See Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements.
4
ARROW FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(In Thousands)
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended September 30,
Nine Months Ended September 30,
2024
2023
2024
2023
Net Income
$
8,975
$
7,743
$
25,239
$
22,352
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax:
Net Unrealized Securities Holding Gain (Loss) Arising During the Period
9,282
(5,786)
8,503
(3,536)
Net Unrealized (Loss) Gain on Cash Flow Hedge Agreements
(3,464)
625
(569)
91
Reclassification of Net Unrealized (Loss) Gain on Cash Flow Hedge Agreements to Interest Expense
(146)
181
(463)
491
Amortization of Net Retirement Plan Actuarial (Gain)
(58)
(30)
(174)
(90)
Amortization of Net Retirement Plan Prior Service Cost
50
39
151
115
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
5,664
(4,971)
7,448
(2,929)
Comprehensive Income
$
14,639
$
2,772
$
32,687
$
19,423
See Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements.
5
ARROW FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(In Thousands, Except Share and Per Share Amounts)
(Unaudited)
Nine Month Period Ended September 30, 2024
Common Stock
Additional Paid-In Capital
Retained Earnings
Accumu-lated
Other Com-
prehensive
Loss
Treasury Stock
Total
Balance at December 31, 2023
$
22,067
$
412,551
$
65,792
$
(33,416)
$
(87,222)
$
379,772
Net Income
—
—
25,239
—
—
25,239
Other Comprehensive Income
—
—
—
7,448
—
7,448
Cash Dividends Paid, $.81 per Share
—
—
(13,602)
—
—
(13,602)
Stock Options Exercised, Net (8,620 Shares)
—
97
—
—
69
166
Shares Issued Under the Directors’ Stock
Plan (15,196 Shares)
—
255
—
—
122
377
Shares Issued Under the Employee Stock
Purchase Plan (8,884 Shares)
—
137
—
—
72
209
Shares Issued Related to Restricted Stock Units (2,753 Shares)
—
(23)
—
—
23
—
Shares Issued Related to Restricted Share Awards (22,230 Shares)
—
(179)
—
—
179
—
Compensation expense related to Employee Stock Purchase Plan
—
21
—
—
—
21
Stock-Based Compensation Expense
—
206
—
—
—
206
Purchase of Treasury Stock
(266,517 Shares) 1
—
—
—
—
(6,525)
(6,525)
Balance at September 30, 2024
$
22,067
$
413,065
$
77,429
$
(25,968)
$
(93,282)
$
393,311
Three Month Period Ended September 30, 2024
Common Stock
Additional Paid-In Capital
Retained Earnings
Accumu-lated Other Com- prehensive Loss
Treasury Stock
Total
Balance at June 30, 2024
$
22,067
$
412,917
$
72,980
$
(31,632)
$
(93,314)
$
383,018
Net Income
—
—
8,975
—
—
8,975
Other Comprehensive Income
—
—
—
5,664
—
5,664
Cash Dividends Paid, $.27 per Share
—
—
(4,526)
—
—
(4,526)
Shares Issued Under the Directors’ Stock
Plan (4,594 Shares)
—
83
—
—
38
121
Shares Issued Under the Employee Stock
Purchase Plan (3,041 Shares)
—
55
—
—
25
80
Shares Issued Related to Restricted Stock Units (2,753 Shares)
—
(23)
—
—
23
—
Compensation expense related to Employee Stock purchase Plan
—
8
—
—
—
8
Stock-Based Compensation Expense
—
25
—
—
—
25
Purchase of Treasury Stock
(0 Shares) 1
—
—
—
—
(54)
(54)
Balance at September 30, 2024
$
22,067
$
413,065
$
77,429
$
(25,968)
$
(93,282)
$
393,311
6
Nine Month Period Ended September 30, 2023
Common Stock
Additional Paid-In Capital
Retained Earnings
Accumu-lated Other Com- prehensive Loss
Treasury Stock
Total
Balance at December 31, 2022
$
21,424
400,270
65,401
$
(49,655)
$
(83,902)
$
353,538
Net Income
—
—
22,352
—
—
22,352
Other Comprehensive Income
—
—
—
(2,929)
—
(2,929)
3% Stock Dividend (642,567 Shares)
643
11,058
(11,701)
—
—
—
Cash Dividends Paid, $.786 per Share
—
—
(13,405)
—
—
(13,405)
Stock Options Exercised, Net (3,772 Shares)
—
50
—
—
33
83
Shares Issued Under the Directors’ Stock
Plan (3,418 Shares)
—
85
—
—
29
114
Shares Issued Under the Employee Stock
Purchase Plan (3,872 Shares)
—
87
—
—
33
120
Shares Issued for Dividend
Reinvestment Plans (17,753 Shares)
—
330
—
—
142
472
Stock-Based Compensation Expense
—
517
—
—
—
517
Purchase of Treasury Stock
(27,395 Shares) 1
—
—
—
—
(848)
(848)
Balance at September 30, 2023
$
22,067
$
412,397
$
62,647
$
(52,584)
$
(84,513)
$
360,014
Three Month Period Ended September 30, 2023
Common Stock
Additional Paid-In Capital
Retained Earnings
Accumu-lated Other Com- prehensive Loss
Treasury Stock
Total
Balance at June 30, 2023
$
21,424
$
401,069
$
71,076
$
(47,613)
$
(84,513)
$
361,443
Net Income
—
—
7,743
—
—
7,743
Other Comprehensive Loss
—
—
—
(4,971)
—
(4,971)
3% Stock Dividend (642,567 Shares)
643
11,058
(11,701)
—
—
—
Cash Dividends Paid, $.262 per Share
—
—
(4,471)
—
—
(4,471)
Stock-Based Compensation Expense
—
270
—
—
—
270
Balance at September 30, 2023
$
22,067
$
412,397
$
62,647
$
(52,584)
$
(84,513)
$
360,014
1 Cost of Treasury Stock for the 2024 periods includes accrual of Stock Buyback Tax Under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022
See Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements.
7
ARROW FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Dollars in Thousands)
Nine Months Ended September 30
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
2024
2023
Net Income
$
25,239
$
22,352
Provision for Credit Losses
2,326
2,856
Depreciation and Amortization
4,008
4,962
Net (Gain) Loss on Securities Transactions
(165)
214
Loans Originated and Held-for-Sale
(6,278)
491
Proceeds from the Sale of Loans Held-for-Sale
6,376
25
Net Gain on the Sale of Loans
(135)
(25)
Net (Gain) Loss on the Sale of Premises and Equipment, Other Real Estate Owned and Repossessed Assets
(312)
135
Contributions to Retirement Benefit Plans
(494)
(400)
Deferred Income Tax Benefit
(255)
—
Shares Issued Under the Directors’ Stock Plan
377
114
Stock-Based Compensation Expense
227
517
Tax Benefit from Exercise of Stock Options
29
11
Net Increase in Other Assets
(3,458)
(1,338)
Net Increase in Other Liabilities
1,359
6,985
Net Cash Provided By Operating Activities
28,844
36,899
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Proceeds from the Maturities and Calls of Securities Available-for-Sale
72,545
48,499
Proceeds from the Maturities and Calls of Securities Held-to-Maturity
36,801
41,919
Purchases of Securities Held-to-Maturity
(8,959)
(7,490)
Purchases of Equity Securities
(2,999)
—
Net Increase in Loans
(127,890)
(159,518)
Proceeds from the Sales of Premises and Equipment, Other Real Estate Owned and Repossessed Assets
2,708
1,978
Purchase of Premises and Equipment
(4,084)
(6,474)
Net Decrease in FHLB and Federal Reserve Bank Stock
697
954
Purchase of Bank Owned Life Insurance
—
(692)
Acquisition of Whitehall Branch
32,354
—
Net Cash Provided (Used) By Investing Activities
1,173
(80,824)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Net Increase in Deposits
112,211
168,121
Finance Lease Payments
(44)
(39)
Other Borrowings - Advances
102,100
256,500
Other Borrowings - Paydowns
(25,000)
(137,000)
Net Cash Collateral Received from Derivative Counterparties
(1,980)
—
Purchase of Treasury Stock
(6,525)
(848)
Stock Options Exercised, Net
166
83
Shares Issued Under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan
209
120
Shares Issued for Dividend Reinvestment Plans
—
472
Cash Dividends Paid
(13,602)
(13,405)
Net Cash Provided By Financing Activities
167,535
274,004
Net Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents
197,552
230,079
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period
142,536
64,660
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period
$
340,088
$
294,739
Supplemental Disclosures to Statements of Cash Flow Information:
Interest on Deposits and Borrowings
$
60,869
$
31,976
Income Taxes
5,553
5,819
Transfer of Loans to Other Real Estate Owned and Repossessed Assets
1,704
1,921
Total fair value of assets acquired in acquisition of Whitehall Branch, net of cash
3,819
—
Total fair value of liabilities assumed in acquisition of Whitehall Branch, net of cash
37,683
—
See Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements.
8
NOTES TO INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
Note 1.RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES
Nature of Operations - Arrow Financial Corporation, a New York corporation ("Arrow," the "Company," "we," or "us"), was incorporated on March 21, 1983 and is registered as a bank holding company within the meaning of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956. The banking subsidiaries are Glens Falls National Bank and Trust Company ("GFNB") whose main office is located in Glens Falls, New York, and Saratoga National Bank and Trust Company ("SNB") whose main office is located in Saratoga Springs, New York. The two subsidiary banks provide a full range of services to individuals and small to mid-size businesses in northeastern New York State from Albany, the State's capitol, to the Canadian border. Both banks have wealth management departments which provide investment management and administrative services. We have commenced preparation for the unification of the banking subsidiaries into one entity to be renamed Arrow Bank National Association (the "Unification"). An active subsidiary of GFNB is Upstate Agency LLC, offering insurance services including property and casualty insurance, group health insurance and individual life insurance products. North Country Investment Advisers, Inc., a registered investment adviser that provides investment advice to our proprietary mutual fund, and Arrow Properties, Inc., a real estate investment trust (REIT), are subsidiaries of GFNB. Arrow also owns directly two subsidiary business trusts, organized in 2003 and 2004 to issue trust preferred securities (TRUPs), which are still outstanding.
Concentrations of Credit - With the exception of some indirect auto lending, Arrow's loans are primarily with borrowers in upstate New York. Although the loan portfolios of the subsidiary banks are well diversified, tourism has a substantial impact on the northeastern New York economy. The commitments to extend credit are fairly consistent with the distribution of loans presented in Note 5, "Loans," generally have the same credit risk and are subject to normal credit policies. Generally, the loans are secured by assets and are expected to be repaid from cash flow or the sale of selected assets of the borrowers. Arrow evaluates each customer's creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis. The amount of collateral obtained, if deemed necessary by Arrow upon extension of credit, is based upon management's credit evaluation of the counterparty. The nature of the collateral varies with the type of loan and may include: residential real estate, cash and securities, inventory, accounts receivable, property, plant and equipment, income producing commercial properties and automobiles.
Liquidity - The objective of effective liquidity management is to ensure that Arrow has the ability to raise cash when needed at a reasonable cost. This includes the capability of meeting expected and unexpected obligations to Arrow's customers at any time. Given the uncertain nature of customer demands and the need to maximize earnings, Arrow must have available reasonably priced sources of funds, both on- and off-balance sheet, that can be accessed quickly in times of need. Arrow’s liquidity position should provide the Company with the necessary flexibility to address any unexpected near-term disruptions such as reduced cash flows from the investment and loan portfolio, unexpected deposit runoff, or increased loan originations. Arrow's primary sources of available liquidity are overnight investments in federal funds sold, interest bearing bank balances at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York ("FRBNY"), advances from the FRBNY Bank Term Funding Program ("BTFP") and cash flow from investment securities and loans.
Note 2. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements contain all of the adjustments necessary to present fairly the financial position as of September 30, 2024, December 31, 2023 and September 30, 2023; the results of operations for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2024 and 2023; the consolidated statements of comprehensive income for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2024 and 2023; the changes in stockholders' equity for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2024 and 2023; and the cash flows for the nine month periods ended September 30, 2024 and 2023. All such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. The unaudited interim consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited annual consolidated financial statements of Arrow for the year ended December 31, 2023 included in Arrow's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 (the "2023 Form 10-K").
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04, "Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting." On January 7, 2021, the FASB issued ASU 2021-01, which refines the scope of ASC 848 and clarifies some of its guidance. The ASU and related amendments provide temporary optional expedients and exceptions to the existing guidance for applying GAAP to affected contract modifications and hedge accounting relationships in the transition away from the LIBOR or other interbank offered rate on financial reporting. The guidance also allows a one-time election to sell and/or reclassify to AFS or trading HTM debt securities that reference an interest rate affected by reference rate reform. The amendments in this ASU are effective March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022 and permit relief solely for reference rate reform actions and different elections over the effective date for legacy and new activity. In December 2022, FASB issued ASU 2022-06, "Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848)" which deferred the sunset date of Topic 848 to December 31, 2024, to allow for a transition period after the sunset of LIBOR. Arrow does not expect ASU 2022-06 will have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.
In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-07, Segment Reporting: Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures. This ASU amends FASB Topic 280 to permit the disclosure of multiple measures of a segment's profit or loss, and requires an entity with a single reportable segment to apply FASB Topic 280 in its entirety. In addition, this ASU requires new segment disclosures. Arrow does not expect this new standard will have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.
In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09,1 which establishes new income tax disclosure requirements in addition to modifying and eliminating certain existing requirements. Under the new guidance, entities must consistently categorize and provide
9
greater disaggregation of information in the rate reconciliation. They must also further disaggregate income taxes paid. Arrow does not expect this new standard will have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.
Management’s Use of Estimates
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Management utilized estimates and assumptions in its evaluation of potential impairment of Arrow's right-of-use lease assets, goodwill and intangible assets. Our most significant estimate is the allowance for credit losses. Other estimates include the fair value of financial instruments, evaluation of pension and other post-retirement liabilities, an analysis of a need for a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets and a reserve for unfunded loan commitments recorded as an other liability. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
A material estimate that is particularly susceptible to significant change in the near term is the allowance for credit losses. In connection with the determination of the allowance for credit losses management obtains economic forecasts from reliable sources and appraisals for properties. The allowance for credit losses is management’s best estimate of the life of loan losses as of the balance sheet date. While management uses available information to recognize losses on loans, future adjustments to the allowance for credit losses may be necessary based on changes in economic conditions.
Allowance for Credit Losses – Loans - Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (CECL) approach requires an estimate of the credit losses expected over the life of a loan (or pool of loans). It replaces the incurred loss approach’s threshold that required the recognition of a credit loss when it was probable that a loss event was incurred. The allowance for credit losses is a valuation account that is deducted from, or added to, the loans’ amortized cost basis to present the net lifetime amount expected to be collected on the loans. Credit losses are charged off against the allowance when management believes a loan balance is confirmed to be uncollectible. Expected recoveries do not exceed the aggregate of amounts previously charged off and expected to be charged off.
Management estimates the allowance using relevant available information from internal and external sources related to past events, current conditions, and a reasonable and supportable single economic forecast. Historical credit loss experience provides the basis for the estimation of expected credit losses. Arrow's historical loss experience is supplemented with peer information when there is insufficient loss data for Arrow. Peer selection is based on a review of institutions with comparable loss experience as well as loan yield, bank size, portfolio concentration and geography. Adjustments to historical loss information are made for differences in current loan-specific risk characteristics such as differences in credit concentrations, delinquency level, collateral values and underwriting standards as well as changes in economic conditions or other relevant factors. Management judgment is required at each point in the measurement process.
Portfolio segment is defined as the level at which an entity develops and documents a systematic methodology to determine its allowance for credit losses. Management developed portfolio segments for estimating loss based on type of borrower and collateral as follows:
Commercial Loans
Commercial Real Estate Loans
Consumer Loans
Residential Loans
Further details related to loan portfolio segments is included in Note 5 Loans.
Historical credit loss experience for both Arrow and segment-specific peers provides the basis for the estimation of expected credit losses. Arrow utilized regression analyses of peer data where observed credit losses and selected economic factors were utilized to determine suitable loss drivers for modeling lifetime probability of default (PD) rates. Arrow uses the discounted cash flow (DCF) method to estimate expected credit losses for the commercial, commercial real estate, and residential segments. For each of these loan segments, Arrow generates cash flow projections at the instrument level wherein payment expectations are adjusted for estimated prepayment speed, curtailments, time to recovery, PD, and segment-specific loss given default (LGD) risk factors. The modeling of expected prepayment speeds, curtailment rates, and time to recovery are based on historical internal data and adjusted, if necessary, based on the reasonable and supportable forecast of economic conditions.
For the loan segments utilizing the DCF method, (commercial, commercial real estate, and residential) management utilizes externally developed economic forecast of the following economic factors as loss drivers: national unemployment, gross domestic product and Case-Shiller U.S. National Home Price Index (HPI). The economic forecast is applied over a reasonable and supportable forecast period. Arrow utilizes a six quarter reasonable and supportable forecast period with an eight quarter reversion to the historic mean on a straight-line basis.
The combination of adjustments for credit expectations (default and loss) and timing expectations (prepayment, curtailment, and time to recovery) produces an expected cash flow stream at the instrument level. Instrument effective yield is calculated, net of the impacts of prepayment assumptions, and the instrument expected cash flows are then discounted at that effective yield to produce an instrument-level net present value of expected cash flows (NPV). An allowance for credit loss is established for the difference between the instrument’s NPV and amortized cost basis.
Arrow uses the vintage analysis method to estimate expected credit losses for the consumer loan segment. The vintage method was selected since the loans within the consumer loan segment are homogeneous, not just by risk characteristic, but by loan structure. Under the vintage analysis method, a loss rate is calculated based on the quarterly net charge-offs to the outstanding loan balance for each vintage year over the lookback period. Once this periodic loss rate is calculated for each quarter in the lookback period, the
10
periodic rates are averaged into the loss rate. The loss rate is then applied to the outstanding loan balances based on the loan's vintage year. Arrow maintains, over the life of the loan, the loss curve by vintage year. If estimated losses computed by the vintage method need to be adjusted based on current conditions and the reasonable and supportable economic forecast, these adjustments would be incorporated over a six quarter reasonable and supportable forecast period, reverting to historical losses using a straight-line method over an eight quarter period. Based on current conditions and the reasonable and supportable economic forecast, no adjustment to the loss rate for each vintage is currently required.
The vintage and DCF models also consider the need to qualitatively adjust expected loss estimates for information not already captured in the quantitative loss estimation process. Qualitative considerations include limitations inherent in the quantitative model; trends experienced in nonperforming and delinquent loans; changes in value of underlying collateral; changes in lending policies and procedures; nature and composition of loans; portfolio concentrations that may affect loss experience across one or more components or the portfolio; the experience, ability and depth of lending management and staff; Arrow's credit review system; and the effect of external factors such as competition, legal and regulatory requirements. These qualitative factor adjustments may increase or decrease Arrow's estimate of expected credit losses so that the allowance for credit loss is reflective of the estimate of lifetime losses that exist in the loan portfolio at the balance sheet date.
All loans that exceed $250,000 which are on nonaccrual, are evaluated on an individual basis. For collateral dependent financial assets where Arrow has determined that foreclosure of the collateral is probable, or where the borrower is experiencing financial difficulty and Arrow expects repayment of the financial asset to be provided substantially through the operation or sale of the collateral, Arrow has elected to measure the allowance for credit loss as the difference between the fair value of the collateral less cost to sell, and the amortized cost basis of the asset as of the measurement date. In the event the repayment of a collateral dependent financial asset is expected to be provided substantially through the operation of the collateral, Arrow will use fair value of the collateral at the reporting date when recording the net carrying amount of the asset and determining the allowance for credit losses. When repayment is expected to be from the sale of the collateral, expected credit losses are calculated as the amount by which the amortized cost basis of the financial asset exceeds the fair value of the underlying collateral less estimated cost to sell. The allowance for credit losses may be zero if the fair value of the collateral at the measurement date exceeds the amortized cost basis of the financial asset.
As part of ASU No. 2022-02, Arrow evaluates whether the modification represents a new loan or a continuation of an existing loan, consistent with the current GAAP treatment for other loan modifications. In addition, Arrow evaluates and if necessary, discloses if loan modifications made to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty contain a financial concession.
Estimated Credit Losses on Off-Balance Sheet Credit Exposures Recognized as Other Liabilities - Arrow estimates expected credit losses over the contractual period in which Arrow has exposure to credit risk via a contractual obligation to extend credit, unless that obligation is unconditionally cancellable by Arrow. The allowance for credit losses on off-balance sheet credit exposures recognized in other liabilities, is adjusted as an expense in other non-interest expense. The estimate includes consideration of the likelihood that funding will occur and an estimate of expected credit losses on commitments expected to be funded over their estimated lives. Estimating credit losses on unfunded commitments requires Arrow to consider the following categories of off-balance sheet credit exposure: unfunded commitments to extend credit, unfunded lines of credit, and standby letters of credit. Each of these unfunded commitments is then analyzed for a probability of funding to calculate a probable funding amount. The life of loan loss factor by related portfolio segment from the loan allowance for credit loss calculation is then applied to the probable funding amount to calculate the estimated credit losses on off-balance sheet credit exposures recognized as other liabilities.
Accrued Interest Receivable - Arrow has made the following elections regarding accrued interest receivable: (1) presented accrued interest receivable balances separately within the other assets balance sheet line item; (2) excluded interest receivable that is included in amortized cost of financing receivables from related disclosures requirements and (3) continued its policy to write off accrued interest receivable by reversing interest income. For loans, write off typically occurs upon becoming over 90 to 120 days past due and therefore the amount of such write offs are immaterial. Historically, Arrow has not experienced uncollectible accrued interest receivable on investment securities.
Allowance for Credit Losses – Held-to-Maturity (HTM) Debt Securities - Arrow's HTM debt securities are also required to utilize the CECL approach to estimate expected credit losses. Management measures expected credit losses on HTM debt securities on a collective basis by major security types that share similar risk characteristics, such as financial asset type and collateral type adjusted for current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Management classifies the HTM portfolio into the following major security types: U.S. government agency or U.S. government sponsored mortgage-backed and collateralized mortgage obligations securities, and state and municipal debt securities.
Arrow's HTM debt securities are comprised of U.S. government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs) or state and municipal obligations. GSE securities carry the explicit and/or implicit guarantee of the U.S. government, are widely recognized as “risk free,” and have a long history of zero credit loss. Therefore, Arrow did not record a credit loss for these securities.
State and municipal bonds carry an investment grade from an accredited ratings agency, primarily with an investment grade rating. In addition, Arrow has a limited amount of New York state local municipal bonds that are not rated. The estimate of expected credit losses on the HTM portfolio is based on the expected cash flows of each individual CUSIP over its contractual life and utilized a municipal loss forecast model for determining PD and LGD rates. Management may exercise discretion to make adjustments based on environmental factors. A calculated expected credit loss for individual securities was determined using the PD and LGD rates. Arrow determined that the expected credit loss on its municipal bond portfolio was de minimis, and therefore, an allowance for credit losses was not recorded.
Allowance for Credit Losses – Available-for-Sale (AFS) Debt Securities - Arrow's AFS debt securities are comprised of U.S. Treasuries, U.S. Government & Agency Obligations, State and Municipal Obligations, Mortgage-Backed Securities and Corporate and Other Debt Securities. The impairment model for AFS debt securities differs from the CECL approach utilized by HTM debt securities since AFS debt securities are measured at fair value rather than amortized cost. For AFS debt securities in an unrealized loss position,
11
Arrow first assesses whether it intends to sell, or it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis. If either of the criteria regarding intent or requirement to sell is met, the security’s amortized cost basis is written down to fair value through income. For AFS debt securities that do not meet the aforementioned criteria, in making this assessment, management considers the extent to which fair value is less than amortized cost, any changes to the rating of the security by a rating agency, adverse conditions specifically related to the security, failure of the issuer of the debt security to make scheduled interest or principal payments, among other factors. If this assessment indicates that a credit loss exists, the present value of cash flows expected to be collected from the security are compared to the amortized cost basis of the security. The cash flows are estimated using information relevant to the collectability of the security, including information about past events, current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts. If the present value of cash flows expected to be collected is less than the amortized cost basis, a credit loss exists and an allowance for credit losses is recorded for the credit loss, limited by the amount that the fair value is less than the amortized cost basis. Any impairment that has not been recorded through an allowance for credit losses is recognized in other comprehensive income.
