FIRST BUSINESS FINANCIAL SERVICES INC

Top Line Revenue

Top line revenue, comprised of net interest income and non-interest income, increased $2.8 million, or 8.1%, for the three months ended June 30, 2024, compared to the same period in 2023, due to a 10.1% increase in net interest income and a 0.7% increase in non-interest income. The increase in net interest income was driven by an increase in average loans and leases outstanding partially offset by net interest margin compression. The increase in non-interest income was due to an increase in trust fee income and service charges on deposits offset by a decrease in commercial loan swap fee income.

Top line revenue increased $4.0 million, or 5.7%, for the six months ended June 30, 2024, compared to the same period in 2023, due to a 10.3% increase in net interest income partially offset by a 10.1% decrease in non-interest income. The increase in net interest income was driven by an increase in average loans and leases outstanding. The decrease in non-interest income was due to decreases in returns on investments in Small Business Investment Company ("SBIC") mezzanine funds, commercial loan swap fee income, and gains on the sale of SBA loans.

The components of top line revenue were as follows:

Annualized Return on Average Assets (“ROAA”) and Annualized Return on Average Common Equity (“ROACE”)

ROAA for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 was 1.14% and 1.06%, respectively, compared to 1.04% and 1.10% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023. The increase in ROAA for the three months ended was due to an increase in top line revenue and a decrease in provision for credit losses. The decrease in ROAA for the six months ended was due to an increase in operating expenses and provision for credit losses, partially offset by an increase in top line revenue. We consider ROAA a critical metric to measure the profitability of our organization and how efficiently our assets are deployed. ROAA also allows us to better benchmark our profitability to our peers without the need to consider different degrees of leverage which can ultimately influence return on equity measures.

ROACE for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 was 14.1% and 13.2% respectively, compared to 12.6% and 13.3% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023. The reasons for the change in ROACE are consistent with the net income variance explanation as discussed under ROAA above. We view ROACE as an important measurement for monitoring profitability and continue to focus on improving our return to our shareholders by enhancing the overall profitability of our client relationships, controlling our expenses, and minimizing our costs of credit.

Efficiency Ratio and Pre-Tax, Pre-Provision Adjusted Earnings

Efficiency ratio measured 62.7% and 63.2% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, compared to 61.7% and 61.9% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023, respectively, as the percentage increase in operating expenses exceeded the percentage increase in top line revenue resulting in negative quarterly operating leverage compared to the prior year period. The percentage increase in operating revenue was driven by loan growth, partially offset by net interest margin compression during periods of comparison. For the six months ended June 30, 2024, the operating revenue was also impacted by a decrease in non-interest income. Efficiency ratio is a non-GAAP measure representing operating expense, which is non-interest expense excluding the effects of the SBA recourse benefit or provision, net gains or losses on repossessed assets, amortization of other intangible assets, and other discrete items, if any, divided by operating revenue, which is equal to net interest income plus non-interest income less realized net gains or losses on securities, if any.

PTPP adjusted earnings for three and six months ended June 30, 2024 were $14.1 million and $27.3 million, respectively, compared to $13.5 million and $26.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2023, respectively. PTPP adjusted earnings is defined as operating revenue less operating expense. The increase in PTPP adjusted earnings for both periods was primarily driven by an increase in net interest income and a decrease in SBA recourse provision. In the judgment of the Corporation’s management, the adjustments made to non-interest expense and non-interest income allow investors and analysts to better assess the Corporation’s operating expenses in relation to its core operating revenue by removing the volatility associated with certain one-time items and other discrete items. PTPP adjusted earnings allows management to benchmark performance of our model to our peers without the influence of the provision for credit losses and tax considerations, which will ultimately influence other traditional financial measurements, including ROAA and ROACE. The information provided below reconciles the efficiency ratio to its most comparable GAAP measure.

Please refer to the Non-Interest Incomeand Non-Interest Expense sections below for discussion on additional drivers of the year-over-year change in the efficiency ratio and PTPP adjusted earnings.

The Corporation's atypically high net interest margin in 2023 creates a temporary, positive operating leverage headwind as net interest margin returns to normalized levels in 2024. We believe the Corporation will generate positive operating leverage on an annual basis and progress towards enhancing the long-term efficiency ratio at a measured pace as we focus on strategic initiatives directed toward revenue growth, process improvement, and automation.

Net Interest Income

Net interest income levels depend on the amount of and yield on interest-earning assets as compared to the amount of and rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities. Net interest income is sensitive to changes in market rates of interest and the asset/liability management processes to prepare for and respond to such changes.

The following table provides information with respect to (1) the change in net interest income attributable to changes in rate (changes in rate multiplied by prior volume) and (2) the change in net interest income attributable to changes in volume (changes in volume multiplied by prior rate) for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. The change in net interest income attributable to changes in rate and volume (changes in rate multiplied by changes in volume) has been allocated to the rate and volume changes in proportion to the relationship of the absolute dollar amounts of the change in each.

(1)

The average balances of loans and leases include non-accrual loans and leases and loans held for sale.

The tables below show our average balances, interest, average yields/rates, net interest margin, and the spread between the combined average yields earned on interest-earning assets and average rates on interest-bearing liabilities for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023. The average balances are derived from average daily balances.

(1)

The average balances of loans and leases include non-accrual loans and leases and loans held for sale. Interest income related to non-accrual loans and leases is recognized when collected. Interest income includes net loan fees in lieu of interest.

(2)

Includes amortized cost basis of assets available-for-sale and held-to-maturity.

(3)

Yields on tax-exempt municipal securities are not presented on a tax-equivalent basis in this table.

(4)

Represents annualized yields/rates.

