect our forecast period to range from one to three years. Once the reasonable and supportable forecast period is determined, the company reverts its loss expectations to the long-run historical mean for the remainder of the contract life of the asset, adjusted for prepayments. In determining the length of time over which the reversion will take place (i.e. “reversion speed”), we consider such factors such as, but not limited to, historical loan loss experience over previous economic cycles, as well as where we believe we are within the current economic cycle. At December 31, 2024 and 2023, we used a two-year forecast period and a two-year reversion period for each loan segment to measure the ACL on loans as we believe this methodology aligns the economic forecasted data used to calculate the ACL with the Company’s internal views of the future economic state.

Previous wording

•Prepayment speeds: Prepayment speeds are determined for each loan segment utilizing our own historical loan data, as well as consideration of current environmental factors. The prepayment speed assumption is utilized with the discounted cash flow model (i.e. the CECL model) to forecast expected cash flows over the contractual life of the loan, adjusted for expected prepayments. A higher prepayment speed assumption will drive a lower ACL, and vice versa. In the fourth quarter of 2023 we decreased our prepayment speeds for our residential, commercial real estate non-owner-occupied and commercial real estate owner-occupied. These decreases were to better align the prepayment speeds in the model with the current portfolio in the current interest rate environment.

Current wording

•Prepayment speeds: Prepayment speeds are determined for each loan segment utilizing our own historical loan data, as well as consideration of current environmental factors. The prepayment speed assumption is utilized with the discounted cash flow model (i.e. the CECL model) to forecast expected cash flows over the contractual life of the loan, adjusted for expected prepayments. A higher prepayment speed assumption will drive a lower ACL, and vice versa.

Previous wording

•Qualitative factors: Companies are required to consider various qualitative factors that may impact expected credit losses. We continue to consider qualitative factors in determining and arriving at our ACL on loans each reporting period. In 2023 the Company increased the qualitative factors used to address the increased risk in certain commercial real estate segments to ensure the Company has adequate reserves over these segments.

Current wording

•Qualitative factors: Companies are required to consider various qualitative factors that may impact expected credit losses. We continue to consider qualitative factors in determining and arriving at our ACL on loans each reporting period. In 2024 the Company increased the qualitative factors used to address the increased risk for all loans that were rated as criticized or classified.

Previous wording

As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the recorded ACL on loans was $36.9 million and represented our best estimate of expected credit losses within our loan portfolio as of each date. However, we may adjust our assumptions to account for differences between expected and actual losses each period. A future change of our assumptions will likely alter the level of allowance required and may have a material impact on future results of operations and financial condition. The ACL is reviewed periodically within a calendar quarter to assess trends in the aforementioned key assumptions, as well as asset quality within our loan portfolio, and we consider the impact of these trends on the ACL and the Company's financial condition, if any. The ACL on loans is reviewed and approved on a quarterly basis by the Company's Audit Committee, and later reviewed and ratified by the Bank's Board of Directors.

Current wording

As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the recorded ACL on loans was $35.7 and $36.9 million, respectively, and represented our best estimate of expected credit losses within our loan portfolio as of each date. However, we may adjust our assumptions to account for differences between expected and actual losses each period. A future change of our assumptions will likely alter the level of allowance required and may have a material impact on future results of operations and financial condition. The ACL is reviewed periodically within a calendar quarter to assess trends in the aforementioned key assumptions, as well as asset quality within our loan portfolio, and we consider the impact of these trends on the ACL and the Company's financial condition, if any. The ACL on loans is reviewed and approved on a quarterly basis by the Company's Audit Committee, and later reviewed and ratified by the Bank's Board of Directors.

Previous wording

Purchase Price Allocation and Impairment of Goodwill and Identifiable Intangible Assets. We record all acquired assets and liabilities at fair value, which is an estimate determined by the use of internal valuation techniques. We also may engage external valuation services to assist with the valuation of material assets and liabilities acquired, including, but not limited to, loans, core deposit intangibles and/or other intangible assets, real estate and time deposits. As part of purchase accounting, we typically acquire goodwill and other intangible assets as part of the purchase price. These assets are subject to ongoing periodic impairment tests under differing accounting models. We did not acquire any other company or assets during 2023 or 2022.

