CVB FINANCIAL CORP
For the period ended Dec 31, 2024. Filed Feb 28, 2025.
View on SEC.govAbout this filing
A company's yearly report to the SEC, with audited financial statements. It is the fullest account a company gives of its business, its finances and the risks it sees.
FY2024 · Filed Feb 28, 2025
CVBF$22.74-0.5%Stored close · as of Nov 6, 2026
What changed in Management’s Discussion and Analysis?
Read the current filingPrevious report: 10-K
Period ended 2023-12-31; filed 2024-02-28.
0000950170-24-022216
Item 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONSCRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIESOVERVIEWANALYSIS OF THE RESULTS OF OPERATIONSANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITIONRISK MANAGEMENTCurrent report: 10-K
Period ended 2024-12-31; filed 2025-02-28.
0000950170-25-029985
Item 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONSCRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIESOVERVIEWANALYSIS OF THE RESULTS OF OPERATIONSANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITIONRISK MANAGEMENTThe baseline is this issuer’s latest earlier reporting period of the same form that was filed before the current report. A previous 10-Q is a different quarter, not a year-over-year comparison. Amendments are excluded.
Compared 273 previous paragraphs and 268 current paragraphs.
152 unchanged; 92 reworded; 17 added; 25 removed; 4 previous and 7 current paragraphs rearranged.
Tables are not compared: 38 previous and 36 current tables excluded. Dates, whitespace, punctuation and numbering changes are ignored; changes to financial figures remain significant.
A changed paragraph is not evidence that risk increased or decreased. An unchanged paragraph does not establish that risk stayed the same.
Added paragraphs (17)
Current report
For the year ended December 31, 2024, we reported net earnings of $200.7 million, compared with $221.4 million for 2023, a $20.7 million, or 9.36%, decrease from the prior year. Diluted earnings per share of $1.44 for 2024, decreased by $0.15, or 9.43%, when compared to $1.59 for 2023. During 2023 market interest rates rapidly increased and stayed elevated through 2024. Net earnings were negatively impacted by a decrease in net interest income, as the cost of our interest-bearing liabilities increased faster than the rising yield on our interest-earning assets, primarily as a result of the higher short term market interest rates controlled by the Federal Reserve. The decline in net interest income was also negatively impacted by increased levels of higher-cost borrowings that were used to manage our liquidity during the uncertain times following the banking crisis in the spring of 2023 and resulting declines in our level of deposits. Net earnings of $200.7 million produced a return on average equity (“ROAE”) of 9.35%, a return on average tangible common equity (“ROATCE”) of 14.95% and a return on average assets (“ROAA”) of 1.24%. Our net interest margin, tax equivalent (“NIM”), was 3.09% for 2024, while our efficiency ratio was 46.6%.
Current report
Noninterest income of $54.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, decreased $4.8 million, or 8.18%, compared to the same period of 2023. Noninterest income in 2024 included a total pre-tax loss of $28.3 million from the sale of $467 million of AFS securities partially offset by a pre-tax gain of $25.9 million from the sale-leaseback of four buildings, while 2023 included a $2.6 million gain from an equity fund distribution. Trust and investment income for 2024 grew by $1.2 million, or 9.34%, from the prior year.
Current report
Net interest income before provision for credit losses of $447.3 million for 2024 decreased $40.6 million, or 8.33%, compared to $488.0 million for 2023. Interest income increased by $23.8 million, or 3.92% in 2024, offset by a $64.4 million increase in interest expense year-over-year. Cost of funds for 2024 increased by 49 basis points over 2023, while the earning asset yield increased by 25 basis points. Interest-earning assets decreased on average by $275.6 million, or 1.86%, from $14.83 billion for 2023 to $14.55 billion for 2024. Our net interest margin (TE) was 3.09% for 2024, compared to 3.31% for 2023.
Current report
Total interest income for 2024 of $630.1 million grew by $23.8 million, or 3.92%, when compared to 2023. Compared to 2023, average interest-earning assets decreased $275.6 million and the yield on interest-earning assets increased by 25 basis point from 4.10% for 2023 to 4.35% for 2024. The $275.6 million year-over-year decrease in average earning assets resulted from a $434.9 million decrease in average investment securities and a decline of $222.9 million in average loans, offset by $386.4 million of growth in average earning balances due from the Federal Reserve. The 25 basis point increase in the earning asset yield over 2023 resulted primarily from a 22 basis point increase in loan yields, from 5.04% for 2023 to 5.26% for 2024, and from a 13 basis point increase in the yield on investment securities, from 2.52% for 2023 to 2.65% for 2024. The increase in the overall earning asset yield was also impacted by the increase in average earning balances due from the Federal Reserve as a percentage of earning assets, from 2.2% in 2023 to 5.0% in 2024. Balances due from the Federal Reserve earned 5.38% on average in 2024.
Current report
Interest income from investment securities was $134.0 million for 2024, a $4.3 million, or 3.09%, decrease from $138.3 million for 2023. This decrease was driven by a decline in the average balance of investment securities of $434.9 million, or 7.80%, partially offset by a 13 basis point increase in the yield on securities, compared to 2023. This 13 basis point increase in the yield on investment securities from the prior year period was impacted by the positive spread generated from the pay-fixed swaps we entered into at the end of the second quarter of 2023. The positive carry on these fair value hedges resulted in approximately $14.4 million of interest income in 2024. The yield on investment securities was also impacted positively by the sale of $467 million of lower-yielding investment securities combined with the purchase of $418.5 million of higher-yielding securities in 2024.
Current report
Interest expense of $182.8 million for 2024 increased $64.4 million, compared to $118.3 million for 2023. Total cost of funds for 2024 was 1.32%, compared with 0.83% for 2023. This 49 basis point increase in cost of funds was primarily the result of the increase in the cost of deposits. The average rate paid on deposits increased by 47 basis points, to 0.88% for 2024 from 0.41% for 2023. The increase in interest expense was also driven by a $134.6 million increase in average interest-bearing deposits in 2024 as compared to 2023. Noninterest bearing deposits continued to be a significant portion of total deposits in 2024. Average noninterest-bearing deposits were 59.92% of our total deposits for 2024, compared to 62.66% for 2023.
Current report
The $4.9 million decrease in noninterest income included $28.3 million in losses from the sale of AFS securities partially offset by gains of $25.9 million from the sale and leaseback of four properties in 2024, while 2023 included a $2.6 million gain from an equity fund distribution related to a CRA investment. Service charges on deposit accounts increased by $0.2 million, or 0.75% from the year ended December 31, 2023. Trust management fees increased by $1.2 million, or 9.34% compared to 2023. Income from Bank-Owned Life Insurance (“BOLI”) decreased by $0.3 million, or 2.60% from the prior year.
Current report
Total liabilities were $12.97 billion at December 31, 2024, a decrease of $975.7 million, or 7.00%, from total liabilities of $13.94 billion at December 31, 2023. The decrease was due to a $1.57 billion decrease in borrowings partially offset by a $514.7 million increase in deposits. Total deposits increased by $514.7 million, or 4.50%, from December 31, 2023. The increase in deposits includes $300 million of brokered deposits issued in association with cash flow hedging transactions entered into in 2024. Borrowings decreased by $1.57 billion from December 31, 2023, primarily due to the payoff of $1.91 billion of BTFP advances in 2024. As of December 31, 2024, total borrowings consisted of $500 million of Federal Home Loan Bank advances, at an average cost of approximately 4.6%.
Current report
During the third and fourth quarters of 2024, the Bank executed sale-leaseback transactions and sold four buildings for a cumulative sale price of $47.1 million, resulting in a net pre-tax gain of $25.9 million and cash proceeds of $44.76 million. The Bank simultaneously entered into lease agreements with the respective purchasers for initial terms of 15 and 18 years. Total ROU assets and corresponding operating lease liabilities recorded were $26.8 million.
Current report
At December 31, 2024, the Company had $316.2 million of BOLI. The $7.5 million increase in the value of BOLI, when compared to December 31, 2023, was primarily due to increases in the cash surrender value of the policies owned.
Current report
At December 31, 2024 we had four OREO properties totaling $19.3 million which were all additions to OREO in the year ended December 31, 2024, consisting of three commercial real estate properties and one single-family residential property. At December 31, 2023, we had no OREO properties.
Current report
Other borrowings represent amounts due for FHLB advances based on their contractual maturity dates.
Current report
Equity investments represent commitments to contribute capital to LIHTC and other CRA-related investment partnerships.
Current report
On November 20, 2024, our Board of Directors approved a program to repurchase up to 10,000,000 shares (the “Maximum Amount”) of CVB common stock including by means of one or more Rule 10b5-1 plans or other appropriate buy-back arrangements, including open market purchases and private transactions, at times and at prices considered appropriate by us, depending upon prevailing market conditions and other corporate and legal considerations (“2024 Repurchase Program”). This 2024 Repurchase Program replaces in its entirety the Company's previous 2022 share repurchase program under which 4,300,059 shares remained available for repurchase and which has now been terminated. The 2024 Repurchase Program terminates on the earlier of the repurchase of the Maximum Amount or five years from the date of authorization. As of December 31, 2024, an aggregate of 10,000,000 shares remained available for repurchase under our 2024 Repurchase Program.