The change in yield of the respective interest-earning asset or the rate paid on interest-bearing liability compared to the change in short-term market rates is commonly referred to as a beta. The table below displays the beta calculations for loans and leases, total interest earning assets, core deposits, interest-bearing deposits and total interest-bearing liabilities for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023. Additionally, adjusted total loans and leases and total interest-earning assets excludes the volatile impact of fees in lieu of interest.

(1)

Excluding fees in lieu of interest.

(2)

Total bank funding represents total deposits plus FHLB advances.

(3)

Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (US), Effective Federal Funds Rates [DFF] retrieved from FRED, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis.

(4)

Represents annualized yields/rates.

Comparison of Net Interest Income for the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2024 and 2023

Net interest income increased $2.8 million, or 10.1%, and $5.6 million, or 10.3% during the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, compared to the three and six months ended June 30, 2023. The increase in net interest income reflected an increase in average gross loans and leases and fees in lieu of interest, partially offset by net interest margin compression. Fees in lieu of interest, which vary from quarter to quarter, totaled $1.2 million and $2.0 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, compared to $936,000 and $1.6 million for the same periods in 2023. Excluding fees in lieu of interest, net interest income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 increased $2.5 million, or 9.33%, and $5.2 million, or 9.77%, respectively. Average gross loans and leases for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 increased $379.7 million, or 14.7%, and $392.7 million, or 15.5%, respectively, compared to the three and six months ended June 30, 2023.

The yield on average loans and leases for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 was 7.28% and 7.21%, respectively, compared to 6.86% and 6.64% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023. Excluding the impact of loan fees in lieu of interest, the yield on average loans and leases for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 was 7.11% and 7.07%, respectively, compared to 6.71% and 6.52% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023. The yield on average interest-earning assets for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 measured 6.92% and 6.85%, respectively, compared to 6.47% and 6.28% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023. Excluding loan fees in lieu of interest, the yield on average interest-earning assets for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 was 6.77% and 6.73%, respectively, compared to 6.35% and 6.17% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023. The increase in yields was primarily due to the reinvestment of cash flows from fixed-rate loan portfolios and securities in a higher rate environment. The daily average effective federal funds rate for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 increased 34 and 58 basis points, compared to the same period in 2023. This equates to an interest-earning asset beta of 132.35% and 98.28%, respectively, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024.

The rate paid on average interest-bearing core deposits for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 increased to 4.09% and 4.06%, respectively, from 3.25% and 3.03% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023. The average rate paid on total interest-bearing liabilities for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 increased to 3.97% and 3.93%, respectively, from 3.33% and 3.12% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023. Total interest-bearing liabilities may include interest-bearing deposits, federal funds purchased, FHLB advances, subordinated and junior subordinated notes and debentures payable, and other borrowings. The average rates paid increased due to the increase in short-term market rates, the replacement of maturing wholesale funds at higher fixed rates, and client movement from non-interest bearing to interest bearing core deposit products. This equates to an interest-bearing liability beta of 189.17% and 140.58%, respectively, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024.

Net interest margin decreased to 3.65% and 3.62%, respectively, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, compared to 3.81% and 3.83% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023. The primary driver of the reduction in net interest margin was increased funding costs, partially offset by an increase in earning asset yields. Adjusted net interest margin measured 3.47% and 3.45% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, compared to 3.63% and 3.69% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023. Adjusted net interest margin is a non-GAAP measure representing net interest income excluding the impact of fees in lieu of interest, and other recurring, but volatile, components of net interest margin divided by average interest-earning assets less other recurring, but volatile, components of average interest-earning assets.

Management believes its success in growing core deposits, disciplined loan pricing, and increased production in existing higher-yielding commercial lending products will allow the Corporation to achieve a net interest margin that supports our long-term profitability goals. However, the collection of loan fees in lieu of interest is an expected source of volatility to quarterly net interest income and net interest margin. In addition, net interest margin may also experience volatility due to events such as the collection of interest on loans previously in non-accrual status or the accumulation of significant short-term deposit inflows. The Corporation maintains a long-term target for net interest margin in the range of 3.60%-3.65%. Performance in future quarters will vary due to factors such as the level of fees in lieu of interest and the timing, pace, and scale of future interest rate changes.

Provision for Credit Losses

We determine our provision for credit losses pursuant to our allowance for credit loss methodology. It is based on a reasonable and supportable forecast as well as considerations for composition, risk, and performance indicators in our credit portfolio. Refer to Allowance for Credit Losses, below, for further information regarding our allowance for credit loss methodology.

The Corporation recognized $1.7 million and $4.0 million of provision expense for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, respectively, compared to expense of $2.2 million and $3.8 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023. The provision expense for the three months ended June 30, 2024 consisted of net charge-offs of $1.4 million, $680,000 related to loan growth, $496,000 due to qualitative factors, and $150,000 due to deterioration in the economic outlook in our model forecast; partially offset by a $1.0 million decrease in specific reserves. The increase in qualitative factors was driven primarily by higher-than-target growth in several loan portfolios.

The following table shows the components of the provision for credit losses for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 compared to the same periods in 2023.

The addition of specific reserves on individually evaluated loans represents new specific reserves established when collateral shortfalls or government guaranty deficiencies are present, while the release of specific reserves represents the reduction of previously established reserves that are no longer required. Qualitative factor changes reflect management’s evaluation of the level of risk within the portfolio based upon several factors for each portfolio segment. Quantitative factor changes reflect the change in the reasonable and supportable forecast as well as other model assumptions. Charge-offs in excess of previously established specific reserves require an additional provision for credit losses to maintain the allowance for credit losses at a level deemed appropriate by management. This amount is net of the release of any specific reserve that may have already been provided. Refer to Asset Quality, below, for further information regarding the overall credit quality of our loan and lease portfolio.

