BANCFIRST CORP OK

Previous wording

Potential impacts of the recent adverse developments in the banking industry driven by high-profile bank failures, including impacts on customer confidence, demand deposit outflows and the regulatory response thereto.

Current wording

Potential impacts of the adverse developments in the banking industry driven by high-profile bank failures, including impacts on customer confidence, demand deposit outflows and the regulatory response thereto.

Previous wording

Recent deterioration in the market for commercial office property could have an adverse effect on the value of the Company's other real estate owned as well as commercial office collateral for the Company's commercial real estate loans.

Current wording

Deterioration in the market for commercial office property could have an adverse effect on the value of the Company's other real estate owned as well as commercial office collateral for the Company's commercial real estate loans.

Previous wording

A continuing shift in deposit mix could negatively impact net interest margin.

Current wording

Further shift in deposit mix from noninterest-bearing deposits to interest-bearing deposits could negatively impact net interest margin.

Previous wording

Changes in the mix of loan geographies, sectors and types or the level of non-performing assets and charge-offs.

Current wording

Changes in the mix of loan sectors and types or the level of non-performing assets and charge-offs.

Previous wording

Changes in the financial performance and/or condition of the Company’s borrowers, including the impact of rising interest rates.

Current wording

Changes in the financial performance and/or condition of the Company’s borrowers, including the impact of higher interest rates.

Previous wording

The Company’s net income for 2023 was $212.5 million, or $6.34 per diluted share, compared to $193.1 million, or $5.77 per diluted share for 2022.

Current wording

The Company’s net income for 2024 was $216.4 million, or $6.44 per diluted share, compared to $212.5 million, or $6.34 per diluted share for 2023.

Previous wording

In 2023, net interest income increased to $424.5 million, compared to $373.7 million in 2022. Rising short-term interest rates and loan growth contributed to the increase in net interest income in 2023. The Company’s net interest margin increased to 3.79% for 2023, compared to 3.29% for 2022.

Current wording

In 2024, net interest income increased to $446.9 million, compared to $424.5 million in 2023. The primary driver of the increase in net interest income was higher interest rates and loan volume. Higher interest rates and increasing loan volume were partially offset by the expense associated with the increase in rates on interest-bearing deposits. The Company’s net interest margin decreased to 3.73% for 2024, compared to 3.79% for 2023.

Previous wording

The Company recorded a provision for credit losses of $7.5 million in 2023 compared to a provision for credit losses of $10.1 million in 2022. The Company's provision for credit losses decreased in 2023 due to improving economic forecasts.

Current wording

The Company recorded a provision for credit losses of $9.0 million in 2024 compared to a provision for credit losses of $7.5 million in 2023. The Company's provision for credit losses increased in 2024 primarily due to loan growth.

Previous wording

Noninterest expense was $332.5 million in 2023 compared to $309.9 million in 2022. Higher noninterest expenses in 2023 were primarily related to growth in salaries and employee benefits of $15.0 million related to both annual merit increases and new hires needed to comply with the increased regulatory burden associated with exceeding $10 billion in assets. In addition, 2023 included an expense from other real estate owned of $15.9 million compared to $9.9 million during 2022.

Current wording

Noninterest expense was $347.2 million in 2024 compared to $332.5 million in 2023. Higher noninterest expenses in 2024 were primarily related to growth in salaries and employee benefits of $12.0 million related to annual merit increases and new hires. Data processing expense increased $2.4 million in 2024 compared to 2023. Expense from other real estate owned decreased in 2024, to $13.1 million compared to $15.9 million during 2023.

Previous wording

The Company’s assets at year-end 2023 totaled $12.4 billion, virtually unchanged from December 31, 2022. Off-balance sheet sweep accounts totaled $4.3 billion at December 31, 2023 compared to $3.7 billion at December 31, 2022. Loans totaled $7.7 billion an increase of $710.3 million from year-end 2022. Deposits totaled $10.7 billion at December 31, 2023 a decrease of $274.1 million from December 31, 2022. The Company’s total stockholders’ equity was $1.4 billion, an increase of $183.1 million from December 31, 2022.

Current wording

The Company’s assets at year-end 2024 totaled $13.6 billion, an increase of $1.2 billion from December 31, 2023. Loans grew $373.0 million from December 31, 2023, totaling $8.0 billion at December 31, 2024. Deposits totaled $11.7 billion at December 31, 2024 an increase of $1.0 billion from December 31, 2023. Off-balance sheet sweep accounts totaled $5.2 billion at December 31, 2024, up $871.6 million from December 31, 2023. The Company’s total stockholders’ equity was $1.6 billion, an increase of $187.3 million from December 31, 2023.