Current report
Reputation risk is the risk to capital and earnings arising from negative public opinion. This affects the Bank’s ability to establish new relationships or services or continue servicing existing relationships. It can expose the Bank to litigation and, in some instances, financial loss. Reputation risk is inherent in all banking activities and requires management to exercise an abundance of caution in dealing with customers, counterparties, correspondence, investors, and the community. In addition, threats to the Bank’s reputation may result from negative publicity regarding matters such as unethical or deceptive business practices, violations of laws or regulations, regulatory enforcement actions, high profile litigation, or poor financial performance.
Removed paragraphs (25)
Previous report
For the year ended December 31, 2023, we reported net earnings of $221.4 million, compared with $235.4 million for 2022, a $14.0 million, or 5.94%, decrease from the prior year. Diluted earnings per share of $1.59 for 2023, decreased by $0.08, or 4.8%, when compared to $1.67 for 2022. Net income was negatively impacted by a $9.2 million expense accrual for the FDIC’s final rule that implements a special assessment (Special FDIC Assessment) that will be collected over eight quarters beginning in 2024. Net earnings of $221.4 million produced a return on average equity (“ROAE”) of 11.03%, a return on average tangible common equity (“ROATCE”) of 18.48% and a return on average assets (“ROAA”) of 1.35%. Our net interest margin, tax equivalent (“NIM”), was 3.31% for 2023, while our efficiency ratio was 42.0%.
Previous report
Unemployment is forecasted to exceed 5% in 2024 and then peak at 5.7% in the first quarter of 2025. The unemployment rate forecast then declines to less than 5% in the third quarter of 2026.
Previous report
Since March of 2022 to December of 2023, the Federal Reserve has increased the Federal Funds rate by 525 basis points to the target range of 5.25% to 5.50%. In comparison to the rising Federal Funds rate, our average cost of deposits has increased from three basis points for the first quarter of 2022 to 62 basis points for the fourth quarter of 2023. The change in market interest rates that has resulted from the Federal Reserve's monetary policies has impacted the availability of higher interest rates on short-term alternatives to deposits, such as money market mutual funds and treasury notes. These higher yielding alternatives, as well as overall inflationary increases on spending, have impacted our deposit levels over the last year. On January 31, 2024, the Federal Reserve announced that they would maintain the overnight Fed Funds rate at the current range of 5.25% to 5.50% noting that, despite an easing in the inflation rate over the past year, they do not expect it will be appropriate to reduce the target range until they have gained greater confidence that inflation is moving sustainably toward their goal of 2%.
Previous report
Net interest income, before provision for (recapture of) credit losses of $505.5 million for 2022 increased $91.0 million, or 21.94%, compared to $414.6 million for 2021. Interest-earning assets grew on average by $1.34 billion, or 9.54%, from $14.10 billion for 2021 to $15.44 billion for 2022. Our net interest margin (TE) was 3.30% for 2022, compared to 2.97% for 2021. The 33 basis point increase in our net interest margin was primarily the result of a 34 basis point increase in earning asset yield, while maintaining our very low cost of funds that increased from five basis points for 2021 to six basis for 2022, during a period of time when the Federal Reserve increased short-term interest rates by 425 basis points.
Previous report
Total interest income for 2022 of $514.7 million grew by $94.0 million, or 22.36%, when compared to 2021. The increase in interest income was due to a combination of growth in average interest-earning assets of $1.34 billion and a 34 basis point expansion of the earning asset yield, from 3.02% for 2021 to 3.36% for 2022. The $1.34 billion increase in average earning assets for 2022 benefited from the acquisition of $775 million of loans from Suncrest at the beginning of the year, as well as core loan growth, which excluding Suncrest and the $538.3 million decline in average PPP loans was $374.7 million, and a $1.88 billion increase in the average size of our investment portfolio. The 34 basis point increase in the earning asset yield was due to a 47 basis point increase in security yields, a seven basis point increase in loan yields, and impacted by the change in the composition of average earning assets, with the investment portfolio growing from 28.79% to 38.47% of average earnings assets, while funds held at the Federal Reserve on average declined from 13.64% to 5.15% for 2022, compared to 2021. Average loans as a percentage of earning assets declined from 57.22% for 2021 to 56.20% for 2022. Throughout 2022, we deployed some of the excess liquidity previously held on deposit at the Federal Reserve into additional investment securities by purchasing approximately $1.76 billion in securities.
Previous report
Total interest income and fees on loans for 2022 of $389.2 million increased $32.6 million, or 9.14% when compared to 2021. The increase in interest income and fees on loans was primarily due to a $610.9 million increase in average loans, which included approximately $775 million in loans acquired from Suncrest on January 7, 2022. Average loans grew by approximately $374.7 million, when Suncrest and the $538.3 million decrease in average PPP loans are excluded. Loan yields were 4.49% for 2022, compared to 4.42% for 2021. Interest and fee income from PPP loans declined by $25.0 million from $30.5 million for 2021. Discount accretion on acquired loans decreased by $4.4 million compared to 2021. After excluding discount accretion, nonaccrual interest income and the impact from PPP loans, our ("core") loan yields grew by 17 basis points compared to 2021. Our core loan yields grew throughout 2022, as rising interest rates contributed to an increase from 4.08% in the fourth quarter of 2021 to 4.42% for the third quarter of 2022 and 4.67% in the fourth quarter of 2022.
Previous report
Interest income from investment securities was $117.6 million for 2022, a $57.1 million, or 94.47%, increase from $60.4 million for 2021. Investment income growth resulted from higher levels of investment securities as a result of purchases of investment securities primarily funded by our funds on deposit at the Federal Reserve, which declined from $1.64 billion at the end of 2021 to $45.2 million at December 31, 2022. As our excess liquidity held at the Federal Reserve was invested into higher yielding investments, our balance at the Federal Reserve averaged $795.8 million for 2022, compared to $1.92 billion for 2021. Investment securities were $5.94 billion on average in 2022, a $1.88 billion increase compared to 2021. During 2022, we purchased approximately $1.76 billion in investment securities, with expected non-TE weighted average yield of approximately 2.94%. Overall, the tax-equivalent yield on securities grew from 1.56% in 2021 to 2.03% in 2022.
Previous report
Interest expense of $9.2 million for 2022 increased $3.1 million, or 50.58%, compared to $6.1 million for 2021. Although short-term interest rates were 425 basis points higher by the end of 2022 in comparison to the end of the prior year, the average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities increased by four basis points, to 0.16% for 2022 from 0.12% for 2021. As interest-bearing deposit costs only increased by one basis point, this four basis point increase was the result of overnight borrowings during the fourth quarter of 2022. Average interest-bearing liabilities were $589.9 million higher for 2022 when compared to 2021. On average, noninterest-bearing deposits were 62.85% of our total deposits for 2022, compared to 62.83% for 2021. Our overall cost of funds increased by one basis point compared to 2021, partially due to growth in average noninterest-bearing deposits of $1.02 billion, compared to the increase in average interest-bearing deposits of $600.0 million. Due to recent increases in market rates, we experienced some pressure to increase deposit rates, as reflected in our interest-bearing deposit costs increasing from 13 basis points in the third quarter to 22 basis points in the fourth quarter of 2022.
Previous report
The $2.6 million increase in noninterest income included an increase of $4.2 million, or 24.66%, in service charges on deposit accounts, $2.4 million in net gain on the sale of one of our properties, and a $2.1 million gain from a distribution related to one of our CRA investments. Income from BOLI declined by $3.1 million from the prior year, as we incurred a $2.7 million decline in the market value of separate account life insurance policies that are used to fund our deferred compensation liabilities. Offsetting the $2.1 million gain on a CRA investment, 2022 also included a $1.1 million decrease in certain CRA investments due to valuation changes. Noninterest income for 2021 included $1.2 million net gain on the sale of three OREO properties and $890,000 for recovery of an acquired loan charged off prior to a previous acquisition.
Previous report
At December 31, 2022, CitizensTrust had approximately $2.9 billion in assets under management and administration, including $1.92 billion in assets under management. CitizensTrust generated fees of $11.5 million for 2022, which were nearly flat compared to $11.6 million for 2021. Market conditions have continued to negatively impact assets under management and trust fee income. Additionally, a large trust relationship with more than $800 million in assets was transitioned to a financial institution outside of California. The transition was completed by the end of 2022, with the impact on fee income expected to be reflected in 2023. Offsetting this transfer of assets and the impact of the market on our assets under management and administration, was the growth in managed assets from $350 million of our customer deposits that are now being managed by CitizensTrust in various liquidity strategies.
Previous report
Noninterest expense of $216.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 was $26.8 million higher than 2021. The year-over-year increase included a $13.7 million increase in salaries and employee benefits, which included additional compensation related expenses for the newly hired and former Suncrest associates. Occupancy and equipment increased by $3.0 million due to the addition of seven banking centers resulting from the acquisition of Suncrest, two of which were subsequently consolidated by the end of the second quarter of 2022. Acquisition expense related to the merger of Suncrest was $6.0 million for 2022, compared with $962,000 for 2021. The increase in software expense of $1.9 million, included costs associated with the continued use of Suncrest's legacy banking systems, prior to conversions, as well as continued investments in technology. A $1.7 million increase in marketing and promotion expense for 2022 was primarily due to the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic had on marketing and promotional events in 2021. Professional service expense grew by $1.4 million, including increased costs for legal and employee recruiting of $854,000. The year-over-year increase also included a $1.0 million recapture of provision for unfunded loan commitments recorded in 2021.