Comparison of Non-Interest Income for the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2024 and 2023

Non-Interest Income

Non-interest income increased $51,000, or 0.7%, to $7.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024 compared to $7.4 million for the same period in 2023. The increase in total non-interest income for the three months ended June 30, 2024 was primarily due to increases in trust fee income and service charges on deposits, offset by a decrease in commercial loan swap fee income. Non-interest income for the six months ended June 30, 2024 decreased $1.6 million, or 10.1%, to $14.2 million compared to $15.8 million for the same period in 2023. The decrease in total non-interest income for the six months ended June 30, 2024 was driven by decreases in returns on investments in SBIC mezzanine funds, commercial loan swap fee income, and gains on the sale of SBA loans. These unfavorable variances were partially offset by an increase in Private Wealth fee income and service charges on deposits.

Management continues to focus on revenue growth from multiple non-interest income sources in order to maintain a diversified revenue stream through greater contributions from fee-based revenues. Contribution from fee-based revenue sources can be variable and driven by changes in the interest rate environment, client activity, and the value of underlying investments. Total non-interest income accounted for 19.6% and 19.1% of total revenues for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, respectively, compared to 21.0% and 22.5% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023.

The components of non-interest income were as follows:

(1)

Fee income ratio is fee income, per the above table, divided by top line revenue (defined as net interest income plus non-interest income).

Private Wealth fee income increased $568,000, or 19.6%, and $1.0 million, or 18.5%, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, respectively, compared to the same period in 2023. Private Wealth fee income is up compared to prior year primarily due to an increase in assets under management and administration, increases in fee rates across the client base, and non-recurring transaction fees in the 2024 period. Private Wealth fee income can vary due to the mix of business at different fee structures, and can be positively or negatively influenced by the timing and magnitude of volatility within the capital markets. As of June 30, 2024, private wealth and trust assets under management and administration totaled $3.249 billion, increasing $341.5 million, or 11.7%, compared to $2.907 billion as of June 30, 2023, due to an increase in market values, new clients, and new money from existing clients.

Other non-interest income increased $207,000, or 19.3%, and decreased $1.6 million, or 40.6%, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, respectively, compared to the same period in 2023. The changes for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, was primarily due to the timing of returns from the Corporation’s investments in SBIC mezzanine funds.

Commercial loan interest rate swap fee income decreased $820,000, or 83.9%, and $1.2 million, or 76.9%, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, respectively, compared to the same period in 2023. We originate commercial real estate loans in which we offer clients a floating rate and an interest rate swap. The client’s swap is then offset with a counter-party dealer. The execution of these transactions generates swap fee income. The aggregate amortizing notional value of interest rate swaps with various borrowers was $962.6 million as of June 30, 2024, compared to $939.2 million and $838.5 million as of December 31, 2023 and June 30, 2023, respectively. Interest rate swaps can be an attractive product for our commercial borrowers, although associated fee income can be variable from period to period based on loan activity and the interest rate environment.

Gain on sale of SBA loans decreased $95,000, or 21.4%, and $376,000, or 40.9%, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, respectively, compared to the same period in 2023. Management expects the SBA loan sales to increase in the second half of the year as production increases and previously closed commitments fully fund and become eligible for sale, due to additions to the business development team.

Service charges on deposits increased $185,000, or 24.2%, and $442,000, or 30.5%, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, respectively, compared to the same period in 2023, driven by new and expanded core deposit relationships. Treasury management business development efforts remain robust as gross treasury management service charges increased $198,000, or 14.0%, and $327,000, or 11.6%, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, respectively, compared to the same period in 2023. Management believes growth in gross analyzed service charges is a strong indicator of success for the Corporation given the direct correlation to adding and expanding core business relationships.

Comparison of Non-Interest Expense for the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2024 and 2023

Non-Interest Expense

Non-interest expense for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 increased by $1.8 million, or 8.4% and $3.4 million, or 7.8%, respectively, compared to the same period in 2023. Operating expense, which excludes certain one-time and discrete items as defined in the Efficiency Ratio table above, increased $2.1 million, or 9.8%, and $3.5 million, or 8.0%, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, respectively, compared to the same period in 2023. The increase in operating expense was primarily due to an increase in compensation expense, computer software expense, and professional fees.

The components of non-interest expense were as follows:

(1)

Total operating expense represents total non-interest expense, adjusted to exclude the impact of discrete items as previously defined in the non-GAAP efficiency ratio calculation, above.

Compensation expense for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 increased $1.1 million, or 7.2%, and $1.3 million, or 4.3%, respectively, compared to the same period in 2023. The increase in compensation expense was primarily due to an increase in average FTEs, annual merit increases, and promotions. These increases were partially offset by decreases in incentive compensation and share-based compensation. Successful hiring efforts to secure talent resulted in average full-time equivalent employees for the three months ended June 30, 2024 increasing to 351, up 2.3%, compared to 343 for the three months ended June 30, 2023.

Computer software expense increased $358,000, or 29.9%, and $594,000, or 25.0%, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, respectively, compared to the same period in 2023. The increase was primarily due to new investment in innovative technology to support growth initiatives, to enhance productivity, and client experience.

Professional fees increased $232,000, or 18.7%, and $460,000, or 17.8%, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, respectively, compared to the same period in 2023. The increase was primarily due to an increase in recruiting expense and other professional consulting services for various projects.

FDIC insurance for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 increased $32,000, or 5.52%, and $248,000, or 25.5%, respectively, compared to the same period in 2023. The increase was primarily due to asset growth and an increase in the usage of brokered deposits in lieu of FHLB advances, as part of our funding strategy to match-fund fixed-rate loans and maintain adequate alternative sources of liquidity.

Marketing expense increased $71,000, or 9.11%, and $262,000, or 18.6%, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, respectively, compared to the same period in 2023. The increase was primarily due to an increase in business development efforts and advertising projects related to the Company’s growth initiatives.

Data processing increased $121,000, or 11.4%, and $264,000, or 13.6%, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, respectively, compared to the same period in 2023, primarily due to an increase in core processing costs due to loan and deposit account growth, private wealth and trust asset growth, and various project implementations.