Previous wording

Asset quality remained strong with nonaccrual loans of $24.6 million, representing 0.32% of total loans at December 31, 2023. Nonaccrual loans were $15.3 million or 0.22% of total loans at December 31, 2022. The allowance for credit losses to total loans stood at 1.26% at December 31, 2023, compared to 1.33% at December 31, 2022. Net charge-offs were $3.4 million for the year or 0.05% of average loans, compared to $1.4 million or 0.02% of average loans for the year ended December 31, 2022.

Current wording

Nonaccrual loans totaled $58.0 million, representing 0.72% of total loans at December 31, 2024 compared to $24.6 million or 0.32% of total loans at December 31, 2023. The allowance for credit losses to total loans stood at 1.24% at December 31, 2024, compared to 1.26% at December 31, 2023. Net charge-offs were $6.3 million for the year or 0.08% of average loans, compared to $3.4 million or 0.05% of average loans for the year ended December 31, 2023.

Previous wording

On January 1, 2020, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 326, which replaced the incurred loss methodology for determining its provision for credit losses and allowance for credit losses with an expected loss methodology that is referred to as current expected credit loss ("CECL"). The allowance for credit losses is management’s estimate of the current expected credit losses on financial assets measured at amortized cost.

Current wording

The Company determines its provision for credit losses and allowance for credit losses using the current expected credit loss methodology that is referred to as the current expected credit loss ("CECL") model. The allowance for credit losses is measured on a collective (pool) basis when similar risk characteristics exist.

Previous wording

To estimate expected losses using historical loss information, the Company elected to utilize a methodology known as vintage loss analysis for BancFirst, Pegasus, and Worthington Bank. Vintage loss analysis measures impairment based on the age of the accounts and the historical performance of assets with similar risk characteristics. Vintage loss analysis determines expected losses by allowing the Company to calculate the cumulative loss rates of a given loan pool and, in so doing, determine the loan pool’s lifetime expected loss experience relative to the appropriate type of financial assets that share similar risk characteristics. Vintage loss analysis uses different “vintages” analyzed by year of origination through the weighted average maturity of each loan pool. The key quantitative inputs used in the Company’s estimate of the allowance for credit losses include 1) all available loan data tracked by year of origination, 2) total charge-offs for each specific loan pool recorded since year of origination, 3) recovery rate calculated by the average recovery over the previous seven years across all loan pools, and 4) a weighting factor biased to more recent loss experience. The quantitative current expected credit loss is calculated by dividing each year’s net charge-offs by the original balance. The respective vintage’s original balance remains the denominator in each annual calculation, referencing the specific vintage’s initial balance. The loss experience of this original balance is tracked annually and summed over the life of the loan for each separate loan pool, leaving a cumulative life of credit loss rate based on historic averages weighted towards more recent loss experience. These key quantitative inputs change from period to period as new loans are originated, and charge-offs and recoveries are recognized. The recovery rate is revised on an annual basis, taking into consideration the most recent seven years. The weighting factor percentages remain static; however, the most recent year receives the highest weighting percentage.

Current wording

To estimate expected losses using historical loss information, the Company elected to utilize a methodology known as vintage loss analysis for BancFirst, Pegasus, and Worthington. Vintage loss analysis measures impairment based on the age of the accounts and the historical performance of assets with similar risk characteristics. Vintage loss analysis determines expected losses by allowing the Company to calculate the cumulative loss rates of a given loan pool and, in so doing, determine the loan pool’s lifetime expected loss experience relative to the appropriate type of financial assets that share similar risk characteristics. Vintage loss analysis uses different “vintages” analyzed by year of origination through the weighted average maturity of each loan pool. The key quantitative inputs used in the Company’s estimate of the allowance for credit losses include 1) all available loan data tracked by year of origination, 2) total charge-offs for each specific loan pool recorded since year of origination, 3) recovery rate calculated by the average recovery over the previous seven years across all loan pools, and 4) a weighting factor biased to more recent loss experience. The quantitative expected credit loss is calculated by dividing each year’s net charge-offs by the original balance. The respective vintage’s original balance remains the denominator in each annual calculation, as it references the specific vintage’s initial balance. The loss experience of this original balance is tracked annually and summed over the life of the loan for each separate loan pool, leaving a cumulative life of credit loss rate based on historic averages weighted towards more recent loss experience. These key quantitative inputs change from period to period as new loans are originated, and charge-offs and recoveries are recognized. The recovery rate is revised on an annual basis, taking into consideration the most recent seven years. The weighting factor percentages remain static, however, the most recent year receives the highest weighting percentage.