Investments in Federal Reserve Bank ("FRB") and Federal Home Loan Bank ("FHLB") stock are required for membership in those organizations and are carried at cost since there is no market value available. The FHLB New York ("FHLBNY") continues to pay dividends and repurchase stock. As such, the Company has not recognized any impairment on its holdings of FRB and FHLB stock.
Cybersecurity Risk Management, Strategy, Governance and Incident Disclosure:
Cybersecurity Risk management and strategy - Annually, registrants are required to describe the processes, if any, for assessing, identifying,and managing material risks from cybersecurity threats in sufficient detail for a reasonable investor to understand those processes.
The registrant must also describe whether and how any risks from cybersecurity threats, including as a result of any previous cybersecurity incidents, have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect the registrant, including its business strategy, results of operations, or financial condition.
Governance - Disclosure is required about management’s and the board of directors’ oversight of cybersecurity risk, including a description of the board of directors’ oversight of risks from cybersecurity threats and a description of management’s role in assessing and managing the registrant’s material risks from cybersecurity threats.
The annual disclosure requirements became effective for the Company beginning with the 2023 Form 10-K.
Note 3. CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS (In Thousands)
The following table is the schedule of Cash and Cash Equivalents at September 30, 2024, December 31, 2023 and September 30, 2023:
September 30, 2024
December 31, 2023
September 30, 2023
Cash and Due From Banks
$
53,969
$
36,755
$
39,778
Interest-bearing Deposits at Banks
286,119
105,781
254,961
Total Cash and Cash Equivalents
$
340,088
142,536
294,739
12
Note 4. INVESTMENT SECURITIES (In Thousands)
The following table is the schedule of Available-For-Sale Securities at September 30, 2024, December 31, 2023 and September 30, 2023:
Available-For-Sale Securities
U.S. Treasuries
U.S. Government & Agency Obligations
State and Municipal Obligations
Mortgage- Backed Securities
Corporate and Other Debt Securities
Total Available- For-Sale Securities
September 30, 2024
Available-For-Sale Securities, at Amortized Cost
$
49,795
$
145,000
$
240
$
272,008
$
1,000
$
468,043
Gross Unrealized Gains
229
58
—
33
—
320
Gross Unrealized Losses
—
(3,708)
—
(27,545)
(43)
(31,296)
Available-For-Sale Securities, at Fair Value
50,024
141,350
240
244,496
957
437,067
Available-For-Sale Securities, Pledged as Collateral, at Fair Value
332,430
Maturities of Debt Securities, at Amortized Cost:
Within One Year
$
24,846
$
60,000
$
—
$
2,012
$
—
$
86,858
From 1 - 5 Years
24,949
85,000
—
170,711
1,000
281,660
From 5 - 10 Years
—
—
240
99,285
—
99,525
Over 10 Years
—
—
—
—
—
—
Maturities of Debt Securities, at Fair Value:
Within One Year
$
24,865
$
59,319
$
—
$
1,985
$
—
$
86,169
From 1 - 5 Years
25,159
82,031
—
156,934
957
265,081
From 5 - 10 Years
—
—
240
85,577
—
85,817
Over 10 Years
—
—
—
—
—
—
Securities in a Continuous Loss Position, at Fair Value:
Less than 12 Months
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
12 Months or Longer
—
126,292
—
238,220
957
365,469
Total
$
—
$
126,292
$
—
$
238,220
$
957
$
365,469
Number of Securities in a Continuous Loss Position
—
17
—
91
1
109
Unrealized Losses on Securities in a Continuous Loss Position:
Less than 12 Months
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
12 Months or Longer
—
3,708
—
27,545
43
31,296
Total
$
—
$
3,708
$
—
$
27,545
$
43
$
31,296
Disaggregated Details:
US Treasuries, at Amortized Cost
$
49,795
US Treasuries, at Fair Value
50,024
US Agency Obligations, at Amortized Cost
$
145,000
US Agency Obligations, at Fair Value
141,350
Local Municipal Obligations, at Amortized Cost
$
240
Local Municipal Obligations, at Fair Value
240
US Government Agency Securities, at Amortized Cost
$
6,908
13
Available-For-Sale Securities
U.S. Treasuries
U.S. Government & Agency Obligations
State and Municipal Obligations
Mortgage- Backed Securities
Corporate and Other Debt Securities
Total Available- For-Sale Securities
US Government Agency Securities, at Fair Value
6,690
Government Sponsored Entity Securities, at Amortized Cost
265,100
Government Sponsored Entity Securities, at Fair Value
237,806
Corporate Trust Preferred Securities, at Amortized Cost
$
1,000
Corporate Trust Preferred Securities, at Fair Value
957
December 31, 2023
Available-For-Sale Securities, at Amortized Cost
$
73,761
$
160,000
$
280
$
305,161
$
1,000
$
540,202
Gross Unrealized Gains
243
51
—
6
—
300
Gross Unrealized Losses
—
(7,126)
—
(35,407)
(200)
(42,733)
Available-For-Sale Securities, at Fair Value
74,004
152,925
280
269,760
800
497,769
Available-For-Sale Securities, Pledged as Collateral, at Fair Value
242,938
Securities in a Continuous Loss Position, at Fair Value:
Less than 12 Months
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
12 Months or Longer
—
137,874
—
269,286
800
407,960
Total
$
—
$
137,874
$
—
$
269,286
$
800
$
407,960
Number of Securities in a Continuous Loss Position
—
19
—
97
1
117
Unrealized Losses on Securities in a Continuous Loss Position:
Less than 12 Months
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
12 Months or Longer
—
7,126
—
35,407
200
42,733
Total
$
—
$
7,126
$
—
$
35,407
$
200
$
42,733
Disaggregated Details:
US Treasuries, at Amortized Cost
$
73,761
US Treasuries, at Fair Value
74,004
US Agency Obligations, at Amortized Cost
$
160,000
US Agency Obligations, at Fair Value
152,925
Local Municipal Obligations, at Amortized Cost
$
280
Local Municipal Obligations, at Fair Value
280
US Government Agency Securities, at Amortized Cost
$
7,291
US Government Agency Securities, at Fair Value
6,864
Government Sponsored Entity Securities, at Amortized Cost
297,870
Government Sponsored Entity Securities, at Fair Value
262,896
Corporate Trust Preferred Securities, at Amortized Cost
$
1,000
14
Available-For-Sale Securities
U.S. Treasuries
U.S. Government & Agency Obligations
State and Municipal Obligations
Mortgage- Backed Securities
Corporate and Other Debt Securities
Total Available- For-Sale Securities
Corporate Trust Preferred Securities, at Fair Value
800
September 30, 2023
Available-For-Sale Securities, at Amortized Cost
$
—
$
190,000
$
280
$
398,323
$
1,000
$
589,603
Gross Unrealized Gains
—
—
—
1
—
1
Gross Unrealized Losses
—
(13,579)
—
(56,585)
(200)
(70,364)
Available-For-Sale Securities, at Fair Value
—
176,421
280
341,739
800
519,240
Available-For-Sale Securities, Pledged as Collateral, at Fair Value
390,923
Securities in a Continuous Loss Position, at Fair Value:
Less than 12 Months
$
—
$
14,914
$
—
$
11,262
$
—
$
26,176
12 Months or Longer
—
161,506
—
330,190
800
492,496
Total
$
—
$
176,420
$
—
$
341,452
$
800
$
518,672
Number of Securities in a Continuous Loss Position
—
25
—
154
1
180
Unrealized Losses on Securities in a Continuous Loss Position:
Less than 12 Months
$
—
$
86
$
—
$
317
$
—
$
403
12 Months or Longer
—
13,493
—
56,268
200
69,961
Total
$
—
$
13,579
$
—
$
56,585
$
200
$
70,364
Disaggregated Details:
US Treasury Obligations, at Amortized Cost
$
—
US Treasury Obligations, at Fair Value
—
US Agency Obligations, at Amortized Cost
$
190,000
US Agency Obligations, at Fair Value
176,421
Local Municipal Obligations, at Amortized Cost
$
280
Local Municipal Obligations, at Fair Value
280
US Government Agency Securities, at Amortized Cost
$
7,416
US Government Agency Securities, at Fair Value
6,885
Government Sponsored Entity Securities, at Amortized Cost
390,907
Government Sponsored Entity Securities, at Fair Value
334,854
Corporate Trust Preferred Securities, at Amortized Cost
$
1,000
Corporate Trust Preferred Securities, at Fair Value
800
15
At September 30, 2024, there was no allowance for credit losses for the AFS debt securities portfolio.
The following table is the schedule of Held-To-Maturity Securities at September 30, 2024, December 31, 2023 and September 30, 2023:
Held-To-Maturity Securities
State and Municipal Obligations
Mortgage- Backed Securities
Total Held-To Maturity Securities
September 30, 2024
Held-To-Maturity Securities, at Amortized Cost
$
96,275
$
7,062
$
103,337
Gross Unrealized Losses
(1,205)
(203)
(1,408)
Held-To-Maturity Securities, at Fair Value
95,070
6,859
101,929
Held-To-Maturity Securities, Pledged as Collateral, at Carrying Value
82,532
Held-To-Maturity Securities, Pledged as Collateral, at Fair Value
81,123
Maturities of Debt Securities, at Amortized Cost:
Within One Year
$
52,575
$
—
$
52,575
From 1 - 5 Years
41,373
7,062
48,435
From 5 - 10 Years
2,321
—
2,321
Over 10 Years
6
—
6
Maturities of Debt Securities, at Fair Value:
Within One Year
$
52,224
$
—
$
52,224
From 1 - 5 Years
40,534
6,859
47,393
From 5 - 10 Years
2,306
—
2,306
Over 10 Years
6
—
6
Securities in a Continuous Loss Position, at Fair Value:
Less than 12 Months
$
175
$
—
$
175
12 Months or Longer
73,705
6,858
80,563
Total
$
73,880
$
6,858
$
80,738
Number of Securities in a Continuous Loss Position
231
16
247
Unrealized Losses on Securities in a Continuous Loss Position:
Less than 12 Months
$
—
$
—
$
—
12 Months or Longer
1,205
203
1,408
Total
$
1,205
$
203
$
1,408
Disaggregated Details:
Municipal Obligations, at Amortized Cost
$
96,275
Municipal Obligations, at Fair Value
95,070
US Government Agency Securities, at Amortized Cost
$
2,526
16
Held-To-Maturity Securities
State and Municipal Obligations
Mortgage- Backed Securities
Total Held-To Maturity Securities
US Government Agency Securities, at Fair Value
2,445
Government Sponsored Entity Securities, at Amortized Cost
4,536
Government Sponsored Entity Securities, at Fair Value
4,414
December 31, 2023
Held-To-Maturity Securities, at Amortized Cost
$
122,450
$
8,945
$
131,395
Gross Unrealized Losses
(2,157)
(401)
(2,558)
Held-To-Maturity Securities, at Fair Value
120,293
8,544
128,837
Held-To-Maturity Securities, Pledged as Collateral, at Carrying Value
115,030
Held-To-Maturity Securities, Pledged as Collateral, at Fair Value
112,472
Securities in a Continuous Loss Position, at Fair Value:
Less than 12 Months
$
1,472
$
—
$
1,472
12 Months or Longer
102,839
8,544
111,383
Total
$
104,311
$
8,544
$
112,855
Number of Securities in a Continuous Loss Position
319
16
335
Unrealized Losses on Securities in a Continuous Loss Position:
Less than 12 Months
$
14
$
—
$
14
12 Months or Longer
2,143
402
2,545
Total
$
2,157
$
402
$
2,559
Disaggregated Details:
Municipal Obligations, at Amortized Cost
$
122,450
Municipal Obligations, at Fair Value
120,293
US Government Agency Securities, at Amortized Cost
$
3,114
US Government Agency Securities, at Fair Value
2,954
Government Sponsored Entity Securities, at Amortized Cost
5,831
Government Sponsored Entity Securities, at Fair Value
5,589
17
Held-To-Maturity Securities
State and Municipal Obligations
Mortgage- Backed Securities
Total Held-To Maturity Securities
September 30, 2023
Held-To-Maturity Securities, at Amortized Cost
$
131,017
$
9,560
$
140,577
Gross Unrealized Gains
—
—
—
Gross Unrealized Losses
(5,204)
(562)
(5,766)
Held-To-Maturity Securities, at Fair Value
125,813
8,998
134,811
Held-To-Maturity Securities, Pledged as Collateral, at Carrying Value
117,723
Held-To-Maturity Securities, Pledged as Collateral, at Fair Value
111,957
Securities in a Continuous Loss Position, at Fair Value:
Less than 12 Months
$
1,575
$
—
$
1,575
12 Months or Longer
108,092
8,998
117,090
Total
$
109,667
$
8,998
$
118,665
Number of Securities in a Continuous Loss Position
339
16
355
Unrealized Losses on Securities in a Continuous Loss Position:
Less than 12 Months
$
86
$
—
$
86
12 Months or Longer
5,118
562
5,680
Total
$
5,204
$
562
$
5,766
Disaggregated Details:
Municipal Obligations, at Amortized Cost
$
131,017
Municipal Obligations, at Fair Value
125,813
US Government Agency Securities, at Amortized Cost
$
3,292
US Government Agency Securities, at Fair Value
3,075
Government Sponsored Entity Securities, at Amortized Cost
6,268
Government Sponsored Entity Securities, at Fair Value
5,923
In the tables above, maturities of mortgage-backed securities are included based on their contractual lives. Actual maturities will differ because issuers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without prepayment penalties.
Arrow's investment policy requires that investments held in our portfolio be investment grade or better at the time of purchase. Arrow performs an analysis of the creditworthiness of municipal obligations to determine if a security is of investment grade. The analysis may include but may not solely rely upon credit analysis conducted by external credit rating agencies.
Arrow evaluates AFS debt securities in unrealized loss positions at each measurement date to determine whether the decline in the fair value below the amortized cost basis (impairment) is due to credit-related factors or non-credit-related factors. Any impairment that is not credit related is recognized in other comprehensive income, net of applicable taxes. Credit-related impairment is recognized within the allowance for credit losses on the balance sheet, limited to the amount by which the amortized cost basis exceeds the fair value, with a corresponding adjustment to earnings via credit loss expense. Arrow determined that at September 30, 2024, gross unrealized losses were attributable to changes in interest rates, relative to when the investment securities were purchased, and not due to the credit quality of the investment securities. Arrow does not intend to sell, nor is it more likely than not that Arrow will be required to sell any securities before recovery of its amortized cost basis, which may be at maturity. Therefore, Arrow carried no allowance for credit loss at September 30, 2024 and there was no credit loss expense recognized by Arrow with respect to the securities portfolio during the three months ended September 30, 2024.
18
Arrow's HTM debt securities are comprised of U.S. government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs) or state and municipal obligations. GSE securities carry the explicit and/or implicit guarantee of the U.S. government, are widely recognized as “risk free,” and have a long history of zero credit loss. Arrow determined that the expected credit loss on its HTM debt portfolio was immaterial and therefore no allowance for credit loss was recorded as of September 30, 2024.
The following table is the schedule of Equity Securities at September 30, 2024, December 31, 2023 and September 30, 2023:
Equity Securities
September 30, 2024
December 31, 2023
September 30, 2023
Equity Securities, at Fair Value
$5,089
$1,925
$1,960
The following is a summary of realized and unrealized gains and losses recognized in income on equity securities during the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2024 and 2023:
For the Three Months Ended September 30,
For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
2024
2023
2024
2023
Net Gain (Loss) on Equity Securities
$
94
$
71
$
165
$
(214)
Less: Net gain recognized during the reporting period on equity securities sold during the period
—
—
—
—
Unrealized net gain (loss) recognized during the reporting period on equity securities still held at the reporting date
$
94
$
71
$
165
$
(214)
19
Note 5. LOANS (In Thousands)
Loan Categories and Past Due Loans
The following two tables present loan balances outstanding as of September 30, 2024, December 31, 2023 and September 30, 2023 and an analysis of the recorded investment in loans that are past due at these dates. Generally, Arrow considers a loan past due 30 or more days when the borrower is two payments past due. Loans held-for-sale of $203, $165 and $165 as of September 30, 2024, December 31, 2023 and September 30, 2023, respectively, are included in the residential real estate balances for current loans.
Schedule of Past Due Loans by Loan Category
Commercial
Commercial
Real Estate
Consumer
Residential
Total
September 30, 2024
Loans Past Due 30-59 Days
$
577
$
—
$
12,413
$
382
$
13,372
Loans Past Due 60-89 Days
160
323
4,716
1,688
6,887
Loans Past Due 90 or more Days
16
15,120
1,669
3,839
20,644
Total Loans Past Due
753
15,443
18,798
5,909
40,903
Current Loans
169,131
740,977
1,101,443
1,287,483
3,299,034
Total Loans
$
169,884
$
756,420
$
1,120,241
$
1,293,392
$
3,339,937
December 31, 2023
Loans Past Due 30-59 Days
$
298
$
—
$
13,511
$
3,715
$
17,524
Loans Past Due 60-89 Days
21
636
5,579
861
7,097
Loans Past Due 90 or more Days
30
15,308
1,801
3,140
20,279
Total Loans Past Due
349
15,944
20,891
7,716
44,900
Current Loans
155,875
729,543
1,090,776
1,191,814
3,168,008
Total Loans
$
156,224
$
745,487
$
1,111,667
$
1,199,530
$
3,212,908
September 30, 2023
Loans Past Due 30-59 Days
$
247
$
13,787
$
11,864
$
1,692
$
27,590
Loans Past Due 60-89 Days
59
1,977
4,953
18
7,007
Loans Past Due 90 or more Days
3
—
1,504
3,271
4,778
Total Loans Past Due
309
15,764
18,321
4,981
39,375
Current Loans
147,757
718,840
1,089,316
1,143,329
3,099,242
Total Loans
$
148,066
$
734,604
$
1,107,637
$
1,148,310
$
3,138,617
Schedule of Non Accrual Loans by Category
Commercial
September 30, 2024
Commercial
Real Estate
Consumer
Residential
Total
Loans 90 or More Days Past Due and Still Accruing Interest
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
816
$
816
Nonaccrual Loans
16
15,120
1,752
4,159
21,047
Nonaccrual With No Allowance for Credit Loss
16
15,120
1,752
4,159
21,047
Interest Income on Nonaccrual Loans
—
—
—
—
—
December 31, 2023
Loans 90 or More Days Past Due and Still Accruing Interest
$
—
$
—
$
6
$
446
$
452
Nonaccrual Loans
30
15,308
1,877
3,430
20,645
September 30, 2023
Loans 90 or More Days Past Due and Still Accruing Interest
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
251
$
251
Nonaccrual Loans
3
—
1,572
4,448
6,023
20
Arrow disaggregates its loan portfolio into the following four categories:
Commercial - Arrow offers a variety of loan options to meet the specific needs of our commercial customers including term loans, time notes and lines of credit. Such loans are made available to businesses for working capital needs such as inventory and receivables, business expansion and equipment purchases. Generally, a collateral lien is placed on equipment or other assets owned by the borrower. In the event of default by the borrower, Arrow may be required to liquidate collateral at deeply discounted values. To reduce the risk, management usually obtains personal guarantees to support the borrowing, as permitted by applicable law.
Commercial Real Estate - Arrow offers commercial real estate loans to finance real estate purchases, refinancings, expansions and improvements to commercial properties. Commercial real estate loans are made to finance the purchases of real property which generally consists of real estate with completed structures. These commercial real estate loans are typically secured by first liens on the real estate, which may include apartments, commercial structures, housing businesses, healthcare facilities, and both owner- and non-owner-occupied facilities. Arrow also offers commercial construction and land development loans to finance projects. Many projects will ultimately be used by the borrowers' businesses, while others are developed for resale. These real estate loans are also typically secured by first liens on the real estate, which may include apartments, commercial structures, housing businesses, healthcare facilities and both owner-occupied and non-owner-occupied facilities. There is enhanced risk during the construction period, since the loan is secured by an incomplete project. Arrow’s Commercial Real Estate loans are primarily located within the footprint of the Company’s branch network, with some loans extending into the greater upstate New York area. Arrow does not provide Commercial Real Estate loans in major metropolitan areas such as New York City, Boston, etc.
Consumer Loans - This category is primarily comprised of automobile loans. Arrow primarily finances the purchases of automobiles indirectly through dealer relationships located throughout upstate New York and Vermont. Most automobile loans carry a fixed rate of interest with principal repayment terms typically ranging from three to seven years. Automobile loans are underwritten on a secured basis using the underlying collateral being financed. Arrow also offers a variety of consumer installment loans to finance personal expenditures. Most of these loans carry a fixed rate of interest with principal repayment terms typically ranging from one to five years, based upon the nature of the collateral and the size of the loan. In addition to installment loans, Arrow also offers personal lines of credit and overdraft protection. Several of these consumer loans are unsecured, which carry a higher risk of loss.
Residential - Residential real estate loans consist primarily of loans secured by first or second mortgages on primary residences. Arrow originates fixed-rate and adjustable-rate one-to-four-family residential real estate loans for the construction, purchase of real estate or refinancing of an existing mortgage. These loans are collateralized primarily by owner-occupied properties generally located in Arrow's market area. Loans on one-to-four-family residential real estate are generally originated in amounts of no more than 80% of the purchase price or appraised value (whichever is lower), or have private mortgage insurance. Arrow’s underwriting analysis for residential mortgage loans typically includes credit verification, independent appraisals, and a review of the borrower’s financial condition. Mortgage title insurance and hazard insurance are normally required. It is Arrow's general practice to underwrite residential real estate loans to secondary market standards. Construction loans have a unique risk, because they are secured by an incomplete dwelling. This risk is reduced through periodic site inspections, including one at each loan draw period. In addition, Arrow offers fixed home equity loans, as well as home equity lines of credit to consumers to finance home improvements, debt consolidation, education and other uses. Arrow's policy allows for a maximum loan to value ratio of 80%, although periodically higher advances are allowed. Arrow originates home equity lines of credit and second mortgage loans (loans secured by a second junior lien position on one-to-four-family residential real estate). Risk is generally reduced through underwriting criteria, which include credit verification, appraisals, a review of the borrower's financial condition, and personal cash flows. A security interest, with title insurance when necessary, is taken in the underlying real estate.
Allowance for Credit Losses
Loan segments were selected by class code and application code to ensure each segment is comprised of loans with homogenous loan characteristics and similar risk profiles. The resulting loan segments are commercial, commercial real estate, consumer and residential real estate loans. The consumer segment is mainly comprised of automobile loans, and since they are relatively short-term in nature, with similar dollar amounts and collateral, the vintage analysis method was selected to determine the credit loss reserve. The vintage method utilizes Arrow loan data exclusively as the method calculates a loss rate based on the total origination balance of the loans by year and the charge-off and recovery rate of the same origination year. Arrow maintains, over the life of the loan, the loss curve by vintage year. The discounted cash flow method (DCF) is used to calculate the reserve for credit losses for the commercial, commercial real estate and residential real estate segments.
The September 30, 2024 allowance for credit losses calculation incorporated a reasonable and supportable forecast period to account for economic conditions utilized in the measurement. The quantitative model utilized a six-quarter economic forecast sourced from reputable third-parties that projects a negative change of approximately 0.25% in the forecasted national unemployment rate, forecasted gross domestic product projected to improve by approximately 0.07%, and the home price index (HPI) forecast to increase by approximately 0.20% from the previous quarter economic forecast. The overall change in the allowance from June 30, 2024 was primarily driven by the following factors: net loan growth contributed $335 thousand, changes in macro economic conditions reduced the allowance by $82 thousand, and net charge-offs of $681 thousand. The third quarter provision for credit losses was $934 thousand. In addition, Arrow recorded an increase for estimated credit losses on off-balance sheet credit exposures in other liabilities of $234 thousand in the third quarter of 2024. Management's evaluation considers the allowance for credit losses for loans to be appropriate as of September 30, 2024.