Other non-interest expense for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 decreased $22,000, or 2.02%, and increased $265,000, or 16.6%, respectively, compared to the same period in 2023. The six month period increase was primarily due to an increase other reserves and liquidation expense, partially offset by decrease in SBA recourse provision.

Income Taxes

Income tax expense totaled $3.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024 compared to $5.3 million for the same period in 2023. Income tax expense included a $752,000 net benefit from tax credit investments, compared to a $300,000 benefit in the prior year period. The effective tax rate, including the benefit from Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, for the six months ended June 30, 2024 was 15.8% compared to 23.5% for the same period in 2023. The decrease in effective tax rate is primarily due to a change in Wisconsin state tax legislation which reduced the Corporation's state taxable income. The Corporation expects to report an effective tax rate between 16% and 18% for 2024.

Generally, the provision for income taxes is determined by applying an estimated annual effective income tax rate to income before taxes and adjusting for discrete items. The rate is based on the most recent annualized forecast of pre-tax income, book versus tax differences and tax credits, if any. If we conclude that a reliable estimated annual effective tax rate cannot be determined, the actual effective tax rate for the year-to-date period may be used. We re-evaluate the income tax rates each quarter. Therefore, the current projected effective tax rate for the entire year may change.

Financial Condition

General

Total assets increased by $109.2 million, or 6.2%, to $3.617 billion as of June 30, 2024 compared to $3.508 billion at December 31, 2023. The increase in total assets was primarily driven by an increase in loans and leases receivable and available-for-sale securities, partially offset by a reduction in short-term investments. Total liabilities increased by $93.6 million, or 5.8%, to $3.312 billion at June 30, 2024 compared to $3.218 billion at December 31, 2023. The increase in total liabilities was principally due to an increase in deposits. Total stockholders’ equity increased by $15.6 million, or 10.8%, to $305.2 million at June 30, 2024 compared to

$289.6 million at December 31, 2023. The increase in total stockholders’ equity was due to retention of earnings and unrealized gains on interest rate swaps, partially offset by dividends paid to common and preferred stockholders and unrealized losses on available-for-sale securities.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include short-term investments and cash and due from banks. Cash and due from banks decreased $5.9 million to $26.4 million at June 30, 2024 from $32.3 million at December 31, 2023. Short-term investments decreased by $52.5 million to $54.7 million at June 30, 2024 from $107.2 million at December 31, 2023. Our short-term investments primarily consist of interest-bearing deposits held at the FRB. We value the safety and soundness provided by the FRB, and therefore, we incorporate short-term investments in our readily accessible liquidity program. As of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, interest-bearing deposits held at the FRB were $53.7 million and $106.8 million, respectively.

Securities

Total securities, including available-for-sale and held-to-maturity, increased by $10.4 million, or 6.8%, to $315.9 million, or 8.7% of total assets at June 30, 2024 compared to $305.5 million or 8.7% of total assets at December 31, 2023. During the six months ended June 30, 2024 the Corporation recognized unrealized losses of $3.5 million before income taxes through other comprehensive income, compared to unrealized gains of $252,000 for the same period in 2023. The unrealized losses in the current period were driven by the increase in interest rates. As of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, our overall securities portfolio, including available-for-sale securities and held-to-maturity securities, had an estimated weighted-average expected maturity of 5.3 years and 5.6 years, respectively. Our investment philosophy remains as stated in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K.

We use a third-party pricing service as our primary source of market prices for our securities portfolio. On a quarterly basis, we validate the reasonableness of prices received from this source through independent verification, data integrity validation primarily through comparison of current price to an expectation-based analysis of movement in prices based upon the changes in the related yield curves, and other market factors. We did not recognize any credit losses in the securities portfolio as of June 30, 2024.

Loans and Leases Receivable

Period-end loans and leases receivable, net of allowance for credit losses, increased by $133.3 million, or 9.5% annualized to $2.952 billion at June 30, 2024 from $2.819 billion at December 31, 2023 primarily driven by commercial loan growth. Management expects to manage loan growth towards our long term target of 10%.

Commercial and Industrial ("C&I") loans increased $55.9 million, or 10.1% annualized, to $1.162 billion. The increase was due to growth in traditional commercial lending, Equipment Finance, and Floorplan Financing products.

Total commercial real estate (“CRE”) loans increased $75.5 million, or 8.9% annualized, to $1.775 billion. The increase was primarily due to an increase in the construction and multifamily loan portfolios.

CRE loans represented 59.5% and 59.6% of our total loans as of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively. As of June 30, 2024, 14.6% of the CRE loans were owner-occupied CRE, compared to 15.1% as of December 31, 2023. We consider owner-occupied CRE more characteristic of the Corporation’s C&I portfolio as, in general, the client’s primary source of repayment is the cash flow from the operating entity occupying the commercial real estate property.

We continue to actively pursue C&I loans across the Corporation as this segment of our loan and lease portfolio provides an attractive yield commensurate with an appropriate level of credit risk and creates opportunities for core deposit, treasury management, and private wealth management relationships which generate additional fee revenue.

Underwriting of new credit is primarily through approval from a serial sign-off or committee process and is a key component of our operating philosophy. Business development officers have no individual lending authority. To monitor the ongoing credit quality of our loans and leases, each credit is evaluated for proper risk rating using a nine grade risk rating system at the time of origination, subsequent renewal, evaluation of updated financial information from our borrowers, or as other circumstances dictate.

While we continue to experience competition from banks operating in our primary geographic areas, we remain committed to our underwriting standards and will not deviate from those standards for the sole purpose of growing our loan and lease portfolio. We continue to expect our new loan and lease activity to be adequate to replace normal amortization, allowing us to continue growing in future years. The types of loans and leases we originate and the various risks associated with these originations remain consistent with information previously outlined in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K.