Previous wording

The BancFirst Senior Loan Committee (“the SLC”) establishes BancFirst qualitative adjustments. In setting the qualitative adjustments, they consider several factors, including external economic information, peer bank comparisons, and experience with the loan portfolio. The SLC also considers a Moody’s Analytics dataset in which BancFirst selects a range from three probability scenarios from two economic forecasts. To determine the appropriate correlation to the loss experience, economic indicators are compared to the prior ten years of charge-off history to arrive at a correlation factor. BancFirst then applies the correlation factor to the change in the forecast of the aforementioned economic indicators over the next 18-24 months, which is driven by management’s judgment of a reasonable and supportable forecast period to arrive at a percentage range of qualitative loss adjustment attributable to economic forecasts. The SLC establishes a qualitative adjustment for each loan pool using these factors. For periods beyond which BancFirst can make or obtain reasonable and supportable forecasts of current expected credit losses, BancFirst reverts to historical loss information.

Current wording

The Senior Loan Committee (“the SLC”) sets qualitative adjustments for each loan pool. In setting the qualitative adjustments, they consider several factors, including external economic information, peer bank comparisons and experience with the loan portfolio, among others. The SLC also considers other current conditions adjustments and reasonable and supportable forecasts derived from third party information, primarily Moody’s Analytics economic scenarios. To determine the appropriateness of the economic scenarios, the Company uses judgment and statistical analysis which correlates charge-off history to the economic scenarios. The Company then forecasts future loss expectations based on the selected economic scenarios over the next 12-24 months, which is driven by management’s judgment of a reasonable and supportable forecast period, to arrive at an estimated qualitative adjustment attributable to economic forecasts. For periods beyond which the Company is able to make or obtain reasonable and supportable forecasts of expected credit losses, the Company reverts to historical loss information.

Previous wording

The allowance for credit losses is increased by provisions charged to operating expense and is reduced by net loan charge-offs. The amount of the allowance for credit losses is measured using relevant information about past events, including historical credit loss experience on financial assets with similar risk characteristics, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts that affect the collectability of the remaining cash flows over the contractual term of the financial assets. A loan is considered collateral-dependent when the repayment is expected to be provided substantially through the operation or sale of the collateral when the borrower is experiencing financial difficulty based on the Company's assessment as of the reporting date. For collateral dependent loans, the standard allows institutions to use, as a practical expedient, the fair value of the collateral to measure current expected credit losses on collateral-dependent financial assets. This amount is included in the allowance for credit losses.

Current wording

In some cases, management may determine a loan to be collateral dependent. A loan is considered collateral-dependent when the borrower is experiencing financial difficulty based on the Company's assessment as of the reporting date and the repayment is expected to be provided substantially through the operation or sale of the collateral. For collateral dependent loans, the standard allows institutions to use, as a practical expedient, the fair value of the collateral to measure current expected credit losses on collateral-dependent financial assets. This amount is included in the allowance for credit losses.

Previous wording

Each quarter the SLC reviews aggregate allowance for BancFirst and adjusts the appropriateness of the allowance. In addition, annually or more frequently as needed, the SLC evaluates the qualitative adjustments used in the BancFirst allowance based on the information described above. To facilitate the SLC’s evaluation, the Asset Quality Department performs periodic reviews of business units and reports on the adequacy of management’s identification of collateral-dependent and adversely classified loans and their adherence to loan policies and procedures.

Current wording

Each quarter the SLC reviews the aggregate allowance and adjusts the appropriateness of the allowance. In addition, annually or more frequently as needed, the SLC evaluates the qualitative adjustments used in the allowance based on the information described above. To facilitate the SLC’s evaluation, the Asset Quality Department performs periodic reviews of business units and reports on the adequacy of management’s identification of collateral-dependent and adversely classified loans and their adherence to loan policies and procedures.

Previous wording

The evaluation of goodwill for possible impairment is performed by comparing the fair values of the related reporting units with their carrying amounts including goodwill. The fair values of the related business units are estimated using market data for prices of recent acquisitions of banks and branches.

Current wording

The evaluation of goodwill for possible impairment is performed by comparing the fair values of the related reporting units with their carrying amounts including goodwill. The fair values of the related reporting units are estimated using market data for prices of recent acquisitions of banks and branches.

Previous wording

The Company reviews its portfolio of debt securities in an unrealized loss position at least quarterly. The Company first assesses whether it intends to sell, or it is more-likely-than-not that it will be required to sell, the securities before recovery of the amortized cost basis. If either of these criteria is met, the securities amortized cost basis is written down to fair value as a current period expense. If either of the above criteria is not met, the Company evaluates whether the decline in fair value is the result of credit losses or other factors. In making this assessment, the Company considers, among other things, the performance of any underlying collateral and adverse conditions specifically related to the security. At December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, 98% of the available for sale debt securities held by the Company were issued by the U.S. Treasury, or U.S. government-sponsored entities and agencies. The Company does not consider the unrealized position of these securities to be the result of credit factors, because the decline in fair value is attributable to changes in interest rates and illiquidity, and not credit quality, and the Company does not have the intent to sell these securities and it is likely that it will not be required to sell the securities before their anticipated recovery. Therefore, the Company has not recorded an allowance for credit losses against its debt securities portfolio, as the credit risk is not material.