21
The following table details activity in the allowance for credit losses on loans for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and September 30, 2023:
Allowance for Credit Losses
Commercial
Commercial Real Estate
Consumer
Residential
Total
June 30, 2024
$
2,031
$
14,111
$
2,985
$
11,882
$
31,009
Charge-offs
$
—
$
—
$
(1,388)
$
(41)
$
(1,429)
Recoveries
$
—
$
—
$
748
$
—
$
748
Provision
$
(133)
$
(66)
$
296
$
837
$
934
September 30, 2024
$
1,898
$
14,045
$
2,641
$
12,678
$
31,262
December 31, 2023
$
1,958
$
15,521
$
2,566
$
11,220
$
31,265
Charge-offs
$
(9)
$
—
$
(4,512)
$
(41)
$
(4,562)
Recoveries
$
—
$
—
$
2,233
$
—
$
2,233
Provision
$
(51)
$
(1,476)
$
2,354
$
1,499
$
2,326
September 30, 2024
$
1,898
$
14,045
$
2,641
$
12,678
$
31,262
June 30, 2023
$
1,972
$
15,697
$
2,646
$
10,855
$
31,170
Charge-offs
—
—
(1,204)
—
$
(1,204)
Recoveries
—
—
792
—
$
792
Provision
(139)
(114)
301
306
$
354
September 30, 2023
$
1,833
$
15,583
$
2,535
$
11,161
$
31,112
December 31, 2022
$
1,961
$
15,213
$
2,585
$
10,193
$
29,952
Charge-offs
$
—
$
—
$
(3,806)
$
(6)
$
(3,812)
Recoveries
$
—
$
—
$
2,116
$
—
$
2,116
Provision
$
(128)
$
370
$
1,640
$
974
$
2,856
September 30, 2023
$
1,833
$
15,583
$
2,535
$
11,161
$
31,112
Estimated Credit Losses on Off-Balance Sheet Credit Exposures Recognized as Other Liabilities
Financial instrument credit losses apply to off-balance sheet credit exposures such as unfunded loan commitments and standby letters of credit. A liability for expected credit losses for off-balance sheet exposures is recognized if the entity has a present contractual obligation to extend the credit and the obligation is not unconditionally cancellable by the entity. Changes in this allowance are reflected in other operating expenses within the non-interest expense category. As of September 30, 2024, the total unfunded commitment off-balance sheet credit exposure was $1.2 million.
Individually Evaluated Loans
All loans that exceed $250,000, which are on nonaccrual status, are evaluated on an individual basis. Arrow has a policy applicable to collateral dependent financial assets when the borrower is experiencing financial difficulty and the repayment is expected through the sale of the collateral. This policy allows Arrow to use fair value of the collateral at the reporting date adjusted for estimated cost to sell when recording the net carrying amount of the asset and determining the allowance for credit losses for a financial asset. In the event where the repayment of a collateral dependent financial asset is expected to be provided substantially through the operation of the collateral, Arrow will use fair value of the collateral at the reporting date when recording the net carrying amount of the asset and determining the allowance for credit losses. As of September 30, 2024, there were six total relationships identified to be evaluated for loss on an individual basis which had an amortized cost basis of $17.3 million and none had an allowance for credit loss.
22
The following tables present the amortized cost basis of collateral-dependent loans by class of loans as of September 30, 2024, December 31, 2023 and September 30, 2023:
September 30, 2024
Collateral Type -Residential Real Estate
Collateral Type - Commercial Real Estate
Total Loans
Commercial
$
—
$
—
$
—
Commercial Real Estate
—
15,120
15,120
Consumer
—
—
—
Residential
2,143
—
2,143
Total
$
2,143
$
15,120
$
17,263
December 31, 2023
Collateral Type -Residential Real Estate
Collateral Type - Commercial Real Estate
Total Loans
Commercial
$
—
$
—
$
—
Commercial Real Estate
—
15,308
15,308
Consumer
—
—
—
Residential
1,446
—
1,446
Total
$
1,446
$
15,308
$
16,754
September 30, 2023
Collateral Type -Residential Real Estate
Collateral Type - Commercial Real Estate
Total Loans
Commercial
$
—
$
—
$
—
Commercial Real Estate
—
—
—
Consumer
—
—
—
Residential
1,949
—
1,949
Total
$
1,949
$
—
$
1,949
Allowance for Credit Losses - Collectively and Individually Evaluated
Commercial
Commercial Real Estate
Consumer
Residential
Total
September 30, 2024
Ending Loan Balance - Collectively Evaluated
$
169,884
$
741,300
$
1,120,241
$
1,291,249
$
3,322,674
Allowance for Credit Losses - Loans Collectively Evaluated
1,898
14,045
2,641
12,678
31,262
Ending Loan Balance - Individually Evaluated
—
15,120
—
2,143
17,263
Allowance for Credit Losses - Loans Individually Evaluated
—
—
—
—
—
December 31, 2023
Ending Loan Balance - Collectively Evaluated
$
156,224
$
730,179
$
1,111,667
$
1,198,084
$
3,196,154
Allowance for Credit Losses - Loans Collectively Evaluated
1,958
15,521
2,566
11,220
31,265
Ending Loan Balance - Individually Evaluated
—
15,308
—
1,446
16,754
Allowance for Credit Losses - Loans Individually Evaluated
—
—
—
—
—
September 30, 2023
Ending Loan Balance - Collectively Evaluated
$
148,066
$
734,604
$
1,107,637
$
1,146,361
$
3,136,668
Allowance for Credit Losses - Loans Collectively Evaluated
1,833
15,583
2,535
11,161
31,112
Ending Loan Balance - Individually Evaluated
—
—
—
1,949
1,949
Allowance for Credit Losses - Loans Individually Evaluated
—
—
—
—
—
Through the provision for credit losses, an allowance for credit losses is maintained that reflects the best estimate of the calculated expected credit losses in Arrow's loan portfolio as of the balance sheet date. Additions are made to the allowance for credit losses through a periodic provision for credit losses. Actual credit losses are charged against the allowance for credit losses when loans are deemed uncollectible and recoveries of amounts previously charged off are recorded as credits to the allowance for credit losses.
Arrow's loan officers and risk managers meet at least quarterly to discuss and review the conditions and risks associated with certain criticized and classified commercial-related relationships. In addition, the independent internal loan review department performs periodic reviews of the credit quality indicators on individual loans in the commercial loan portfolio.
23
Arrow considers the need to qualitatively adjust expected credit loss estimates for information not already captured in the loss estimation process. These qualitative factor adjustments may increase or decrease management’s estimate of expected credit losses. Adjustments are not made for information that has already been considered and included in the loss estimation process.
Arrow considers the qualitative factors that are relevant as of the reporting date, which may include, but are not limited to the following factors:
•The nature and volume of Arrow's financial assets;
•The existence, growth, and effect of any concentrations of credit;
•The volume and severity of past due loans, the volume of nonaccrual loans, and the volume and severity of adversely classified or graded loans;
•The value of the underlying collateral for loans that are not collateral-dependent;
•Arrow's lending policies and procedures, including changes in underwriting standards and practices for collections, write-offs, and recoveries;
•The quality of Arrow's loan review function;
•The experience, ability, and depth of Arrow's lending, investment, collection, and other relevant management/staff;
•The effect of other external factors such as the regulatory, legal and technological environments; competition; and events such as natural disasters;
•Actual and expected changes in international, national, regional, and local economic and business conditions and developments in which the institution operates that affect the collectability of financial assets; and
•Other qualitative factors not reflected in quantitative loss rate calculations.
Loan Credit Quality Indicators and Modification
In 2023 and the first three quarters of 2024, no loans met the criteria for disclosure as part of ASU 2022-02. Any modifications of loans were either immaterial in natural or were made for competitive purposes, i.e., the borrowers were not experiencing financial hardship.
The following tables present credit quality indicators by total loans amortized cost basis by origination year as of September 30, 2024, December 31, 2023 and September 30, 2023:
24
Term Loans Amortized Cost Basis by Origination Year
Revolving Loans Amortized Cost Basis
Revolving Loan Converted to Term
Total
September 30, 2024
2024
2023
2022
2021
2020
Prior
Commercial:
Risk rating
Satisfactory
$
28,301
$
46,534
$
26,991
$
18,424
$
7,077
$
19,200
$
15,674
$
—
$
162,201
Special mention
38
80
220
—
87
1,200
1,683
—
3,308
Substandard
—
—
—
—
—
3,063
1,312
—
4,375
Doubtful
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
Total Commercial Loans
$
28,339
$
46,614
$
27,211
$
18,424
$
7,164
$
23,463
$
18,669
$
—
$
169,884
Current-period gross charge-offs
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
9
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
9
Commercial Real Estate:
Risk rating
Satisfactory
$
49,229
$
90,818
$
137,343
$
109,829
$
117,259
$
195,942
$
3,543
$
—
$
703,963
Special mention
—
—
12,764
—
—
11,003
—
—
23,767
Substandard
—
147
175
2,004
2,366
23,227
771
—
28,690
Doubtful
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
Total Commercial Real Estate Loans
$
49,229
$
90,965
$
150,282
$
111,833
$
119,625
$
230,172
$
4,314
$
—
$
756,420
Current-period gross charge-offs
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
Consumer:
Risk rating
Performing
$
298,014
$
325,751
$
270,669
$
139,101
$
58,060
$
26,417
$
477
$
—
$
1,118,489
Nonperforming
140
408
413
521
239
31
—
—
1,752
Total Consumer Loans
$
298,154
$
326,159
$
271,082
$
139,622
$
58,299
$
26,448
$
477
$
—
$
1,120,241
Current-period gross charge-offs
$
1,125
$
610
$
1,365
$
943
$
278
$
191
$
—
$
—
$
4,512
Residential:
Risk rating
Performing
$
112,717
$
178,789
$
228,354
$
184,861
$
109,638
$
343,929
$
130,129
$
—
$
1,288,417
Nonperforming
—
201
523
859
435
2,655
302
—
4,975
Total Residential Loans
$
112,717
$
178,990
$
228,877
$
185,720
$
110,073
$
346,584
$
130,431
$
—
$
1,293,392
Current-period gross charge-offs
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
41
$
—
$
—
$
41
Total Loans
$
488,439
$
642,728
$
677,452
$
455,599
$
295,161
$
626,667
$
153,891
$
—
$
3,339,937
25
Term Loans Amortized Cost Basis by Origination Year
Revolving Loans Amortized Cost Basis
Revolving Loan Converted to Term
Total
December 31, 2023
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
Prior
Commercial:
Risk rating
Satisfactory
$
54,584
$
34,047
$
23,470
$
9,655
$
4,107
$
13,360
$
8,586
$
—
$
147,809
Special mention
—
—
—
117
—
—
—
—
117
Substandard
—
—
—
—
—
3,199
5,099
—
8,298
Doubtful
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
Total Commercial Loans
$
54,584
$
34,047
$
23,470
$
9,772
$
4,107
$
16,559
$
13,685
$
—
$
156,224
Current-period gross charge-offs
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
Commercial Real Estate:
Risk rating
Satisfactory
$
81,582
$
151,818
$
105,365
$
120,845
$
41,406
$
174,516
$
1,667
$
—
$
677,199
Special mention
—
10,439
—
—
—
4,084
—
—
14,523
Substandard
150
9,169
1,670
2,533
791
38,955
497
—
53,765
Doubtful
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
Total Commercial Real Estate Loans
$
81,732
$
171,426
$
107,035
$
123,378
$
42,197
$
217,555
$
2,164
$
—
$
745,487
Current-period gross charge-offs
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
Consumer:
Risk rating
Performing
$
405,099
$
355,217
$
195,799
$
93,708
$
44,206
$
15,252
$
—
$
—
$
1,109,281
Nonperforming
208
783
551
210
81
85
468
—
2,386
Total Consumer Loans
$
405,307
$
356,000
$
196,350
$
93,918
$
44,287
$
15,337
$
468
$
—
$
1,111,667
Current-period gross charge-offs
$
366
$
1,368
$
2,122
$
604
$
397
$
266
$
—
$
—
$
5,123
Residential:
Risk rating
Performing
$
161,878
$
231,365
$
192,588
$
116,451
$
73,875
$
296,935
$
122,573
$
—
$
1,195,665
Nonperforming
—
—
444
666
127
2,268
360
—
3,865
Total Residential Loans
$
161,878
$
231,365
$
193,032
$
117,117
$
74,002
$
299,203
$
122,933
$
—
$
1,199,530
Current-period gross charge-offs
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
21
$
—
$
33
$
—
$
—
$
54
Total Loans
$
703,501
$
792,838
$
519,887
$
344,185
$
164,593
$
548,654
$
139,250
$
—
$
3,212,908
26
Term Loans Amortized Cost Basis by Origination Year
Revolving Loans Amortized Cost Basis
Revolving Loan Converted to Term
Total
September 30, 2023
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
Prior
Commercial:
Risk rating
Satisfactory
$
37,300
$
36,456
$
23,602
$
10,622
$
4,799
$
21,459
$
10,328
$
—
$
144,566
Special mention
—
—
—
128
—
—
—
—
128
Substandard
—
—
—
—
26
3,245
101
—
3,372
Doubtful
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
Total Commercial Loans
$
37,300
$
36,456
$
23,602
$
10,750
$
4,825
$
24,704
$
10,429
$
—
$
148,066
Current-period gross charge-offs
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
Commercial Real Estate:
Risk rating
Satisfactory
$
57,761
$
157,741
$
106,128
$
121,968
$
41,827
$
184,590
$
2,035
$
—
$
672,050
Special mention
—
3,123
—
—
—
4,150
—
—
7,273
Substandard
—
9,299
1,685
2,590
797
40,411
499
—
55,281
Doubtful
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
Total Commercial Real Estate Loans
$
57,761
$
170,163
$
107,813
$
124,558
$
42,624
$
229,151
$
2,534
$
—
$
734,604
Current-period gross charge-offs
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
Consumer:
Risk rating
Performing
$
322,084
$
384,607
$
216,234
$
107,743
$
53,646
$
21,276
$
—
$
—
$
1,105,590
Nonperforming
109
625
562
192
68
33
458
—
2,047
Total Consumer Loans
$
322,193
$
385,232
$
216,796
$
107,935
$
53,714
$
21,309
$
458
$
—
$
1,107,637
Current-period gross charge-offs
$
192
$
915
$
1,689
$
477
$
299
$
234
$
—
$
—
$
3,806
Residential:
Risk rating
Performing
$
106,267
$
235,027
$
191,780
$
118,517
$
76,518
$
305,076
$
108,098
$
—
$
1,141,283
Nonperforming
—
—
2,770
1,006
598
2,152
501
—
7,027
Total Residential Loans
$
106,267
$
235,027
$
194,550
$
119,523
$
77,116
$
307,228
$
108,599
$
—
$
1,148,310
Current-period gross charge-offs
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
6
$
—
$
—
$
6
Total Loans
$
523,521
$
826,878
$
542,761
$
362,766
$
178,279
$
582,392
$
122,020
$
—
$
3,138,617
For the purposes of the table above, nonperforming consumer and residential loans were those loans on nonaccrual status or were 90 days or more past due and still accruing interest.
As of September 30, 2024, the amortized cost of consumer mortgage loans secured by residential real estate properties for which formal foreclosure proceedings are in process was $3.5 million.
For the allowance calculation, an internally developed system of five credit quality indicators is used to rate the credit worthiness of each commercial loan defined as follows:
1) Satisfactory - "Satisfactory" borrowers have acceptable financial condition with satisfactory record of earnings and sufficient historical and projected cash flow to service the debt. Borrowers have satisfactory repayment histories and primary and secondary sources of repayment can be clearly identified;
2) Special Mention - Loans in this category have potential weaknesses that deserve management’s close attention. If left uncorrected, these potential weaknesses may result in deterioration of the repayment prospects for the asset or in the institution’s credit position at some future date. "Special mention" assets are not adversely classified and do not expose an institution to sufficient risk to
27
warrant adverse classification. Loans which might be assigned this credit quality indicator include loans to borrowers with deteriorating financial strength and/or earnings record and loans with potential for problems due to weakening economic or market conditions;
3) Substandard - Loans classified as “substandard” are inadequately protected by the current sound net worth or paying capacity of the borrower or the collateral pledged, if any. Loans in this category have well defined weaknesses that jeopardize the repayment. They are characterized by the distinct possibility that Arrow will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected. “Substandard” loans may include loans which are likely to require liquidation of collateral to effect repayment, and other loans where character or ability to repay has become suspect. Loss potential, while existing in the aggregate amount of substandard assets, does not have to exist in individual assets classified substandard;
4) Doubtful - Loans classified as “doubtful” have all of the weaknesses inherent in those classified as “substandard” with the added characteristic that the weaknesses make collection or liquidation in full, on the basis of current existing facts, conditions, and values, highly questionable and improbable. Although possibility of loss is extremely high, classification of these loans as “loss” has been deferred due to specific pending factors or events which may strengthen the value (e.g. possibility of additional collateral, injection of capital, collateral liquidation, debt restructure, economic recovery, etc). Loans classified as “doubtful” need to be placed on nonaccrual; and
5) Loss - Loans classified as “loss” are considered uncollectible with collateral of such little value that their continuance as bankable assets is not warranted. As of the date of the balance sheet, all loans in this category have been charged-off to the allowance for loan losses.
Commercial loans are generally evaluated on an annual basis depending on the size and complexity of the loan relationship, unless the credit related quality indicator falls to a level of "special mention" or below, when the loan is evaluated quarterly. The credit quality indicator is one of the factors used in assessing the level of incurred risk of loss in our commercial related loan portfolios.
Note 6. DEBT (Dollars in Thousands)
Schedule of Borrowings:
September 30, 2024
December 31, 2023
September 30, 2023
Balance:
BTFP Advances
$
95,000
$
—
150,000
FHLBNY Overnight Advances
—
20,000
10,000
FHLBNY Term Advances
8,600
6,500
14,300
Total Borrowings
$
103,600
$
26,500
$
174,300
Maximum Borrowing Capacity:
Federal Funds Purchased
$
28,000
$
28,000
$
52,000
Federal Home Loan Bank of New York
595,234
576,602
607,596
Federal Reserve Bank of New York
868,693
738,511
722,493
Available Borrowing Capacity:
Federal Funds Purchased
$
28,000
$
28,000
$
52,000
Federal Home Loan Bank of New York
556,634
550,102
449,296
Federal Reserve Bank of New York
773,693
738,511
722,493
Arrow's subsidiary banks have in place unsecured federal funds lines of credit with two correspondent banks. As a member of the FHLBNY, Arrow participates in the advance program which allows for overnight and term advances up to the limit of pledged collateral, including FHLBNY stock and any loans secured by real estate such as commercial real estate, residential real estate and home equity loans (see Notes 4: Investment Securities, and 5: Loans to the Consolidated Financial Statements). The maximum borrowing capacities at the FHLBNY and FRB are determined based on the fair value of the collateral pledged, subject to discounts determined by the respective lenders. As of September 30, 2024, the carrying cost for the FHLBNY collateral was approximately $890 million and approximately $1.1 billion for the FRB. As of September 30, 2024, the fair value for the FHLBNY collateral was approximately $755 million and approximately $1.1 billion for the FRB. The investment in FHLBNY stock is proportional to the total of Arrow's overnight and term advances (see the Schedule of FFRB and FHLB Stock in Note 4, Investment Securities, to the Consolidated Financial Statements). Arrow's bank subsidiaries have also established borrowing facilities with the FRB of New York for potential “discount window” advances, pledging certain consumer loans as collateral (see Note 5, Loans, to the Consolidated Financial Statements).
Debt Maturities
BTFP Advances - The BTFP was created to support American businesses and households by making additional funding available to eligible depository institutions to help assure banks have the ability to meet the needs of all their depositors. In the first quarter of 2024, Arrow borrowed $100 million pursuant to the BTFP. The BTFP advances were scheduled to mature in January 2025 and had a weighted average interest rate of 4.76%. Arrow paid down $5 million of the balance in the third quarter and replaced the remaining $95 million in the fourth quarter with lower cost brokered CDs.
28
Maturity Schedule of FHLBNY Term Advances:
Balances
Weighted Average Rate 1
Final Maturity
9/30/2024
12/31/2023
9/30/2023
9/30/2024
12/31/2023
9/30/2023
First Year
$
—
$
4,250
$
7,800
—
%
5.80
%
5.14
%
Second Year
6,900
2,250
6,500
5.33
%
5.38
%
5.59
%
Third Year
—
—
—
—
%
—
%
—
%
Fourth Year
1,700
—
—
4.85
%
—
%
—
%
Total
$
8,600
$
6,500
$
14,300
5.24
%
5.66
%
5.38
%
1. The effective rate on the FHLBNY Advances is 0% due to subsidized funding in the form of interest rate credits.
Long Term Debt - Guaranteed Preferred Beneficial Interests in Corporation's Junior Subordinated Debentures
At September 30, 2024, the Company had two classes of financial instruments issued by two separate subsidiary business trusts of Arrow, Arrow Capital Statutory Trust II ("ACST II") and Arrow Capital Statutory Trust III ("ACST III" and, together with ACST II, the "Trusts"), identified as “Junior Subordinated Obligations Issued to Unconsolidated Subsidiary Trusts” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and the Consolidated Statements of Income.
The first of the two classes of trust-issued instruments outstanding at September 30, 2024 was issued by ACST II, a Delaware business trust established on July 16, 2003, upon the filing of a certificate of trust with the Delaware Secretary of State. In July 2003, ACST II issued all of its voting (common) stock to Arrow and issued and sold to an unaffiliated purchaser 30-year guaranteed preferred beneficial interests in the trust's assets ("ACST II TRUPS"). The rate on the securities is variable, previously adjusting quarterly to the now discontinued 3-month London Inter-Bank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") plus 3.15%. Arrow designated the Secured Overnight Financing Rate ("SOFR") as the replacement index for financial instruments. The rate on the securities are tied to the 3-month SOFR plus 3.15% post-conversion. ACST II used the proceeds of the sale of the ACST II TRUPS to purchase an identical amount of junior subordinated debentures issued by Arrow that bear an interest rate identical at all times to the rate payable on the ACST II TRUPS. The ACST II TRUPS became redeemable after July 23, 2008 and mature on July 23, 2033.
The second of the two classes of trust-issued instruments outstanding at year-end was issued by ACST III, a Delaware business trust established on December 23, 2004, upon the filing of a certificate of trust with the Delaware Secretary of State. On December 28, 2004, the ACST III issued all of its voting (common) stock to Arrow and issued and sold to an unaffiliated purchaser 30-year guaranteed preferred beneficial interests in the trust's assets ("ACST III TRUPS"). The rate on the ACST III TRUPS is a variable rate, adjusting quarterly to the 3-month SOFR plus 2.00%. The rate previously adjusted quarterly to the now discontinued 3-month LIBOR plus 2.00% pre-conversion. ACST III used the proceeds of the sale of the ACST III TRUPS to purchase an identical amount of junior subordinated debentures issued by Arrow that bear an interest rate identical at all times to the rate payable on the ACST III TRUPS. The ACST III TRUPS became redeemable on or after March 31, 2010 and mature on December 28, 2034.
Arrow has entered into interest rate swaps to synthetically fix the variable rate interest payments associated with $20 million in outstanding subordinated trust securities attributable to the Trusts. These agreements are designated as cash flow hedges.
The primary assets of the Trusts are Arrow's junior subordinated debentures discussed above, and the sole revenues of the Trusts are payments received by them from Arrow with respect to the junior subordinated debentures. The trust preferred securities issued by the Trusts are non-voting. All common voting securities of the Trusts are owned by Arrow. Arrow used the net proceeds from its sale of junior subordinated debentures to the Trusts, facilitated by the Trusts' sale of their trust preferred securities to the purchasers thereof, for general corporate purposes. The trust preferred securities and underlying junior subordinated debentures, with associated expense that is tax deductible, qualify as Tier I capital under regulatory definitions.
Arrow's primary source of funds to pay interest on the debentures that are held by the Trusts are current dividends received by Arrow from its subsidiary banks. Accordingly, Arrow's ability to make payments on the debentures, and the ability of the Trusts to make payments on their trust preferred securities, are dependent upon the continuing ability of Arrow's subsidiary banks to pay dividends to Arrow. Since the trust preferred securities issued by the subsidiary trusts and the underlying junior subordinated debentures issued by Arrow at September 30, 2024, December 31, 2023, and September 30, 2023 are classified as debt for financial statement purposes, the expense associated with these securities is recorded as interest expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income for the three years.