The following table presents information concerning the composition of the Bank’s consolidated loans and leases receivable.

Below is a view of selected loan portfolios disaggregated by North American Industry Classification (“NAICs”) code as of June 30, 2024:

(1)

Includes approximately $235 million of office real estate, or 8% of gross loans.

See Asset Quality for further discussion of industry-specific risks.

Deposits

Deposit composition

As of June 30, 2024, total period-end deposits increased by $88.4 million to $2.885 billion from $2.797 billion at December 31, 2023, primarily due to increases of $126.3 million and $117.8 million in money market accounts and wholesale deposits, respectively. These increases were partially offset by decreases of $63.0 million, $54.2 million, and $38.6 million in certificates of deposits, interest-bearing transaction accounts, and non-interest-bearing transaction accounts, respectively.

As of June 30, 2024, total period-end core deposits decreased $29.4 million, or 2.5% annualized, to $2.310 billion, compared to $2.339 billion at December 31, 2023. The decrease in period-end balances is due to decreases of $54.2 million, $38.6 million, and $63.0 million in interest bearing transaction accounts, non-interest bearing transaction accounts, and certificate of deposit accounts, respectively. The decline in period-end balances is due to the delayed receipt of a significant core deposit which typically occurs near the end of the month and was included in December 31, 2023 deposits. Including this recurring deposit inflow received by the Bank on July 1, period-end core deposits increased $50.8 million. Management believes the Bank’s deposit-centric sales strategy, led by treasury management sales, will contribute to a net increase in deposits; however, period-end deposit balances associated with core relationships will fluctuate based upon maturity of time deposits, client demands for the use of their cash, and our ability to maintain existing and acquire new client relationships. Therefore, we believe average balances are a better indicator of our deposit growth.

Our strategic efforts remain focused on adding core deposit relationships. We measure the success of core deposit gathering efforts based on the number and average balances of our deposit accounts as compared to ending balances due to the variability of some of our larger relationships. The Bank’s average core deposits, consisting of all transaction accounts, money market accounts, and certificates of deposit, increased $342.4 million, or 17.0%, to $2.361 billion for the six months ended June 30, 2024 compared to $2.018 billion for the six months ended June 30, 2023.

FHLB Advances and Other Borrowings

As of June 30, 2024, FHLB advances and other borrowings decreased by $3.1 million, or 1.9%, to $327.9 million from $330.9 million at December 31, 2023. As average deposit balances have increased, we have been able to reduce our usage of FHLB advances. In addition, we have strategically reduced our usage of FHLB advances in favor of wholesale deposits to increase the Bank’s readily accessible liquidity. We will continue to utilize FHLB advances and wholesale deposits to manage interest rate risk, liquidity, and contingency funding.

As of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Corporation had other borrowings of $10,000, and $20,000 respectively, which consisted of a sold tax credit investments accounted for as secured borrowings because they did not qualify for true sale accounting.

During the third quarter of 2024, management intends to redeem $15.0 million of 5.50% fixed to floating rate subordinated notes payable originally issued August 15th, 2019 and reissue up to $20.0 million in subordinated notes payable.

Consistent with our funding philosophy to manage interest rate risk, we will use the most efficient and cost effective source of wholesale funds. We will utilize FHLB advances to the extent we maintain an adequate level of excess borrowing capacity for liquidity and contingency funding purposes and pricing remains favorable in comparison to the wholesale deposit alternative. We will use FHLB advances and/or brokered certificates of deposit in specific maturity periods needed, typically three to five years, to match-fund fixed rate loans and effectively mitigate the interest rate risk measured through our asset/liability management process and to support asset growth initiatives while taking into consideration our operating goals and desired level of usage of wholesale funds. Please refer to the section entitled Liquidity and Capital Resources, below, for further information regarding our use and monitoring of wholesale funds.

Preferred Stock

The Corporation has 12,500 shares, or $12.5 million in aggregate liquidation preference, of 7.0% Fixed-to-Floating Rate Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A, par value $0.01 per share, with a liquidation preference of $1,000 per share (the “Series A Preferred Stock”) outstanding as of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023.

The Corporation expects to pay dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock when and if declared by its Board, at a fixed rate of 7.0% per annum, payable quarterly, in arrears, on March 15, June 15, September 15 and December 15 of each year up to, but excluding, March 15, 2027. For each dividend period from and including March 15, 2027, dividends will be paid at a floating rate of Three-Month Term SOFR plus a spread of 539 basis points per annum. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, the Corporation paid $219,000 and $438,000, respectively, in cash dividends with respect to the Series A Preferred Stock. The Series A Preferred Stock is perpetual and has no stated maturity. The Corporation may redeem the Series A Preferred Stock at its option at a redemption price equal to $1,000 per share, plus any declared and unpaid dividends (without regard to any undeclared dividends), subject to regulatory approval, on or after March 15, 2027 or within 90 days following a regulatory capital treatment event, in accordance with the terms of the Series A Preferred Stock.

Derivatives

The Board approved Bank policies allow the Bank to participate in hedging strategies or to use financial futures, options, forward commitments, or interest rate swaps. The Bank utilizes, from time to time, derivative instruments in the course of its asset/liability management. The Corporation’s derivative financial instruments, under which the Corporation is required to either receive cash from or pay cash to counterparties depending on changes in interest rates applied to notional amounts, are carried at fair value on the consolidated balance sheets.