Current wording

The Company reviews its portfolio of debt securities in an unrealized loss position at least quarterly. The Company first assesses whether it intends to sell, or it is more-likely-than-not that it will be required to sell, the securities before recovery of the amortized cost basis. If either of these criteria is met, the securities amortized cost basis is written down to fair value as a current period expense. If either of the above criteria is not met, the Company evaluates whether the decline in fair value is the result of credit losses or other factors. In making this assessment, the Company considers, among other things, the performance of any underlying collateral and adverse conditions specifically related to the security. At December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, 99% of the available for sale debt securities held by the Company were issued by the U.S. Treasury, or U.S. government-sponsored entities and agencies. The Company does not consider the unrealized position of these securities to be the result of credit factors, because the decline in fair value is attributable to changes in interest rates and illiquidity, and not credit quality, and the Company does not have the intent to sell these securities and it is likely that it will not be required to sell the securities before their anticipated recovery. Therefore, the Company has not recorded an allowance for credit losses against its debt securities portfolio, as the credit risk is not material.

Previous wording

The following discussion and analysis presents the more significant factors that affected the Company's financial condition as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 and results of operations for each of the years then ended. Refer to Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 24, 2023 (the “2022 Form 10-K”) for a discussion and analysis of the more significant factors that affected periods prior to 2022, which the Company incorporates by reference.

Current wording

The following discussion and analysis presents the more significant factors that affected the Company's financial condition as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 and results of operations for each of the years then ended. Refer to Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 27, 2024 (the “2023 Form 10-K”) for information about results of operations for 2023 compared with 2022, which the Company incorporates by reference.

Previous wording

Certain reclassifications have been made to make prior periods comparable. This discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the Company's consolidated financial statements, notes thereto and other financial information appearing elsewhere in this report. From time to time, the Company has engaged in acquisitions. None of these acquisitions had a significant impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. The Company accounts for acquisitions using the acquisition method, and as such, the results of operations of acquired companies are included from the date of acquisition forward.

Current wording

This discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the Company's consolidated financial statements, notes thereto and other financial information appearing elsewhere in this report. From time to time, the Company has engaged in acquisitions. None of these acquisitions had a significant impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. The Company accounts for acquisitions using the acquisition method, and as such, the results of operations of acquired companies are included from the date of acquisition forward.

Previous wording

The following tables present, for the periods indicated, certain information related to the Company's consolidated average balance sheet, average yields on assets and average costs of liabilities. Such yields are derived by dividing income or expense by the average balance of the corresponding assets or liabilities. For these computations: (i) average balances are derived from daily averages, (ii) information is shown on a taxable-equivalent basis assuming a 21% tax rate, and (iii) nonaccrual loans are included in the average loan balances and any interest on such nonaccrual loans is recognized on a cash basis. Loan fees included in interest income were $21.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to $24.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 and $55.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2021.

Current wording

The following tables present certain information related to the Company's consolidated average balance sheet, average yields on assets and average costs of liabilities. Such yields are derived by dividing income or expense by the average balance of the corresponding assets or liabilities. For these computations: (i) average balances are derived from daily averages, (ii) information is shown on a taxable-equivalent basis assuming a 21% tax rate, and (iii) nonaccrual loans are included in the average loan balances and any interest on such nonaccrual loans is recognized on a cash basis. Loan fees included in interest income were $20.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to $21.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 and $24.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2022.

Previous wording

As shown in the selected consolidated financial table above, the Company recorded a provision for credit losses for 2023 and 2022, compared to a net benefit from reversal of provision for credit losses for 2021. The Company's provision for credit losses decreased in 2023 due to improving economic forecasts. In 2021, provisions for credit losses normalized after the economic downturn and recovery from the effects of the COVID pandemic in prior years, and acquired loans and loan growth led to an increase in the provision in 2022. The Company’s reversal of provision for 2021 was based on improvements in economic conditions and the Company’s outlook for certain economic indicators. The Company establishes an allowance as an estimate of the current expected credit losses in the loan portfolio at the balance sheet date. Management believes the allowance for credit losses is appropriate based upon management’s best estimate of expected losses within the existing loan portfolio. Should any of the factors considered by management in evaluating the appropriate level of the allowance for credit losses change, the Company’s estimate of current expected credit losses could also change, which could affect the amount of future provisions for credit losses. Net loan charge-offs were $3.4 million for 2023 compared to $1.4 million for 2022 and $7.0 million for 2021. The net charge-offs equated to 0.05%, 0.02% and 0.11% of average loans for 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The rate of net charge-offs to average total loans continues to be at a low level. A more detailed discussion of the allowance for credit losses is provided under “Loans.”