29
Schedule of Guaranteed Preferred Beneficial Interests in Corporation's Junior Subordinated Debentures
September 30, 2024
December 31, 2023
September 30, 2023
ACST II
Balance
$
10,000
$
10,000
$
10,000
Period End:
Variable Interest Rate
8.02
%
8.74
%
8.81
%
Fixed Interest Rate resulting from cash flow hedge agreement
4.00
%
4.00
%
4.00
%
ACST III
Balance
$
10,000
$
10,000
$
10,000
Period End:
Variable Interest Rate
6.87
%
7.59
%
7.66
%
Fixed Interest Rate resulting from cash flow hedge agreement
2.86
%
2.86
%
2.86
%
Note 7. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (In Thousands)
The following table presents the notional amount and fair value of Arrow's off-balance sheet commitments to extend credit and commitments under standby letters of credit as of September 30, 2024, December 31, 2023 and September 30, 2023:
Commitments to Extend Credit and Letters of Credit
September 30, 2024
December 31, 2023
September 30, 2023
Notional Amount:
Commitments to Extend Credit
$
487,106
$
444,256
$
464,661
Standby Letters of Credit
4,586
3,824
4,201
Fair Value:
Commitments to Extend Credit
$
—
$
—
$
—
Standby Letters of Credit
(14)
—
10
Arrow is party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its customers. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit. Commitments to extend credit include home equity lines of credit, commitments for residential and commercial construction loans and other personal and commercial lines of credit. Those instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and interest rate risk in excess of the amount recognized in the consolidated balance sheets. The contract or notional amounts of those instruments reflect the extent of the involvement Arrow has in particular classes of financial instruments.
Arrow's exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to the financial instrument for commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit is represented by the contractual notional amount of those instruments. Arrow uses the same credit policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as it does for on-balance sheet instruments.
Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. Since many of the commitments are not expected to be fully drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. Arrow evaluates each customer's creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis. Home equity lines of credit are secured by residential real estate. Construction lines of credit are secured by underlying real estate. For other lines of credit, the amount of collateral obtained, if deemed necessary by Arrow upon extension of credit, is based on management's credit evaluation of the counterparty. Collateral held varies, but may include accounts receivable, inventory, property, plant and equipment, and income-producing commercial properties. Most of the commitments are variable rate instruments.
Arrow does not issue any guarantees that would require liability-recognition or disclosure, other than its standby letters of credit. Arrow has issued conditional commitments in the form of standby letters of credit to guarantee payment on behalf of a customer and guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party. Standby letters of credit generally arise in connection with commercial lending relationships. The credit risk involved in issuing these instruments is essentially the same as that involved in extending loans to customers. Contingent obligations under standby letters of credit at September 30, 2024, December 31, 2023 and September 30, 2023 represent the maximum potential future payments Arrow could be required to make. Typically, these instruments have terms of 12 months or less and expire unused; therefore, the total amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. Each customer is evaluated individually for creditworthiness under the same underwriting standards used for commitments to extend credit and on-balance sheet instruments. Arrow's policies governing loan collateral apply to standby letters of credit at the time of credit extension. Loan-to-value ratios will generally range from 50% for movable assets, such as inventory, to 100% for liquid assets, such as bank CD's. Fees for standby letters of credit range from 1% to 3% of the notional amount. Fees are collected upfront and amortized over the
30
life of the commitment. The carrying amount and fair value of Arrow's standby letters of credit at September 30, 2024, December 31, 2023 and September 30, 2023, were insignificant. The fair value of standby letters of credit is based on the fees currently charged for similar agreements or the cost to terminate the arrangement with the counterparties.
The fair value of commitments to extend credit is determined by estimating the fees to enter into similar agreements, taking into account the remaining terms and present creditworthiness of the counterparties, and for fixed rate loan commitments, the difference between the current and committed interest rates. Arrow provides several types of commercial lines of credit and standby letters of credit to its commercial customers. The pricing of these services is not isolated as Arrow considers the customer's complete deposit and borrowing relationship in pricing individual products and services. The commitments to extend credit also include commitments under home equity lines of credit, for which Arrow charges no fee. The carrying value and fair value of commitments to extend credit are not material and Arrow does not expect to incur any material loss as a result of these commitments.
Except as noted below, Arrow, including its subsidiaries, is not currently the subject of any material pending legal proceedings, other than ordinary routine litigation occurring in the normal course of their business. On an ongoing basis, Arrow is often the subject of, or a party to, various legal claims by other parties against Arrow, by Arrow against other parties, or involving Arrow, which arise in the normal course of business. The various pending legal claims against Arrow will not, in the opinion of management based upon consultation with counsel, result in any material liability. Legal expenses incurred in connection with loss contingencies are expensed as incurred.
As previously disclosed in certain of the Company’s filings with the SEC, on June 23, 2023, Robert C. Ashe filed a putative class action complaint (the "Ashe Lawsuit") against the Company in the United States District Court for the Northern District of New York. In addition to the Company, the complaint names as defendants Thomas J. Murphy, the Company’s former CEO and from September 30, 2022 to February 20, 2023, its interim CFO, Edward J. Campanella, the Company’s former CFO, and Penko Ivanov, the Company’s current CFO (“Individual Defendants” and, together with the Company, the "Defendants"). The complaint alleges that the Defendants made materially false and misleading statements regarding the Company’s business, operations and compliance policies in the Company’s public filings between March 12, 2022 and May 12, 2023. The complaint further alleges that the Individual Defendants are liable for these materially false and misleading statements as "controlling persons" of the Company. Based on these allegations, the complaint brings two claims for violations of Section 10(b) of the Exchange Act and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder and of Section 20(a) of the Exchange Act. Mr. Ashe, on behalf of a purported class of shareholders, seeks compensatory damages as well as recovery of the costs and fees associated with the litigation. On December 5, 2023, plaintiff Ashe filed an amended complaint that changed the putative class period to the period from August 5, 2022 through May 12, 2023, but challenged substantially the same statements on the same basis. On February 9, 2024, the Company moved to dismiss the action in its entirety. On June 7, 2024, the parties reached a settlement (subject to court approval). The pending settlement will not have a material impact on the Company's financial results or position. On August 26, 2024, the court granted preliminary approval of the settlement and set a final approval hearing for January 10, 2025.
On December 12, 2023 the Company became aware that Stephen Bull filed a complaint (the "Shareholder Derivative Complaint") on behalf of Arrow against the three individual defendants in the Ashe Lawsuit as well as against all members of Arrow’s board of directors during the class period in Ashe. The Company is named solely as a nominal defendant in the action and would be the beneficiary of any recovery. The Shareholder Derivative Complaint alleges breaches of fiduciary duty (i) by the Ashe individual defendants based on substantially the same allegedly misleading statements pleaded in the Ashe complaint; and (ii) the director defendants by failing to adequately oversee the individual defendants and maintain internal and disclosure controls. Plaintiffs seek (i) unspecified damages (which would be payable to the Company) for costs incurred as a result of the alleged misstatements, including costs of investigation, remediation, and litigation, (ii) repayment of the director defendants’ compensation on an unjust enrichment theory, and (iii) an order directing the Company to take all necessary actions to reform and improve its corporate governance, and (iv) the recovery of costs and fees associated with the litigation. The Shareholder Derivative Complaint also asserts various federal securities claims based on the same alleged misrepresentations as set forth in the Ashe Lawsuit. The parties are in active settlement negotiations while the case is currently stayed pending disposition of Ashe. Management does not expect a settlement to have a material impact on the Company's financial results or position.
31
Note 8. COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (In Thousands)
The following table presents the components of other comprehensive income (loss) for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2024 and 2023:
Schedule of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Three Months Ended September 30
Nine Months Ended September 30
Tax
Tax
Before-Tax
(Expense)
Net-of-Tax
Before-Tax
(Expense)
Net-of-Tax
Amount
Benefit
Amount
Amount
Benefit
Amount
2024
Net Unrealized Securities Holding Gain on Securities Available-for-Sale Arising During the Period
$
12,505
$
(3,223)
$
9,282
$
11,457
$
(2,954)
$
8,503
Net Unrealized (Loss) on Cash Flow Swap
(4,667)
1,203
(3,464)
(766)
197
(569)
Reclassification of Net Unrealized (Loss) on Cash Flow Hedge Agreements to Interest Expense
(196)
50
(146)
(624)
161
(463)
Amortization of Net Retirement Plan Actuarial (Gain)
(78)
20
(58)
(235)
61
(174)
Amortization of Net Retirement Plan Prior Service Cost
67
(17)
50
204
(53)
151
Other Comprehensive Income
$
7,631
$
(1,967)
$
5,664
$
10,036
$
(2,588)
$
7,448
2023
Net Unrealized Securities Holding (Loss) on Securities Available-for-Sale Arising During the Period
$
(7,796)
$
2,010
$
(5,786)
$
(4,763)
$
1,227
$
(3,536)
Net Unrealized Gain on Cash Flow Swap
846
(221)
625
125
(34)
91
Reclassification of Net Unrealized Gain on Cash Flow Hedge Agreements to Interest Expense
242
(61)
181
660
(169)
491
Amortization of Net Retirement Plan Actuarial (Gain)
(40)
10
(30)
(121)
31
(90)
Amortization of Net Retirement Plan Prior Service Cost
51
(12)
39
154
(39)
115
Other Comprehensive (Loss)
$
(6,697)
$
1,726
$
(4,971)
$
(3,945)
$
1,016
$
(2,929)
The following table presents the changes in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income by component:
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income by Component (1)
Unrealized Loss on Available-for-Sale Securities
Unrealized Gain on Cash Flow Swap
Defined Benefit Plan Items
Total
Net Actuarial Loss
Net Prior Service Cost
For the quarter-to-date periods ended:
June 30, 2024
$
(32,427)
$
4,289
$
(2,955)
$
(539)
$
(31,632)
Other comprehensive income or loss before reclassifications
9,282
(3,464)
—
—
5,818
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income or loss
—
(146)
(58)
50
(154)
Net current-period other comprehensive income or loss
9,282
(3,610)
(58)
50
5,664
September 30, 2024
$
(23,145)
$
679
$
(3,013)
$
(489)
$
(25,968)
32
June 30, 2023
$
(46,591)
$
3,830
$
(4,527)
$
(325)
$
(47,613)
Other comprehensive income or loss before reclassifications
(5,786)
625
—
—
(5,161)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income or loss
—
181
(30)
39
190
Net current-period other comprehensive income or loss
(5,786)
806
(30)
39
(4,971)
September 30, 2023
$
(52,377)
$
4,636
$
(4,557)
$
(286)
$
(52,584)
For the Year-To-Date periods ended:
December 31, 2023
$
(31,648)
$
1,711
$
(2,839)
$
(640)
$
(33,416)
Other comprehensive income or loss before reclassifications
8,503
(569)
—
—
7,934
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income or loss
—
(463)
(174)
151
(486)
Net current-period other comprehensive income or loss
8,503
(1,032)
(174)
151
7,448
September 30, 2024
$
(23,145)
$
679
$
(3,013)
$
(489)
$
(25,968)
December 31, 2022
$
(48,841)
$
4,054
$
(4,467)
$
(401)
$
(49,655)
Other comprehensive income or loss before reclassifications
(3,536)
91
—
—
(3,445)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income or loss
—
491
(90)
115
516
Net current-period other comprehensive income or loss
(3,536)
582
(90)
115
(2,929)
September 30, 2023
$
(52,377)
$
4,636
$
(4,557)
$
(286)
$
(52,584)
(1) All amounts are net of tax.
33
The following table presents the reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income or loss:
Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income or Loss
Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income or Loss Components
Amounts Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income or Loss
Affected Line Item in the Statement Where Net Income Is Presented
For the quarter-to-date periods ended:
September 30, 2024
Reclassification of Net Unrealized Loss on Cash Flow Hedge Agreements to Interest Expense
$
196
Interest expense
Amortization of defined benefit pension items:
Prior-service costs
(67)
(1)
Salaries and Employee Benefits
Actuarial gain
78
(1)
Salaries and Employee Benefits
207
Total before Tax
(53)
Provision for Income Taxes
Total reclassifications for the period
$
154
Net of Tax
September 30, 2023
Reclassification of Net Unrealized (Gain) on Cash Flow Hedge Agreements to Interest Expense
$
(242)
Interest expense
Amortization of defined benefit pension items:
Prior-service costs
$
(51)
(1)
Salaries and Employee Benefits
Actuarial gain
40
(1)
Salaries and Employee Benefits
(253)
Total before Tax
63
Provision for Income Taxes
Total reclassifications for the period
$
(190)
Net of Tax
For the Year-to-date periods ended:
September 30, 2024
Reclassification of Net Unrealized Loss on Cash Flow Hedge Agreements to Interest Expense
$
624
Interest expense
Amortization of defined benefit pension items:
Prior-service costs
(204)
(1)
Salaries and Employee Benefits
Actuarial gain
235
(1)
Salaries and Employee Benefits
655
Total before Tax
(169)
Provision for Income Taxes
Total reclassifications for the period
$
486
Net of Tax
September 30, 2023
Reclassification of Net Unrealized (Gain) on Cash Flow Hedge Agreements to Interest Expense
$
(660)
Interest expense
Amortization of defined benefit pension items:
Prior-service costs
(154)
(1)
Salaries and Employee Benefits
Actuarial gain
121
(1)
Salaries and Employee Benefits
(693)
Total before Tax
177
Provision for Income Taxes
Total reclassifications for the period
$
(516)
Net of Tax
(1) These accumulated other comprehensive gain or loss components are included in the computation of net periodic pension cost.
34
Note 9. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Dollars In Thousands, Except Share and Per Share Amounts)
Arrow has established three stock-based compensation plans: a Long Term Incentive Plan, an Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) and an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).
Long Term Incentive Plan
The Long Term Incentive Plan provides for the grant of incentive stock options, non-qualified stock options, restricted stock awards, restricted stock units, performance units and performance shares. The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors administers the Long Term Incentive Plan.
Restricted Stock Awards - In May 2024, the Company granted restricted stock awards which will generally vest over a four-year period. Unvested restricted stock will generally be forfeited if the recipient ceases to be employed by the Company, with limited exceptions. Grantees of restricted stock awards are entitled to receive all dividends and distributions declared and paid on restricted stock, or cash payments equivalent to such dividends or distributions, including those declared and paid during the vesting period.
The following table summarizes information about restricted stock awards for the year to date period ended September 30, 2024:
Restricted Stock Awards
Outstanding at January 1, 2024
—
Granted
22,230
Vested
(412)
Forfeited
—
Outstanding at September 30, 2024
21,818
The following table presents information on the amounts expensed related to restricted stock for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2024 and 2023:
For the Three Months Ended September 30,
For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
2024
2023
2024
2023
Amount expensed
$
33
$
—
$
54
$
—
Stock Options - Options may be granted at a price no less than the greater of the par value or fair market value of such shares on the date on which such option is granted, and generally expire ten years from the date of grant. The options usually vest over a four-year period.
The following table summarizes information about stock option activity for the year to date period ended September 30, 2024:
Shares
Weighted Average Exercise Price
Outstanding at January 1, 2024
305,308
$
28.96
Exercised
(8,620)
19.33
Forfeited
(40,063)
28.47
Outstanding at September 30, 2024
256,625
29.36
Vested at Period-End
200,923
28.75
Expected to Vest
55,702
31.55
The following table presents information on the amounts expensed related to stock options for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2024 and 2023:
For the Three Months Ended September 30,
For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
2024
2023
2024
2023
Amount expensed
$
(7)
$
24
$
152
$
196
The expense recorded during the third quarters of 2024 and 2023 reflect the reversal of previously recorded amounts related to forfeited stock options triggered by the departure of previous employees, including the prior President and CEO.
Restricted Stock Units - Historically, the Company has granted restricted stock units which give the recipient the right to receive shares of Company stock upon vesting. The fair value of each restricted stock unit is the market value of Company stock on the date of grant. 100% of the restricted stock unit awards vest three years from the grant date, unless vested or forfeited prior to vesting in accordance with the terms of the award. Once vested, the restricted stock units are no longer forfeitable. Vested units settle upon
35
retirement, as defined in the Arrow retirement plan, of the recipient. Unvested restricted stock unit awards will generally be forfeited if the recipient ceases to be employed by the Company, with limited exceptions.
There were no restricted stock units outstanding at any time during the three or nine month periods ended September 30, 2024. The following table summarizes information about restricted stock unit activity for the nine month period ended September 30, 2023:
Restricted Stock Units
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Non-vested at January 1, 2023
13,925
30.47
Granted
5,164
31.47
Vested
(19,089)
30.74
Non-vested at September 30, 2023
—
The following table presents information on the amounts expensed related to restricted stock units for the periods ended September 30, 2024 and 2023:
For the Three Months Ended September 30,
For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
2024
2023
2024
2023
Amount expensed
$
—
$
246
$
—
$
321
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
In April 2023, Arrow suspended the operation of the prior ESPP (the "Prior ESPP") as a result of the now resolved delay in filing the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 (the "2022 Form 10-K") and the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2023 (the "2023 Q1 Form 10-Q") and the related effects under applicable securities laws. In October 2023, the Board of Directors approved the adoption of a new ESPP intended to satisfy the requirements of Section 423 of the Internal Revenue Code, which was effective January 1, 2024 (the "Qualified ESPP"). Under the Qualified ESPP, the amount of the discount is 10% below market price. Under the Prior ESPP, the amount of the discount was 5% below market price. Under current accounting guidance, a stock purchase plan with a discount of 5% or less is not considered a compensatory plan. The Qualified ESPP is considered a compensatory plan. The Qualified ESPP was approved by Arrow shareholders at the annual meeting of shareholders on June 5, 2024.
Employee Stock Ownership Plan
Arrow maintains an ESOP, pursuant to which substantially all employees of Arrow and its subsidiaries are eligible to participate upon satisfaction of applicable service requirements. The Company may make, and historically has made, a cash contribution to the ESOP each year.
36
Note 10. RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS (Dollars in Thousands)
Arrow sponsors qualified and non-qualified defined benefit pension plans and other postretirement benefit plans for its employees. Arrow maintains a non-contributory pension plan, which covers substantially all employees. Effective December 1, 2002, all active participants in the qualified defined benefit pension plan were given a one-time irrevocable election to continue participating in the traditional plan design, for which benefits were based on years of service and the participant’s final compensation (as defined), or to begin participating in the new cash balance plan design. All employees who first participate in the plan after December 1, 2002 automatically participate in the cash balance plan design. The interest credits under the cash balance plan are based on the 30-year U.S. Treasury rate in effect for November of the prior year with a minimum interest credit of 3%. The service credits under the cash balance plan are equal to 6.0% of eligible salaries for employees who become participants on or after January 1, 2003. For employees in the plan prior to January 1, 2003, the service credits are scaled based on the age of the participant, and range from 6.0% to 12.0%. The funding policy is to contribute up to the maximum amount that can be deducted for federal income tax purposes and to make all payments required under The Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). Arrow also maintains a supplemental non-qualified unfunded retirement plan to provide eligible employees of Arrow and its subsidiaries with benefits in excess of qualified plan limits imposed by federal tax law.
Arrow has multiple non-pension postretirement benefit plans. The health care, dental and life insurance plans are contributory, with participants’ contributions adjusted annually. Arrow’s policy is to fund the cost of postretirement benefits based on the current cost of the underlying policies. However, the health care plan provision allows for grandfathered participants to receive automatic increases of Company contributions each year based on the increase in inflation, limited to a maximum of 5%.
As of December 31, 2023, Arrow used the sex-distinct Amount-Weighted Pri-2012 Mortality Tables for employees, healthy retirees and contingent survivors, with mortality improvements projected using Scale MP-2021 on a generational basis for the Pension Plan and the sex-distinct Amount-Weighted White Collar Pri-2012 Mortality Tables for employees, healthy retirees and contingent survivors, with mortality improvements projected using Scale MP-2021 on a generational basis for the Select Executive Retirement Plan (the "SERP").
Segment interest rates of 5.50%, 5.76%, 5.83% were used in determining the present value of a lump sum payment/annuitizing cash balance accounts as of December 31, 2023.
Effective January 1, 2021, GFNB amended the Arrow Financial Corporation Employees' Pension Plan (the "Plan"). The Plan change was adopted January 1, 2021 and the amendment was valued as of December 31, 2020. The Plan amendment was as follows:
Effective January 1, 2021, the benefit payable to or on behalf of each participant:
• whose employment with the Employer (or any predecessor Employer, except as noted below) terminated on or before January 1, 2016;
• who satisfied the requirements for early, normal, or late retirement as of such termination;
• who never participated in the United Vermont Bancorporation Plan; and
• who is, or whose beneficiary is, receiving monthly benefit payments from the Plan as of January 1, 2021 (including a participant or beneficiary who shall commence receiving benefits from the Plan as of January 1, 2021), shall be increased by 3%.
The foregoing increase was applied to the monthly benefit actually payable to the participant, or to the participant's beneficiary, as of January 1, 2021, determined after all applicable adjustments, regardless of whether such benefit had been determined under the Company's plan or the plan of a predecessor employer that had been merged into the Plan.
The plan amendment caused a $351,638 increase in the projected benefit obligation, creating a positive service cost which will be amortized over 9.70 years (the average expected future service of active plan participants.)
Effective January 1, 2021, GFNB amended the Arrow Financial Corporation Employees' SERP. The plan change was adopted January 1, 2021 and the amendment was valued as of December 31, 2020. The plan amendment provides a special adjustment to the monthly benefit payment for certain retirees. The plan amendment caused a $122,797 increase in the projected benefit obligation, creating a positive prior service cost which will be amortized over 12.5 years.
Settlement accounting is required when lump sum payments during a fiscal year exceed that fiscal year's Service Cost plus Interest Cost components of the Net Periodic Pension Cost. For 2022, the sum of the Service Cost and Interest Cost was $3.3 million and the 2022 total lump sum payments exceeded that amount. The Plan therefore recognized in the 2022 Net Periodic Pension Cost a portion of the Unamortized Net (Gain)/Loss equal to the ratio of the projected benefit obligation for the participants that received a lump sum to the total projected benefit obligation. As of December 31, 2022, the Unamortized Net Loss prior to reflecting settlement accounting was $7.2 million. The ratio of the projected benefit obligation for participants that received a lump sum to the total projected benefit obligation was 8.06%. The effect of the settlement that was recognized in the 2022 Net Periodic Pension Cost was $577 thousand, which was fully reflected in the 2022 Net Periodic Pension Cost. Settlement accounting was not required for the the year ended December 31, 2023 or for the three- or nine-month periods ended September 30, 2024.
37
The following tables provide the components of net periodic benefit costs for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2024 and 2023:
Employees'
Select Executive
Postretirement
Pension
Retirement
Benefit
Plan
Plan
Plans
Net Periodic Benefit Cost
For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2024:
Service Cost 1
$
423
$
20
$
11
Interest Cost (Benefit) 2
562
(157)
79
Expected Return on Plan Assets 2
(928)
237
—
Amortization of Prior Service Cost 2
32
9
26
Amortization of Net Gain 2
—
6
(84)
Net Periodic Cost
$
89
$
115
$
32
Plan Contributions During the Period
$
—
$
127
$
31
For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2023:
Service Cost 1
$
398
$
143
$
14
Interest Cost 2
524
85
82
Expected Return on Plan Assets 2
(854)
—
—
Amortization of Prior Service Cost 2
16
9
26
Amortization of Net Loss (Gain) 2
30
18
(88)
Net Periodic Cost
$
114
$
255
$
34
Plan Contributions During the Period
$
—
$
99
$
28
Net Periodic Benefit Cost
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024:
Service Cost 1
$
1,269
$
59
$
34
Interest Cost 2
1,682
3
239
Expected Return on Plan Assets 2
(2,783)
237
—
Amortization of Prior Service Cost 2
98
29
77
Amortization of Net Loss (Gain) 2
—
18
(253)
Net Periodic Cost
$
266
$
346
$
97
Plan Contributions During the Period
$
—
$
382
$
112
Estimated Future Contributions in the Current Fiscal Year
$
—
$
127
$
37
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023:
Service Cost 1
$
1,195
$
428
$
42
Interest Cost 2
1,573
244
249
Expected Return on Plan Assets 2
(2,562)
—
—
Amortization of Prior Service Cost 2
47
29
78
Amortization of Net Loss (Gain) 2
89
55
(265)
Net Periodic Cost
$
342
$
756
$
104
Plan Contributions During the Period
$
—
$
325
$
75
Footnotes:
1. Included in Salaries and Employee Benefits on the Consolidated Statements of Income
2. Included in Other Operating Expense on the Consolidated Statements of Income
A contribution to the qualified pension plan was not required during the period ended September 30, 2024 and currently, additional contributions in 2024 are not expected. Arrow makes contributions to its other post-retirement benefit plans in an amount equal to benefit payments for the year.
