Capitol Federal Financial, Inc.

Previous wording

Our results of operations are primarily dependent on net interest income, which is the difference between the interest earned on loans, securities, cash at the Federal Reserve Bank and dividends received on FHLB stock, and the interest paid on deposits and borrowings. Changes in interest rates could have an adverse impact on our results of operations and financial condition because the majority of our interest-earning assets are long-term, fixed-rate loans, while the majority of our interest-bearing liabilities are shorter term, and therefore subject to a greater degree of interest rate fluctuations. This type of risk is known as interest rate risk and is affected by prevailing economic and competitive conditions that are beyond the

Current wording

Our results of operations are primarily dependent on net interest income, which is the difference between the interest earned on loans, securities, cash at the FRB and dividends received on FHLB stock, and the interest paid on deposits and borrowings. Changes in interest rates could have an adverse impact on our results of operations and financial condition because the majority of our interest-earning assets are long-term, fixed-rate loans, while the majority of our interest-bearing liabilities are shorter term, and therefore subject to a greater degree of interest rate fluctuations. This type of risk is known as interest rate risk and is affected by prevailing economic and competitive conditions that are beyond the Company's control, including general economic conditions, inflationary trends and/or monetary policies of the FRB and fiscal policies of the United States federal government.

Previous wording

The impact of changes in interest rates is generally observed on the income statement. The magnitude of the impact will be determined by the difference between the amount of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, both of which either reprice or mature within a given period of time, in addition to the yields earned on interest-earning assets and rates paid on interest-bearing liabilities. This difference provides an indication of the extent to which our net interest rate spread will be impacted by changes in interest rates. In addition, changes in interest rates will impact the expected level of repricing of the Bank's mortgage-related assets and callable debt securities. Generally, as interest rates decline, the amount of interest-earning assets expected to reprice will increase as borrowers have an economic incentive to reduce the cost of their mortgage or debt, which would negatively impact the Bank's interest income. Conversely, as interest rates rise, the amount of interest-earning assets expected to reprice will decline as the economic incentive to refinance the mortgage or debt is diminished. As this occurs, the amount of interest-earning assets repricing could diminish to the point where interest-bearing liabilities reprice to a higher interest rate at a faster pace than interest-earning assets, thus negatively impacting the Bank's net interest income. For additional information about the interest-rate risk we face, see "Part II, Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk."

Current wording

The impact of changes in interest rates is generally observed on the income statement. The magnitude of the impact will be determined by the difference between the amount of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, both of which either reprice or mature within a given period of time, in addition to the yields earned on interest-earning assets and rates paid on interest-bearing liabilities. This difference provides an indication of the extent to which our net interest rate spread will be impacted by changes in interest rates. In addition, changes in interest rates will impact the expected level of repricing of the Bank's mortgage-related assets and callable debt securities. Generally, as interest rates decline, the amount of interest-earning assets expected to reprice will increase as borrowers have an economic incentive to reduce the cost of their mortgage or debt, which would negatively impact the Bank's interest income to the extent deposits are not repriced lower at a faster pace. Conversely, as interest rates rise, the amount of interest-earning assets expected to reprice will decline as the economic incentive to refinance the mortgage or debt is diminished. As this occurs, the amount of interest-earning assets repricing could diminish to the point where interest-bearing liabilities reprice to a higher interest rate at a faster pace than interest-earning assets, thus negatively impacting the Bank's net interest income. For additional information about the interest-rate risk we face, see "Part II, Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk."

Previous wording

Changes in interest rates can also have an adverse effect on our financial condition, as available-for-sale ("AFS") securities are reported at estimated fair value. Stockholders' equity, specifically accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) ("AOCI"), is increased or decreased by the amount of change in the estimated fair value of our AFS securities, net of deferred income taxes. Increases in interest rates generally decrease the fair value of AFS securities, which adversely impacts stockholders' equity. For additional information, see "Part II, Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Strategic Securities Transaction," "Part II, Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Stockholders' Equity" and "Part II, Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – Note 15. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income."