Current wording

The Company's provision for credit losses increased in 2024 primarily due to loan growth. The Company establishes an allowance as an estimate of the current expected credit losses in the loan portfolio at the balance sheet date. Management believes the allowance for credit losses is appropriate based upon management’s best estimate of expected losses within the existing loan portfolio. Should any of the factors considered by management in evaluating the appropriate level of the allowance for credit losses change, the Company’s estimate of expected credit losses could also change which could affect the amount of future provisions for credit losses.

Previous wording

Other increases in noninterest income during 2023 included a $3.7 million increase in insurance commissions and a $3.1 million increase in trust revenue. The Company’s operating noninterest income has generally increased over time due to enhanced product lines, acquisitions and internal deposit account growth.

Current wording

The Company’s operating noninterest income has generally increased over time due to enhanced product lines, acquisitions and internal deposit account growth.

Previous wording

The Company earned $2.6 million on the sale of loans in 2023 compared $4.5 million in 2022 and $7.3 million in 2021. The income from sales of loans in 2023 was lower due to higher mortgage rates resulting in a decrease of originations. The income from sales of loans in 2021 was higher due to the increase in the volume of mortgage loans originated because of record low mortgage rates. The Company expects the volume of mortgage loans originated to increase during 2024 as mortgage rates begin to decrease.

Current wording

The Company earned $2.7 million on the sale of loans in 2024 compared $2.6 million in 2023 and $4.5 million in 2022. The income from sales of loans in 2024 and 2023 were lower compared to 2022, due to higher mortgage rates resulting in a decrease of originations.

Previous wording

The Company reported security transactions on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income totaling net losses of $1.8 million during each of 2023 and 2022, and a net gain of $1.0 million during 2021. These gains and losses related to its portfolio of debt securities and investments in equity securities carried in other assets. The Company’s practice is to maintain a liquid portfolio of debt securities and not engage in trading activities. The Company has the ability and intent to hold debt securities classified as available for sale that were in an unrealized loss position until they mature or until fair value exceeds amortized cost. In 2022, the Company recognized a loss of $4.0 million on the sale of $226 million of low yielding debt securities, which were subsequently reinvested at higher yielding debt securities. The Company also recognized a net loss of $1.8 million during 2023, a net gain of $2.2 million during 2022, and a net gain of $1.0 million during 2021, due to changes in the fair value of the equity securities.

Current wording

The Company reported security transactions on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income totaling a net gain of $97,000 during 2024 and net losses of $1.8 million during each of 2023 and 2022. These gains and losses related to its portfolio of debt securities and investments in equity securities carried in other assets. The Company’s practice is to maintain a liquid portfolio of debt securities and not engage in trading activities. The Company has the ability and intent to hold debt securities classified as available for sale that were in an unrealized loss position until they mature or until fair value exceeds amortized cost. In 2022, the Company recognized a loss of $4.0 million on the sale of $226 million of low yielding debt securities, which were subsequently reinvested at higher yielding debt securities. Changes in the fair value of equity securities resulted in a net gain of $97,000 during 2024, a net loss of $1.8 million during 2023 and a net gain of $2.2 million during 2022.

Previous wording

Noninterest income included NSF and overdraft fees totaling $27.9 million, $26.0 million and $25.0 million in 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. This represents 15.1%, 14.2%, and 14.7% of the Company’s noninterest income for the years 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. In addition, the Company had debit card interchange fees totaling $37.6 million, $48.9 million and $46.0 million for the years 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. This represents 20.3%, 26.6% and 27.1% of the Company’s noninterest income for the years 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The decrease in interchange fees in 2023 was due to the impact of the Durbin Amendments with took effect for the Company on July 1, 2023.

Current wording

Noninterest income included NSF and overdraft fees totaling $31.1 million, $27.9 million and $26.0 million in 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively. This represents 16.8%, 15.1%, and 14.2% of the Company’s noninterest income for the years 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively. In addition, the Company had debit card usage and interchange fees totaling $26.8 million, $37.6 million and $48.9 million for the years 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively. This represents 14.5%, 20.3% and 26.6% of the Company’s noninterest income for the years 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The decrease in interchange fees in 2024 and 2023 was due to the impact of the Durbin Amendments with took effect for the Company on July 1, 2023.

Previous wording

The Company is subject to political pressures that could limit our ability to charge NSF and overdraft fees. As of April 1, 2022, the Company lowered the rates charged on NSF and overdraft fees. Also, based on current run rates, annual pretax income from debit card interchange fees will be reduced by approximately $23 million from the impact of the Durbin Amendment.