38
Note 11. EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE (In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
The following table presents a reconciliation of the numerator and denominator used in the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per common share (EPS) for periods ended September 30, 2024 and 2023.
Earnings Per Share
Three Months Ended
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2024
September 30, 2023
September 30, 2024
September 30, 2023
Earnings Per Share - Basic:
Net Income
$
8,975
$
7,743
$
25,239
$
22,352
Weighted Average Shares - Basic
16,710
17,050
16,746
17,049
Earnings Per Share - Basic
$
0.54
$
0.46
$
1.51
$
1.31
Earnings Per Share - Diluted:
Net Income
$
8,975
$
7,743
$
25,239
$
22,352
Weighted Average Shares - Basic
16,710
17,050
16,746
17,049
Dilutive Average Shares Attributable to Stock Options
32
—
26
—
Weighted Average Shares - Diluted
16,742
17,050
16,772
17,049
Earnings Per Share - Diluted
$
0.53
$
0.46
$
1.50
$
1.31
39
Note 12. FAIR VALUES (Dollars In Thousands)
FASB ASC Subtopic 820-10 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in GAAP and requires certain disclosures about fair value measurements. There are no nonfinancial assets or liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis. The only assets or liabilities that Arrow measured at fair value on a recurring basis at September 30, 2024, December 31, 2023 and September 30, 2023 were AFS securities, equity securities and derivatives. Arrow held no securities or liabilities for trading on such dates.
The table below presents the financial instrument's fair value and the amounts within the fair value hierarchy based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement:
Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities Measured on a Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using:
Fair Value
Quoted Prices In Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities Measured on a Recurring Basis:
September 30, 2024
Assets:
Securities Available-for Sale:
U.S. Treasuries
$
50,024
$
—
$
50,024
$
—
U.S. Government & Agency Obligations
141,350
—
141,350
$
—
State and Municipal Obligations
240
—
240
—
Mortgage-Backed Securities
244,496
—
244,496
—
Corporate and Other Debt Securities
957
—
957
—
Total Securities Available-for-Sale
437,067
—
437,067
—
Equity Securities
5,089
2,987
2,102
—
Total Securities Measured on a Recurring Basis
442,156
2,987
439,169
—
Derivative Assets
15,198
—
15,198
—
Total Measured on a Recurring Basis
$
457,354
$
2,987
$
454,367
$
—
Liabilities:
Derivative Liabilities
14,297
—
14,297
—
Total Measured on a Recurring Basis
$
14,297
$
—
$
14,297
$
—
40
Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities Measured on a Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using:
Fair Value
Quoted Prices In Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
December 31, 2023
Assets:
Securities Available-for Sale:
U.S. Treasuries
$
74,004
$
—
$
74,004
$
—
U.S. Government & Agency Obligations
152,925
—
152,925
—
State and Municipal Obligations
280
—
280
—
Mortgage-Backed Securities
269,760
—
269,760
—
Corporate and Other Debt Securities
800
—
800
—
Total Securities Available-for-Sale
497,769
—
497,769
—
Equity Securities
1,925
—
1,925
—
Total Securities Measured on a Recurring Basis
499,694
—
499,694
—
Derivative Assets
12,057
—
12,057
—
Total Measured on a Recurring Basis
$
511,751
$
—
$
511,751
$
—
Liabilities:
Derivative Liabilities
$
9,598
$
—
$
9,598
$
—
Total Measured on a Recurring Basis
$
9,598
$
—
$
9,598
$
—
September 30, 2023
Assets:
Securities Available-for Sale:
U.S. Government & Agency Obligations
$
176,421
$
—
$
176,421
$
—
State and Municipal Obligations
280
—
280
—
Mortgage-Backed Securities
341,739
—
341,739
—
Corporate and Other Debt Securities
800
—
800
—
Total Securities Available-for-Sale
519,240
—
519,240
—
Equity Securities
1,960
—
1,960
—
Total Securities Measured on a Recurring Basis
521,200
—
521,200
—
Derivative Assets
8,860
—
8,860
—
Total Measured on a Recurring Basis
$
530,060
$
—
$
530,060
$
—
Liabilities:
Derivative Liabilities
8,733
—
8,733
—
Total Measured on a Recurring Basis
$
8,733
$
—
$
8,733
$
—
41
Fair Value
Quoted Prices In Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Gains (Losses) Recognized in Earnings
Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities Measured on a Nonrecurring Basis:
September 30, 2024
Collateral Dependent Evaluated Loans
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
Other Real Estate Owned and Repossessed Assets, Net
399
—
—
399
—
December 31, 2023
Collateral Dependent Impaired Loans
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
Other Real Estate Owned and Repossessed Assets, Net
312
—
—
312
—
September 30, 2023
Collateral Dependent Impaired Loans
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
Other Real Estate Owned and Repossessed Assets, Net
526
—
—
526
—
The fair value of financial instruments is determined under the following hierarchy:
•Level 1 - Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities;
•Level 2 - Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, or inputs that are observable, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability; and,
•Level 3 - Prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable (i.e., supported by little or no market activity).
Fair Value Methodology for Assets and Liabilities Measured on a Recurring Basis
The fair value of Level 1 AFS securities are based on unadjusted, quoted market prices from exchanges in active markets. The fair value of Level 2 AFS securities are based on an independent bond and equity pricing service for identical assets or significantly similar securities and an independent equity pricing service for equity securities not actively traded. The pricing services use a variety of techniques to arrive at fair value including market maker bids, quotes and pricing models. Inputs to the pricing models include recent trades, benchmark interest rates, spreads and actual and projected cash flows. The fair value of Level 2 equities are based on the last observable price in open markets. The fair value of Level 2 equities are based on the last observable price in open markets. The fair value of Level 2 derivatives is determined using inputs that are observable in the market place obtained from third parties including yield curves, publicly available volatilities, and floating indexes.
Fair Value Methodology for Assets and Liabilities Measured on a Nonrecurring Basis
The fair value of collateral dependent evaluated loans and other real estate owned was based on third-party appraisals less estimated cost to sell. The appraisals may be adjusted by management for qualitative factors such as economic conditions and estimated liquidation expenses. Other assets which might have been included in this table include mortgage servicing rights, goodwill and other intangible assets. Arrow evaluates each of these assets for impairment at least annually, with no impairment recognized for these assets at September 30, 2024, December 31, 2023 and September 30, 2023.
42
Fair Value by Balance Sheet Grouping
The following table presents a summary of the carrying amount, the fair value (exit price) or an amount approximating fair value and the fair value hierarchy of Arrow’s financial instruments:
Schedule of Fair Values by Balance Sheet Grouping
Fair Value Hierarchy
Carrying Value
Fair Value
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
September 30, 2024
Cash and Cash Equivalents
$
340,088
$
340,088
$
340,088
$
—
$
—
Securities Available-for-Sale
437,067
437,067
—
437,067
—
Securities Held-to-Maturity
103,337
101,929
—
101,929
—
Equity Securities
5,089
5,089
2,987
2,102
—
Federal Home Loan Bank and Federal Reserve Bank Stock
4,352
4,352
—
4,352
—
Net Loans
3,308,675
3,107,250
—
—
3,107,250
Accrued Interest Receivable
12,492
12,492
—
12,492
—
Derivative Assets
15,198
15,198
15,198
Deposits
3,837,457
3,834,428
—
3,834,428
—
Borrowings
103,600
103,705
—
103,705
—
Junior Subordinated Obligations Issued to Unconsolidated Subsidiary Trusts
20,000
20,000
—
20,000
—
Accrued Interest Payable
7,468
7,468
—
7,468
—
Derivative Liabilities
14,297
14,297
—
14,297
—
December 31, 2023
Cash and Cash Equivalents
$
142,536
$
142,536
$
142,536
$
—
$
—
Securities Available-for-Sale
497,769
497,769
—
497,769
—
Securities Held-to-Maturity
131,395
128,837
—
128,837
—
Equity Securities
1,925
1,925
1,925
Federal Home Loan Bank and Federal Reserve Bank Stock
5,049
5,049
—
5,049
—
Net Loans
3,181,643
2,940,318
—
—
2,940,318
Accrued Interest Receivable
11,076
11,076
—
11,076
—
Derivative Assets
12,057
12,057
—
12,057
—
Deposits
3,687,566
3,683,122
—
3,683,122
—
Borrowings
26,500
26,189
—
26,189
—
Junior Subordinated Obligations Issued to Unconsolidated Subsidiary Trusts
20,000
20,000
—
20,000
—
Accrued Interest Payable
6,289
6,289
—
6,289
—
Derivative Liabilities
9,598
9,598
—
9,598
—
September 30, 2023
Cash and Cash Equivalents
$
294,739
$
294,739
$
294,739
$
—
$
—
Securities Available-for-Sale
519,240
519,240
—
519,240
—
Securities Held-to-Maturity
140,577
134,811
—
134,811
—
Equity Securities
1,960
1,960
—
1,960
Federal Home Loan Bank and Federal Reserve Bank Stock
5,110
5,110
—
5,110
—
Net Loans
3,107,505
2,867,016
—
—
2,867,016
Accrued Interest Receivable
11,163
11,163
—
11,163
—
Derivative Assets
8,860
8,860
—
8,860
—
Deposits
3,666,485
3,660,360
—
3,660,360
—
Borrowings
174,300
173,709
—
173,709
—
Junior Subordinated Obligations Issued to Unconsolidated Subsidiary Trusts
20,000
20,000
—
20,000
—
Accrued Interest Payable
7,432
7,432
—
7,432
—
Derivative Liabilities
8,733
8,733
—
8,733
—
43
Note 13. LEASES (Dollars In Thousands)
Arrow is a lessee in its leases, which are mainly for financial services locations in addition to leases for corporate vehicles. These leases generally require Arrow to pay third-party expenses on behalf of the Lessor, which are referred to as variable payments. Under some leases, Arrow pays the variable payments to the lessor, and in other leases, Arrow pays the variable payments directly to the applicable third party. None of Arrow's current leases include any residual value guarantees or any subleases, and there are no significant rights and obligations of Arrow for leases that have not commenced as of the reporting date.
Arrow leases two of its branch offices, at market rates, from Stewart’s Shops Corp. Additionally on June 14th, 2024, Arrow entered into a sale-leaseback agreement with Stewart’s Shops Corp. for a bank branch location. The sale price of the property was $1.1 million which resulted in a gain of $377 thousand. The lease agreement began in June 2024 and runs through May 2029, with rent totaling $5 thousand per month for the remainder of the lease. Mr. Gary C. Dake, President of Stewart’s Shops Corp., serves as a Director on the Board of Directors of Arrow and its two subsidiary banks.
The following includes quantitative data related to Arrow's leases as of and for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and September 30, 2023:
Nine Months Ended
Finance Lease Amounts:
Classification
September 30, 2024
September 30, 2023
Right-of-Use Assets
Premises and Equipment, Net
$
4,327
$
4,504
Lease Liabilities
Finance Leases
5,022
5,080
Operating Lease Amounts:
Right-of-Use Assets
Other Assets
$
4,792
$
4,978
Lease Liabilities
Other Liabilities
5,007
5,179
Other Information:
Cash Paid For Amounts Included In The Measurement Of Lease Liabilities:
Operating Outgoing Cash Flows From Finance Leases
$
142
$
143
Operating Outgoing Cash Flows From Operating Leases
471
781
Financing Outgoing Cash Flows From Finance Leases
44
39
Right-of-Use Assets Obtained In Exchange For New Finance Lease Liabilities
—
—
Right-of-Use Assets Obtained In Exchange For New Operating Lease Liabilities
326
19
Weighted-average Remaining Lease Term - Finance Leases (Yrs.)
25.58
26.54
Weighted-average Remaining Lease Term - Operating Leases (Yrs.)
10.44
11.45
Weighted-average Discount Rate—Finance Leases
3.75
%
3.75
%
Weighted-average Discount Rate—Operating Leases
3.37
%
3.01
%
Lease cost information for Arrow's leases is as follows:
Three Months Ended
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2024
September 30, 2023
September 30, 2024
September 30, 2023
Lease Cost:
Finance Lease Cost:
Reduction of Right-of-Use Assets
$
44
$
44
$
132
$
132
Interest on Lease Liabilities
47
46
142
143
Operating Lease Cost
203
195
597
786
Short-term Lease Cost
7
11
28
46
Variable Lease Cost
32
58
177
179
Total Lease Cost
$
333
$
354
$
1,076
$
1,286
44
Future Lease Payments at September 30, 2024 are as follows:
Operating
Leases
Financing
Leases
Twelve Months Ended:
9/30/2025
$
796
$
258
9/30/2026
715
268
9/30/2027
659
268
9/30/2028
549
268
9/30/2029
534
273
Thereafter
2,745
6,791
Total Undiscounted Cash Flows
$
5,998
$
8,126
Less: Net Present Value Adjustment
991
3,104
Lease Liability
$
5,007
$
5,022
Note 14. DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES (In Thousands)
Arrow is exposed to certain risks arising from both its business operations and economic conditions. Arrow principally manages its exposures to a wide variety of business and operational risks through management of its core business activities. Arrow manages economic risks, including interest rate, primarily by managing the amount, sources and duration of its assets and liabilities and through the use of derivative instruments. Specifically, Arrow enters into derivative financial instruments to manage exposures that arise from business activities that result in the receipt or payment of future known and uncertain cash amounts, the value of which are determined by interest rates. Arrow's derivative financial instruments are used to manage differences in the amount, timing and duration of known or expected cash receipts and its known or expected cash payments principally related to certain fixed rate borrowings. Arrow also has interest rate derivatives that result from a service provided to certain qualifying customers and, therefore, are not used to manage interest rate risk in Arrow's assets or liabilities. Arrow's goal is to have a matched book with respect to its derivative instruments in order to minimize its net risk exposure resulting from such transactions.
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments
Arrow enters into interest rate swap agreements with its commercial customers to provide them with a long-term fixed rate, while simultaneously entering into offsetting interest rate swap agreements with a counterparty to swap the fixed rate to a variable rate to manage interest rate exposure.
These interest rate swap agreements are not designated as a hedge for accounting purposes. As the interest rate swap agreements have substantially equivalent and offsetting terms, they do not present material interest rate exposure to Arrow's consolidated statements of income. Arrow records its interest rate swap agreements at fair value and is presented on a gross basis within other assets and other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. Changes in the fair value of assets and liabilities arising from these derivatives are included, net, in other income in the consolidated statement of income.
The following table depicts the fair value adjustment recorded related to the notional amount of derivatives, not designated as hedging instruments, outstanding as well as the notional amount of the interest rate swap agreements:
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments - Interest Rate Swap Agreements
September 30, 2024
December 31, 2023
September 30, 2023
Fair value adjustment included in other assets
$
4,153
$
6,208
$
8,733
Fair value adjustment included in other liabilities
4,153
6,208
8,733
Notional amount
105,935
123,197
124,350
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments
Arrow entered into two pay-fixed portfolio layer method ("PLM") fair value swaps, designated as hedging instruments, with a total notional amount of $250 million and $50 million, respectively, in the third quarter of 2023. Arrow is designating the fair value swaps under PLM. Under PLM, the hedged items are designated as hedged layers of a closed portfolio of financial loans that are anticipated to remain outstanding for the designated hedged period. Adjustments will be made to record the swaps at fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, with changes in fair value recognized in interest income. The carrying value of the fair value swaps on the Consolidated Balance Sheets will also be adjusted through interest income, based on changes in fair value attributable to changes in the hedged risk.
The following table depicts the fair value adjustment recorded related to the notional amount of derivatives, designed as hedging instruments, outstanding as well as the notional amount of the interest rate swap agreements:
45
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments - Fair Value Agreements
September 30, 2024
December 31, 2023
September 30, 2023
Fair value adjustment included in other assets
$
—
$
—
$
885
Fair value adjustment included in other liabilities
6,541
5,678
—
Notional amount
300,000
300,000
300,000
The following table summarizes the effect of the fair value hedging relationship recognized on the unaudited interim consolidated statement of income:
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments - Fair Value Agreements
Nine Months Ended
Twelve Months Ended
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2024
December 31, 2023
September 30, 2023
Hedged Asset
$
6,544
$
5,849
$
(758)
Fair value derivative designated as hedging instrument
(6,541)
(5,828)
885
Total (loss) gain recognized in the consolidated statements of income with interest and fees on loans
3
21
127
The following table represents the carrying value of the PLM hedged assets and the cumulative fair value hedging adjustment included in the carrying value of the hedged asset:
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments - Fair Value Swap Agreements
September 30, 2024
December 31, 2023
September 30, 2023
Carrying Value of Portfolio Layer Method Hedged Asset
$
306,544
$
305,849
$
299,242
Cumulative Fair Value Hedging Adjustment
6,544
5,849
(758)
In the third quarter of 2024, Arrow entered into a forward interest rate swaps agreement which will commence in the first quarter of 2025, designated as hedging instruments, to add stability to interest expense and to manage its exposure to the variability of the future cash flows attributable to the contractually specified interest rates. The notional amount is $125 million and will synthetically fix the variable rate interest payments. The effective fixed rate is 3.29% until maturity. Arrow entered into pay-fixed interest rate swaps to convert rolling 90 days brokered deposits. The funding will serve as the long-term replacement of the BTFP borrowings at 4.76%, which were replaced with brokered CDs in the fourth quarter at a rate of 4.70%.
The following table indicates the effect of cash flow hedge accounting on AOCI and on the consolidated statement of income.
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments - Cash Flow Hedge Agreements
Nine Months Ended
Twelve Months Ended
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2024
December 31, 2023
September 30, 2023
Fair value adjustment included in other liabilities
$
287
$
—
$
—
Amount of (loss) recognized in AOCI
(287)
—
—
Amount of loss reclassified from AOCI interest expense
—
—
—
In the fourth quarter of 2023, Arrow entered into two interest rate swaps, designated as hedging instruments, to add stability to interest expense and to manage its exposure to the variability of the future cash flows attributable to the contractually specified interest rates. The notional amounts were $100 million and $75 million, respectively. Arrow entered into pay-fixed interest rate swaps to convert rolling 90 days brokered deposits.
For derivatives that qualify as cash flow hedges of interest rate risk, the gain or loss on the derivative is recorded in AOCI and subsequently reclassified into interest expense in the same period during which the hedge transaction affects earnings.
The following table indicates the effect of cash flow hedge accounting on AOCI and on the consolidated statement of income.
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments - Cash Flow Hedge Agreements
Nine Months Ended
Twelve Months Ended
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2024
December 31, 2023
September 30, 2023
Fair value adjustment included in other liabilities
$
3,316
$
2,710
$
—
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in AOCI
747
(2,553)
—
Amount of gain reclassified from AOCI interest expense
1,353
157
—
In 2019, Arrow entered into interest rate swaps to synthetically fix the variable rate interest payments associated with $20 million in outstanding subordinated trust securities. These agreements are designated as cash flow hedges.
46
The following table indicates the effect of cash flow hedge accounting on AOCI and on the consolidated statement of income.
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments - Cash Flow Hedge Agreements
Nine Months Ended
Twelve Months Ended
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2024
December 31, 2023
September 30, 2023
Fair value adjustment included in other assets
$
4,501
$
4,998
$
6,230
Amount of (loss) gain recognized in AOCI
(1,226)
(1,355)
125
Amount of loss reclassified from AOCI to interest expense
729
907
660
For derivatives that qualify as cash flow hedges of interest rate risk, the gain or loss on the derivative is recorded in AOCI and subsequently reclassified into interest expense in the same period during which the hedge transaction affects earnings.
Note 15. BRANCH ACQUISITION (In Thousands)
On August 2, 2024 GFNB completed the previously announced acquisition of the Whitehall Branch. The Whitehall Branch assets acquired consisted primarily of loans, as well as branch premises and substantially all of the personal property and equipment used in the operation of the Whitehall Branch. Goodwill of $1,510 was recognized, reflecting in large part the cost (external/internal) and time savings of not having to build out and establish a new branch and being able to benefit from already existing customer relationships. The fair value of intangible assets acquired, primarily core deposit intangibles, was $955. The liabilities assumed from the Whitehall Branch acquisition were primarily deposits.
The following table summarizes the amount of the consideration received for the Whitehall Branch and the amounts of assets acquired and liabilities assumed recognized at the acquisition date.
Total consideration received
$
32,307
Total assets acquired
$
3,866
Total liabilities assumed
$
(37,683)
Total Fair Value of Identifiable Net Assets
$
(33,817)
Goodwill
$
1,510
47
Item 2.
ARROW FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
September 30, 2024
NOTE ON TERMINOLOGY
In this Report, the terms "Arrow," "the registrant," "the Company," "we," "us," and "our" generally refer to Arrow Financial Corporation and its subsidiaries as a group, except where the context indicates otherwise. At certain points in this Report, Arrow's performance is compared with that of the Company's "peer group" of financial institutions. Unless otherwise specifically stated, the peer group for the purposes of this Report is comprised of the group of 190 domestic bank holding companies with $3 to $10 billion in total consolidated assets as identified in the FRB’s "Bank Holding Company Performance Report" for June 30, 2024 (the most recent such report currently available), and peer group data contained herein has been derived from such report.
THE COMPANY AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
Arrow is a two-bank holding company headquartered in Glens Falls, New York. The banking subsidiaries are GFNB, whose main office is located in Glens Falls, New York, and SNB, whose main office is located in Saratoga Springs, New York. In July 2024, Arrow announced plans to undertake the Unification, which will be legally completed by December 31, 2024. Active subsidiaries of GFNB include Upstate Agency, LLC (an insurance agency that sells property and casualty insurance and also specializes in selling and servicing group health care policies and life insurance), North Country Investment Advisers, Inc. (a registered investment adviser that provides investment advice to Arrow's proprietary mutual funds) and Arrow Properties, Inc. (a real estate investment trust, or REIT). Arrow also owns directly two subsidiary business trusts, organized in 2003 and 2004, which issued trust preferred securities (TRUPs), which are still outstanding.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (this "Report") contains statements that are not historical in nature but rather are based on Arrow's beliefs, assumptions, expectations, estimates and projections about the future. These statements are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and involve a degree of uncertainty and attendant risk. Words such as "may," "will," "expect," "believe," "anticipate," "estimate," "continue," and variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Examples of forward-looking statements include statements regarding Arrow's asset quality, the level of allowance for credit losses, the sufficiency of liquidity sources, interest rate change exposure, changes in accounting standards, and Arrow's tax plans and strategies. Some of these statements, such as those included in the interest rate sensitivity analysis in Part I, Item 3, entitled "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk," are merely presentations of what future performance or changes in future performance would look like based on hypothetical assumptions and on simulation models. Other forward-looking statements are based on Arrow's general perceptions of market conditions and trends in business activity, both Arrow's and in the banking industry generally, as well as current management strategies for future operations and development.
These forward-looking statements may not be exhaustive, are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks and uncertainties that are difficult to quantify or, in some cases, to identify. You should not place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements. In the case of all forward-looking statements, our actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what the statements predict or forecast. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to the following:
•Market conditions could present significant challenges to the U.S. commercial banking industry and its core business of making and servicing loans and any substantial downturn in the regional markets in which Arrow operates or in the U.S. economy generally could adversely affect Arrow's ability to maintain steady growth in the loan portfolio and earnings.
•A continued period of high inflation could adversely impact our business and our customers.
•Arrow operates in a highly competitive industry and market areas that could negatively affect growth and profitability.
•The financial services industry is faced with technological advances and changes on a continuing basis, and failure to adapt to these advances and changes could have a material adverse impact on Arrow's business.
•Problems encountered by other financial institutions could adversely affect Arrow.
•Any future economic or financial downturn, including any significant correction in the equity markets, may negatively affect the volume of income attributable to, and demand for, fee-based services of banks such as Arrow, including the Company's fiduciary business, which could negatively impact Arrow's financial condition and results of operations.
•Potential complications with the implementation of (i) our new core banking system or (ii) adjustments related to integrating the core systems of our subsidiary banks in connection with the Unification could adversely impact our business and operations.
•Arrow faces continuing and growing security risks to its information base including the information maintained relating to customers, and any breaches in the security systems implemented to protect this information could have a material negative effect on Arrow's business operations and financial condition.