Current wording

Changes in interest rates can also have an adverse effect on our financial condition, as available-for-sale ("AFS") securities are reported at estimated fair value. Stockholders' equity, specifically, accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) ("AOCI"), is increased or decreased by the amount of change in the estimated fair value of our AFS securities, net of deferred income taxes. Increases in interest rates generally decrease the fair value of AFS securities, which adversely impacts stockholders' equity. For additional information, see "Part II, Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – Note 15. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income."

Previous wording

In addition to general changes in interest rates, changes that affect the shape of the yield curve could negatively impact the Bank. The Bank's interest-bearing liabilities are generally priced based on short-term interest rates while the majority of the Bank's interest-earning assets are priced based on long-term interest rates. Income for the Bank is primarily driven by the spread between these rates. As a result, a steeper yield curve, meaning long-term interest rates are significantly higher than short-term interest rates, would provide the Bank with a better opportunity to increase net interest income. When the yield curve is flat, meaning long-term interest rates and short-term interest rates are essentially the same, or when the yield curve is inverted, meaning long-term interest rates are lower than short-term interest rates, the net yield between interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities that reprice is compressed or diminished and would likely negatively impact the Bank's net interest income. See "Part II, Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk" for additional information about the Bank's interest rate risk management.

Current wording

In addition to general changes in interest rates, changes that affect the shape of the yield curve could negatively impact the Bank. The Bank's interest-bearing liabilities are generally priced based on short-term interest rates while the majority of the Bank's interest-earning assets are priced based on long-term interest rates. Income for the Bank is primarily driven by the spread between these rates. As a result, a steeper yield curve, meaning long-term interest rates are higher than short-term interest rates, would provide the Bank with a better opportunity to increase net interest income. When the yield curve is flat, meaning long-term interest rates and short-term interest rates are essentially the same, or when the yield curve is inverted, meaning long-term interest rates are lower than short-term interest rates, the net yield between interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities that reprice is compressed or diminished and would likely negatively impact the Bank's net interest income. See "Part II, Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk" for additional information about the Bank's interest rate risk management.

Previous wording

An economic downturn, including a decline in real estate values, especially affecting our geographic market areas and certain regions of the country where we have commercial real estate loans or correspondent loans secured by one- to four-family properties, could have an adverse impact on our business and financial results.

Current wording

An economic downturn, including a decline in real estate values, especially affecting our geographic market areas and certain regions of the country where we have commercial real estate loans or purchased loans secured by one- to four-family properties, could have an adverse impact on our business and financial results.

Previous wording

As we have grown our commercial real estate lending portfolio, we have continued to maintain relationships not only in our local markets but in geographically diverse markets. As a result, we are particularly exposed to downturns in regional housing and commercial real estate markets and, to a lesser extent, housing and commercial real estate markets nationwide, along with changes in the levels of unemployment or underemployment. We monitor the current status and trends of local and national employment levels and trends and current conditions in the real estate and housing markets, as well as commercial real estate markets, in our local market areas and certain areas where we have commercial real estate loans and correspondent loans. Decreases in local real estate values could adversely affect the value of the property used as collateral for our loans, which could cause us to realize a loss in the event of a foreclosure. Additionally, if insurance obtained by our borrowers is insufficient to cover any losses sustained to the collateral, the decreases in the value of collateral securing our loans as a result of natural disasters or other related events could adversely impact our financial condition and results of operations. If insurance coverage is unavailable to our borrowers due to the reluctance of insurance companies to renew policies covering the collateral or due to other factors, the resulting increase in cost of home ownership could affect the ability of borrowers to repay loans. In addition, a decline in commercial real estate values would likewise adversely affect the value of collateral securing commercial real estate loans. Adverse conditions in our local economies and in certain areas where we have commercial real estate loans and correspondent loans, such as inflation, unemployment, supply chain disruptions, recession, natural disasters or pandemics, or other factors beyond our control, could adversely impact the ability of our borrowers to repay their loans. Declines in collateral values and adverse economic conditions could result in increased delinquencies, non-performing assets, loan losses, and future loan loss provisions.