Current wording

The Company is subject to political pressures that could limit our ability to charge for NSF and overdraft fees and could adversely impact our noninterest income. On April 1, 2022, the Company lowered the rates charged on NSF and overdraft fees. The Company also became subject to the reduced interchange fees under the Durbin Amendment, effective July 1, 2023. Consequently, the Company's interchange fee revenue was reduced by approximately $10.8 million in 2024 and reduced by $11.2 million in the last half of 2023. The reduced interchange fees under the Durbin Amendment have now been fully implemented.

Previous wording

The increase in noninterest expense in 2022 was due to the increase in salaries and employee benefits of $18.3 million, noninterest expenses (including salaries and employee benefits) related to the Worthington acquisition, and an increase in deposit insurance. In addition, net expense from other real estate owned increased $822,000, which was due to an increase of $3.2 million of write downs on other real estate owned and a $1.3 million increase in the cost of holding other real estate owned, offset by an increase in gain on the sales of other real estate owned of $3.6 million.

Current wording

Total noninterest expense increased by $14.7 million, or 4.4% for 2024. Higher noninterest expenses in 2024 were primarily related to growth in salaries and employee benefits of $12.0 million related to annual merit increases and new hires. Data processing expense increased $2.4 million in 2024 compared to 2023. Net expense from other real estate owned decreased $2.9 million, which was due to a decrease of $1.2 million of write downs on other real estate owned, a $731,000 increase in the cost of holding other real estate owned, and a decrease in gain on the sales of other real estate owned of $924,000.

Previous wording

Noninterest expense included deposit insurance expense, which totaled $5.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to $4.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 and $3.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2021.

Current wording

Noninterest expense included deposit insurance expense, which totaled $6.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to $5.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 and $4.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2022.

Previous wording

Income tax expense totaled $57.5 million in 2023, compared to $44.3 million in 2022 and $40.8 million in 2021. The effective tax rates for 2023, 2022 and 2021 were 21.3%, 18.7% and 19.6% respectively. The Company's adoption of ASU 2023-02 in the first quarter of 2023 increased income tax expense due to the amortization of $6.0 million of NMTC and other tax credits to income tax expense during the period that would have previously been recorded to other expense, which increased the effective tax rate by 2.22%. Exercises of stock options contributed to the lower effective tax rate in 2022.

Current wording

Income tax expense totaled $58.9 million in 2024, compared to $57.5 million in 2023 and $44.3 million in 2022. The effective tax rates for 2024, 2023 and 2022 were 21.4%, 21.3% and 18.7% respectively. The Company's adoption of ASU 2023-02 in the first quarter of 2023 increased income tax expense due to the amortization of $6.0 million of New Markets Tax Credits ("NMTC") and other tax credits to income tax expense during the period that would have previously been recorded to other expense, which increased the effective tax rate by 2.22%.

Previous wording

Cash consists of cash and cash items on hand, noninterest-bearing deposits and amounts due from other banks, reserves deposited with the Federal Reserve Bank, and interest-bearing deposits with other banks. Federal funds sold consist of overnight investments of excess funds with other financial institutions. The Company has continued to maintain the majority of its excess funds with the Federal Reserve Bank. The Federal Reserve Bank pays interest on these funds based upon the lowest target rate for the maintenance period, which increased during 2023 from 4.50% to 5.50%. The rate increased from 0.25% to 4.50% during 2022.

Current wording

Cash consists of cash and cash items on hand, noninterest-bearing deposits and amounts due from other banks, reserves deposited with the Federal Reserve Bank, and interest-bearing deposits with other banks. Federal funds sold consist of overnight investments of excess funds with other financial institutions. The Company has continued to maintain the majority of its excess funds with the Federal Reserve Bank. The Federal Reserve Bank pays interest on these funds based upon the lowest target rate for the maintenance period, which decreased during the last four months of 2024 from 5.40% to 4.40%. The rate increased from 4.50% to 5.50% during 2023.

Previous wording

The amount of cash, federal funds sold and interest-bearing deposits with the Federal Reserve Bank carried by the Company is a function of the availability of funds presented to other institutions for clearing and the Company’s liquidity and interest rate sensitivity management. Balances of these items can fluctuate widely based on these various factors. The aggregate of cash and due from banks, federal funds sold and interest-bearing deposits with banks decreased by $773.0 million, or 24.4%, to $2.4 billion, from December 31, 2022 to December 31, 2023. The decrease was primarily due to the movement of some large commercial deposits into the Company's off-balance sheet sweep account product and loan growth.