Previous report
Total liabilities were $13.94 billion at December 31, 2023, a decrease of $585.0 million, or 4.03%, from total liabilities of $14.53 billion at December 31, 2022. Total deposits declined by $1.4 billion, or 10.93%. Higher interest rates that have resulted from the Federal Reserve’s significant increase in the federal funds rate over the last two years has continued to impact deposit levels, including approximately $800 million of funds on deposit at the end of 2022 that our customers transferred from the Bank's balance sheet to CitizensTrust for investment in higher yielding securities such as treasury notes. The velocity of deposit movements to our CitizensTrust slowed in the fourth quarter of 2023, as approximately $60 million was transferred in the quarter. Short-term borrowings increased by $1.08 billion from December 31, 2022. As of December 31, 2023, total short-term borrowings, consisted of $1.91 billion of one-year advances from the Federal Reserve’s Bank Term Funding Program, at a cost of 4.78% and $160 million of short-term Federal Home Loan Bank advances, at an average cost of approximately 5.7%. The BTFP advances as of December 31, 2023 include maturities of approximately $700 million in May and $1.2 billion in December of 2024.
Previous report
At December 31, 2023, the Company had $308.7 million of BOLI. The $53.2 million increase in the value of BOLI, when compared to December 31, 2022, was primarily due to a restructuring of the Company’s life insurance policies, including a $4.5 million write-down in value on surrender policies that was offset by an $10.9 million enhancement to cash surrender values, as well as additional policy purchases totaling $41 million. This restructuring is expected to increase future returns on our BOLI policies resulting in additional non-taxable noninterest income in future years.
Previous report
The Company held investment securities in excess of 10% of shareholders’ equity from the following issuers as of the dates presented.
Previous report
Beginning with June 30, 2019, PCI loans were accounted for and combined with Non-PCI loans and were reflected in total loans and lease finance receivables.
Previous report
Beginning with March 31, 2020, gross loans are presented net of deferred loan fees (at amortized cost) by respective class of financing receivables.
Previous report
Prior to January 1, 2023, loans reported as TDRs were considered impaired and charge-off amounts were taken on an individual loan basis, as deemed appropriate. The majority of restructured loans are loans for which the terms of repayment have been renegotiated, resulting in a reduction in interest rate or deferral of principal. Refer to Note 3 –Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, of the notes to the consolidated financial statements for a more detailed discussion regarding TDRs.
Previous report
Total TDRs $7.8 million at December 31, 2022. At December 31, 2022, all of our TDRs were performing and accruing interest as restructured loans. Our performing TDRs were generally provided a modification of loan repayment terms in response to borrower financial difficulties. The performing restructured loans represent the only loans accruing interest at each respective reporting date. A performing restructured loan is categorized as such if we believe that it is reasonably assured of repayment and is performing in accordance with the modified terms.
Previous report
Includes $2.6 million of nonaccrual loans past due 30-89 days at December 31, 2023.
Previous report
At December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, we had no OREO properties. There were no additions to OREO properties for the year ended December 31, 2023.
Previous report
The unprecedented increase in short-term interest rates impacted our deposit levels. Overall, we have experienced a decline in deposit levels due to the inflationary pressures on our customers cash balances, as well as the impact of higher interest rates that has led to deposits moving to higher yielding alternatives, such as money market funds and short-term treasury notes. Total deposits and customer repos were $11.71 billion at December 31, 2023, a $923.1 million, or 7.31%, decrease from September 30, 2023. At the end of fourth quarter of 2023, deposits and customer repos were $1.7 billion lower than the end of 2022. This decline includes the impact of approximately $800 million in customer deposits that were moved by customers into CitizensTrust, where these funds were invested in higher yielding liquid assets such as United States treasury notes or bonds. The velocity of deposits moving to CitizensTrust continued to moderate in the fourth quarter of 2023, with approximately $60 million transferred off balance sheet in the quarter, compared to $170 million in the third quarter of 2023, $180 million in the second quarter of 2023, and $370 million in the first quarter of 2023.
Previous report
At December 31, 2023, our borrowings included $271.6 million of repurchase agreements and $2.07 billion in borrowings including $1.91 billion of one-year advances from the Federal Reserve’s Bank Term Funding Program at an average cost of 4.78%. At December 31, 2022, our borrowings included $565.4 million in repurchase agreements and $995.0 million with the FHLB at an interest rate of 4.65%.
Previous report
The Federal Reserve's Bank Term Funding Program ("BTFP") was created in March of 2022, during the regional banking crisis. The BTFP offers favorable borrowing terms, including collateral value of investment securities at par value, no prepayment penalties for early termination, and until January, 24, 2024 the borrowing rate was one-year OIS plus 10 basis points. As of January 24, 2024, the Federal Reserve changed the BTFP borrowing rate to equal at a minimum the rate paid by the Federal Reserve on reserve balances. The BTFP will no longer be available for new borrowings in March of 2024. The Bank repaid $1.2 billion in BTFP borrowings in early January of 2024 and simultaneously borrowed $1.3 billion at a rate of 4.76%, which matures January 15, 2025. Additionally, the Bank continues to have $695 million of BTFP borrowings at a rate of 4.70% that matures May 3, 2024. As a result of these changes in borrowings, the Bank had approximately $2 billion of BTFP borrowings at January 31, 2024 and no FHLB borrowings. The Company will evaluate options to replace the BTFP borrowings throughout 2024, which may include principal repayments from our investment securities, growth in core deposits, wholesale deposits, and alternative borrowing sources such as the FHLB. As of January 31, 2024, the Bank had unused borrowing capacity at the FHLB of $4.77 billion.
Previous report
On February 1, 2022, we announced that our Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase plan to repurchase up to 10,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock ("2022 Repurchase Program"), including by means of (i) an initial $70 million dollar Accelerated Share Repurchase, or ASR Plan, and (ii) one or more Rule 10b5-1 plans or other appropriate buy-back arrangements, including open market purchases and private transactions. We completed the execution of the $70 million accelerated stock repurchase program in the second quarter of 2022, and retired a total of 2,993,551 shares of common stock at an average price of $23.38. During 2022, we also repurchased, under our 10b5-1 stock repurchase plan, 1,914,590 shares of common stock, at an average repurchase price of $23.43, totaling $44.9 million. During the first quarter of 2023, we repurchased 791,800 shares at an average price of $23.43. We engaged in no stock repurchases during the second, third and fourth quarters of 2023. This 10b5-1 plan expired on March 2, 2023 and no new plan has been put in place since that time.
Reworded paragraphs (92)
Previous wording
Allowance for Credit Losses (“ACL”) — Our allowance for credit losses is based upon lifetime loss rate models developed from an estimation framework that uses historical lifetime loss experiences to derive loss rates at a collective pool level. We measure the expected credit losses on a collective (pooled) basis for those loans that share similar risk characteristics. We have three collective loan pools: Commercial Real Estate, Commercial and Industrial, and Consumer. Our ACL amounts are largely driven by portfolio characteristics, including loss history and various risk attributes, and the economic outlook for certain macroeconomic variables. Risk attributes for commercial real estate loans include Original Loan to Value ratios ("OLTV"), origination year, loan seasoning, and macroeconomic variables that include GDP growth, commercial real estate price index and unemployment rate. Risk attributes for commercial and industrial loans include internal risk ratings, borrower industry sector, loan credit spreads and macroeconomic variables that include unemployment rate and BBB spread. The macroeconomic variables for Consumer include unemployment rate and GDP. The Commercial Real Estate methodology is applied over commercial real estate loans, a portion of construction loans, and a portion of SBA loans. The Commercial and Industrial methodology is applied over a substantial portion of the Company’s commercial and industrial loans, all dairy & livestock and agribusiness loans, municipal lease receivables, as well as the remaining portion of SBA loans (excluding Paycheck Protection Program loans). The Consumer methodology is applied to SFR mortgage loans, consumer loans, as well as the remaining construction loans. In addition to determining the quantitative life of loan loss rate to be applied against the amortized cost basis of the portfolio segments, management reviews current conditions and forecasts to determine whether adjustments are needed to ensure that the life of loan loss rates reflect both the current state of the portfolio, and expectations for macroeconomic changes. Our methodology for assessing the appropriateness of the allowance is reviewed on a regular basis and considers overall risks in the Bank’s loan portfolio.
Current wording
Allowance for Credit Losses (“ACL”) — Our allowance for credit losses is based upon lifetime loss rate models developed from an estimation framework that uses historical lifetime loss experiences to derive loss rates at a collective pool level. We measure the expected credit losses on a collective (pooled) basis for those loans that share similar risk characteristics. We have three collective loan pools: Commercial Real Estate, Commercial and Industrial, and Consumer. Our ACL amounts are largely driven by portfolio characteristics, including loss history and various risk attributes, and the economic outlook for certain macroeconomic variables. Risk attributes for commercial real estate loans include original loan to value ratios, origination year, loan seasoning, and macroeconomic variables that include GDP growth, commercial real estate price index and unemployment rate. Risk attributes for commercial and industrial loans include internal risk ratings, borrower industry sector, loan credit spreads and macroeconomic variables that include unemployment rate and BBB spread. The macroeconomic variables for Consumer include unemployment rate and GDP. The Commercial Real Estate methodology is applied over commercial real estate loans, a portion of construction loans, and a portion of SBA loans. The Commercial and Industrial methodology is applied over a substantial portion of the Company’s commercial and industrial loans, all dairy & livestock and agribusiness loans, municipal lease receivables, as well as the remaining portion of SBA loans (excluding Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) loans). The Consumer methodology is applied to SFR mortgage loans, consumer loans, as well as the remaining construction loans. In addition to determining the quantitative life of loan loss rate to be applied against the amortized cost basis of the portfolio segments, management reviews current conditions and forecasts to determine whether adjustments are needed to ensure that the life of loan loss rates reflect both the current state of the portfolio, and expectations for macroeconomic changes. Our methodology for assessing the appropriateness of the allowance is reviewed on a regular basis and considers overall risks in the Bank’s loan portfolio.