Current wording

Purchase Price Allocation and Impairment of Goodwill and Identifiable Intangible Assets. We record all acquired assets and liabilities at fair value, which is an estimate determined by the use of internal valuation techniques. We also may engage external valuation services to assist with the valuation of material assets and liabilities acquired, including, but not limited to, loans, core deposit intangibles and/or other intangible assets, real estate and time deposits. As part of purchase accounting, we typically acquire goodwill and other intangible assets as part of the purchase price. These assets are subject to ongoing periodic impairment tests under differing accounting models. We did not acquire any other company or assets during 2024 or 2023, however, refer to Note 23 of the consolidated financial statements for subsequent events.

Previous wording

Strong Asset Quality – Key credit quality metrics in both commercial and consumer portfolios remain resilient, despite the macroeconomic pressures created by rapidly rising interest rates and continued risk of a recession in the near-term. Asset quality continues to be a source of strength for the Company, with non-performing assets of 0.13% of total assets and past due loans of 0.12% of total loans at December 31, 2023.

Current wording

Strong Asset Quality – Key credit quality metrics in both commercial and consumer portfolios remained resilient throughout 2024, headlined by non-performing assets of 0.11% of total assets and past due loans of 0.05% of total loans at December 31, 2024.

Previous wording

Strong Capital Position – At December 31, 2023, all of our regulatory capital ratios were well in excess of regulatory capital requirements. Our capital and loan reserve levels, along with our strong credit quality position us for continued success in light of current market conditions that are both dynamic and volatile.

Current wording

Strong Capital Position – At December 31, 2024, all of our regulatory capital ratios were well in excess of regulatory capital requirements. Our capital and loan reserve levels, along with our strong credit quality position us for continued success.

Previous wording

Net interest income is the interest earned on our lending activities, investment securities and other interest-earning assets, less the interest paid on interest-bearing deposits and borrowings (i.e. our primary business activities). Net interest income, which is our largest source of revenue, accounted for 81%,78% and 73% of total revenues for the years ended 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Net interest income is affected by factors including, but not limited to, changes in interest rates, loan and deposit pricing strategies and competitive conditions, loan prepayment speeds, the volume and mix of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, and the level of non-performing assets.

Current wording

Net interest income is the interest earned on our lending activities, investment securities and other interest-earning assets, less the interest paid on interest-bearing deposits and borrowings (i.e. our primary business activities). Net interest income, which is our largest source of revenue, accounted for 75%, 81% and 78% of total revenues for the years ended 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Net interest income is affected by factors including, but not limited to, changes in interest rates, loan and deposit pricing strategies and competitive conditions, loan prepayment speeds, the volume and mix of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, and the level of non-performing assets.

Previous wording

Net Interest Income. Net interest income on a fully-taxable equivalent basis for the year ended December 31, 2023 was $133.2 million, a decrease of $15.5 million, or 10%, over 2022. The decrease consisted of a $68.9 million, or 275%, increase in interest expense, which was partially offset by an increase in interest income on a fully-taxable equivalent basis of $53.5 million, or 31%, between periods.

Current wording

Net Interest Income. Net interest income on a fully-taxable equivalent basis for the year ended December 31, 2024 was $133.1 million, a slight decrease of $75,000 from 2023. The decrease consisted of a $23.1 million, or 25%, increase in interest expense, which was partially offset by an increase in interest income on a fully-taxable equivalent basis of $23.3 million, or 10%, between periods.

Previous wording

•The Company’s average cost of funds for the year ended December 31, 2023 was 1.83%, compared to 0.51% for the year ended December 31, 2022, and was the driver for the increase in interest expense year-over-year. Our deposit and borrowing costs increased sharply during 2023 as the Federal Funds Rate reached a target range of 5.25% to 5.50% in 2023, and the average Effective Federal Funds Rate for 2023 was 5.03%, compared to an average of 1.68% for 2022.

Current wording

•The Company’s average cost of funds for the year ended December 31, 2024 was 2.28%, compared to 1.83% for the year ended December 31, 2023, and was the driver for the increase in interest expense year-over-year. The increase in our average funding costs year-over-year reflects the higher short-term interest rate environment, highlighted by an average Federal Fund Effective Interest Rate of 5.14% for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to 5.02% for the year ended December 31, 2023. Beginning in September 2024, the Federal Reserve Bank began lowering the Federal Funds Interest Rate. From September 2024 through December 31, 2024, the Federal Funds Rate was decreased by 1.00%, and the Federal Funds Target rate stood at 4.25% to 4.50% at December 31, 2024.