As of June 30, 2024, the aggregate amortizing notional value of interest rate swaps with various commercial borrowers was approximately $962.6 million, compared to $939.2 million as of December 31, 2023. We receive fixed rates and pay floating rates based upon designated benchmark interest rates on the swaps with commercial borrowers. These swaps mature between July 2024 and July 2040. Commercial borrower swaps are completed independently with each borrower and are not subject to master netting arrangements. As of June 30, 2024, the commercial borrower swaps were reported on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as a derivative asset of $2.1 million and liability of $61.8 million compared to a derivative asset of $7.9 million and liability of $51.1 million as of December 31, 2023. On the offsetting swap contracts with dealer counterparties, we pay fixed rates and receive floating rates based upon designated benchmark interest rates. These interest rate swaps also have maturity dates between July 2024 and July 2040. Dealer counterparty swaps are subject to master netting agreements among the contracts within our Bank and were reported on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as a net derivative asset of $59.6 million as of June 30, 2024, compared to a net derivative asset of $43.2 million as of December 31, 2023. The gross amount of dealer counterparty swaps as of June 30, 2024, without regard to the enforceable master netting agreement, was a gross derivative liability of $2.1 million and gross derivative asset of $61.8 million, compared to a gross derivative liability of $7.9 million and gross derivative asset of $51.1 million as of December 31, 2023.

The Corporation also enters into interest rate swaps to manage interest rate risk and reduce the cost of match-funding certain long-term fixed rate loans. These derivative contracts involve the receipt of floating rate interest from a counterparty in exchange for the Corporation making fixed-rate payments over the life of the agreement, without the exchange of the underlying notional value. The instruments are designated as cash flow hedges as the receipt of floating rate interest from the counterparty is used to manage interest rate risk associated with forecasted interest payments on issuances of short-term FHLB advances or purchases of wholesale deposits. The change in the fair value of these hedging instruments is recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income and is subsequently reclassified into earnings in the period that the hedged transactions affect earnings. As of June 30, 2024, the aggregate notional value of interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges was $437.7 million. These interest rate swaps mature between July 2024 and February 2041. A pre-tax unrealized gain of $300,000 and $5.1 million was recognized in other comprehensive income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, respectively, and there was no ineffective portion of these hedges.

The Corporation also enters into interest rate swaps to mitigate market value volatility on certain long-term fixed securities. The objective of the hedge is to protect the Corporation against changes in fair value due to changes in benchmark interest rates. The instruments are designated as fair value hedges as the changes in the fair value of the interest rate swap are expected to offset changes in the fair value of the hedged item attributable to changes in the SOFR swap rate, the designated benchmark interest rate. These derivative contracts involve the receipt of floating rate interest from a counterparty in exchange for the Corporation making fixed-rate payments over the life of the agreement, without the exchange of the underlying notional value. The change in the fair value of these hedging instruments is recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income and is subsequently reclassified into earnings in the period that the hedged transactions affect earnings. As of June 30, 2024, the aggregate notional value of interest rate swaps designated as fair value hedges was $12.5 million. These interest rate swaps mature between February 2031 and October 2034. A pre-tax unrealized gain of $82,000 and $223,000 was recognized in other comprehensive income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, respectively, and there was no ineffective portion of these hedges.

For further information and discussion of our derivatives, see Note 13 — Derivative Financial Instruments of the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Asset Quality

Non-performing Assets

Total non-performing assets consisted of the following at June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively:

Non-accrual loans decreased $1.6 million, to $19.0 million at June 30, 2024, compared to $20.6 million at December 31, 2023. The Corporation’s non-accrual loans as a percentage of total gross loans and leases measured 0.64% and 0.72% at June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively. The change in non-accrual loans was driven by charge-offs in the Equipment Finance pool and a paydown in the Asset-Based Lending ("ABL") pool both within the C&I portfolio segment, partially offset by newly defaulted loans in Equipment Finance. While we continue to expect full repayment of the one asset-based lending (ABL) loan that defaulted during the second quarter of 2023, the liquidation process has transitioned into Chapter 7 bankruptcy, likely delaying final resolution until late 2024 or 2025. Through our collections efforts, the current balance of this loan is $6.5 million, down from $10.9 million in the prior year quarter. Excluding this credit, non-performing assets totaled $12.6 million, or 0.35% of total assets in the current quarter and $12.7 million, or 0.36% of total assets in the prior quarter.

We use a wide variety of available metrics to assess the overall asset quality of the portfolio and no one metric is used independently to make a final conclusion as to the asset quality of the portfolio. Non-performing assets as a percentage of total assets was 0.53% and 0.59% at June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively. As of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the payment performance of our loans and leases did not point to any new areas of concern, as approximately 99.4% and 99.2%, respectively, of the total portfolio at the end of each period was in a current payment status.

We reviewed loans and leases with exposure to certain industries:

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Transportation and Logistics, Equipment Finance: 2% of total loans - Management considered the following: 9% of Equipment Finance Transportation loans are rated Category IV. Based on our reserve methodology for individually and collectively evaluated loans, we believe our reserves related to this industry to be appropriate.

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Transportation and Logistics, other than Equipment Finance: 2% of total loans - Management considered the following: Less than 1% of the Transportation loans outside of Equipment Finance are rated Category IV. Collateral on these loans includes commercial real estate, business assets, and equipment. Based on these and other borrower-specific considerations, no additional reserve requirements were identified.

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Office, Commercial Real Estate: 8% of total loans - Management considered the following: office exposure is concentrated in the Wisconsin markets where local market vacancy rates are below national rates, a majority of the loan maturity dates are beyond 2031 with the borrower paying a fixed rate, either directly or through an interest rate swap, and there are no non-accrual loans in the portfolio. Based on these and other borrower-specific considerations, no additional reserve requirements were identified.

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Multifamily, Commercial Real Estate: 16% of total loans - Management considered the following: multifamily exposure is concentrated in the Wisconsin markets where local market vacancy rates are below national rates, a majority of the loan maturity dates are beyond 2031 with the borrower paying a fixed rate, either directly or through an interest rate swap, and there are no non-accrual loans in the portfolio. Based on these and other borrower-specific considerations, no additional reserve requirements were identified.