Previous wording
Valuation and Recoverability of Goodwill — Goodwill represented $765.8 million of our $16.02 billion in total assets as of December 31, 2023. The Company has one reportable segment. Goodwill has an indefinite useful life and is not amortized, but is tested for impairment at least annually, or more frequently, if events and circumstances exist that indicate that a goodwill impairment test should be performed. Such events and circumstances may include among others, a significant adverse change in legal factors or in the general business climate, significant decline in our stock price and market capitalization, unanticipated competition, the testing for recoverability of a significant asset group within the reporting unit, and an adverse action or assessment by a regulating body. Any adverse change in these factors could have a significant impact on the recoverability of goodwill and could have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
Current wording
Valuation and Recoverability of Goodwill — Goodwill represented $765.8 million of our $15.15 billion in total assets as of December 31, 2024. The Company has one reportable segment. Goodwill has an indefinite useful life and is not amortized, but is tested for impairment at least annually, or more frequently, if events and circumstances exist that indicate that a goodwill impairment test should be performed. Such events and circumstances may include among others, a significant adverse change in legal factors or in the general business climate, significant decline in our stock price and market capitalization, unanticipated competition, the testing for recoverability of a significant asset group within the reporting unit, and an adverse action or assessment by a regulating body. Any adverse change in these factors could have a significant impact on the recoverability of goodwill and could have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
Previous wording
Based on the results of our annual goodwill impairment test, we determined that no goodwill impairment charges were required as our single reportable segment’s fair value exceeded its carrying amount. As of December 31, 2023, we determined there were no events or circumstances which would more likely than not reduce the fair value of our reportable segment below its carrying amount. Note 3 —Summary of Significant Accounting Policies of our consolidated financial statements presented elsewhere in this report
Current wording
Based on the results of our annual goodwill impairment test, we determined that no goodwill impairment charges were required as our single reportable segment’s estimated fair value exceeded its carrying amount. See Note 6 —Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets of our consolidated financial statements presented elsewhere in this report.
Previous wording
For complete discussion and disclosure of other accounting policies see Note 3 —Summary of Significant Accounting Policies of the Company’s consolidated financial statements presented elsewhere in this report.
Current wording
For a complete discussion and disclosure of other accounting policies see Note 3 —Summary of Significant Accounting Policies of the Company’s consolidated financial statements presented elsewhere in this report.
Previous wording
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements but Not Adopted as of December 31, 2023
Current wording
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Not Adopted as of December 31, 2024
Previous wording
Net interest income of $488.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, decreased $17.5 million, or 3.47%, compared to the same period of 2022. Interest income grew by $91.7 million, or 17.81%, in 2023, offset by a $109.2 million increase in interest expense year-over-year. Cost of funds for 2023 increased by 77 basis points over 2022, while the earning asset yield grew by 74 basis points. Average earning assets declined by $610.4 million year-over-year.
Current wording
Net interest income of $447.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, decreased $40.6 million, or 8.33%, compared to the same period of 2023. Interest income grew by $23.8 million, or 3.92%, in 2024, offset by a $64.4 million increase in interest expense year-over-year. Cost of funds for 2024 increased by 49 basis points over 2023, while the earning asset yield grew by 25 basis points. Average earning assets declined by $275.6 million year-over-year.
Previous wording
Noninterest expense increased from $216.6 million in 2022 to $229.9 million in 2023. The $13.3 million increase in noninterest expense included a $12.2 million increase in regulatory assessment expense, including the $9.2 million Special FDIC assessment.
Current wording
Noninterest expense increased from $229.9 million in 2023 to $233.6 million in 2024. The $3.7 million increase in noninterest expense generally represents normal inflationary increases in most expense categories, partially offset by a decrease in regulatory assessment expense as 2023 included the $9.2 million Special FDIC assessment.
Previous wording
At December 31, 2023, total assets of $16.02 billion decreased by $455.5 million, or 2.76%, from total assets of $16.48 billion at December 31, 2022. Interest-earning assets of $14.46 billion at December 31, 2023 decreased by $509.5 million, or 3.40%, when compared with $14.97 billion at December 31, 2022. The decrease in interest-earning assets was primarily due to a $388.8 million decrease in investment securities and a $174.5 million decrease in total loans, partially offset by an increase of $64.7 million in interest-earning balances due from the Federal Reserve.
Current wording
At December 31, 2024, total assets of $15.15 billion decreased by $867.3 million, or 5.41%, from total assets of $16.02 billion at December 31, 2023. Interest-earning assets of $13.53 billion at December 31, 2024 decreased by $934.2 million, or 6.46%, when compared with $14.46 billion at December 31, 2023. The decrease in interest-earning assets was primarily due to a $499.0 million decrease in investment securities, a $368.5 million decrease in total loans, and a decrease of $59.1 million in interest-earning balances due from the Federal Reserve.
Previous wording
Total investment securities were $5.42 billion at December 31, 2023, a decrease of $388.8 million, or 6.69%, from $5.81 billion at December 31, 2022, primarily due to repayments and maturities. At December 31, 2023, investment securities held-to-maturity (“HTM”) totaled $2.46 billion. At December 31, 2023, investment securities AFS totaled $2.96 billion, inclusive of a pre-tax net unrealized loss of $449.8 million. AFS securities decreased by $299.1 million, or 9.19%, from $3.26 billion December 31, 2022, net of a $50.3 million decrease in the pre-tax unrealized loss. Our tax equivalent yield on our investment portfolio grew from 2.03% for 2022 to 2.52% for 2023. The 49 basis point increase in the yield on investment securities from the prior year was impacted by the positive spread generated from fair-value hedging of certain AFS securities, in which the Company receives daily SOFR and pays a weighted average fixed cost of approximately 3.8%.
Current wording
Total investment securities were $4.92 billion at December 31, 2024, a decrease of $499.0 million, or 9.20%, from $5.42 billion at December 31, 2023. The decrease was primarily due to principal repayments and maturities, as well as sales of securities exceeding purchases during the year. At December 31, 2024, investment securities held-to-maturity (“HTM”) totaled $2.38 billion. HTM securities decreased by $85.0 million, or 3.45% from $2.46 billion at December 31, 2023. At December 31, 2024, investment securities AFS totaled $2.54 billion, inclusive of a pre-tax net unrealized loss of $447.7 million. AFS securities decreased by $414.0 million, or 14.01%, from $2.96 billion at December 31, 2023, including the impact of the sale of $467 million of AFS securities in the third and fourth quarters. The sale of these securities resulted in a net pre-tax loss of $28.3 million. The securities sold had an average yield of less than three percent. The net cash proceeds from the sale of these securities was partially utilized to purchase $385 million of AFS securities in the fourth quarter of 2024, with yields that exceeded five percent. Our tax equivalent yield on our investment portfolio grew from 2.52% for 2023 to 2.65% for 2024. The 13 basis point increase in the yield on investment securities from the prior year was impacted by the positive spread generated from fair-value hedging of certain AFS securities, in which the Company receives daily SOFR and paid a weighted average fixed cost of approximately 3.8% during 2024.
Previous wording
In June 2023, fair value hedging transactions were executed in which $1 billion notional pay-fixed interest rate swaps were consummated with maturities ranging from four to five years, wherein the Company pays a weighted average fixed rate of approximately 3.8% and receives daily SOFR. The fair value of these instruments totaled $6.9 million and were reflected as a liability at December 31, 2023. These instruments generated interest income of $8.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. Refer to Note 19 –Derivative Financial Instruments of the notes to the consolidated financial statements of this report for additional information.
Current wording
In June 2023, fair value hedging transactions were executed in which $1 billion notional pay-fixed interest rate swaps were consummated with maturities ranging from four to five years, wherein the Company pays a weighted average fixed rate of approximately 3.8% and receives daily SOFR. In December 2024, we terminated one of these swaps which had a notional value of $300 million, a maturity date of June 2027 and a fixed rate of 3.95%. The remaining $700 million notional pay-fixed interest rate swaps had a fair value which totaled $7.2 million and was reflected as an asset at December 31, 2024. The fair value of these instruments totaled $6.9 million and were reflected as a liability at December 31, 2023. These instruments generated interest income of $14.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2024. Refer to Note 18 –Derivative Financial Instruments of the notes to the consolidated financial statements of this report for additional information.
Previous wording
Total loans and leases, at amortized cost, of $8.90 billion at December 31, 2023, decreased by $174.5 million, or 1.92%, from $9.08 billion at December 31, 2022. After adjusting for PPP loans, which declined by $6.4 million, our core loans decreased by $168.1 million, or 1.85% from December 31, 2022. Loan growth continues to be impacted by a slowdown in loan demand with our new loan production decreasing throughout the second half of 2023. The $168.1 million decreases included $100.4 million in commercial real estate loans, $21.5 million in construction loans, $20.7 million in dairy & livestock and agribusiness loans, $20.3 million in SBA loans, $7.5 million in municipal lease financings, and $22.7 million in consumer and other loans. Commercial and industrial loans increased by $21.2 million although line utilization decreased from 33% to 29%. Our loan yields were 5.04% for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to 4.49% for 2022. This 55 basis point increase in our loan yields year-over-year was the result of recent increases in interest rates, highlighted by the 525 basis point increase in the Fed Funds rate since the end of the first quarter of 2022.