Previous wording

•The increase in interest income on a fully-taxable equivalent basis was also primarily driven by the higher interest rate environment between years. For the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company’s yield on average interest-earning assets was 4.19%, compared to 3.34% for the year ended December 31, 2022. The average 10-year U.S. Treasury Rate for 2023 was 3.96%, compared to 2.95% for 2022.

Current wording

•The increase in interest income on a fully-taxable equivalent basis was also primarily driven by the higher interest rate environment between years. For the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company’s yield on average interest-earning assets was 4.62%, compared to 4.19% for the year ended December 31, 2023. The average 10-year U.S. Treasury Rate for 2024 was 4.58%, compared to 3.96% for 2023.

Previous wording

Net Interest Margin. Net interest margin is calculated as net interest income on a fully-taxable equivalent basis as a percentage of average interest-earning assets. Our net interest margin on a fully-taxable equivalent basis for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 was 2.46% and 2.86%, respectively.

Current wording

Net Interest Margin. Net interest margin is calculated as net interest income on a fully-taxable equivalent basis as a percentage of average interest-earning assets. Our net interest margin on a fully-taxable equivalent basis for each of the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 was 2.46%.

Previous wording

The provision for credit losses was made up of the following components for the periods indicated:

Current wording

The (credit) provision for credit losses was made up of the following components for the periods indicated:

Previous wording

The Company’s asset quality remained strong at December 31, 2023 and 2022. Refer to “—Financial Condition—Asset Quality” for further details.

Current wording

Provision for loan losses. For the year ended December 31, 2024, a provision for loan losses of $53,000 was recorded and was primarily driven by improvement within our macroeconomic forecast for 2024 and lower loan growth of $17.2 million during 2024, compared to $87.7 million of loan growth for 2023. Asset quality continued be strong through 2024, as highlighted by non-accruals of 0.12% of total loans and net charge-offs of 0.03% of average loans as of and for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to 0.13% and 0.03%, respectively, as of and for the year ended December 31, 2023. The Company’s asset quality remained strong at December 31, 2024 and 2023. Refer to “—Financial Condition—Asset Quality” for further details.

Previous wording

Provision for credit losses on off-balance credit exposures. At December 31, 2023, the ACL on off-balance sheet credit exposures was $2.4 million, as compared to $3.3 million as of December 31, 2022. The decrease was driven by the decrease in unfunded credit lines of $79.2 million and decrease in the residential and commercial pipelines of $31.9 million between periods.

Current wording

Provision for credit losses on off-balance credit exposures. At December 31, 2024, the ACL on off-balance sheet credit exposures was $2.8 million, as compared to $2.4 million as of December 31, 2023. The increase was driven by the increase in unfunded credit lines of $37.0 million and the increase in the residential and commercial pipelines of $19.4 million between periods.

Previous wording

Provision for HTM debt securities: In the first quarter of 2023, the Company fully wrote-off of one Signature Bank corporate bond as Signature Bank failed. There was no additional provision expense recorded for 2023, and there was no provision expense recorded for the Company’s HTM portfolio for 2022.

Current wording

Provision for HTM debt securities: In the first quarter of 2023, the Company fully wrote-off a $1.8 million Signature Bank corporate bond due to Signature Bank’s failure. In the first quarter of 2024, the Company sold its Signature Bank corporate bond and recovered proceeds of $910,000.There was no additional provision expense recorded for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

Previous wording

Debit card income represents the interchange fees earned from debit card transactions of our business and consumer checking account customers, and the annual incentive bonus received from our network provider. The decrease between periods was driven by the decrease in average earning rate between periods. Additionally customer spend increased 2%, which was lower than the 2022 increase of 4% that resulted in a lower annual incentive bonus from Visa of $400,000.

Current wording

Debit card income represents the interchange fees earned from debit card transactions of our business and consumer checking account customers, and the annual incentive bonus received from our network provider.