We also monitor asset quality through our established categories as defined in Note 5 – Loans, Lease Receivables, and Allowance for Credit Losses of the Consolidated Financial Statements. As we continue to actively monitor the credit quality of our loan and lease portfolios, we may identify additional loans and leases for which the borrowers or lessees are having difficulties making the required principal and interest payments based upon factors including, but not limited to, the inability to sell the underlying collateral, inadequate cash flow from the operations of the underlying businesses, liquidation events, or bankruptcy filings. We proactively work with our loan borrowers experiencing financial difficulty to find meaningful solutions to difficult situations that are in the best interests of the Bank.

As of June 30, 2024, as well as in all previous reporting periods, there were no loans over 90 days past due and still accruing interest. Loans and leases greater than 90 days past due are placed on non-accrual status and individually evaluated for reserve requirement. Cash received while a loan or a lease is on non-accrual status is generally applied solely against the outstanding principal. If collectability of the contractual principal and interest is not in doubt, payments received may be applied to both interest due on a cash basis and principal.

The following represents additional information regarding our non-accrual loans and leases:

Allowance for Credit Losses

The allowance for credit losses, including unfunded commitment reserves, increased $2.0 million, or 11.8%, to $35.0 million as of June 30, 2024 from $33.0 million as of December 31, 2023. The allowance for credit losses as a percentage of gross loans and leases increased to 1.17% as of June 30, 2024 from 1.16% as of December 31, 2023.

During the six months ended June 30, 2024, we recorded net charge-offs of $2.1 million, comprised of $2.5 million of charge-offs and $418,000 of recoveries. We will continue to experience some level of periodic charge-offs in the future as exit strategies are considered and executed. Loans and leases with previously established specific reserves, may ultimately result in a charge-off under a variety of scenarios.

As of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, our ratio of allowance for credit losses to total non-accrual loans and leases was 183.96% and 160.21%, respectively. This ratio increased because of charge-offs and paydowns on non-accrual loans and an increase in general reserves. Non-accrual loans and leases exhibit weaknesses that inhibit repayment in compliance with the original terms of the note or lease; however, the evaluation of non-accrual loans and leases may not always result in a specific reserve included in the allowance for credit losses. As part of the underwriting process, as well as our ongoing monitoring efforts, we try to ensure that we have sufficient collateral to protect our interest in the related loan or lease. As a result of this practice, a significant portion of our outstanding balance of non-accrual loans or leases may not require additional specific reserves or require only a minimal amount of required specific reserve. Management is proactive in recording charge-offs to bring loans to their net realizable value in situations where it is determined with certainty that we will not recover the entire amount of our principal. This practice may lead to a lower allowance for credit loss to non-accrual loans and leases ratio as compared to our peers or industry expectations. As asset quality strengthens, our allowance for credit losses is measured more through collective characteristics of our portfolio rather than through specific identification and we would therefore expect this ratio to rise. Conversely, if we identify further non-accrual loans, this ratio could fall if the non-accrual loans are adequately collateralized and therefore require no specific or general reserve. Given our business practices and evaluation of our existing loan and lease portfolio, we believe this coverage ratio is appropriate for the probable losses inherent in our loan and lease portfolio as of June 30, 2024.

To determine the level and composition of the allowance for credit losses, we break out the portfolio by segments with similar risk characteristics. First, we evaluate loans and leases for non-accrual classification. We analyze each loan and lease identified as non-accrual on an individual basis to determine a specific reserve based upon the estimated value of the underlying collateral for collateral-dependent loans, or alternatively, the present value of expected cash flows. For efficiency, smaller dollar value loans within the Equipment Finance pool are reserved based on a past-due criteria. Accruing loans may be evaluated individually. All loans not evaluated individually are evaluated collectively as part of a portfolio segment or portfolio segment and class. These collective evaluations utilized a reasonable and supportable forecast which includes projections of credit losses based on one of two established methods: discounted cash flow or weighted average remaining maturity. Each model includes a set of assumptions which are evaluated not less than annually by management. The methodology also focuses on evaluation of several qualitative factors for each portfolio segment or portfolio segment and class, including but not limited to: product growth rates, management’s ongoing review and grading of the loan and lease portfolios, consideration of delinquency experience, changes in the size of the loan and lease portfolios, level of loans and leases subject to more frequent review by management, changes in underlying collateral, concentrations in specific industries, and other qualitative factors that could affect credit losses.

When it is determined that we will not receive our entire contractual principal or the loss is confirmed, we record a charge against the allowance for credit loss reserve to bring the loan or lease to its net realizable value. It is typically part of our process to obtain appraisals on individually evaluated loans and leases that are primarily secured by real estate. As we complete new appraisals and/or market evaluations, in specific situations current fair values collateralizing certain collateral-dependent loans are inadequate to support the entire amount of the outstanding debt.

As a result of our review process, we have concluded an appropriate allowance for credit losses for the funded loan and lease portfolio was $33.1 million, or 1.11% of gross loans and leases, at June 30, 2024. Given ongoing complexities with current workout situations and the uncertainty surrounding future economic conditions, further charge-offs, and increased provisions for credit losses may be recorded if additional facts and circumstances lead us to a different conclusion. Various federal and state regulatory agencies review the allowance for credit losses. These agencies could require certain loan and lease balances to be classified differently or charged off when their credit evaluations differ from those of management, based on their judgments about information available to them at the time of their examination.

A summary of the activity in the allowance for credit losses follows:

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The Corporation expects to meet its liquidity needs through existing cash on hand, established cash flow sources, its third-party senior line of credit, and dividends received from the Bank. While the Bank is subject to certain generally applicable regulatory limitations regarding its ability to pay dividends to the Corporation, we do not believe that the Corporation will be adversely affected by these dividend limitations. The Corporation’s principal liquidity requirements at June 30, 2024 were the interest payments due on subordinated notes and debentures and cash dividends payable to both common and preferred stockholders. The capital ratios of the Bank met all applicable regulatory capital adequacy requirements in effect on June 30, 2024, and continue to meet the heightened requirements imposed by Basel III, including the capital conservation buffer. The Corporation’s Board and management teams adhere to the appropriate regulatory guidelines on decisions which affect their capital positions, including but not limited to, decisions relating to the payment of dividends and increasing indebtedness.