Current wording
Total loans and leases, at amortized cost, were $8.54 billion at December 31, 2024, a decrease of $368.5 million, or 4.14%, from $8.90 billion at December 31, 2023. The decrease in outstanding loans in 2024 was impacted by a slowdown in loan demand due to higher interest rates and borrower uncertainty about the timing and amount of future rate actions of the Federal Reserve and the outcome of the November 2024 election. The $368.5 million decrease included $277.1 million in commercial real estate loans, $50.7 million in construction loans and $44.7 million in commercial and industrial loans. Our loan yields were 5.26% for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to 5.04% for 2023. This 22 basis point increase in our loan yields year-over-year was the result of increases in market interest rates.
Previous wording
The allowance for credit losses totaled $86.8 million at December 31, 2023, compared to $85.1 million at December 31, 2022. At December 31, 2023, ACL as a percentage of total loans and leases outstanding was 0.98%. This compares to 0.94% at December 31, 2022. The changes in our allowance over the last few quarters have been primarily due to changes in our economic forecast. Our economic forecast continues to be a blend of multiple forecasts produced by Moody’s. The resulting economic forecast reflects a modest decline in GDP for the first three quarters of 2024, with a return to positive GDP growth in the fourth quarter of 2024. GDP is forecasted to increase by 0.92% in 2025, before reaching a more robust growth rate of 2.6% in 2026. Commercial Real Estate values are forecasted to continue their decline until reaching their lowest level in the third quarter 2024. Unemployment is forecasted to rise in 2024 and throughout 2025.
Current wording
The allowance for credit losses totaled $80.1 million at December 31, 2024, compared to $86.8 million at December 31, 2023. At December 31, 2024, ACL as a percentage of total loans and leases outstanding was 0.94%. This compares to 0.98% at December 31, 2023. The changes in our allowance over the last few quarters have been primarily due to lower loan balances outstanding and changes in our economic forecast. Our economic forecast continues to be a blend of multiple forecasts produced by Moody’s. The resulting economic forecast reflects slower GDP growth of less than 2% for 2025 though 2027. Commercial Real Estate values are forecasted to continue their decline in 2025, with meaningful growth in values not occurring until 2027. Unemployment is forecasted to exceed 5% throughout the near term forecast periods, with a decrease below 5% in 2028.
Previous wording
Noninterest-bearing deposits were $7.21 billion at December 31, 2023, a decrease of $958.2 million, or 11.74% when compared to $8.16 billion at December 31, 2022. At December 31, 2023, noninterest-bearing deposits were 63.03% of total deposits, compared to 63.60% at December 31, 2022.
Current wording
Noninterest-bearing deposits were $7.04 billion at December 31, 2024, a decrease of $169.1 million, or 2.35% when compared to $7.21 billion at December 31, 2023. At December 31, 2024, noninterest-bearing deposits were 58.90% of total deposits, compared to 63.03% at December 31, 2023.
Previous wording
Interest-bearing deposits were $4.23 billion at December 31, 2023, a decrease of $444.4 million, or 9.51%, when compared to $4.67 billion at December 31, 2022. Customer repurchase agreements totaled $271.6 million at December 31, 2023, compared to $565.4 million at December 31, 2022. Our average cost of total deposits including customer repurchase agreements for 2023 was 0.41%, compared to 0.05% for 2022.
Current wording
Interest-bearing deposits were $4.91 billion at December 31, 2024, an increase of $683.8 million, or 16.18%, when compared to $4.23 billion at December 31, 2023. Customer repurchase agreements totaled $261.9 million at December 31, 2024, compared to $271.6 million at December 31, 2023. Our average cost of total deposits including customer repurchase agreements for 2024 was 0.90%, compared to 0.41% for 2023.
Previous wording
At December 31, 2023, total borrowings of $2.07 billion consisted of $1.91 billion of one-year advances from the Federal Reserve’s Bank Term Funding Program ("BTFP"), at a weighted average cost of 4.78% and $160 million of short-term Federal Home Loan Bank ("FHLB") advances, at an average cost of approximately 5.7%. Borrowings increased $1.08 billion from $995.0 million at December 31, 2022. These higher cost short-term borrowings and an increase in the cost of deposits and customer repurchase agreements from five basis points for the year ended December 31, 2022 to 41 basis points for 2023, increased our cost of funds by 77 basis points to 0.83% for the year ended December 31 2023.
Current wording
At December 31, 2024, total borrowings of $0.50 billion consisted of Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) advances, at an average cost of approximately 4.6%. Borrowings decreased $1.57 billion from $2.07 billion at December 31, 2023, primarily due to the payoff of $1.91 billion of advances from the Federal Reserve's Bank Term Funding Program (“BTFP”) in 2024. The higher-cost short-term borrowings outstanding during most of 2024 and an increase in the cost of deposits and customer repurchase agreements of 49 basis points, increased our cost of funds by 49 basis points to 1.32% for the year ended December 31 2024.
Previous wording
The Company’s total equity was $2.08 billion at December 31, 2023. This represented an overall increase of $129.5 million from total equity of $1.95 billion at December 31, 2022. Increases to equity included $221.4 million in net earnings and a $31.2 million increase in other comprehensive income, that were partially offset by $111.6 million in cash dividends. We engaged in no stock repurchases during the second, third and fourth quarters of 2023, compared to the first quarter of 2023, when we repurchased 791,800 shares of common stock, at an average repurchase price of $23.43, totaling $18.5 million. The Company's 2022 10b5-1 stock repurchase plan expired on March 2, 2023. Our tangible book value per share at December 31, 2023 was $9.31.
Current wording
The Company’s total equity was $2.19 billion at December 31, 2024. This represented an overall increase of $108.3 million from total equity of $2.08 billion at December 31, 2023. Increases to equity included $200.7 million in net earnings and an $11.5 million increase in other comprehensive income, that were partially offset by $111.9 million in cash dividends. We did not repurchase any stock during 2024. In 2023, we repurchased 791,800 shares of common stock, at an average repurchase price of $23.43, totaling $18.5 million. Our tangible book value per share at December 31, 2024 was $10.10, compared to $9.31 at December 31, 2023.
Previous wording
Our capital ratios under the revised capital framework referred to as Basel III remain well-above regulatory requirements. As of December 31, 2023, the Company’s Tier 1 leverage capital ratio totaled 10.27%, our common equity Tier 1 ratio totaled 14.65%, our Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio totaled 14.65%, and our total risk-based capital ratio totaled 15.50%. We did not elect to phase in the impact of CECL on regulatory capital, as allowed under the interim final rule of the FDIC and other U.S. banking agencies. Refer to our Analysis of Financial Condition — Capital Resources.
Current wording
Our capital ratios under the capital framework referred to as Basel III remain well above regulatory requirements. As of December 31, 2024, the Company’s Tier 1 leverage capital ratio totaled 11.46%, our common equity Tier 1 ratio totaled 16.24%, our Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio totaled 16.24%, and our total risk-based capital ratio totaled 17.06%. Refer to our Analysis of Financial Condition — Capital Resources.
Previous wording
On January 7, 2022, the Company completed the merger transaction whereby Suncrest Bank (“Suncrest”), headquartered in Visalia, California, merged with and into the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary Citizens Business Bank (“Citizens”), in accordance with the terms and conditions of that certain Agreement and Plan of Reorganization and Merger (“Merger Agreement”), dated as of July 27, 2021, by and among the Company, the Bank and Suncrest, in a stock and cash transaction valued at approximately $237 million in aggregate, or $18.63 per Suncrest share based on CVB Financial Corp.’s closing stock price of $22.87 on January 7, 2022. Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, the Company issued approximately 8.6 million shares of Company common stock and approximately $39.6 million in aggregate cash consideration, including cash paid out in settlement of outstanding incentive stock option awards at Suncrest.
Current wording
On January 7, 2022, the Company completed a merger transaction whereby Suncrest Bank (“Suncrest”), headquartered in Visalia, California, merged with and into the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary Citizens Business Bank, in accordance with the terms and conditions of that certain Agreement and Plan of Reorganization and Merger (“Merger Agreement”), dated as of July 27, 2021, by and among the Company, the Bank and Suncrest, in a stock and cash transaction valued at approximately $237 million in aggregate, or $18.63 per Suncrest share based on CVB Financial Corp.’s closing stock price of $22.87 on January 7, 2022. Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, the Company issued approximately 8.6 million shares of Company common stock and approximately $39.6 million in aggregate cash consideration, including cash paid out in settlement of outstanding incentive stock option awards at Suncrest.
Previous wording
The return on average tangible common equity is a non-GAAP disclosure. The Company uses certain non-GAAP financial measures to provide supplemental information regarding the Company’s performance. The following is a reconciliation of net income, adjusted for tax-effected amortization of intangibles, to net income computed in accordance with GAAP; a reconciliation of average tangible common equity to the Company’s average stockholders’ equity computed in accordance with GAAP; as well as a calculation of return on average tangible common equity.