Current wording

As we strategically grow our commercial real estate lending portfolio, we have continued to prospect for new relationships and maintain existing relationships not only in our local markets but in geographically diverse markets. As a result, we are particularly exposed to downturns in regional housing and commercial real estate markets and, to a lesser extent, housing and commercial real estate markets nationwide, along with changes in the levels of unemployment or underemployment. We monitor the current status and trends of local and national employment levels and trends and current conditions in the real estate and housing markets, as well as commercial real estate markets, in our local market areas and certain areas where we have commercial real estate loans and purchased one- to four-family loans. Decreases in real estate values could adversely affect the value of the property used as collateral for our commercial real estate and one- to four-family loans, which could cause us to realize a loss in the event of a foreclosure. Additionally, if insurance obtained by our borrowers is insufficient to cover any losses sustained to the collateral, the decreases in the value of collateral securing our loans as a result of natural disasters or other related events could adversely impact our financial condition and results of operations. If insurance coverage is unavailable to our borrowers due to the reluctance of insurance companies to renew policies covering the collateral or due to other factors, the resulting increase in cost of home ownership could affect the ability of borrowers to repay loans. Adverse conditions in our local economies and in certain areas where we have commercial real estate loans and purchased one-to four-family loans, such as inflation, unemployment, supply chain disruptions, recession, natural disasters or pandemics, or other factors beyond our control, could adversely impact the ability of our borrowers to repay their loans. Declines in collateral values and adverse economic conditions could result in increased delinquencies, non-performing assets, loan losses, and future loan loss provisions.

Previous wording

A growing portion of our loan portfolio consists of commercial loans. These loan types tend to be larger than and in different geographic regions from most of our existing loan portfolio and are generally considered to have different and greater risks than one- to four-family residential real estate loans and may involve multiple loans to groups of related borrowers. A growing commercial loan portfolio also subjects us to greater regulatory scrutiny. Furthermore, these loan types can expose us to a greater risk of delinquencies, non-performing assets, loan losses, and future loan loss provisions than one- to four-family residential real estate loans because repayment of such loans often depends on the successful operation of a business or of the underlying property. Repayment of such loans may be affected by factors outside the borrower's control, such as adverse conditions in the real estate market, the economy, environmental factors, natural disasters or pandemics, and/or changes in government regulation. Also, there are risks inherent in commercial real estate construction lending as the value of the project is uncertain prior to the completion of construction and subsequent lease-up. A sudden downturn in the economy, labor and/or supply chain issues, or other unforeseen events could result in stalled projects or collateral shortfalls, thus exposing us to increased credit risk.

Current wording

Commercial loans typically have larger loan balances than one- to four-family residential loans and may involve multiple loans to groups of related borrowers. Repayment of commercial loans often depends on the successful operation of a business or of the underlying property which may be affected by factors outside the borrower's control, such as adverse conditions in the real estate market, the economy, the implementation of tariffs, environmental factors, natural disasters or pandemics, and/or changes in government regulation. Also, there are risks inherent in commercial real estate construction lending as the value of the project is uncertain prior to the completion of construction and subsequent lease-up. A sudden downturn in the economy, labor and/or supply chain issues, or other unforeseen events could result in stalled projects or collateral shortfalls, thus exposing us to increased credit risk. Additionally, if we foreclose on these loans, our holding period for the collateral may be longer than for a one- to-four family residential property as there are generally fewer potential purchasers of this type of collateral.

Previous wording

Commercial and industrial loans are primarily made based on the identified cash flow of the borrower and secondarily on the collateral underlying the loans. The borrowers' cash flow may prove to be unpredictable, and collateral securing these loans may fluctuate in value. Most often, this collateral consists of accounts receivable, inventory and equipment. Significant adverse changes in a borrower's industries and businesses could cause rapid declines in values of, and collectability associated with, those business assets, which could result in inadequate collateral coverage for our commercial and industrial loans and expose us to future losses. In the case of loans secured by accounts receivable, the availability of funds for the repayment of these loans may be substantially dependent on the ability of the borrower to collect amounts due from its clients. Inventory and equipment may depreciate over time, may be difficult to appraise, may be illiquid and may fluctuate in value based on the success of the business. If the cash flow from business operations is reduced, the borrower's ability to repay the loan may be impaired. An increase in valuation allowances and charge-offs related to our commercial and industrial loan portfolio could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and future prospects.