•Business could suffer if Arrow loses key personnel unexpectedly or if employee wages increase significantly.
•Arrow is subject to interest rate risk, which could adversely affect profitability.
•Arrow could recognize losses on securities held in our securities portfolio, particularly if interest rates increase or economic and market conditions deteriorate.
•Arrow's allowance for possible credit losses may be insufficient, and an increase in the allowance would reduce earnings.
•Arrow’s financial condition and the results of its operations could be negatively impacted by liquidity management.
•The increasing complexity of Arrow's operations presents varied risks that could affect earnings and financial condition.
48
•We have identified material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting which could, if not remediated, result in a material misstatement of our financial statements.
•The Company relies on the operations of its banking subsidiaries to provide liquidity, which, if limited, could impact Arrow's ability to pay dividends to its shareholders or to repurchase its common stock.
•Capital and liquidity standards require banks and bank holding companies to maintain more and higher quality capital and greater liquidity than has historically been the case.
•Federal banking statutes and regulations could change in the future, which may adversely affect Arrow.
•Non-compliance with the Patriot Act, Bank Secrecy Act, or other anti-money laundering laws and regulations could result in fines or sanctions and restrictions on conducting acquisitions or establishing new branches.
•Arrow, through its banking subsidiaries, is subject to the Community Reinvestment Act and fair lending laws, and failure to comply with these laws could lead to material penalties.
•Disruption in the continuity, timing and effectiveness of the recent transition in executive management could adversely affect Arrow's business activities, financial conditional and results of operations.
Arrow is under no duty to update any of the forward-looking statements after the date of this Report to conform such statements to actual results. All forward-looking statements, express or implied, included in this Report and the documents incorporated by reference and that are attributable to Arrow are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. This cautionary statement should also be considered in connection with any subsequent written or oral forward-looking statements that Arrow or any persons acting on its behalf may issue. This Report should be read in conjunction with the 2023 Form 10-K and our other filings with the SEC.
USE OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
The SEC has adopted Regulation G, which applies to certain public disclosures, including earnings releases, made by registered companies that contain "non-GAAP financial measures." GAAP is generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America. Under Regulation G, companies making public disclosures containing non-GAAP financial measures must also disclose, along with each non-GAAP financial measure, certain additional information, including a reconciliation of the non-GAAP financial measure to the closest comparable GAAP financial measure and a statement of Arrow's reasons for utilizing the non-GAAP financial measure as part of its financial disclosures. The SEC has exempted from the definition of "non-GAAP financial measures" certain commonly used financial measures that are not based on GAAP. When these exempted measures are included in public disclosures, supplemental information is not required. The following measures used in this Report, which are commonly utilized by financial institutions, have not been specifically exempted by the SEC and may constitute "non-GAAP financial measures" within the meaning of the SEC's rules, although Arrow is unable to state with certainty that the SEC would so regard them.
Tax-Equivalent Net Interest Income and Net Interest Margin: Net interest income, as a component of the tabular presentation by financial institutions of Selected Financial Information regarding their recently completed operations, as well as disclosures based on that tabular presentation, is commonly presented on a tax-equivalent basis. That is, to the extent that some component of the institution's net interest income, which is presented on a before-tax basis, is exempt from taxation (e.g., is received by the institution as a result of its holdings of state or municipal obligations), an amount equal to the tax benefit derived from that component is added to the actual before-tax net interest income total. This adjustment is considered helpful in comparing one financial institution's net interest income to that of another institution or in analyzing any institution’s net interest income trend line over time, to correct any analytical distortion that might otherwise arise from the fact that financial institutions vary widely in the proportions of their portfolios that are invested in tax-exempt securities, and from the fact that even a single institution may significantly alter over time the proportion of its own portfolio that is invested in tax-exempt obligations. Moreover, net interest income is itself a component of a second financial measure commonly used by financial institutions, net interest margin, which is the ratio of net interest income to average earning assets. For purposes of this measure as well, tax-equivalent net interest income is generally used by financial institutions, again to provide a better basis of comparison from institution to institution and to better demonstrate a single institution’s performance over time. Arrow follows these practices.
The Efficiency Ratio: Financial institutions often use an "efficiency ratio" as a measure of expense control. The efficiency ratio typically is defined as the ratio of non-interest expense to net interest income and non-interest income. Net interest income as utilized in calculating the efficiency ratio is typically the same as the net interest income presented in the Selected Financial Information table discussed in the preceding paragraph, i.e., it is expressed on a tax-equivalent basis. Moreover, many financial institutions, in calculating the efficiency ratio, also adjust both non-interest expense and non-interest income to exclude from these items (as calculated under GAAP) certain recurring component elements of income and expense, such as intangible asset amortization (which is included in non-interest expense under GAAP but may be excluded therefrom for purposes of calculating the efficiency ratio) and securities gains or losses (which are reflected in the calculation of non-interest income under GAAP but may be excluded therefrom for purposes of calculating the efficiency ratio). Arrow makes these adjustments.
Tangible Book Value per Share: Tangible equity is total stockholders’ equity less intangible assets. Tangible book value per share is tangible equity divided by total shares issued and outstanding. Tangible book value per share is often regarded as a more meaningful comparative ratio than book value per share as calculated under GAAP, that is, total stockholders’ equity including intangible assets divided by total shares issued and outstanding. Intangible assets include many items, but in Arrow's case, essentially represents goodwill.
Adjustments for Certain Items of Income or Expense: In addition to our regular utilization in our public filings and disclosures of the various non-GAAP measures commonly utilized by financial institutions discussed above, Arrow may also elect from time to time, in connection with our presentation of various financial measures prepared in accordance with GAAP, such as net income, EPS, return on
49
average assets (ROA), and return on average equity (ROE), to provide as well certain comparative disclosures that adjust these GAAP financial measures, typically by removing them from the impact of certain transactions or other material items of income or expense that are unusual or unlikely to be repeated. Arrow will do so only if it believes that provision of the resulting non-GAAP financial measures may improve the average investor's understanding of our results of operations by separating out items that have a disproportional positive or negative impact on the particular period in question or by otherwise permitting a better comparison from period-to-period in our results of operations with respect to our fundamental lines of business, including the commercial banking business.
Arrow believes that the non-GAAP financial measures disclosed from time-to-time are useful in evaluating our performance and that such information should be considered as supplemental in nature, and not as a substitute for, or superior to, the related financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP. Non-GAAP financial measures may differ from similar measures presented by other companies.
50
Arrow Financial Corporation
Selected Quarterly Information
(Dollars In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts- Unaudited)
Quarter Ended
9/30/2024
6/30/2024
3/31/2024
12/31/2023
9/30/2023
Net Income
$
8,975
$
8,604
$
7,660
$
7,723
$
7,743
Net Changes in Fair Value of Equity Investments (Net of Tax)
69
39
13
90
52
Share and Per Share Data:
Period End Shares Outstanding
16,734
16,723
16,710
16,942
17,049
Basic Average Shares Outstanding
16,710
16,685
16,865
17,002
17,050
Diluted Average Shares Outstanding
16,742
16,709
16,867
17,004
17,050
Basic Earnings Per Share
$
0.54
$
0.52
$
0.45
$
0.46
$
0.46
Diluted Earnings Per Share
0.53
0.52
0.45
0.46
0.46
Cash Dividend Per Share
0.270
0.270
0.270
0.270
0.262
Selected Quarterly Average Balances:
Interest-bearing Deposits at Banks
$
154,937
$
159,336
$
178,452
$
136,026
$
131,814
Investment Securities
590,352
644,192
671,105
713,144
745,693
Loans
3,329,873
3,280,285
3,235,841
3,170,262
3,096,240
Deposits
3,672,128
3,678,957
3,693,325
3,593,949
3,491,028
Other Borrowed Funds
134,249
131,537
122,033
149,507
208,527
Stockholders’ Equity
387,904
378,256
379,446
363,753
362,701
Total Assets
4,245,597
4,237,359
4,245,484
4,159,313
4,109,995
Return on Average Assets, annualized
0.84
%
0.82
%
0.73
%
0.74
%
0.75
%
Return on Average Equity, annualized
9.20
%
9.15
%
8.12
%
8.42
%
8.47
%
Return on Average Tangible Equity, annualized 1
9.79
%
9.74
%
8.64
%
8.99
%
9.05
%
Average Earning Assets
$
4,075,162
$
4,083,813
$
4,085,398
$
4,019,432
$
3,973,747
Average Paying Liabilities
3,085,066
3,127,417
3,108,093
2,985,717
2,920,518
Interest Income
49,443
47,972
46,677
44,324
42,117
Tax-Equivalent Adjustment 2
149
163
176
184
183
Interest Income, Tax-Equivalent 2
49,592
48,135
46,853
44,508
42,117
Interest Expense
21,005
20,820
20,222
18,711
16,764
Net Interest Income
28,438
27,152
26,455
25,613
25,353
Net Interest Income, Tax-Equivalent 2
28,587
27,315
26,631
25,797
25,536
Net Interest Margin, annualized
2.78
%
2.67
%
2.60
%
2.53
%
2.53
%
Net Interest Margin, Tax Equivalent, annualized 2
2.79
%
2.69
%
2.62
%
2.55
%
2.55
%
Efficiency Ratio Calculation: 3
Non-Interest Expense
$
24,100
$
23,318
$
24,012
$
23,190
$
23,479
Less: Intangible Asset Amortization
78
40
41
43
43
Net Non-Interest Expense
$
24,022
$
23,278
$
23,971
$
23,147
$
23,436
Net Interest Income, Tax-Equivalent 2
$
28,587
$
27,315
$
26,631
$
25,797
$
25,536
Non-Interest Income
8,133
7,856
7,858
7,484
8,050
Less: Net Changes in Fair Value of Equity Invest.
94
54
17
122
71
Net Gross Income
$
36,626
$
35,117
$
34,472
$
33,159
$
33,515
Efficiency Ratio 3
65.59
%
66.29
%
69.54
%
69.81
%
69.93
%
Period-End Capital Information:
Total Stockholders’ Equity (i.e. Book Value)
$
393,311
$
383,018
$
377,986
$
379,772
$
360,014
Book Value per Share
23.50
22.90
22.62
22.42
21.12
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, net
25,979
22,800
22,891
22,983
23,078
Tangible Book Value per Share 1
21.95
21.54
21.25
21.06
19.76
Capital Ratios:4
Tier 1 Leverage Ratio
9.78
%
9.74
%
9.63
%
9.84
%
9.94
%
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital Ratio
12.77
%
12.88
%
12.84
%
13.00
%
13.17
%
Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital Ratio
13.41
%
13.53
%
13.50
%
13.66
%
13.84
%
Total Risk-Based Capital Ratio
14.46
%
14.57
%
14.57
%
14.74
%
14.94
%
Assets Under Trust Admin. & Investment Mgmt.
$
1,944,239
$
1,848,349
$
1,829,266
$
1,763,194
$
1,627,522
51
Arrow Financial Corporation
Selected Quarterly Information - Continued
(Dollars In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts- Unaudited)
Footnotes:
1.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures Reconciliation: Tangible Book Value, Tangible Equity and Return on Tangible Equity exclude goodwill and other intangible assets, net from total equity. These are non-GAAP financial measures which Arrow believes provide investors with information that is useful in understanding our financial performance. See "Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures" on page 49.
9/30/2024
6/30/2024
3/31/2024
12/31/2023
9/30/2023
Total Stockholders' Equity (GAAP)
$
393,311
$
383,018
$
377,986
$
379,772
$
360,014
Less: Goodwill and Other Intangible assets, net
25,979
22,800
22,891
22,983
23,078
Tangible Equity (Non-GAAP)
$
367,332
$
360,218
$
355,095
$
356,789
$
336,936
Period End Shares Outstanding
16,734
16,723
16,710
16,942
17,049
Tangible Book Value per Share (Non-GAAP)
$
21.95
$
21.54
$
21.25
$
21.06
$
19.76
Net Income
8,975
8,604
7,660
7,723
7,743
Return on Average Tangible Equity (Net Income/Tangible Equity - Annualized)
9.79
%
9.74
%
8.64
%
8.99
%
9.05
%
2.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures Reconciliation: Net Interest Margin, Tax-Equivalent is the ratio of our annualized tax-equivalent net interest income to average earning assets. This is also a non-GAAP financial measure which Arrow believes provides investors with information that is useful in understanding our financial performance. See "Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures" on page 49.
9/30/2024
6/30/2024
3/31/2024
12/31/2023
9/30/2023
Interest Income (GAAP)
$
49,443
$
47,972
$
46,677
$
44,324
$
42,117
Add: Tax-Equivalent adjustment (Non-GAAP)
149
163
176
184
183
Interest Income - Tax Equivalent (Non-GAAP)
$
49,592
$
48,135
$
46,853
$
44,508
$
42,300
Net Interest Income (GAAP)
$
28,438
$
27,152
$
26,455
$
25,613
$
25,353
Add: Tax-Equivalent adjustment (Non-GAAP)
149
163
176
184
183
Net Interest Income - Tax Equivalent (Non-GAAP)
$
28,587
$
27,315
$
26,631
$
25,797
$
25,536
Average Earning Assets
$
4,075,162
$
4,083,813
$
4,085,398
$
4,019,432
$
3,973,747
Net Interest Margin (Non-GAAP)*
2.79
%
2.69
%
2.62
%
2.55
%
2.55
%
3.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures: Financial Institutions often use the "efficiency ratio", a non-GAAP ratio, as a measure of expense control. Arrow believes that the efficiency ratio provides investors with information that is useful in understanding our financial performance. Arrow defines efficiency ratio as the ratio of our non-interest expense to our net gross income (which equals tax-equivalent net interest income plus non-interest income, as adjusted). There is no GAAP financial measure that is closely comparable to the efficiency ratio. See "Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures" on page 49.
4.
For the current quarter, all of the regulatory capital ratios as well as the Total Risk-Weighted Assets are calculated in accordance with bank regulatory capital rules. The September 30, 2024 CET1 ratio listed in the tables (i.e., 12.77%) exceeds the sum of the required minimum CET1 ratio plus the fully phased-in Capital Conservation Buffer (i.e., 7.00%).
9/30/2024
6/30/2024
3/31/2024
12/31/2023
9/30/2023
Total Risk Weighted Assets
$
3,110,178
$
3,072,922
$
3,049,525
$
3,032,188
$
2,988,438
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital
397,122
395,691
391,706
394,166
393,541
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital Ratio
12.77
%
12.88
%
12.84
%
13.00
%
13.17
%
* Quarterly ratios have been annualized.
52
Average Consolidated Balance Sheets and Net Interest Income Analysis
(Dollars In Thousands)
Quarter Ended September 30:
2024
2023
Interest
Rate
Interest
Rate
Average
Income/
Earned/
Average
Income/
Earned/
Balance
Expense
Paid
Balance
Expense
Paid
Interest-Bearing Deposits at Banks
$
154,937
$
2,103
5.40
%
$
131,814
$
1,805
5.43
Investment Securities:
Fully Taxable
497,450
2,656
2.12
616,020
2,924
1.88
Exempt from Federal Taxes
92,902
562
2.41
129,673
689
2.11
Loans (1)
3,329,873
44,122
5.27
3,096,240
36,699
4.70
Total Earning Assets (1)
4,075,162
49,443
4.83
3,973,747
42,117
4.20
Allowance for Credit Losses
(31,147)
(31,386)
Cash and Due From Banks
33,159
32,874
Other Assets
168,423
134,760
Total Assets
$
4,245,597
$
4,109,995
Deposits:
Interest-Bearing Checking Accounts
$
785,134
1,966
1.00
$
795,627
1,156
0.58
Savings Deposits
1,492,888
10,905
2.91
1,505,916
9,729
2.56
Time Deposits of $250,000 or More
174,028
1,803
4.12
152,738
1,466
3.81
Other Time Deposits
498,767
4,934
3.94
257,710
2,051
3.16
Total Interest-Bearing Deposits
2,950,817
19,608
2.64
2,711,991
14,402
2.11
Borrowings
109,230
1,177
4.29
183,452
2,143
4.63
Junior Subordinated Obligations Issued to Unconsolidated Subsidiary Trusts
20,000
173
3.44
20,000
173
3.43
Finance Leases
5,019
47
3.73
5,075
46
3.60
Total Interest-Bearing Liabilities
3,085,066
21,005
2.71
2,920,518
16,764
2.28
Noninterest-Bearing Deposits
721,311
779,037
Other Liabilities
51,316
47,739
Total Liabilities
3,857,693
3,747,294
Stockholders’ Equity
387,904
362,701
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
$
4,245,597
$
4,109,995
Net Interest Income
$
28,438
$
25,353
Net Interest Spread
2.12
%
1.92
%
Net Interest Margin
2.78
%
2.53
%
53
Average Consolidated Balance Sheets and Net Interest Income Analysis
(GAAP Basis)
(Dollars In Thousands)
Nine Months Ended September 30:
2024
2023
Interest
Rate
Interest
Rate
Average
Income/
Earned/
Average
Income/
Earned/
Balance
Expense
Paid
Balance
Expense
Paid
Interest-Bearing Deposits at Banks
$
164,208
$
6,735
5.48
%
$
101,104
$
3,958
5.23
%
Investment Securities:
Fully Taxable
526,181
8,851
2.25
635,126
8,823
1.86
Exempt from Federal Taxes
108,872
1,867
2.29
146,736
2,256
2.06
Loans (1)
3,282,175
126,639
5.15
3,041,909
103,203
4.54
Total Earning Assets (1)
4,081,436
144,092
4.72
3,924,875
118,240
4.03
Allowance for Credit Losses
(31,340)
(30,591)
Cash and Due From Banks
30,534
30,720
Other Assets
162,194
134,310
Total Assets
$
4,242,824
$
4,059,314
Deposits:
Interest-Bearing Checking Accounts
$
815,933
5,510
0.90
$
874,132
2,346
0.36
Savings Deposits
1,487,005
31,706
2.85
1,494,976
23,830
2.13
Time Deposits of $250,000 or More
174,668
5,645
4.32
127,230
3,159
3.32
Other Time Deposits
499,881
15,091
4.03
203,047
3,721
2.45
Total Interest-Bearing Deposits
2,977,487
57,952
2.60
2,699,385
33,056
1.64
Borrowings
104,257
3,439
4.41
151,887
5,309
4.67
Junior Subordinated Obligations Issued to Unconsolidated Subsidiary Trusts
20,000
514
3.43
20,000
513
3.43
Finance Leases
5,034
142
3.77
5,088
143
3.76
Total Interest-Bearing Liabilities
3,106,778
62,047
2.67
2,876,360
39,021
1.81
Noninterest-Bearing Deposits
703,948
777,994
Other Liabilities
50,207
42,506
Total Liabilities
3,860,933
3,696,860
Stockholders’ Equity
381,891
362,454
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
$
4,242,824
$
4,059,314
Net Interest Income
$
82,045
$
79,219
Net Interest Spread
2.05
%
2.22
%
Net Interest Margin
2.69
%
2.70
%
(1) Includes Nonaccrual Loans.
54
OVERVIEW
The following discussion and analysis focuses on and reviews the results of operations for the three-month period ended September 30, 2024 and the financial conditions as of September 30, 2024 and 2023. The discussion below should be read in conjunction with the selected quarterly and annual information set forth above and the Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements and other financial data presented elsewhere in this Report. When necessary, prior-year financial information has been reclassified to conform to the current-year presentation.
Summary of Q3 2024 Financial Results: Net income for the third quarter of 2024 was $9.0 million, increasing from $8.6 million in the second quarter of 2024 and $7.7 million in the third quarter of 2023. Compared to the prior quarter, net income benefited from an increase of $1.3 million in net interest income, partially offset by an increase in non-interest expense of $0.8 million. Compared to the third quarter of 2023, net income growth was driven by an increase in net interest income of $3.1 million, partially offset by an increase in non-interest expense of $0.6 million.
Net interest income for the third quarter of 2024 was $28.4 million, increasing 4.7% from $27.2 million for the second quarter of 2024 and increasing 12.2% from $25.4 million in the third quarter of 2023. Total interest and dividend income was $49.4 million for the third quarter of 2024, an increase from $48.0 million in the second quarter of 2024 and from $42.1 million for the third quarter of 2023. These increases were primarily driven by loan growth and higher loan yields. Interest expense for the third quarter of 2024 was $21.0 million, an increase from $20.8 million for the second quarter of 2024 and from $16.8 million for the third quarter of 2023. The increase from the prior year was driven primarily by higher deposit rates and changes in deposit composition.
Net interest margin, on an FTE basis (a non-GAAP measure), for the third quarter of 2024 was 2.79% compared to 2.69% for the second quarter of 2024 and 2.55% for the third quarter of 2023. The increase in net interest margin compared to the second quarter in 2024 was primarily the result of continued yield expansion on earning assets combined with the moderating cost of interest-bearing liabilities. As compared to the third quarter of 2023, the increase in net interest margin was primarily the result of yield on average earning assets increasing at a faster pace than costs of interest-bearing liabilities. Net interest margin is affected by deposits continuing to migrate to higher costing products, such as money market savings and time deposits. See the disclosure on page 49 related to the use of non-GAAP financial measures, including net interest margin, on an FTE basis, and Footnote 2 to the Selected Quarterly Information for the reconciliation to GAAP.
For the third quarter of 2024, the provision for credit losses was $0.9 million compared to $0.8 million in the second quarter of 2024 and $0.4 million in the third quarter of 2023. The key drivers for the provision for credit losses in the third quarter of 2024 were replenishment of the allowance for charge-offs, growth in loan balances and changes to the economic forecast factors embedded in the credit loss allowance model.
Non-interest income for the three months ended September 30, 2024, was $8.1 million, an increase from $7.9 million in the second quarter of 2024 and consistent with the third quarter of 2023. The increases from the prior periods are primarily the result of the resumption of loan sales from current loan originations, higher wealth management fees resulting from improved market valuations of assets under management and increased insurance commissions resulting from the acquisition of the assets of A&B Agency, Inc (the "A&B Acquisition"). The third quarter of 2023 included one-time proceeds from bank-owned life insurance in other income.
Non-interest expense for the third quarter of 2024 was $24.1 million, an increase from $23.3 million in the second quarter of 2024 and an increase from $23.5 million for the third quarter of 2023. The increase from the prior quarter was primarily attributable to one-time non-core expenses related to the acquisition of a bank branch located in Whitehall, New York (the "Whitehall Branch") and the A&B Acquisition.
The provision for income taxes and effective tax rate were $2.6 million and 22.2%, for the third quarter of 2024, $2.3 million and 21.2%, for the second quarter of 2024 and $1.8 million and 19.1%, for the third quarter of 2023. The increase in the effective tax rate from the second quarter of 2024 was primarily attributable to a decrease in the amount of tax advantaged earning assets as a percentage of total earning assets, while the increase in the effective tax rate from the third quarter of 2023 was primarily due to a change in pre-tax income combined with a decrease in the amount of tax advantaged earning assets as a percentage of total earning assets.
Total assets were $4.4 billion at September 30, 2024, an increase of $167.0 million, or 3.9%, as compared to June 30, 2024 and an increase of $138.5 million, or 3.2%, as compared to September 30, 2023. For the third quarter of 2024, overall growth in the balance sheet was attributable to changes in cash balances, primarily seasonal municipal deposits, as well as growth in the loan portfolio.
Total investments were $549.8 million as of September 30, 2024, a decrease of $6.6 million, or 1.2%, compared to June 30, 2024 and a decrease of $117.0 million, or 17.6%, compared to September 30, 2023. The decrease from June 30, 2024 was driven primarily by paydowns and maturities. The decrease from September 30, 2023 was also driven by paydowns and maturities as well as the fourth quarter 2023 repositioning of the investment portfolio, which reduced the portfolio by approximately $25 million at the time of the transaction. There were no credit quality issues related to the investment portfolio.
Total loans1 were $3.3 billion as of September 30, 2024. Loan growth for the third quarter of 2024 was $24.2 million, and $201.2 million since September 30, 2023. Loan growth was spread across all loan products.
At September 30, 2024, deposit balances were $3.8 billion, an increase of $153.8 million from June 30, 2024 and an increase of $171.0 million from September 30, 2023. The increase from the second quarter was primarily attributable to the seasonality of municipal and corporate deposits and to a lessor degree the Whitehall acquisition. The increase from September 30, 2023 was partially attributable to $175 million of brokered CDs, primarily used to reduce borrowings and fund continued loan growth.