Current wording
The return on average tangible common equity is a non-GAAP disclosure. The Company uses certain non-GAAP financial measures commonly used by banking analysts and investors to provide supplemental information regarding the Company’s performance. The following is a reconciliation of net income, adjusted for tax-effected amortization of intangibles, to net income computed in accordance with GAAP; a reconciliation of average tangible common equity to the Company’s average stockholders’ equity computed in accordance with GAAP; as well as a calculation of return on average tangible common equity.
Previous wording
Includes tax equivalent (TE) adjustments utilizing a federal statutory rate of 21% in effect for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021. The non-TE rates for total investment securities was 2.48%, 2.00% and 1.53% for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
Current wording
Includes tax equivalent (TE) adjustments utilizing a federal statutory rate of 21% in effect for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022. The non-TE rates for total investment securities was 2.61%, 2.48% and 2.00% for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Previous wording
Includes loan fees of $3.1 million, $8.1 million and $27.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Prepayment penalty fees of $2.5 million, $6.9 million and $9.0 million are included in interest income for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
Current wording
Includes loan fees of $2.9 million, $3.1 million and $8.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Prepayment penalty fees of $2.6 million, $2.5 million and $6.9 million are included in interest income for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Previous wording
Total interest income for 2023 of $606.3 million grew by $91.7 million, or 17.81%, when compared to 2022. Compared to 2022, average interest-earning assets decreased $610.4 million and the yield on interest-earning assets increased by 74 basis point from 3.36% for 2022 to 4.10% for 2023. The $610.4 million year-over-year decrease in earning assets resulted from a $471.9 million decrease in average earning balances due from the Federal Reserve and a decline of $360.1 million in average investment securities, offset by $216.5 million of growth in average loans. The 74 basis point increase in the earning asset yield over 2022 resulted from a 55 basis point increase in loan yields, from 4.49% for 2022 to 5.04% for 2023, as well as a change in the mix of earning assets. Average loans as a percentage of earning assets grew from 56.20% for 2022 to 59.97% for 2023. Average investments as a percentage of earning assets decreased to 37.63% for 2023 from 38.47% for 2022. The tax-equivalent yield on investment securities was 2.52% for 2023, compared to 2.03% for 2022.
Current wording
Total interest income for 2023 of $606.3 million grew by $91.7 million, or 17.81%, when compared to 2022. Compared to 2022, average interest-earning assets decreased $610.4 million and the yield on interest-earning assets increased by 74 basis point from 3.36% for 2022 to 4.10% for 2023. The $610.4 million year-over-year decrease in earning assets resulted from a $471.9 million decrease in average earning balances due from the Federal Reserve and a decline of $360.1 million in average investment securities, offset by $216.5 million of growth in average loans. The 74 basis point increase in the earning asset yield over 2022 resulted from a 55 basis point increase in loan yields, increasing from 4.49% for 2022 to 5.04% for 2023, as well as a change in the mix of earning assets. Average loans as a percentage of earning assets grew from 56.20% for 2022 to 59.97% for 2023. Average investments as a percentage of earning assets decreased to 37.63% for 2023 from 38.47% for 2022. The tax-equivalent yield on investment securities was 2.52% for 2023, compared to 2.03% for 2022.
Previous wording
We recorded provision for credit losses of $2.0 million in 2023, and experienced credit charge-offs of $405,000 and total recoveries of $130,000, resulting in net charge-offs of $275,000. The year-to-date provision for credit losses of $2.0 million was the result of an overall increase in projected loss rates from 0.94% at the end of 2022 to 0.98% at December 31, 2023. For 2022, we recorded $10.6 million in provision for credit losses in 2022, and experienced credit charge-offs of $197,000 and total recoveries of $1.1 million, resulting in net recoveries of $893,000. The modest changes in projected loss rates continue to be driven primarily by economic forecast changes to various macroeconomic variables such as GDP growth, commercial real estate values and the rate of unemployment. Refer to the discussion of “Allowance for Credit Losses” in Item 7 –Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contained herein for discussion concerning observed changes in the credit quality of various components of our loan portfolio as well as changes and refinements to our methodology.
Current wording
We recorded recapture of provision for credit losses of $3.0 million in 2024, and experienced credit charge-offs of $4.4 million and recoveries of $0.7 million, resulting in net charge-offs of $3.7 million. The year-to-date recapture of provision for credit losses of $3.0 million was the result of a decrease in loan balances outstanding at December 31, 2024 as compared to the prior year-end and an overall decrease in projected loss rates from 0.98% at the end of 2023 to 0.94% at December 31, 2024. For 2023, we recorded $2.0 million in provision for credit losses, and experienced credit charge-offs of $405,000 and total recoveries of $130,000, resulting in net charge-offs of $275,000. The modest changes in projected loss rates continue to be driven primarily by economic forecast changes to various macroeconomic variables such as GDP growth, commercial real estate values and the rate of unemployment. Refer to the discussion of “Allowance for Credit Losses” in Item 7 –Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contained herein for discussion concerning observed changes in the credit quality of various components of our loan portfolio as well as changes and refinements to our methodology.
Previous wording
No assurance can be given that economic conditions which affect the Company’s service areas or other circumstances will or will not be reflected in future changes in the level of our allowance for credit losses and the resulting provision or recapture of provision for credit losses. The process to estimate the allowance for credit losses requires considerable judgment and our economic forecasts may continue to vary due to the uncertainty of the future impact from the recent rise in interest rates, geopolitical events in Europe, and global inflation will have on future interest rates, unemployment, the overall economy and resulting impact on our customers. See “Allowance for Credit Losses” under Analysis of Financial Condition herein.
Current wording
No assurance can be given that economic conditions which affect the Company’s service areas or other circumstances will or will not be reflected in future changes in the level of our allowance for credit losses and the resulting provision or recapture of provision for credit losses. The process to estimate the allowance for credit losses requires considerable judgment and our economic forecasts may continue to vary due to the uncertainty of the future impact from changes in rates by the Federal Reserve, geopolitical events in Europe and the Middle East, and impacts of changes in global trade and inflation will have on future interest rates, unemployment, the overall economy and resulting impact on our customers. See “Allowance for Credit Losses” under Analysis of Financial Condition herein.
Previous wording
Noninterest income includes income derived from financial services offered to our customers, such as CitizensTrust, merchant processing and card services, international banking, and other business services. Also included in noninterest income are service charges and fees, primarily from deposit accounts, gains (net of losses) from the disposition of investment securities, loans, other real estate owned, and fixed assets, and other revenues not included as interest on earning assets.
Current wording
Noninterest income includes income derived from financial services offered to our customers, such as CitizensTrust, merchant processing and card services, international banking, and other business services. Also included in noninterest income are service charges and fees, primarily from deposit accounts, BOLI income, gains/losses from the disposition of investment securities, loans, other real estate owned, and fixed assets, and other revenues not included as interest on earning assets.
Previous wording
The $9.3 million increase in noninterest income included $2.6 million in gain from an equity fund distribution related to a CRA investment, while 2022 included a $2.4 million net gain on the sale of one of our properties. Service charges on deposit accounts decreased by $1.2 million, or 5.44% from the year ended December 31, 2022. Trust management fees increased by $1.0 million, or 9.01% compared to 2022. Income from Bank-Owned Life Insurance ("BOLI") increased by $7.4 million from the prior year, primarily due to approximately $6.5 million net increase in cash surrender value resulting from the surrender and redeployment of various BOLI policies at the end 2023, which offset the tax expense impact of the taxable gains generated from the surrendered policies.
Current wording
The $9.3 million increase in noninterest income included $2.6 million in gain from an equity fund distribution related to a CRA investment, while 2022 included a $2.4 million net gain on the sale of one of our properties. Service charges on deposit accounts decreased by $1.2 million, or 5.44% from the year ended December 31, 2022. Trust management fees increased by $1.0 million, or 9.01% compared to 2022. Income from BOLI increased by $7.4 million from the prior year, primarily due to approximately $6.5 million net increase in cash surrender value resulting from the surrender and redeployment of various BOLI policies at the end 2023, which offset the tax expense impact of the taxable gains generated from the surrendered policies.
Previous wording
The Bank has entered into interest rate swap agreements with our customers to manage our interest rate risk and enters into identical offsetting swaps with a counterparty. The changes in the fair value of these non-hedged swaps primarily offset each other resulting in swap fee income. Generally speaking, our volume of back-to-back interest rate swaps is impacted by the level and shape of the yield curve and the Bank's management of interest rate risk. Swap fee income was higher than 2022, primarily due to LIBOR indexed swaps that were converted to term SOFR in 2023 generating fee income of approximately $620,000. We executed on swap agreements related to new loan originations with a notional amount totaling $1.0 million for 2023. There were no executed swap agreements related to new loan originations for 2022. Refer to Note 19 —Derivative Financial Instruments of the notes to the consolidated financial statements of this report for additional information.
Current wording
The Bank has entered into interest rate swap agreements with our customers to manage our interest rate risk and enters into identical offsetting swaps with a counterparty. The changes in the fair value of these non-hedged swaps primarily offset each other resulting in swap fee income. Generally speaking, our volume of back-to-back interest rate swaps is impacted by the level and shape of the yield curve and the Bank's management of interest rate risk. Swap fee income was higher than 2022, primarily due to LIBOR indexed swaps that were converted to term SOFR in 2023 generating fee income of approximately $620,000. We executed on swap agreements related to new loan originations with a notional amount totaling $1.0 million for 2023. There were no executed swap agreements related to new loan originations for 2022. Refer to Note 18 —Derivative Financial Instrumentsof the notes to the consolidated financial statements of this report for additional information.