Current wording

Commercial and industrial loans are primarily made based on the identified cash flow of the borrower and secondarily on the collateral underlying the loans. A borrower's cash flow may prove to be unpredictable, and collateral securing these loans may fluctuate in value. Most often, this collateral consists of accounts receivable, inventory and equipment. Significant adverse changes in a borrower's industries and businesses could cause rapid declines in values of, and collectability associated with, those business assets, which could result in inadequate collateral coverage for our commercial and industrial loans and expose us to future losses. In the case of loans secured by accounts receivable, the availability of funds for the repayment of these loans may be substantially dependent on the ability of the borrower to collect amounts due from its clients. Inventory and equipment may depreciate over time, may be difficult to appraise, may be illiquid and may fluctuate in value based on the success of the business. If the cash flow from business operations is reduced, the borrower's ability to repay the loan may be impaired.

Previous wording

Furthermore, there continues to be heightened legislative and regulatory focus on privacy, data protection and information security. New or revised laws and regulations may significantly impact our current and planned privacy, data protection and information security-related practices, the collection, use, sharing, retention and safeguarding of consumer and employee information, and current or planned business activities. Compliance with current or future privacy, data protection and information security laws could result in higher compliance and technology costs and could restrict our ability to provide certain products and services, which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Current wording

New or revised laws and regulations may significantly impact our current and planned privacy, data protection and information security-related practices, the collection, use, sharing, retention and safeguarding of consumer and employee information, and current or planned business activities. Compliance with current or future privacy, data protection and information security laws could result in higher compliance and technology costs and could restrict our ability to provide certain products and services, which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Previous wording

Third-party vendors subject the Company to potential business, reputation and financial risks.

Current wording

Third-party vendors subject the Bank and the Company to potential business, reputation and financial risks.

Previous wording

Third-party vendors are sources of operational and information security risk to the Company, including risks associated with operations errors, information system interruptions or breaches, and unauthorized disclosures of sensitive or confidential customer information. The Company requires third-party vendors to maintain certain levels of information security; however, vendors may remain vulnerable to breaches, unauthorized access, misuse, computer viruses, and/or other malicious attacks that could ultimately compromise sensitive information. We have developed procedures and processes for selecting and monitoring third-party vendors, but ultimately are dependent on these third-party vendors to secure their information. If these vendors encounter any of these types of issues, or if we have difficulty communicating with them, we could be exposed to disruption of operations, loss of service or connectivity to customers, reputational damage, and litigation risk that could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Current wording

Third-party vendors are sources of operational and information security risk to the Bank and the Company, including risks associated with operation errors, information system interruptions or breaches, and unauthorized disclosures of sensitive or confidential customer information. The Bank and the Company require third-party vendors to maintain certain levels of information security; however, vendors may remain vulnerable to breaches, unauthorized access, misuse, computer viruses, and/or other malicious attacks that could ultimately compromise sensitive information. We have developed procedures and processes for selecting and monitoring third-party vendors, but ultimately are dependent on these third-party vendors to secure their information. If these vendors encounter any of these types of issues, or if we have difficulty communicating with them, we could be exposed to disruption of operations, loss of service or connectivity to customers, reputational damage, and litigation risk that could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Previous wording

Like most financial institutions, the Bank significantly depends on technology to deliver its products and services and to otherwise conduct business. To remain technologically competitive and operationally efficient, the Bank invests in system upgrades, new technological solutions, and other technology initiatives. Many of these solutions and initiatives have a significant duration, are tied to critical information systems, and require substantial resources. Although the Bank takes steps to mitigate the risks and uncertainties associated with these solutions and initiatives, there is no guarantee that they will be implemented on time, within budget, or without negative operational or customer impact. The Bank also may not succeed in anticipating its future technology needs, the technology demands of its customers, or the competitive landscape for technology. If the Bank were to falter in any of these areas, it could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Current wording