The changes in net income, net interest income and net interest margin between the three-month and nine-month periods are discussed in detail under the heading "RESULTS OF OPERATIONS," beginning on page 70.
1Includes both $6.5 million fair value hedge adjustment at September 30, 2024 and $0.4 million fair value hedge adjustment at June 30, 2024
55
Regulatory Capital and Change in Stockholders' Equity: At September 30, 2024, Arrow continued to exceed all required minimum capital ratios under the current bank regulatory capital rules (the "Capital Rules") as implemented under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act ("Dodd-Frank") at both the holding company and bank levels. At that date, both subsidiary banks continued to qualify as "well-capitalized" under the capital classification guidelines as defined by the Capital Rules.
Stockholders’ equity was $393.3 million at September 30, 2024, an increase of $13.5 million, or 3.6%, from the December 31, 2023 level of $379.8 million. The increase in stockholders' equity over the first nine months of 2024 principally reflected the following factors: the addition of (i) $25.2 million of net income for the period, (ii) other comprehensive gain of $7.4 million, and (iii) the issuance of $0.9 million of common stock through employee benefit and dividend reinvestment plans, reduced by (iv) cash dividends of $13.6 million and (v) repurchases of common stock of $6.5 million. The components of the change in stockholders’ equity since year-end 2023 are presented in the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity on page 6, and are discussed in more detail in the next section.
At September 30, 2024, book value per share was $23.50, up 11.3% over the prior-year level. Tangible book value per share (a non-GAAP measure that deducts intangible assets from stockholders' equity) was $21.95, an increase of $2.19, or 11.1%, over the level as of September 30, 2023. See the disclosure on page 49 related to the use of non-GAAP financial measures, including tangible book value, and Footnote 2 to the Selected Quarterly Information for the reconciliation to GAAP.
On September 30, 2024, Arrow's closing stock price was $28.66 per share, representing a trading multiple of 1.31 to tangible book value per share. In the third quarter of 2024, Arrow paid a quarterly cash dividend of $0.27 per share. Further discussion of dividends is included in the Capital Components; Stock Repurchases; Dividends section located on page 68.
Loan Quality: Net charge-offs for the third quarter of 2024 were $0.7 million as compared to $0.4 million for the comparable 2023 quarter. The ratio of net charge-offs to average loans (annualized) was 0.08% for the three month period ended September 30, 2024, an increase from 0.05% as compared to the three month period ended September 30, 2023.
For the third quarter of 2024, the provision for credit losses was $934 thousand and an expense for estimated credit losses on off-balance sheet credit exposures was $234 thousand. The allowance for credit losses was $31.3 million on September 30, 2024, which represented 0.94% of loans outstanding, as compared to 0.99% on September 30, 2023.
Nonperforming loans were $21.9 million at September 30, 2024, representing 0.66% of period-end loans, an increase from the September 30, 2023 ratio of 0.20% and was unchanged from December 31, 2023. The ratio continues to reasonably compare with the weighted average ratio of the peer group of 0.54% at June 30, 2024. Nonperforming assets of $22.3 million at September 30, 2024 represented 0.51% of period-end assets up from 0.16% at September 30, 2023. The increase in delinquent loans from the prior year is primarily attributable to one commercial loan relationship moving to non-performing status during the fourth quarter of 2023.
Loan Segments: As of September 30, 2024, total loans grew by $127.0 million, or 4.0%, as compared to the balance at December 31, 2023. The largest increase was in the residential real estate loan portfolio which increased $93.9 million, or 7.8%. Consumer loans increased $8.6 million, or 0.8%, primarily comprised of automobile loans. Commercial and commercial real estate loans increased by $24.6 million, or 2.7%, from December 31, 2023.
•Commercial and Commercial Real Estate Loans: Combined, these loans comprise 27.7% of the total loan portfolio at period-end. Commercial property values in Arrow's region have largely remained stable, however, there remains uncertainty surrounding market conditions due to inflation and the rising interest rate environment. Appraisals on nonperforming and watched commercial real estate loan properties are updated as deemed necessary, usually when the loan is downgraded or when there has been significant market deterioration since the last appraisal.
•Consumer Loans: These loans (primarily automobile loans) comprised 33.6% of the total loan portfolio at period-end. Consumer automobile loans at September 30, 2024, were 99.6% of this portfolio segment. The vast majority of automobile loans are initiated through the purchase of vehicles by consumers through automobile dealers. As of September 30, 2024, volume and growth have been relatively stable year over year. Inflation and higher rates may continue to limit the potential growth in this category.
•Residential Real Estate Loans: These loans, including home equity loans, made up 38.7% of the total loan portfolio at period-end. Demand for residential real estate has continued but weakened as interest rates have increased. A continuous elevated rate environment may impact future demand. Arrow originated nearly all of the residential real estate loans currently held in the loan portfolio and applies conservative underwriting standards to loan originations. In the third quarter of 2024, Arrow resumed selling a portion of residential real estate mortgage originations into the secondary market. The ratio of the sales of originations to total originations tends to fluctuate from period to period based on market conditions and other factors. The rate at which mortgage loan originations are sold in future periods will depend on various circumstances, including prevailing mortgage rates, other lending opportunities, capital and liquidity needs, and the availability of a market for such transactions.
Liquidity and Access to Credit Markets: Arrow has not experienced any liquidity events or special concerns in recent years or thus far in 2024. Arrow’s liquidity position provides the necessary flexibility to address any unexpected near-term liquidity needs. Interest-bearing cash balances at September 30, 2024 were $286.1 million compared to $255.0 million at September 30, 2023. Contingent lines of credit are also available. Operating collateralized lines of credit are established and available through the FHLBNY, FRB and other bank lines totaling approximately $1.3 billion. The general terms of Arrow's lines of credit have not changed significantly in recent periods (see the general liquidity discussion on page 68). Historically, Arrow has principally relied on asset-based liquidity (i.e., funds in overnight investments and cash flow from maturing investments and loans) with liability-based liquidity as a secondary source of funds (the main liability-based sources are an overnight borrowing arrangement with correspondent banks, an arrangement for overnight borrowing and term credit advances from the FHLBNY, and an additional arrangement for short-term advances at the FRB
56
discount window). Regular liquidity stress tests and tests of the contingent liquidity plan are performed to ensure that an adequate amount of available funds can be generated to meet a wide variety of potential liquidity crises.
Visa Class B Common Stock: In the fourth quarter of 2023, Arrow's subsidiary bank, GFNB, sold all 27,771 shares of Visa Class B common stock it previously held for a pre-tax gain of $9.3 million. The gain was used to offset a pre-tax loss of $9.2 million related to the sale of securities with a amortized cost basis of approximately $110 million. The sale of securities was driven by the strategic decision to reposition the investment portfolio to higher yielding investments producing an improved interest income run-rate.
Branch Acquisition: On August 2, 2024 GFNB completed the previously announced acquisition of the Whitehall Branch from Berkshire Bank, a subsidiary of Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc. The acquisition includes the branch premises and substantially all of the personal property and equipment used in the operation of the Whitehall Branch. All employees associated with the Whitehall Branch were offered employment with Arrow. See footnote 15 for additional details of the acquisition.
Subsidiary Bank Unification: On July 22 2024, Arrow received approval from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency to complete the Unification, combining its two subsidiary banks, GFNB and SNB, into one bank that will be known as Arrow Bank National Association. The Unification will create long term operational efficiencies, unify branding and enhance Arrow's ability to pursue its strategic growth objectives. We expect to complete the Unification by December 31, 2024.
A&B Acquisition: On July 1, 2024, Arrow expanded our insurance business with the strategic acquisition of the assets of A&B Agency, Inc.
57
CHANGE IN FINANCIAL CONDITION
Summary of Selected Consolidated Balance Sheet Data
(Dollars in Thousands)
At Period-End
9/30/2024
12/31/2023
9/30/2023
$ Change From December
$ Change From September
% Change From December (not annualized)
% Change From September
Interest-Bearing Bank Balances
$
286,119
$
105,781
$
254,961
$
180,338
$
31,158
170.5
%
12.2
%
Securities Available-for-Sale
437,067
497,769
519,240
(60,702)
(82,173)
(12.2)
%
(15.8)
%
Securities Held-to-Maturity
103,337
131,395
140,577
(28,058)
(37,240)
(21.4)
%
(26.5)
%
Equity Securities
5,089
1,925
1,960
3,164
3,129
164.4
%
159.6
%
Loans (1)
3,339,937
3,212,908
3,138,617
127,029
201,320
4.0
%
6.4
%
Allowance for Credit Losses
31,262
31,265
31,112
(3)
150
—
%
0.5
%
Earning Assets (1)
4,175,901
3,954,827
4,060,465
221,074
115,436
5.6
%
2.8
%
Total Assets
$
4,411,449
$
4,169,868
$
4,272,911
$
241,581
$
138,538
5.8
%
3.2
%
Noninterest-Bearing Deposits
$
740,170
$
758,425
$
798,392
$
(18,255)
$
(58,222)
(2.4)
%
(7.3)
%
Interest-Bearing Checking Accounts
875,365
799,785
920,250
75,580
(44,885)
9.5
%
(4.9)
%
Savings Deposits
1,544,868
1,466,280
1,496,193
78,588
48,675
5.4
%
3.3
%
Time Deposits over $250,000
177,990
179,301
167,614
(1,311)
10,376
(0.7)
%
6.2
%
Other Time Deposits
499,064
483,775
284,036
15,289
215,028
3.2
%
75.7
%
Total Deposits
$
3,837,457
$
3,687,566
$
3,666,485
$
149,891
$
170,972
4.1
%
4.7
%
Borrowings
$
103,600
$
26,500
174,300
$
77,100
$
(70,700)
290.9
%
(40.6)
%
Junior Subordinated Obligations Issued to Unconsolidated Subsidiary Trusts
20,000
20,000
20,000
—
—
—
%
—
%
Stockholders' Equity
393,311
379,772
360,014
13,539
33,297
3.6
%
9.2
%
(1) Includes Nonaccrual Loans.
Changes in Earning Assets: The loan portfolio at September 30, 2024, was $3.3 billion, an increase of $127.0 million, or 4.0%, from the December 31, 2023 level and up by $201.3 million, or 6.4%, from the September 30, 2023 level. The following trends were experienced in our largest segments:
•Commercial and commercial real estate loans: This segment of the loan portfolio increased by $24.6 million, or 2.7%, during the first nine months of 2024. In the first nine months of 2024, loan growth has slowed as a result of the current rate environment.
•Consumer loans (primarily automobile loans through indirect lending): As of September 30, 2024, these loans, primarily auto loans originated through dealerships in New York and Vermont, increased by $8.6 million, or 0.8%, from the December 31, 2023 balance. Inflation and rising rates may continue to slow demand.
•Residential real estate loans:This segment increased during the first nine months of 2024 by $93.9 million, or 7.8%. Loan growth continues to be solid however a deterioration of economic conditions may trigger a reduction in loan production.
Changes in Sources of Funds: Deposit balances reached $3.8 billion, an increase of $171.0 million, or 4.7%, from the prior-year level and a an increase of $149.9 million from December 31, 2023. The increase from September 30, 2023 was partially attributable to $175 million of brokered CDs to fund continued loan growth. Noninterest-bearing deposits represented 19.3% of total deposits at September 30, 2024, compared to 21.8% of total deposits on September 30, 2023. At September 30, 2024, total time deposits were $677.1 million. Municipal deposits decreased $43.2 million, or 4.4% from September 30, 2023. Total borrowings were $103.6 million, a decrease from $174.3 million at September 30, 2023. In the first quarter of 2024, Arrow borrowed $100 million as part of the BTFP to improve on-balance sheet liquidity and fund loan production. The BTFP was created to support American businesses and households by making additional funding available to eligible depository institutions to help assure banks have the ability to meet the needs of all their depositors. In the third quarter, Arrow paid down $5 million of the balance outstanding and replaced the remaining $95 million in the fourth quarter with lower cost brokered CDs.
58
Municipal Deposits:Fluctuations in balances of interest-bearing checking accounts are often the result of timing and behavior of municipal deposits. Municipal deposits have historically averaged between 20% to 30% of total deposits. Municipal deposits are typically placed in interest-bearing checking, savings and various time deposit accounts.
In general, there is a seasonal pattern to municipal deposits which dip to a low point in August each year. Account balances tend to increase throughout the fall and into early winter from tax deposits, flatten out after the beginning of the ensuing calendar year, and increase again at the end of March from the electronic deposit of NYS aid payments to school districts. In addition to seasonal behavior, the overall level of municipal deposit balances fluctuates from year-to-year as a result of local economic factors as well as competition from other banks and non-bank entities.
Arrow uses reciprocal deposits for a select group of municipalities to reduce the amount of investment securities required to be pledged as collateral for municipal deposits where municipal deposits in excess of the FDIC insurance coverage limits were transferred to other participating banks, divided into portions so as to qualify such transferred deposits for FDIC insurance coverage at each transferee bank. In return, reciprocal amounts are transferred to Arrow in equal amounts of deposits from the participant banks. The balances of reciprocal deposits were $700.6 million and $618.9 million at September 30, 2024 and September 30, 2023, respectively.
Uninsured Deposits: Arrow's deposit base includes both insured and uninsured deposits. Arrow continually monitors levels and composition of uninsured deposits. Uninsured deposit balances at September 30, 2024 were less than 30% of the total deposit base.
59
FINANCIAL CONDITION
Investment Portfolio Trends
The table below presents the changes in the period-end balances for available-for-sale, held-to-maturity and equity securities from December 31, 2023 to September 30, 2024 (in thousands):
(Dollars in Thousands)
Fair Value at Period-End
Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) For Period Ended
9/30/2024
12/31/2023
Change
9/30/2024
12/31/2023
Change
Securities Available-for-Sale:
U.S. Treasury Securities
$
50,024
$
74,004
$
(23,980)
$
229
$
243
$
(14)
U.S. Agency Securities
141,350
152,925
(11,575)
(3,650)
(7,075)
3,425
State and Municipal Obligations
240
280
(40)
—
—
—
Mortgage-Backed Securities
244,496
269,760
(25,264)
(27,512)
(35,401)
7,889
Corporate and Other Debt Securities
957
800
157
(43)
(200)
157
Total
$
437,067
$
497,769
$
(60,702)
$
(30,976)
$
(42,433)
$
11,457
Securities Held-to-Maturity:
State and Municipal Obligations
$
95,070
$
120,293
$
(25,223)
$
(1,205)
$
(2,157)
$
952
Mortgage-Backed Securities
6,859
8,544
(1,685)
(203)
(401)
198
Total
$
101,929
$
128,837
$
(26,908)
$
(1,408)
$
(2,558)
$
1,150
Equity Securities
$
5,089
$
1,925
$
3,164
$
—
$
—
$
—
The table below presents the weighted average yield for available-for-sale and held-to-maturity securities, at amortized cost, as of September 30, 2024 (in thousands).
September 30, 2024
Within One Year
After One But Within Five Years
After Five But Within Ten Years
After Ten Years
Total
Amount
Yield
Amount
Yield
Amount
Yield
Amount
Yield
Amount
Yield
Securities Available-for-Sale:
U.S. Treasury Securities
$
24,846
5.2
%
$
24,949
4.7
%
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
49,795
4.9
%
U.S. Agency Securities
60,000
2.6
%
85,000
1.3
%
—
—
%
—
—
%
145,000
1.8
%
State and Municipal Obligations
—
—
%
—
—
%
240
6.8
%
—
%
240
6.8
%
Mortgage-Backed Securities
2,012
2.6
%
170,711
1.5
%
99,285
1.8
%
—
—
%
272,008
1.7
%
Corporate and Other Debt Securities
—
%
1,000
8.4
%
—
—
%
—
—
%
1,000
8.4
%
Total
$
86,858
3.3
%
$
281,660
1.8
%
$
99,525
1.8
%
$
—
—
%
$
468,043
2.1
%
Securities Held-to-Maturity:
State and Municipal Obligations
$
52,575
3.3
%
$
41,373
2.8
%
$
2,321
4.3
%
$
6
6.7
%
$
96,275
3.1
%
Mortgage-Backed Securities
—
—
%
7,062
2.5
%
—
—
%
—
—
%
7,062
2.5
%
Corporate and Other Debt Securities
—
—
%
—
—
%
—
—
%
—
—
%
—
—
%
Total
$
52,575
3.3
%
$
48,435
2.7
%
$
2,321
4.3
%
$
6
6.7
%
$
103,337
3.0
%
At September 30, 2024, Arrow held no investment securities in the securities portfolios that consisted of or included, directly or indirectly, obligations of foreign governments or governmental agencies of foreign issuers.
In the periods referenced above, mortgage-backed securities consisted solely of mortgage pass-through securities and collateralized mortgage obligations (CMOs) issued or guaranteed by U.S. federal agencies or by government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs). Mortgage pass-through securities provide to the investor monthly portions of principal and interest pursuant to the contractual obligations of the underlying mortgages. CMOs are pools of mortgage-backed securities, the repayments on which have generally been separated into two or more components (tranches), where each tranche has a separate estimated life and yield. Arrow's practice has been to purchase pass-through securities and CMOs that are issued or guaranteed by U.S. federal agencies or GSEs, and the tranches of CMOs purchased are generally those having shorter average lives and/or durations. Lower market interest rates and/or payment deferrals on underlying loans that make up mortgage-backed security collateral may impact cashflows.
In the periods referenced above, U.S. Government & Agency Obligations consisted solely of agency bonds issued by GSEs. These securities generally pay fixed semi-annual coupons with principle payments at maturity. For some, callable options are included
60
that may impact the timing of these principal payments. Arrow's practice has been to purchase agency securities that are issued or guaranteed by GSEs with limited embedded optionality (call features). Final maturities are generally less than 5 years.
Arrow evaluates available-for-sale debt securities in unrealized loss positions at each measurement date to determine whether the decline in the fair value below the amortized cost basis (impairment) is due to credit-related factors or non-credit related factors. Any impairment that is not credit related is recognized in other comprehensive income, net of applicable taxes. Credit-related impairment is recognized within the allowance for credit losses on the balance sheet, limited to the amount by which the amortized cost basis exceeds the fair value, with a corresponding adjustment to earnings via credit loss expense. Arrow determined that at September 30, 2024, gross unrealized losses were primarily attributable to changes in interest rates, relative to when the investment securities were purchased, and not due to the credit quality of the investment securities. The recent rising interest rate environment resulted in an increase in unrealized losses versus the comparable prior period. Arrow does not intend to sell, nor is it more likely than not that Arrow will be required to sell any securities before recovery of its amortized cost basis, which may be at maturity. Therefore, Arrow carried no allowance for credit loss at September 30, 2024 and there was no credit loss expense recognized by Arrow with respect to the securities portfolio during the nine months ended September 30, 2024.
Arrow's held-to-maturity debt securities are comprised of GSEs and state and municipal obligations. GSE securities carry the explicit and/or implicit guarantee of the U.S. government, are widely recognized as “risk free,” and have a long history of zero credit loss. Arrow performs an analysis of the credit worthiness of municipal obligations to determine if a security is of investment grade. The analysis may include, but may not solely rely upon credit analysis conducted by external credit rating agencies. Arrow determined that the expected credit loss on its held to maturity debt portfolio was immaterial and, therefore, no allowance for credit loss was recorded as of September 30, 2024.
Changes in net unrealized gains or losses during recent periods have been primarily attributable to changes in market rates during the periods in question and not due to the credit-worthiness of the issuers.
Investment Sales, Purchases and Maturities
There were no sales of investment securities within the nine month periods ended September 30, 2024 or 2023.
The following table summarizes purchases of investment securities within the available-for-sale and held-to-maturity portfolios for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, as well as proceeds from the maturity and calls of investment securities within each portfolio for the respective periods presented:
(In Thousands)
Three Months Ended
Nine Months Ended
Purchases:
9/30/2024
9/30/2023
9/30/2024
9/30/2023
Available-for-Sale Portfolio
U.S. Agency Securities
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
Mortgage-Backed Securities
—
—
—
—
Total Purchases
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
Maturities & Calls
$
26,247
$
16,365
$
72,545
$
48,499
(In Thousands)
Three Months Ended
Nine Months Ended
Purchases:
9/30/2024
9/30/2023
9/30/2024
9/30/2023
Held-to-Maturity Portfolio
State and Municipal Obligations
$
7,762
$
4,938
$
8,959
$
7,490
Maturities & Calls
$
3,725
$
7,721
$
36,801
$
41,919
Loan Trends
The following three tables present, for each of the last five quarters, the quarterly average balances by loan type, the percentage of total loans represented by each loan type and the annualized yield of each loan category:
Quarterly Average Loan Balances
(Dollars in Thousands)
Quarter Ended
9/30/2024
6/30/2024
3/31/2024
12/31/2023
9/30/2023
Commercial
$
167,619
$
162,951
$
159,629
$
151,947
$
147,585
Commercial Real Estate
758,402
752,046
749,928
738,305
727,060
Consumer
1,129,100
1,131,794
1,114,415
1,108,660
1,094,994
Residential Real Estate
1,274,752
1,233,494
1,211,869
1,171,350
1,126,601
Total Loans
$
3,329,873
$
3,280,285
$
3,235,841
$
3,170,262
$
3,096,240
61
Percentage of Total Quarterly Average Loans
Quarter Ended
9/30/2024
6/30/2024
3/31/2024
12/31/2023
9/30/2023
Commercial
5.0
%
5.0
%
4.9
%
4.8
%
4.8
%
Commercial Real Estate
22.8
%
22.9
%
23.2
%
23.3
%
23.5
%
Consumer
33.9
%
34.5
%
34.4
%
35.0
%
35.4
%
Residential Real Estate
38.3
%
37.6
%
37.5
%
36.9
%
36.3
%
Total Loans
100.0
%
100.0
%
100.0
%
100.0
%
100.0
%
Quarterly Yield on Loans
Quarter Ended
9/30/2024
6/30/2024
3/31/2024
12/31/2023
9/30/2023
Commercial
5.81
%
5.66
%
5.53
%
5.38
%
4.89
%
Commercial Real Estate
5.25
%
5.18
%
5.07
%
4.88
%
5.19
%
Consumer
5.78
%
5.60
%
5.36
%
5.11
%
4.83
%
Residential Real Estate
4.77
%
4.67
%
4.57
%
4.52
%
4.26
%
Total Loans
5.27
%
5.17
%
5.02
%
4.86
%
4.70
%
The average yield on the loan portfolio was 5.27% for the third quarter of 2024 up 57 basis points from the third quarter of 2023. Market rates have continued to increase, which impacts new loan yields for fixed rate loans, and variable loan yields as these loans reach their repricing dates.
The table below shows the maturity of loans outstanding as of September 30, 2024. Also provided are the amounts due after one year, classified according to fixed interest rates and variable interest rates (in thousands):
September 30, 2024
Within One Year
After One But Within Five Years
After Five But Within 15 Years
After 15 Years
Total
Commercial
$
49,081
$
84,872
$
35,823
$
108
$
169,884
Commercial Real Estate
172,923
292,357
283,642
7,498
756,420
Consumer
9,834
618,665
491,276
466
1,120,241
Residential Real Estate
132,664
84,482
379,309
696,937
1,293,392
Total
$
364,502
$
1,080,376
$
1,190,050
$
705,009
$
3,339,937
After One But Within Five Years
After Five But Within 15 Years
After 15 Years
Total
Loans maturing with:
Fixed Interest Rates
$
747,969
$
849,035
$
700,987
$
2,297,991
Variable Interest Rates
332,408
341,015
4,022
677,445
Total
$
1,080,377
$
1,190,050
$
705,009
$
2,975,436
Maintenance of High Quality Credit in the Loan Portfolio: There have been no significant fluctuations in the quality of the loan portfolio or any segment thereof. In general, residential real estate loans have historically been underwritten to secondary market standards and Arrow has not engaged in subprime mortgage lending as a business line. Similarly, high underwriting standards have generally been applied to the commercial, commercial real estate and indirect lending program as well.
Commercial Loans and Commercial Real Estate Loans: Substantially all commercial and commercial real estate loans in the loan portfolio were extended to businesses or borrowers located in Arrow's regional markets. A portion of the loans in the commercial portfolio have variable rates tied to market indices, such as Prime, SOFR or FHLBNY.