Current wording

The amount of cash, federal funds sold and interest-bearing deposits with the Federal Reserve Bank carried by the Company is a function of the availability of funds presented to other institutions for clearing and the Company’s liquidity and interest rate sensitivity management. Balances of these items can fluctuate widely based on these various factors. The aggregate of cash and due from banks, federal funds sold and interest-bearing deposits with banks increased by $1.2 billion, or 48.2%, to $3.6 billion, from December 31, 2023 to December 31, 2024. The increase was related to an increase of interest-bearing deposits in addition to maturing securities.

Previous wording

For the year ended December 31, 2023, total debt securities increased $14.5 million. Debt securities available for sale represented 99.9% of the total debt securities portfolio at both December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022. Debt securities available for sale had a net unrealized loss of $65.5 million at December 31, 2023, compared to a net unrealized loss of $93.7 million at December 31, 2022. These unrealized losses are included in the Company’s stockholders’ equity as accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of income tax, in the amounts of a loss of $50.0 million and a loss of $71.6 million for December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The Company did not recognize a gain or loss on debt securities during the year ended December 31, 2023. During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company had a loss of $4.0 million resulting from the sale of $226 million of debt securities with an average yield of 0.16%, which was subsequently reinvested in $220 million of debt securities with an average yield of 1.86%. The Company purchased a total of $454.0 million of debt securities in 2023 compared to $1.9 billion of debt securities in 2022.

Current wording

For the year ended December 31, 2024, total debt securities decreased $343.3 million. Debt securities available for sale represented 99.9% of the total debt securities portfolio at both December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023. Debt securities available for sale had a net unrealized loss, before taxes, of $43.1 million at December 31, 2024, compared to $65.5 million at December 31, 2023. These unrealized losses, net of income taxes, of $32.9 million at December 31, 2024 and $50.0 million at December 31, 2023 are included in the Company’s stockholders’ equity as accumulated other comprehensive loss. The Company did not recognize a gain or loss on debt securities during the years ended December 31, 2024 or 2023. The Company purchased a total of $375.4 million of debt securities in 2024 compared to $454.0 million of debt securities in 2023. In addition, the Company had maturities and paydowns of debt securities totaling $742.3 million in 2024 and $469.0 million in 2023.

Previous wording

The Company has historically generated loan growth from both internal originations and bank acquisitions. Total loans held for investment increased $713.1 million, or 10.2%, to $7.7 billion in 2023, as a result of internal loan growth. Of the total increase in loans, residential real estate loans made up the largest increase with $189.3 million, or 26.7% of the increase, construction and development loans increased $167.4 million, or 23.6%, and oil and gas loans increasing $123.6 million, or 17.4%. At December 31, 2023, oil and gas loans comprise 7.7% of loans compared to 6.7% at December 31, 2022. The increase of internal loan growth was 76% from the Company's Oklahoma subsidiary BancFirst and 24% from the Company's Texas subsidiaries Pegasus and Worthington.

Current wording

The Company has historically generated loan growth from both internal originations and bank acquisitions. Total loans held for investment increased $368.5 million, or 4.8% in 2024, as a result of internal loan growth. Of the total increase in loans, residential real estate loans made up the largest increase with $203.3 million, or 55.2% of the increase, construction and development loans increased $114.0 million, or 30.9%, and commercial non-real estate loans increasing $74.0 million, or 20.1%. Oil and gas loans decreased $76.8 million or 20.8% in 2024. The preponderance of internal loan growth was from the Company's Oklahoma subsidiary BancFirst.

Previous wording

The following table presents the maturity distribution of loans held for investment at December 31, 2023. Many of the loans with maturities of one year or less are renewed at existing or similar terms after scheduled principal reductions. Also, approximately 57% of loans had adjustable interest rates at December 31, 2023.

Current wording

The following table presents the maturity distribution of loans held for investment at December 31, 2024. Many of the loans with maturities of one year or less are renewed at existing or similar terms after scheduled principal reductions. Also, approximately 61% of loans had adjustable interest rates at December 31, 2024.

Previous wording

Nonaccrual loans totaled $24.6 million at December 31, 2023, compared to $15.3 million at December 31, 2022. The Company’s nonaccrual loans are primarily commercial non-real estate loans. Nonaccrual loans negatively impact the Company’s net interest margin. A loan is placed on nonaccrual status when, in the opinion of management, the future collectability of both interest and principal is in serious doubt. Interest income is not recognized until the principal balance is fully collected. However, if the full collection of the remaining principal balance is not in doubt, interest income is recognized on certain of these loans on a cash basis. Had nonaccrual loans performed in accordance with their original contractual terms, the Company would have recognized additional interest income of $1.6 million for 2023, $1.3 million for 2022 and $2.2 million for 2021. Only a small amount of this interest is expected to be ultimately collected.