Like most financial institutions, the Bank significantly depends on technology to deliver its products and services and to otherwise conduct business. The Bank continues to invest in new technological solutions, system upgrades, and other technology initiatives, which allows us to offer new and competitive products and services to our customers. Many of these solutions and initiatives have a significant duration, are tied to critical information systems, and require substantial resources. Although the Bank takes steps to mitigate the risks and uncertainties associated with these solutions and initiatives, there is no guarantee that they will be implemented on time, within budget, or without negative operational or customer impact. The Company and its third-party vendors may develop or incorporate artificial intelligence technology into certain business processes, services or products. The use of artificial intelligence presents several risks, including an uncertain and evolving legal and regulatory environment, along with the reliability of information generated and the complexity and rapid pace of change in artificial intelligence models. The Bank also may not succeed in anticipating its future technology needs, the technology demands of its customers, or the competitive landscape for technology. If the Bank were to falter in any of these areas, it could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Previous wording

Any change in such regulation and oversight, whether in the form of regulatory policy, regulations, legislation, interpretation or application, could have an adverse impact on our operations. Moreover, bank regulatory agencies have been active in responding to concerns and trends identified in examinations and have issued formal enforcement orders requiring capital ratios in excess of regulatory requirements and/or assessing monetary penalties. Bank regulatory agencies, such as the OCC, the FRB and the FDIC, govern the activities in which we may engage, primarily for the protection of depositors' funds, the DIF and the safety and soundness of the banking system as a whole, and not for the protection or benefit of investors. The CFPB enforces consumer protection laws and regulations for the benefit of consumers and not the protection or benefit of investors. In addition, new laws and regulations, including those related to environmental, social, and governance initiatives, may continue to increase our costs of regulatory compliance and of doing business, and otherwise affect our operations. New laws and regulations may significantly affect the markets in which we do business, the markets for and value of our loans and securities, the products we offer, the fees we can charge and our ongoing operations, costs, and profitability.

Current wording

Any change in such regulation and oversight, whether in the form of regulatory policy, regulations, legislation, interpretation or application, could have an adverse impact on our operations. Bank regulatory agencies, such as the OCC, the FRB and the FDIC, govern the activities in which we may engage, primarily for the protection of depositors' funds, the DIF and the safety and soundness of the banking system as a whole, and not for the protection or benefit of investors. The CFPB enforces consumer protection laws and regulations for the benefit of consumers and not the protection or benefit of investors. In addition, changes in laws and regulations, or the application of these laws and regulations, may continue to impact our costs of regulatory compliance and of doing business, and otherwise affect our operations. New Presidential Executive Orders, laws and regulations may significantly affect the markets in which we do business, the markets for and value of our loans and securities, the products we offer, the fees we can charge and our ongoing operations, costs, and profitability.

Previous wording

The Company's failure to comply with laws, regulations or policies could result in civil or criminal sanctions and money penalties by state and federal agencies, and/or reputational damage, which could have an adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations. See "Part I, Item 1. Business - Regulation and Supervision" for more information about the regulations to which the Company is subject.

Current wording

The Company's failure to comply with laws, regulations or policies, including Presidential Executive Orders, could result in civil or criminal sanctions and money penalties by state and federal agencies, and/or reputational damage, which could have an adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations. See "Part I, Item 1. Business - Regulation and Supervision" for more information about the regulations to which the Company is subject.

Previous wording

The Bank will report a net loss for tax purposes for fiscal year 2024 due to the sale of securities in October 2023 associated with the securities strategy and will therefore have negative current and accumulated earnings and profits for fiscal year 2024. As a result of the negative current and accumulated earnings and profits, capital distributions from the Bank to the holding company during fiscal year 2024 were deemed to be drawn out of the Bank's pre-1988 bad debt reserves and resulted in the recognition of income tax expense based on the amount of the capital distribution multiplied by the then-current Bank income tax rate. This additional tax expense reduced the amount of earnings available to be distributed to the holding company during fiscal year 2024. The Bank had $75.9 million in pre-1988 bad debt reserves at September 30, 2024, which equates to an unrecorded deferred tax liability of $15.9 million.