Previous wording

Service charges on deposit accounts represents the fees earned from providing various services to deposit customers, including overdraft, normal fees for servicing deposit accounts, and cash management fees for business customers. In 2022, the Company stopped charging its depositors non-sufficient fund fees. Overdraft fee income for the year ended 2023 was $5.4 million, and overdraft fee income and non-sufficient fund fees for the year ended 2022 was $5.3 million.

Current wording

Service charges on deposit accounts represents the fees earned from providing various services to deposit customers, including overdraft, normal fees for servicing deposit accounts, and cash management fees for business customers. The increase in 2024 compared to 2023 was primarily driven by: (1) an increase in cash management fees of $399,000 as commercial deposit customers opted to pay services fees and waive any service fee credit as short-term interest rates increased, and (2) overdraft fee income increased $255,000 to $5.7 million for the year ended 2024.

Previous wording

Income from fiduciary services represents the fees earned for investment advisory and trust services provided by Camden National Wealth Management. The fees earned are primarily a percentage of our clients' assets under management. Assets under management were $1.1 billion as of December 31, 2023, representing an increase of 10% over 2022.

Current wording

Income from fiduciary services represents the fees earned for investment advisory and trust services provided by Camden National Wealth Management. The fees earned are primarily a percentage of our clients' assets under management. Assets under management increased 10% during 2024 to $1.2 billion as of December 31, 2024.

Previous wording

Brokerage and insurance commissions represent the fees earned for brokerage services, investment advisory and insurance services provided by the Bank, doing business as Camden Financial Consultants. The increase for the year ended December 31, 2023 over 2022 was driven by a 17% increase in assets under administration to $796.7 million as of December 31, 2023.

Current wording

Brokerage and insurance commissions represent the fees earned for brokerage services, investment advisory and insurance services provided by the Bank, doing business as Camden Financial Consultants. Assets under administration grew 15% during 2024 to $913.3 million as of December 31, 2024.

Previous wording

Bank-owned life insurance represents the change in cash surrender value of the Company's various BOLI policies in place for certain current and former officers of the Company and Bank. The change in cash surrender value reflects the performance of the underlying investments of the policies. In 2022 there was a decrease of $387,000 due to the underlying investments in one of the Company's BOLI contracts dropping below its stable value wrapper. There were no decreases in the market value of these underlying investments in 2023.

Current wording

Bank-owned life insurance represents the change in cash surrender value of the Company's various BOLI policies in place for certain current and former officers of the Company and Bank. The change in cash surrender value reflects the performance of the underlying investments of the policies.

Previous wording

Net loss on sale of securities represents the realized (loss) gain upon sale of our debt investments. In 2023, we

Current wording

Net loss on sale of securities represents the realized (loss) gain upon sale of our debt investments. In 2023, we executed investment sales that resulted in pre-tax losses of $10.3 million. The trades were completed to reposition a portion of our balance sheet. We reinvested $126.8 million of cash proceeds from the investment sales and expect these trades will optimize our balance sheet and improve future earnings and profitability. We did not execute on any similar investment trades during 2024. Refer to “—Financial Condition—Investments,” and Note 3 of the consolidated financial statements for further discussion.

Previous wording

Furniture, equipment and data processing includes depreciation expense of capitalized furniture, equipment and data-related costs, and ongoing system and other data processing costs, including outsourced solutions. The increase for the year ended 2023 over 2022 was driven by the Company’s continued investments in customer-facing technology platforms, internal systems and production platforms to drive increased productivity and efficiencies, and updates to various information security and resiliency-related systems and enhancements.

Current wording

Furniture, equipment and data processing includes depreciation expense of capitalized furniture, equipment and data-related costs, and ongoing system and other data processing costs, including outsourced solutions. The increase for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to 2023 was driven by the Company’s continued investments in customer-facing technology platforms, which during 2024 included investment in an enhanced wealth management platform and continued investments in our online banking platform and mobile app, internal systems and production platforms to drive increased productivity and efficiencies, and updates to various information security and resiliency-related systems and enhancements.

Previous wording

Consulting and professional fees include third party consulting services and other professional fees, such as audit and tax services, legal services, and Company and Bank director fees. The increase in fees for 2023 were driven by legal, consulting and director-related costs for the succession and transition of our President and CEO of $372,000.