Current wording

Nonaccrual loans increased during 2024, primarily nonaccrual construction and development loans with an approximate 58% increase and nonaccrual commercial real estate loans with an approximate 42% increase. Although nonaccrual loans increased during 2024, they represent only 0.72% of loans at December 31, 2024. Nonaccrual loans negatively impact the Company’s net interest margin. A loan is placed on nonaccrual status when, in the opinion of management, the future collectability of both interest and principal is in serious doubt. Interest income is not recognized until the principal balance is fully collected. However, if the full collection of the remaining principal balance is not in doubt, interest income is recognized on certain of these loans on a cash basis. Had nonaccrual loans performed in accordance with their original contractual terms, the Company would have recognized additional interest income of $3.5 million for 2024, $1.6 million for 2023 and $1.3 million for 2022. Only a small amount of this interest is expected to be ultimately collected.

Previous wording

The classification of a loan as nonaccrual does not necessarily indicate that loan principal and interest will ultimately be uncollectible; although, in an economic downturn, the Company’s experience has been that the level of collections decline. The above normal risk associated with nonaccrual loans has been considered in the determination of the allowance for credit losses. The level of nonaccrual loans and credit losses could rise over time as a result of adverse economic conditions. At December 31, 2023, the allowance for credit losses as a percentage of nonaccrual loans was 393.9%, compared to 606.1%, at the end of 2022.

Current wording

The classification of a loan as nonaccrual does not necessarily indicate that loan principal and interest will ultimately be uncollectible; although, in an economic downturn, the Company’s experience has been that the level of collections decline. The above normal risk associated with nonaccrual loans has been considered in the determination of the allowance for credit losses. The level of nonaccrual loans and credit losses could rise over time as a result of adverse economic conditions. At December 31, 2024, the allowance for credit losses as a percentage of nonaccrual loans was 171.6%, compared to 393.9%, at the end of 2023.

Previous wording

As of January 1, 2023, the Company adopted ASU No. 2022-02, which eliminates the Troubled Debt Restructurings (“TDR”) recognition and measurement guidance and, instead, requires that the Company evaluate, based on the accounting for loan modifications, whether the modification represents a new loan or a continuation of an existing loan when a borrower is experiencing financial difficulty. The current and future financial effects of the recorded balance of loans considered to be modified during the period were not considered to be material. The recorded balance of modified loans was approximately $5.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2023.

Current wording

As of January 1, 2023, the Company adopted ASU No. 2022-02, which eliminates the Troubled Debt Restructurings (“TDR”) recognition and measurement guidance and, instead, requires that the Company evaluate, based on the accounting for loan modifications, whether the modification represents a new loan or a continuation of an existing loan when a borrower is experiencing financial difficulty. The current and future financial effects of the recorded balance of loans considered to be modified during the period were not considered to be material. The recorded balance of loans modified during the year ended December 31, 2024 was approximately $14.8 million. The recorded balance of loans modified during the year ended December 31, 2023 was approximately $5.3 million.

Previous wording

Other real estate owned ("OREO") and repossessed assets decreased $2.7 million in 2023. OREO consists of properties acquired through foreclosure proceedings or acceptance of a deed in lieu of foreclosure and premises held for sale. These properties are carried at the lower of the book values of the related loans or fair values based upon appraisals, less estimated costs to sell. Write-downs arising at the time of reclassification of such properties from loans to OREO are charged directly to the allowance for credit losses. Any losses on bank premises designated to be sold are charged to operating expense at the time of transfer from premises to OREO. Decreases in values of properties subsequent to their classification as OREO are charged to operating expense. The Company's write-downs in OREO totaled $5.2 million for 2023, $3.7 million for 2022 and $538,000 for 2021.

Current wording

Other real estate owned ("OREO") and repossessed assets decreased $535,000 in 2024. OREO consists of properties acquired through foreclosure proceedings or acceptance of a deed in lieu of foreclosure and premises held for sale. These properties are carried at the lower of the book values of the related loans or fair values based upon appraisals of the properties, less estimated costs to sell. Write-downs arising at the time of reclassification of such properties from loans to OREO are charged directly to the allowance for credit losses. Any losses on bank premises designated to be sold are charged to operating expense at the time of transfer from premises to OREO. Decreases in values of properties subsequent to their classification as OREO are charged to operating expense. The Company's write-downs in OREO totaled $4.0 million for 2024, $5.2 million for 2023 and $3.7 million for 2022.

Previous wording

OREO included a larger commercial real estate property recorded at $29.4 million at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022. Rental income for this property is included in other noninterest income on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. Operating expense for this property is included in net expense from OREO in other noninterest expense on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.

Current wording

OREO included a larger commercial real estate property recorded at $28.1 million at December 31, 2024 and $29.4 million at December 31, 2023. Rental income for this property is included in other noninterest income on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. Operating expense for this property is included in net expense from OREO in other noninterest expense on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.