Current wording

The Bank reported a net loss on its fiscal year 2024 federal tax return due to the sale of securities in October 2023 associated with the securities strategy which resulted in negative current and accumulated earnings and profits for fiscal year 2024. As a result of the negative current and accumulated earnings and profits, capital distributions from the Bank to the holding company during fiscal year 2024 were deemed to be drawn out of the Bank's pre-1988 bad debt reserves and resulted in the recognition of income tax expense based on the amount of the capital distribution multiplied by the then-current Bank income tax rate. This additional tax expense reduced the amount of Bank earnings available to be distributed to the holding company during fiscal year 2024. During the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2025, the Bank reached a point where there was sufficient taxable income to replenish the Bank's tax accumulated earnings and profits to a positive level, allowing the Bank to make distributions to the holding company and not have that distribution subject to the pre-1988 bad debt recapture tax. Due to the Bank's expected continuing positive tax accumulated and earnings profit balance, it is anticipated that the Bank will be in a position to distribute earnings to the holding company during fiscal year 2026. Earnings distributions from the Bank to the holding company will be limited to the extent necessary to prevent the Bank from re-entering a negative accumulated earnings and profit position which would require the payment of the pre-1988 bad debt recapture tax on earnings moved from the Bank to the holding company. See additional discussion regarding the Bank's pre-1988 bad debt recapture in "Part I, Item 1. Business - Taxation" and "Part II, Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - Note 9. Income Taxes".

Previous wording

We maintain an enterprise risk management program that is designed to identify, quantify, monitor, report, and control the risks that we face. These risks include: interest-rate, credit, liquidity, operations, reputation, compliance and litigation. We also maintain a compliance program to identify, measure, assess, and report on our adherence to applicable laws, policies and procedures. While we assess and improve these programs on an ongoing basis, there can be no assurance that our risk management or compliance programs, along with other related controls, will effectively mitigate all risk and limit losses in our business. If conditions or circumstances arise that expose flaws or gaps in our risk management or compliance programs, or if our controls do not function as designed, the performance and value of our business could be adversely affected.

Current wording

We maintain an enterprise risk management program that is designed to identify, quantify, monitor, report, and control the risks that we face. These risks include: interest-rate, credit, liquidity, operations, compliance and litigation. We also maintain a compliance program to identify, measure, assess, and report on our adherence to applicable laws, policies and procedures. While we assess and improve these programs on an ongoing basis, there can be no assurance that our risk management or compliance programs, along with other related controls, will effectively mitigate all risk and limit losses in our business. If conditions or circumstances arise that expose flaws or gaps in our risk management or compliance programs, or if our controls do not function as designed, the performance and value of our business could be adversely affected.

Previous wording

The Company may be adversely affected by an increasing prevalence of fraud and other financial crimes.

Current wording

The Bank and the Company may be adversely affected by an increasing prevalence of fraud and other financial crimes.

Previous wording

Reported instances of fraud and related financial crimes are rising nationwide. Like all financial institutions, the Company is vulnerable to increasing fraud losses as fraud schemes perpetrated against the Company and its customers continue to evolve and become more sophisticated. While the Company has procedures and systems in place to detect, prevent, and mitigate fraud losses, fraud losses may still occur and could be material to the Company's results of operations.

Current wording

Reported instances of fraud and related financial crimes are rising nationwide. Like all financial institutions, the Bank and the Company are vulnerable to increasing fraud losses as fraud schemes perpetrated against the Bank, the Company, and our customers continue to evolve and become more sophisticated. While the Bank and the Company have procedures and systems in place to detect, prevent, and mitigate fraud losses, fraud losses may still occur and could be material to the Bank and the Company's results of operations.