Previous wording
Our ability to control noninterest expenses in relation to asset growth can be measured in terms of total noninterest expenses as a percentage of average assets. Noninterest expense as a percentage of average assets was 1.41% for 2023, compared to 1.28% for 2022 and 1.24% for 2021, respectively. This ratio was negatively impacted by a $9.2 million expense accrual for the FDIC Special Assessment that will be collected over eight quarters starting in 2024. The ratio was negatively impacted in 2022 as a result of $6 million of acquisition expense associated with Suncrest. The increase in this ratio from 2022 to 2023, also reflects the impact of inflationary pressures on staff related expenses, which grew by 5.77%. The increase in this ratio for 2022 compared with 2021 reflects the impact of inflationary pressures on staff related expenses and expense growth associated with Suncrest.
Current wording
Our ability to control noninterest expenses in relation to asset growth can be measured in terms of total noninterest expenses as a percentage of average assets. Noninterest expense as a percentage of average assets was 1.45% for 2024, compared to 1.41% for 2023 and 1.28% for 2022, respectively. The increase in this ratio in 2024 as compared to 2023 was due primarily to normal inflationary increases in most expense categories, partially offset by a decrease in regulatory assessment expense as 2023 included the $9.2 million FDIC Special Assessment, and also due to a $207 million decrease in average assets in 2024 as compared to 2023. The increase in this ratio for 2023 compared with 2022 reflects the impact of inflationary pressures on staff related expenses and expense growth associated with Suncrest. This ratio was also negatively impacted in 2023 by a $9.2 million expense accrual for the FDIC Special Assessment. The ratio was negatively impacted in 2022 as a result of $6 million of acquisition expense associated with Suncrest.
Previous wording
Our ability to control noninterest expenses in relation to the level of total revenue (net interest income before provision for credit losses plus noninterest income) can be measured by the efficiency ratio and indicates the percentage of net revenue that is used to cover expenses. The efficiency ratio was 42.00% for 2023, compared to 38.98% for 2022 and 41.09% for 2021. The increase in the efficiency ratio in 2023 was primarily due to increased regulatory assessment expense, including the FDIC Special Assessment, and inflationary pressures on staff related expenses.
Current wording
Our ability to control noninterest expenses in relation to the level of total revenue (net interest income before provision for credit losses plus noninterest income) can be measured by the efficiency ratio and indicates the percentage of net revenue that is used to cover expenses. The efficiency ratio was 46.55% for 2024, compared to 42.00% for 2023 and 38.98% for 2022. The increase in the efficiency ratio in 2024 was primarily due to the decrease in our net interest margin in 2024, as well as the 1.6% increase in noninterest expense. The increase in the efficiency ratio in 2023 compared to 2022 reflects the impact of inflationary pressures on staff related expenses and expense growth associated with Suncrest. This ratio was also negatively impacted in 2023 by a $9.2 million expense accrual for the FDIC Special Assessment. The ratio was negatively impacted in 2022 as a result of $6 million of acquisition expense associated with Suncrest.
Previous wording
The Company’s effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2023 was 29.80%, compared with 28.30% and 28.60% for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. During the fourth quarter and full year of 2023, our effective tax rate was impacted by more than $6 million in combined income tax expense and penalties resulting from the surrender of various BOLI policies. Our estimated annual effective tax rate also varies depending upon the level of tax-advantaged income from municipal securities and BOLI as well as available tax credits. Refer to Note 10 —Income Taxes of the notes to consolidated financial statements for more information.
Current wording
The Company’s effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2024 was 26.00%, compared with 29.80% and 28.30% for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The decrease in the effective tax rate was a result of increased investments in tax credits during 2024 and the impact on taxes in 2023 from the surrender of certain BOLI policies. During the fourth quarter and full year of 2023, our effective tax rate was impacted by more than $6 million in combined income tax expense and penalties resulting from the surrender of various BOLI policies. Our estimated annual effective tax rate also varies depending upon the level of tax-advantaged income from municipal securities and BOLI as well as available tax credits. Refer to Note 9 —Income Taxes of the notes to consolidated financial statements for more information.
Previous wording
Total assets of $16.02 billion at December 31, 2023 decreased by $455.5 million, or 2.76%, from total assets of $16.48 billion at December 31, 2022. Interest-earning assets of $14.46 billion at December 31, 2023, decreased by $509.5 million, or 3.40%, when compared with $14.97 billion at December 31, 2022. The decrease in interest-earning assets was primarily due to a $388.8 million decrease in investment securities and a $174.5 million decrease in total loans, partially offset by an increase of $64.7 million in interest-earning balances due from the Federal Reserve and a $53.2 million increase in the cash surrender value of BOLI.
Current wording
Total assets of $15.15 billion at December 31, 2024 decreased by $867.3 million, or 5.41%, from total assets of $16.02 billion at December 31, 2023. Interest-earning assets of $13.53 billion at December 31, 2024, decreased by $934.2 million, or 6.46%, when compared with $14.46 billion at December 31, 2023. The decrease in interest-earning assets was primarily due to a $499.0 million decrease in investment securities, a $368.5 million decrease in total loans, and a decrease of $59.1 million in interest-earning balances due from the Federal Reserve.
Previous wording
Total equity increased $129.5 million to $2.08 billion at December 31, 2023, compared to total equity of $1.95 billion at December 31, 2022. Increases to equity included $221.4 million in net earnings and a $31.2 million increase in other comprehensive income, that were partially offset by $111.6 million in cash dividends. We engaged in no stock repurchases during the second, third and fourth quarters of 2023. In the first quarter of 2023, we repurchased 791,800 shares of common stock, at an average repurchase price of $23.43, totaling $18.5 million. The Company's 2022 10b5-1 stock repurchase plan expired on March 2, 2023 and no new plan has been put in place since that time.
Current wording
Total equity increased $108.3 million to $2.19 billion at December 31, 2024, compared to total equity of $2.08 billion at December 31, 2023. Increases to equity included $200.7 million in net earnings and an $11.5 million increase in other comprehensive income, that were partially offset by $111.9 million in cash dividends. We did not repurchase any stock in 2024. In 2023, we repurchased 791,800 shares of common stock, at an average repurchase price of $23.43, totaling $18.5 million. The Company's 2024 10b5-1 stock repurchase plan was authorized in November 2024 and allows for the repurchase of up to 10,000,000 shares of CVB common stock.
Previous wording
The Company maintains a portfolio of investment securities to provide interest income and to serve as a source of liquidity for its ongoing operations. We continued to shrink our investment portfolio. At December 31, 2023, total investment securities were $5.42 billion. This represented a decrease of $388.8 million, or 6.69%, from total investment securities of $5.81 billion at December 31, 2022. The overall decrease in investment securities was primarily due to a $299.1 million decline in our AFS securities. At December 31, 2023, our AFS investment securities totaled $2.96 billion, inclusive of a pre-tax net unrealized loss of $449.8 million. The after-tax unrealized loss reported in AOCI on AFS investment securities was $316.8 million. The changes in the net unrealized holding loss resulted primarily from fluctuations in market interest rates. At December 31, 2023, total HTM investment securities of $2.46 billion declined by $89.7 million from December 31, 2022. For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, repayments/maturities of investment securities totaled $450.3 million and $661.5 million, respectively. The Company purchased additional investment securities totaling $48.4 million and $1.8 billion for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. There were no investment securities sold during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.
Current wording
The Company maintains a portfolio of investment securities to provide interest income and to serve as a source of liquidity for its ongoing operations. We continued to shrink our investment portfolio in 2024. At December 31, 2024, total investment securities were $4.92 billion. This represented a decrease of $499.0 million, or 9.20%, from total investment securities of $5.42 billion at December 31, 2023. The decrease in investment securities was primarily due to principal payments and maturities, as well as sales of securities exceeding purchases during the year. Concurrent with the sale-leaseback transactions in the third and fourth quarters of 2024, the Bank sold AFS securities with a book value of $467 million, resulting in a net pre-tax loss of $28.3 million. At December 31, 2024, our AFS investment securities totaled $2.54 billion, inclusive of a pre-tax net unrealized loss of $447.7 million. The after-tax unrealized loss reported in AOCI on AFS investment securities was $315.4 million. This represented a decrease of $1.4 million from $316.8 million after-tax unrealized loss at December 31, 2023. The change in the net unrealized holding loss resulted primarily from fluctuations in market interest rates and from realized losses on sold securities. At December 31, 2024, total HTM investment securities of $2.38 billion declined by $84.9 million from December 31, 2023. For the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, sales/repayments/maturities of investment securities totaled $901.5 million and $450.3 million, respectively. The Company purchased additional investment securities totaling $430.6 million and $48.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Previous wording
The weighted average yield for the portfolio is based on projected duration and is not tax-equivalent. The tax-equivalent yield at December 31, 2023 was 3.18%.
Current wording
The weighted average yield for the portfolio is not tax-equivalent. The tax equivalent yield at December 13, 2024 was 3.18%.
Previous wording
The weighted average yield for the portfolio is based on projected duration and is not tax-equivalent. The tax equivalent yield at December 31, 2023 was 3.35%.
Current wording
The weighted average yield for the portfolio is not tax-equivalent. The tax equivalent yield at December 31, 2024 was 2.77%.