The Bank maintains liquidity by obtaining funds from several sources. The Bank’s primary sources of funds are principal and interest payments on loans receivable and mortgage-related securities, deposits, and other borrowings, such as federal funds, and FHLB advances. The scheduled payments of loans and mortgage-related securities are generally a predictable source of funds. Deposit flows and loan prepayments, however, are greatly influenced by general interest rates, economic and industry conditions, and competition.

Sources of liquidity

(1)

Bank internal policy limits brokered CDs to 50% of total bank funding when combined with FHLB advances.

We view readily accessible liquidity as a critical element to meet our cash and collateral obligations. We define our readily accessible liquidity as the total of our short-term investments, our unencumbered securities available-for-sale, and our unencumbered pledged loans. Our readily accessible liquidity decreased quarter over quarter. At June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Bank had $53.7 million and $106.8 million on deposit with the FRB recorded in short-term investments, respectively. Any excess funds not used for loan funding or satisfying other cash obligations were maintained as part of our readily accessible liquidity in our interest-bearing accounts with the FRB, as we value the safety and soundness provided by the FRB. We plan to utilize excess liquidity to fund loan and lease portfolio growth, pay down maturing debt, allow run off of maturing wholesale certificates of deposit or invest in securities to maintain adequate liquidity at an improved margin.

We had $853.9 million of outstanding wholesale funds at June 30, 2024, compared to $739.2 million of wholesale funds as of December 31, 2023, which represented 27.0% and 24.0%, respectively, of ending balance total bank funding. Wholesale funds include FHLB advances, brokered certificates of deposit, and deposits gathered from internet listing services. Total bank funding is defined as total deposits plus FHLB advances. We are committed to raising core deposits while utilizing wholesale funds to mitigate interest rate risk. Wholesale funds continue to be an efficient and cost effective source of funding for the Bank and allows it to gather funds across a larger geographic base at price levels and maturities that are more attractive than local time deposits when required to raise a similar level of core deposits within a short time period. Access to such deposits and borrowings allows us the flexibility to refrain from pursuing single service deposit relationships in markets that have experienced unfavorable pricing levels. The administrative costs associated with wholesale funds are considerably lower than those that would be incurred to administer a similar level of local deposits with a similar maturity structure. Wholesale funds are also stable as each issuance has a structured maturity date and may only be redeemed in certain limited circumstances. During the time frames necessary to accumulate wholesale funds in an orderly manner, we will use short-term FHLB advances to meet our temporary funding needs. The short-term FHLB advances will typically have terms of one week to one month to cover the overall expected funding demands.

Period-end core deposits decreased $29.4 million as of June 30, 2024, compared to December 31, 2023. The decrease was primarily due to decreases of $54.2 million, $38.6 million, and $63.0 million in interest bearing transaction accounts, non-interest bearing transaction accounts, and certificate of deposit accounts, respectively. These decreases were partially offset by a $126.3 million increase in money market accounts. We will continue to use wholesale funds in specific maturity periods, typically three to five years, needed to effectively mitigate the interest rate risk measured through our asset/liability management process or in shorter time periods if core deposit balances decline. In order to provide for ongoing liquidity and funding, none of our wholesale certificates of deposit allow for withdrawal at the option of the depositor before the stated maturity (with the exception of deposits accumulated through the internet listing service which have the same early withdrawal privileges and fees as do our other core deposits) and FHLB advances with contractual maturity terms. The Bank limits the percentage of wholesale funds to total bank funds in accordance with liquidity policies approved by its Board. The Bank was in compliance with its policy limits as of June 30, 2024.

The Bank was able to access the wholesale funding market as needed at rates and terms comparable to market standards during the quarter ended June 30, 2024. In the event that there is a disruption in the availability of wholesale funds at maturity, the Bank has managed the maturity structure, in compliance with our approved liquidity policy, so at least one year of maturities could be funded through readily accessible liquidity. These potential funding sources include deposits maintained at the FRB or Federal Reserve Discount Window utilizing currently unencumbered securities and acceptable loans as collateral. As of June 30, 2024, the accessible liquidity was in excess of the stated policy minimum. We believe the Bank will also have access to the unused federal funds lines, cash flows from borrower repayments, and cash flows from security maturities. The Bank also has the ability to raise local market deposits by offering attractive rates to generate the level required to fulfill its liquidity needs.

The Corporation has a shelf registration statement on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission that would allow the Corporation to offer and sell, from time to time and in one or more offerings, up to $75.0 million in aggregate initial offering price of common and preferred stock, debt securities, warrants, subscription rights, units, or depository shares, or any combination thereof. The Corporation has in recent years, and may from time to time in the future, raise capital through the sale of debt or equity securities in private placements exempt from registration under federal securities laws.

During the six months ended June 30, 2024, operating activities resulted in a net cash inflow of $21.7 million, which included net income of $19.3 million. Net cash used by investing activities for the six months ended June 30, 2024 was $159.7 million primarily due to net loan disbursements, investments made in securities available for sale, and additional investments in federal home loan bank stock. Net cash provided by financing activities was $79.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024 primarily due to a net increase in deposits, partially offset by the repayment of FHLB advances. Please refer to the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows included in PART I., Item 1 for further details regarding significant sources of cash flow for the Corporation.

Contractual Obligations and Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

As of June 30, 2024, there were no material changes to our contractual obligations and off-balance sheet arrangements disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023. We continue to believe that we have adequate capital and liquidity accessible from various sources to fund projected contractual obligations and commitments.