Current wording

Consulting and professional fees include third party consulting services and other professional fees, such as audit and tax services, legal services, and Company and Bank director fees. During 2023, we incurred legal, consulting and director fees associated with the succession and transition of the Company and Bank’s President and CEO, which was the driver of elevated consulting and professional costs for 2023 in comparison to 2024.

Previous wording

Debit card expense is the cost incurred for the generation of debit card income, including third party switch network provider fees and related data transmission costs, and plastic card costs for the generation of debit cards for checking account customers. The increase for the year ended 2023 over 2022 was driven by rising vendor costs, including fraud detection and prevention costs. Many of the costs associated with debit card expense are fixed per unit regardless of the activity that generates income, and, thus, an increase or decrease in debit card income may not necessarily directly correlate with the change in debit card expense year-over-year.

Current wording

Debit card expense is the cost incurred for the generation of debit card income, including third party switch network provider fees and related data transmission costs, and plastic card costs for the generation of debit cards for checking account customers. The increase for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to 2023 was driven by rising vendor costs, including fraud detection and prevention costs. Many of the costs associated with debit card expense are fixed per unit regardless of the activity that generates income, and, thus, an increase or decrease in debit card income may not necessarily directly correlate with the change in debit card expense year-over-year.

Previous wording

Regulatory assessments are the costs incurred and paid to various regulatory agencies, including the FDIC and OCC. Regulatory assessment fees are based on a number of factors, including but not limited to, asset growth, regulator risk assessment and positive or negative trends specific to the financial institution. The increase for the year ended December 31, 2023 over 2022 was primarily driven by the increase in FDIC assessment fees of 2 basis points for all insured banks, effective January 1, 2023.

Current wording

Regulatory assessments are the costs incurred and paid to various regulatory agencies, including the FDIC and OCC. Regulatory assessment fees are based on a number of factors, including but not limited to, asset growth, regulator risk assessment and positive or negative trends specific to the financial institution.

Previous wording

Amortization of core deposit intangible assets represents the amortization expense on core deposit intangible assets. Refer to “—Financial Condition—Goodwill and Core Deposit Intangible Assets,” and Note 4 of the consolidated financial statements for further details.

Current wording

Amortization of core deposit intangible assets represents the amortization expense on core deposit intangible assets. Refer to “—Financial Condition—Goodwill and Core Deposit Intangible Assets,” and Note 4 of the consolidated financial statements for further details. We anticipate the creation of additional core deposit intangible assets associated with the acquisition of Northway Financial on January 2, 2025. These core deposit intangible assets are definite-lived intangible assets and will be amortized over their estimated useful life.

Previous wording

Other expenses include employee-related costs, such as certain SERP and other postretirement benefits expenses; hiring, training, education, meeting and business travel costs; donations and marketing costs; postage, freight and courier costs; and other expenses.

Current wording

Other expenses include employee-related costs, such as certain SERP and other postretirement benefits expenses; hiring, training, education, meeting and business travel costs; donations and marketing costs; postage, freight and courier costs; and other expenses. The decrease for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to the same period in 2023, was driven by external recruiting costs associated with the CEO succession and transition that was effective on January 1, 2024.

Previous wording

Income tax expense for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 was $10.5 million and $15.6 million, respectively, which resulted in an effective income tax rate of 19.4% for 2023 and 20.3% for 2022, respectively. The Company's effective income tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2023 of 19.4% was lower than our marginal tax rate of 22.8%, which includes our 21.0% federal income tax rate and a 1.8% blended state income tax rate, net of federal tax benefit. The decrease in the effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2023 over 2022 was primarily due to the decrease in income before income tax expense of $23.2 million, or 30%, compared to 2022, while our non-taxable interest income from municipal bonds and certain qualifying loans, non-taxable BOLI, and tax credits received on qualifying investments mix remained comparable to 2022.

Current wording

Income tax expense for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 was $12.5 million and $10.5 million, respectively, and resulted in an effective income tax rate of 19.0% for 2024 and 19.4% for 2023, respectively. The Company's effective income tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2024 of 19.0% was lower than our marginal tax rate of 22.8%, which includes our 21.0% federal income tax rate and a 1.8% blended state income tax rate, net of federal tax benefit. The decrease in the effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to 2023, was primarily due to an increase in tax credit investments, partially offset by nondeductible merger and acquisition costs and an increase in income before income tax expense of $11.6 million, or 21.6%, compared to 2023,