Previous wording
The weighted-average yield on the total investment portfolio at December 31, 2023 was 2.16% with a weighted-average life of 6.7 years. This compares to a weighted-average yield of 2.13% at December 31, 2022 with a weighted-average life of 6.9 years. The weighted average life is the average number of years that each dollar of unpaid principal due remains outstanding. Average life is computed as the weighted-average time to the receipt of all future cash flows, using as the weights the dollar amounts of the principal pay-downs.
Current wording
The weighted-average yield on the total investment portfolio at December 31, 2024 was 2.36% with a weighted-average life of 7.2 years. This compares to a weighted-average yield of 2.16% at December 31, 2023 with a weighted-average life of 6.7 years. The weighted average life is the average number of years that each dollar of unpaid principal due remains outstanding. Average life is computed as the weighted-average time to the receipt of all future cash flows, using as the weights the dollar amounts of the principal pay-downs.
Previous wording
Approximately 91% of the securities in the total investment portfolio, at December 31, 2023, are issued by the U.S. government or U.S. government-sponsored enterprises, with the implied guarantee of payment of principal and interest. The remaining securities are predominately AA or better general-obligation municipal bonds. As of December 31, 2023, approximately $31.4 million in U.S. government agency bonds are callable. The Agency CMO/REMIC are backed by agency-pooled collateral. Municipal bonds, which represented approximately 9% of the total investment portfolio, are predominately AA or higher rated securities.
Current wording
Approximately 90% of the securities in the total investment portfolio, at December 31, 2024, are issued by the U.S. government or U.S. government-sponsored enterprises, with the implied guarantee of payment of principal and interest. The remaining securities are predominately AA or better general-obligation municipal bonds. As of December 31, 2024, approximately $27.1 million in U.S. government agency bonds are callable. The Agency CMO/REMIC are backed by agency-pooled collateral. Municipal bonds, which represented approximately 10% of the total investment portfolio, are predominately AA or higher rated securities.
Previous wording
Total loans and leases, at amortized cost, of $8.90 billion at December 31, 2023, decreased by $174.5 million, or 1.92%, from $9.08 billion at December 31, 2022. Loan growth continues to be impacted by a slowdown in loan demand. After adjusting for PPP loans, which declined by $6.4 million, our core loans decreased by $168.1 million, or 1.85%, from December 31, 2022. The $168.1 million decreases included $100.4 million in commercial real estate loans, $21.5 million in construction loans, $20.7 million in dairy & livestock and agribusiness loans, $20.3 million in SBA loans, $7.5 million in municipal lease financings, and $22.7 million in consumer and other loans, partially offset by an increase of $21.2 million in commercial and industrial loans, although line utilization decreased from 33% to 29% at December 31, 2023.
Current wording
Total loans and leases, at amortized cost, of $8.54 billion at December 31, 2024, decreased by $368.5 million, or 4.14%, from $8.90 billion at December 31, 2023. Loan growth continues to be impacted by a slowdown in loan demand. The $368.5 million decrease included $277.1 million in commercial real estate loans, $50.7 million in construction loans and $44.7 million in commercial and industrial loans.
Previous wording
Total loans, at amortized cost, comprised 61.58% of our total earning assets as of December 31, 2023. The following table presents our loan portfolio by type as of the dates presented.
Current wording
Total loans, at amortized cost, comprised 63.10% of our total earning assets as of December 31, 2024. The following table presents our loan portfolio by type as of the dates presented.
Previous wording
As of December 31, 2023, $497.7 million, or 7.34% of the total commercial real estate loans included loans secured by farmland, compared to $517.8 million, or 7.52%, at December 31, 2022. The loans secured by farmland included $122.4 million for loans secured by dairy & livestock land and $375.3 million for loans secured by agricultural land at December 31, 2023, compared to $140.5 million for loans secured by dairy & livestock land and $377.3 million for loans secured by agricultural land at December 31, 2022. As of December 31, 2023, dairy & livestock and agribusiness loans of $412.9 million were comprised of $374.9 million for dairy & livestock loans and $38.0 million for agribusiness loans, compared to $388.5 million of dairy & livestock loans and $45.1 million for agribusiness loans at December 31, 2022.
Current wording
As of December 31, 2024, $449.8 million, or 6.91% of the total commercial real estate loans included loans secured by farmland, compared to $497.7 million, or 7.34%, at December 31, 2023. The loans secured by farmland included $109.1 million for loans secured by dairy & livestock land and $340.7 million for loans secured by agricultural land at December 31, 2024, compared to $122.4 million for loans secured by dairy & livestock land and $375.3 million for loans secured by agricultural land at December 31, 2023. As of December 31, 2024, dairy & livestock and agribusiness loans of $419.9 million were comprised of $385.3 million for dairy & livestock loans and $34.6 million for agribusiness loans, compared to $374.9 million of dairy & livestock loans and $38.0 million for agribusiness loans at December 31, 2023.
Showing the first 40 of 92 pairs. Open the source sections for the rest.
Rearranged current paragraphs (7)
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
In 2024, we experienced a decline in noninterest-bearing deposit levels due to the impact of higher interest rates that led to deposits moving to higher yielding alternatives, such as our money market and time deposit products. We also experienced noninterest-bearing deposits being transferred from the Bank’s balance sheet by customers to be invested by CitizensTrust in higher yielding instruments such as United States treasury notes or bonds.
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
Total interest income and fees on loans for 2024 of $455.8 million increased $7.5 million, or 1.66%, when compared to 2023. This increase in income was due to a higher loan yield partially offset by a decrease in average loans of $222.9 million. Loan yields were 5.26% for 2024, compared to 5.04% for 2023. Loan yields grew year-over-year, as rising interest rates contributed to an increase in yields on loans indexed to the Prime rate or other short-term indexes, as well as higher rates from adjustable rate loans and newly originated loans.
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
In general, we stop accruing interest on a loan after its principal or interest becomes 90 days or more past due. When a loan is placed on nonaccrual, all interest previously accrued but not collected is charged against earnings. There was no interest income that was accrued and not reversed on nonaccrual loans at December 31, 2024 and 2023. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, we had $27.8 million and $21.3 million of nonaccrual loans, respectively.
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
Trust and Investment Services represents our CitizensTrust group. The CitizensTrust group is made up of wealth management and investment services. They provide a variety of services, which include asset management, financial planning, estate planning, retirement planning, private and corporate trustee services, and probate services. Investment Services provides self-directed brokerage, 401(k) plans, mutual funds, insurance and other non-insured investment products. At December 31, 2024, CitizensTrust had approximately $4.6 billion in assets under management and administration, including $3.3 billion in assets under management. CitizensTrust generated fees of $13.7 million for 2024, compared to $12.6 million for 2023. The increase in fees in 2024 included both the impact on market values of changes in equity and fixed income markets but also increased flows of funds from customers, including liquidity management of funds formerly on deposit with the Bank.
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
The Bank’s investment in BOLI includes life insurance policies generally acquired through acquisitions or the purchase of life insurance by the Bank on a select group of employees to fund deferred compensation plans. The Bank is the owner and beneficiary of these policies. BOLI is recorded as an asset at its cash surrender value. Increases in the cash value of these policies, as well as insurance proceeds received, are recorded in noninterest income and are not subject to income tax, as long as they are held for the life of the covered parties. Income from our BOLI policies declined by $0.3 million for 2024 as compared to 2023, which consisted of lower cash surrender value income partially offset by higher gains and death benefits that exceeded cash surrender values.
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
The Bank has entered into interest rate swap agreements with our customers to manage our interest rate risk and enters into identical offsetting swaps with a counterparty. The changes in the fair value of these non-hedged swaps primarily offset each other resulting in swap fee income. Generally speaking, our volume of back-to-back interest rate swaps is impacted by the level and shape of the yield curve and the Bank's management of interest rate risk. Swap fee income was $0.4 million lower than 2023, primarily due to LIBOR indexed swaps that were converted to term SOFR in 2023 generating fee income of approximately $620,000. Refer to Note 18 —Derivative Financial Instruments of the notes to the consolidated financial statements of this report for additional information.
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
Noninterest expense of $233.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 was $3.7 million, or 1.6% higher than 2023. Year-over-year increases included normal inflationary increases in most expense categories including $5.3 million in salaries and employee benefits, primarily due to inflationary pressures on salaries and benefits. As we continue to invest in new technology, software expense increased by $1.3 million, or 8.90%. The increase in technology costs demonstrates our commitment to improving efficiencies and providing an excellent customer experience. Professional expense increased by $1.4 million, or 15.42%, as legal expense increased by $1.3 million or 80.7%. These increases were partially offset by a $7.6 million decrease in regulatory assessment expense, as 2023 included $9.2 million for the FDIC Special Assessment.
Rearranged previous paragraphs (4)
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
There was no interest income that was accrued and not reversed on nonaccrual loans at December 31, 2022 and 2021. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, we had $4.9 million and $6.9 million of nonaccrual loans, respectively.
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
Income from our BOLI policies for 2022 included $3.6 million of death benefits that exceeded cash surrender values, compared to $3.9 million of death benefits for 2021.
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
Swap fee income decreased $382,000 compared to 2021, as there were no executed swap agreements related to new loan originations for 2022. There were no executed swap agreements related to new loan originations for 2022, compared to $25.3 million for 2021. The volume of interest rate swaps can be impacted by competitive factors, as well as the current and forecasted interest rate environment.
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
The following table provides a summary of TDRs as of the dates presented.