Consumer Loans: At September 30, 2024, consumer loans (primarily automobile loans originated through dealerships located in upstate New York and Vermont) continue to be a significant component of Arrow's business, comprising approximately one third of the total loan portfolio.
62
For credit quality purposes, Arrow assigns potential automobile loan customers into one of four tiers, ranging from lower to higher quality in terms of anticipated credit risk. Arrow's experienced lending staff not only utilizes credit evaluation software tools but also reviews and evaluates each loan individually prior to the loan being funded. Arrow believes that this disciplined approach to evaluating risk has contributed to maintaining the strong credit quality in this portfolio.
Residential Real Estate Loans: Strong demand for residential real estate has continued even as interest rates have increased. Although the projected ongoing rise in the interest rates may impact future demand. Arrow has historically sold portions of originations in the secondary market and resumed the practice beginning in the third quarter of 2024. Sales decreased as the result of the strategic decision to grow the residential loan portfolio as well as current market conditions. The rate at which mortgage loan originations are sold in future periods will depend on a variety of factors, including demand for residential mortgages in our operating markets, market conditions for mortgage sales and strategic balance sheet and interest-rate risk management decisions.
Deposit Trends
The following tables provide information on trends in the balance and mix of the deposit portfolio by presenting, for each of the last five quarters, the quarterly average balances by deposit type and the percentage of total deposits represented by each deposit type. The quarterly average balances increased in 2023 and into 2024. In the first quarter of 2024, Arrow added $175 million of brokered CDs. In addition, due to the current rate environment and increased competitive pricing, deposits have also migrated to higher cost time deposits.
Quarterly Average Deposit Balances
(Dollars in Thousands)
Quarter Ended
9/30/2024
6/30/2024
3/31/2024
12/31/2023
9/30/2023
Noninterest-Bearing Deposits
$
721,311
$
683,077
$
707,265
$
757,739
$
779,037
Interest-Bearing Checking Accounts
785,134
832,087
830,918
801,923
795,627
Savings Deposits
1,492,888
1,487,062
1,481,001
1,509,946
1,505,916
Time Deposits over $250,000
174,028
172,655
177,328
169,854
152,738
Other Time Deposits
498,767
504,076
496,813
354,487
257,710
Total Deposits
$
3,672,128
$
3,678,957
$
3,693,325
$
3,593,949
$
3,491,028
Quarter Ended
9/30/2024
6/30/2024
3/31/2024
12/31/2023
9/30/2023
Non-Municipal Deposits
$
2,852,481
$
2,783,891
$
2,808,605
$
2,693,191
$
2,559,188
Municipal Deposits
819,647
895,066
884,720
900,758
931,840
Total Deposits
$
3,672,128
$
3,678,957
$
3,693,325
$
3,593,949
$
3,491,028
Percentage of Total Quarterly Average Deposits
Quarter Ended
9/30/2024
6/30/2024
3/31/2024
12/31/2023
9/30/2023
Noninterest-Bearing Deposits
19.6
%
18.6
%
19.1
%
21.1
%
22.3
%
Interest-Bearing Checking Accounts
21.4
%
22.6
%
22.5
%
22.3
%
22.8
%
Savings Deposits
40.7
%
40.4
%
40.1
%
42.0
%
43.1
%
Time Deposits over $250,000
4.7
%
4.7
%
4.8
%
4.7
%
4.4
%
Other Time Deposits
13.6
%
13.7
%
13.5
%
9.9
%
7.4
%
Total Deposits
100.0
%
100.0
%
100.0
%
100.0
%
100.0
%
Quarterly Cost of Deposits
Quarter Ended
9/30/2024
6/30/2024
3/31/2024
12/31/2023
9/30/2023
Demand Deposits
—
%
—
%
—
%
—
%
—
%
Interest-Bearing Checking Accounts
1.00
%
0.92
%
0.79
%
0.65
%
0.58
%
Savings Deposits
2.91
%
2.86
%
2.78
%
2.76
%
2.56
%
Time Deposits over $250,000
4.12
%
4.35
%
4.47
%
4.22
%
3.81
%
Other Time Deposits
3.94
%
4.05
%
4.11
%
3.81
%
3.16
%
Total Deposits
2.12
%
2.12
%
2.06
%
1.88
%
1.64
%
For the quarter ended September 30, 2024, the total cost of deposits remained consistent with the previous quarter and increased 48 basis points from the comparable prior year quarter. The Federal Funds rate increased throughout 2023 and has remained elevated
63
for the first half of 2024. In the third quarter of 2024, the targeted Federal Funds rate fell 50 basis points and future rate decreases are possible. Arrow is well positioned for a variety of rate environments, see Part I, Item 3, entitled "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk," on page 74 for further discussion.
Non-Deposit Sources of Funds
Arrow's other sources of funds include securities sold under agreements to repurchase, term advances from the FHLBNY and BTFP advances. The securities sold under agreements to repurchase are offered to existing customers, short-term in nature and are collateralized by investment securities. The remaining term advance from the FHLBNY is a fixed rate non-callable advance that will mature within one year. The BTFP advances were scheduled to mature in less than 12 months and had a weighted average interest rate of 4.76%. In the third quarter, Arrow paid down $5 million of the balance outstanding and replaced the remaining $95 million in the fourth quarter with lower cost brokered CDs.
The $20 million principal amount of Junior Subordinated Obligations Issued to Unconsolidated Subsidiary Trusts listed on the consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2024 (i.e., previously issued TRUPs) will, subject to certain limits, continue to qualify as Tier 1 regulatory capital for Arrow until such TRUPs mature or are redeemed. This is further discussed under "Capital Resources" beginning on page 66 of this Report.
64
ASSET QUALITY
The following table presents information related to the allowance and provision for credit losses for the past five quarters:
Summary of the Allowance and Provision for Credit Losses
(Dollars in Thousands, Loans Stated Net of Unearned Income)
9/30/2024
6/30/2024
3/31/2024
12/31/2023
9/30/2023
Loan Balances:
Period-End Loans
$
3,339,937
$
3,315,523
$
3,258,758
$
3,212,908
$
3,138,617
Average Loans, Year-to-Date
3,282,175
3,258,063
3,235,841
3,074,261
3,041,909
Average Loans, Quarter-to-Date
3,329,873
3,280,285
3,235,841
3,170,262
3,096,240
Period-End Assets
4,411,449
4,244,407
4,333,623
4,169,868
4,272,911
Allowance for Credit Losses, Year-to-Date:
Allowance for Credit Losses, Beginning of Period
$
31,265
$
31,265
$
31,265
$
29,952
$
29,952
Provision for Credit Losses, YTD
2,326
1,392
617
3,381
2,856
Loans Charged-off, YTD
(4,562)
(3,133)
(1,283)
(5,177)
(3,812)
Recoveries of Loans Previously Charged-off
2,233
1,485
962
3,109
2,116
Net Charge-offs, YTD
(2,329)
(1,648)
(321)
(2,068)
(1,696)
Allowance for Credit Losses, End of Period
$
31,262
$
31,009
$
31,561
$
31,265
$
31,112
Nonperforming Assets, at Period-End:
Nonaccrual Loans
$
21,047
$
20,118
$
20,244
$
20,645
$
6,023
Loans Past Due 90 or More Days and Still Accruing Interest
816
915
1,147
452
251
Restructured and in Compliance with Modified Terms
30
36
49
54
60
Total Nonperforming Loans
21,893
21,069
21,440
21,151
6,334
Repossessed Assets
322
239
312
312
344
Other Real Estate Owned
76
34
—
—
182
Total Nonperforming Assets
$
22,291
$
21,342
$
21,752
$
21,463
$
6,860
Asset Quality Ratios:
Allowance to Nonperforming Loans
142.79
%
147.18
%
147.21
%
147.82
%
491.19
%
Allowance to Period-End Loans
0.94
%
0.94
%
0.97
%
0.97
%
0.99
%
Provision to Average Loans (Quarter) (1)
0.11
%
0.10
%
0.08
%
0.07
%
0.05
%
Provision to Average Loans (YTD) (1)
0.09
%
0.09
%
0.08
%
0.11
%
0.13
%
Net Charge-offs to Average Loans (Quarter) (1)
0.08
%
0.16
%
0.04
%
0.05
%
0.05
%
Net Charge-offs to Average Loans (YTD) (1)
0.09
%
0.10
%
0.04
%
0.07
%
0.07
%
Nonperforming Loans to Total Loans
0.66
%
0.64
%
0.66
%
0.66
%
0.20
%
Nonperforming Assets to Total Assets
0.51
%
0.50
%
0.50
%
0.51
%
0.16
%
(1) Annualized
Provision for Credit Losses
Through the provision for credit losses, an allowance for credit losses is maintained that reflects the best estimate of the calculated expected credit losses in Arrow's loan portfolio as of the balance sheet date. Additions are made to the allowance for credit losses through a periodic provision for credit losses. Actual credit losses are charged against the allowance for credit losses when loans are deemed uncollectible and recoveries of amounts previously charged off are recorded as credits to the allowance for credit losses.
Arrow loan officers and risk managers meet at least quarterly to discuss and review the conditions and risks associated with certain criticized and classified commercial-related relationships. In addition, the independent internal loan review department performs periodic reviews of the credit quality indicators on individual loans in the commercial loan portfolio.
CECL calculates losses over the life of a loan or financial instrument. Arrow and its subsidiaries utilize a loss projection model updated with data from our core systems, and incorporates various assumptions to produce the CECL reserve. A CECL Steering Committee was created to provide a management governance function to review, critically challenge and approve components of the CECL reporting process. One key responsibility of the CECL Steering Committee is to review annually the key assumptions utilized in the CECL calculation including loan segmentation, loan loss regression analysis, reasonable and supportable forecast period, reversion period, discounted cash flow inputs including economic forecast data and prepayment and curtailment speeds and qualitative factors.
The September 30, 2024 allowance for credit losses calculation incorporated a reasonable and supportable forecast period to account for economic conditions utilized in the measurement. The quantitative model utilized a six-quarter economic forecast sourced from reputable third-parties that projects a negative change of approximately 0.25% in the forecasted national unemployment rate, forecasted gross domestic product projected to improve by approximately 0.07%, and the home price index (HPI) forecast to increase by approximately 0.20% from the previous quarter economic forecast. The overall change in the allowance from June 30, 2024 was primarily driven by the following factors: net loan growth contributed $335 thousand, changes in macro economic conditions reduced
65
the allowance by $82 thousand, and net charge-offs of $681 thousand. The third quarter provision for credit losses was $934 thousand. In addition, Arrow recorded an increase for estimated credit losses on off-balance sheet credit exposures in other liabilities of $234 thousand in the third quarter of 2024.
See Note 2 to the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements for additional discussion related to CECL.
The ratio of the allowance for credit losses to total loans was 0.94% at September 30, 2024, consistent with June 30, 2024, and a decrease from 0.99% at September 30, 2023.
The accounting policy relating to the allowance for credit losses is considered to be a critical accounting policy, given the uncertainty involved in evaluating the level of the allowance required to cover credit losses in the loan portfolio, and the material effect that such judgments may have on the results of operations. The process for determining the provision for credit losses is described in Note 5 to the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.
Risk Elements
Nonperforming assets at September 30, 2024 amounted to $22.3 million, an increase from the $21.5 million at December 31, 2023 and an increase from $6.9 million at September 30, 2023. For the three month periods ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, ratios of nonperforming assets to total assets have remained fairly consistent to the average ratios for the peer group. (See page 48 for a discussion of the peer group.) At June 30, 2024, the ratio of loans past due 90 or more days plus nonaccrual loans plus other real estate owned to total assets was 0.50% as compared to the 0.43% ratio of the peer group at such date (the latest date for which peer group information is available). At September 30, 2024 the ratio was 0.51%.
The following table presents the balance of other non-current loans at period-end as to which interest income was being accrued (i.e., loans 30 to 89 days past due, as defined in bank regulatory guidelines). These non-current loans are not included in nonperforming assets, but entail heightened risk:
Loans Past Due 30-89 Days and Accruing Interest ($ in 000's)
9/30/2024
12/31/2023
9/30/2023
Commercial Loans
$
737
$
319
$
306
Commercial Real Estate Loans
323
636
15,764
Residential Real Estate Loans
2,070
4,245
1,711
Consumer Loans - Primarily Indirect Automobile
17,046
19,063
16,817
Total Loans Past Due 30-89 Days and Accruing Interest
$
20,176
$
24,263
$
34,598
At September 30, 2024, the loans in the above-referenced category totaled $20.2 million, a decrease from the $24.3 million of such loans at December 31, 2023. The September 30, 2024 total of non-current loans equaled 0.60% of loans then outstanding, compared to 0.76% at December 31, 2023 and 1.10% at September 30, 2023.
The number and dollar amount of performing loans that demonstrate characteristics of potential weakness from time-to-time (potential problem loans) typically is a very small percentage of the loan portfolio. See the table of Credit Quality Indicators in Note 5 to the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements. Arrow considers all performing commercial and commercial real estate loans classified as substandard or lower (as reported in Note 5) to be potential problem loans. These loans will continue to be closely monitored and Arrow currently expects to collect all payments of contractual principal and interest in full on these classified loans.
As of September 30, 2024, Arrow held two other real estate owned properties. At this time, Arrow does not expect to acquire a significant number of other real estate properties in the near term as a result of payment defaults or the foreclosure process.
CAPITAL RESOURCES
Regulatory Capital Standards
Capital Adequacy Requirements. An important area of banking regulation is the federal banking system's promulgation and enforcement of minimum capitalization standards for banks and bank holding companies.
In 2020, federal bank regulators introduced an optional simplified measure of capital adequacy for qualifying community banking organizations (the "CBLR Framework"). A qualifying community banking organization that opts into the CBLR Framework and meets all the requirements under the CBLR Framework will be considered to have met the well-capitalized ratio requirements under the “prompt corrective action” regulations and will not be required to report or calculate risk-based capital ratios. Arrow and both subsidiary banks have opted out of utilizing the CBLR framework. Therefore, the Capital Rules remain applicable to Arrow.
The following is a summary of certain definitions of capital under the various capital measures in the Capital Rules:
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital (CET1): Equals the sum of common stock instruments and related surplus (net of treasury stock), retained earnings, AOCI, and qualifying minority interests, minus applicable regulatory adjustments and deductions. Such deductions will include AOCI, if the organization has exercised its irrevocable option not to include AOCI in capital (Arrow made such an election). Mortgage-servicing assets, deferred tax assets, and investments in financial institutions are limited to 15% of CET1 in the aggregate and 10% of CET1 for each such item individually.
Additional Tier 1 Capital: Equals the sum of noncumulative perpetual preferred stock, tier 1 minority interests, grandfathered TRUPs, and Troubled Asset Relief Program instruments, minus applicable regulatory adjustments and deductions.
66
Tier 2 Capital: Equals the sum of subordinated debt and preferred stock, total capital minority interests not included in Tier 1, and allowance for loan and lease losses (not exceeding 1.25% of risk-weighted assets) minus applicable regulatory adjustments and deductions.
The following table presents the minimum regulatory capital ratios applicable to Arrow and its subsidiary banks under the current Capital Rules:
Capital Ratio
2024
Minimum CET1 Ratio
4.500
%
Capital Conservation Buffer ("Buffer")
2.500
%
Minimum CET1 Ratio Plus Buffer
7.000
%
Minimum Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital Ratio
6.000
%
Minimum Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital Ratio Plus Buffer
8.500
%
Minimum Total Risk-Based Capital Ratio
8.000
%
Minimum Total Risk-Based Capital Ratio Plus Buffer
10.500
%
Minimum Leverage Ratio
4.000
%
These minimum capital ratios, especially the minimum CET1 ratio (4.5%) and the enhanced minimum Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio (6.0%), represent a heightened and more restrictive capital regime than institutions like Arrow previously had to meet under the prior capital rules.
At September 30, 2024, Arrow's subsidiary banks exceeded by a substantial amount each of the applicable minimum capital ratios established under the Capital Rules, including the minimum CET1 Ratio, the minimum Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital Ratio, the minimum Total Risk-Based Capital Ratio, and the minimum Leverage Ratio, including in the case of each risk-based ratio, the capital buffer.
Prompt Corrective Action Capital Classifications. Under applicable banking law, federal banking regulators are required to take prompt corrective action with respect to depository institutions that do not meet certain minimum capital requirements. For these purposes, the regulators have established five capital classifications for banking institutions, ranging from the highest category of "well-capitalized" to the lowest category of "critically under-capitalized". Under the current capital classifications, a banking institution is considered "well-capitalized" if it meets the following capitalization standards on the date of measurement: a CET1 risk-based capital ratio of 6.50% or greater, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 8.00% or greater, a total risk-based capital ratio of 10.00% or greater, and a Tier 1 leverage ratio of 5.00% or greater, provided the institution is not subject to any regulatory order or written directive regarding capital maintenance. Federal banking law also ties the ability of banking organizations to engage in certain types of activities and to utilize certain procedures to such organizations' continuing to qualify for inclusion in one of the two highest rankings of these capitalization categories, i.e., as "well-capitalized" or "adequately capitalized."
Current Capital Ratios: The table below sets forth the regulatory capital ratios of Arrow and its subsidiary banks under the current Capital Rules, as of September 30, 2024:
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital Ratio
Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital Ratio
Total Risk-Based Capital Ratio
Tier 1 Leverage Ratio
Arrow Financial Corporation
12.77
%
13.41
%
14.46
%
9.78
%
Glens Falls National Bank & Trust Co.
12.97
%
12.97
%
13.94
%
8.75
%
Saratoga National Bank & Trust Co.
12.04
%
12.04
%
13.24
%
9.41
%
FDICIA's Prompt Corrective Action - "Well-Capitalized" Standard (2019)
6.50
%
8.00
%
10.00
%
5.00
%
Regulatory Minimum
7.00%(1)
8.50%(1)
10.50%(1)
4.00
%
(1) Including the fully phased-in 2.50% capital conservation buffer
At September 30, 2024, Arrow's subsidiary banks exceeded the minimum regulatory capital ratios established under the current Capital Rules and each also qualified as "well-capitalized", the highest category in the new capital classification scheme established by federal bank regulatory agencies under the "prompt corrective action" standards, as described above.
Capital Components; Stock Repurchases; Dividends
Stockholders' Equity:Stockholders’ equity was $393.3 million at September 30, 2024, an increase of $13.5 million, or 3.6%, from the December 31, 2023 level of $379.8 million. The increase in stockholders' equity over the first nine months of 2024 principally reflected the following factors: the addition of (i) $25.2 million of net income for the period, (ii) other comprehensive gain of $7.4 million and (iii) the issuance of $0.9 million of common stock through employee benefit and dividend reinvestment plans, reduced by (iv) cash dividends of $13.6 million and (v) repurchases of common stock of $6.5 million.
Trust Preferred Securities:In each of 2003 and 2004, Arrow issued $10 million of TRUPs in a private placement. Under the FRB's regulatory capital rules then in effect, TRUPs proceeds typically qualified as Tier 1 capital for bank holding companies such as Arrow,
67
but only in amounts up to 25% of Tier 1 capital, net of goodwill less any associated deferred tax liability. Under the Dodd-Frank Act, any trust preferred securities that Arrow might issue on or after the grandfathering date set forth in Dodd-Frank (May 19, 2010) would not qualify as Tier 1 capital under bank regulatory capital guidelines. For Arrow, TRUPs outstanding prior to the grandfathering cutoff date set forth in Dodd-Frank (May 19, 2010) would continue to qualify as Tier 1 capital until maturity or redemption, subject to limitations. Thus, Arrow's outstanding TRUPs continue to qualify as Tier 1 regulatory capital, subject to such limitations.
In the first quarter of 2020, Arrow entered into interest rate swap agreements to synthetically fix the variable rate interest payments associated with $20 million in outstanding subordinated trust securities. The effective fixed rate is 3.43% until maturity. These agreements are designated as cash flow hedges.
Stock Repurchase Program: On October 25, 2023, the Board expanded its existing stock repurchase program (the "2022 Repurchase Program") by $5 million, bringing the total availability under the repurchase program to $9.1 million, and removed the expiration date previously incorporated into the 2022 Repurchase Program. The 2022 Repurchase Program allowed Arrow to repurchase shares of its common stock in open-market or negotiated transactions. Arrow resumed repurchasing its shares in the fourth quarter of 2023. In the first half of 2024, Arrow repurchased approximately $6.4 million (263,000 shares of its common stock) under the 2022 Repurchase Program and fully utilized the $9.1 million authorized program amount.
On April 24, 2024, the Board approved a new stock repurchase program (the "2024 Repurchase Program"), under which the Board authorized management, in its discretion, to repurchase from time to time, in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions, up to $5 million of Arrow common stock.
From time to time, Arrow may establish a written trading plan in accordance with Rule 10b5-1 of the Exchange Act, pursuant to which it may repurchase shares of its common stock. Additional repurchases may be made by Arrow, at times and in amounts as it deems appropriate, and may be made through open market transactions in compliance with Rule 10b-18 of the Exchange Act, subject to market conditions, applicable legal requirements, and other factors.
In addition, a de minimis portion of Arrow's common stock was purchased during the nine months ended September 30, 2024 other than through its repurchase program, i.e., through purchases in the open market under the ESOP and the surrender or deemed surrender of Arrow common stock to Arrow in connection with employees' stock-for-stock exercises of compensatory stock options to buy Arrow common stock.
Dividends:Arrow's common stock is traded on NasdaqGS® under the symbol AROW. The high and low stock prices for the past seven quarters listed below represent actual sales transactions, as reported by NASDAQ. Per share amounts and share counts in the following tables have been restated for the September 26, 2023 3% stock dividend.
Cash
Market Price
Dividends
Low
High
Declared
2023
First Quarter
$
23.57
$
33.49
$
0.262
Second Quarter
17.12
24.19
0.262
Third Quarter
16.38
21.60
0.262
Fourth Quarter
16.70
29.66
0.270
2024
First Quarter
$
23.11
$
28.62
$
0.270
Second Quarter
21.50
26.14
0.270
Third Quarter
25.17
32.92
0.270
Fourth Quarter (dividend paid October 29, 2024)
TBD
TBD
0.280
Quarter Ended September 30
2024
2023
Cash Dividends Per Share
$
0.270
$
0.262
Diluted Earnings Per Share
0.53
0.46
Dividend Payout Ratio
50.94
%
56.96
%
Total Equity (in thousands)
393,311
$
360,014
Shares Issued and Outstanding (in thousands)
16,734
17,049
Book Value Per Share
$
23.50
$
21.12
Intangible Assets (in thousands)
25,979
23,078
Tangible Book Value Per Share
$
21.95
$
19.76
LIQUIDITY
The objective of effective liquidity management is to ensure that Arrow has the ability to raise cash when needed at a reasonable cost. This includes the capability of meeting expected and unexpected obligations to Arrow's customers at any time. Given the uncertain nature of customer demands and the need to maximize earnings, Arrow must have available reasonably priced sources of funds, both on- and off-balance sheet, that can be accessed quickly in times of need. Arrow’s liquidity position should provide the
68
Company with the necessary flexibility to address any unexpected near-term disruptions such as reduced cash flows from the investment and loan portfolio, unexpected deposit runoff, or increased loan originations.
Arrow's primary sources of available liquidity are overnight investments in federal funds sold, interest-bearing bank balances at the FRBNY, and cash flow from investment securities and loans. Certain investment securities are categorized as available-for-sale at time of purchase based on their marketability and collateral value, as well as their yield and maturity. The securities available-for-sale portfolio was $437.1 million at September 30, 2024, a decrease of $60.7 million, from the year-end 2023 level. Due to the potential for volatility in market values, Arrow may not always be able to sell securities on short notice at their carrying value, even to provide needed liquidity. Arrow also held interest-bearing cash balances at September 30, 2024 of $286.1 million compared to $105.8 million at December 31, 2023.
In addition to liquidity from cash, short-term investments, investment securities and loans, Arrow has supplemented available operating liquidity with additional off-balance sheet sources such as a federal funds lines of credit with correspondent banks and credit lines with the FHLBNY. The federal funds lines of credit are with two correspondent banks totaling $28 million which were not drawn on during the nine months ended September 30, 2024.
To support the borrowing relationship with the FHLBNY, Arrow has pledged collateral, including residential mortgage, home equity and commercial real estate loans. At September 30, 2024, Arrow had outstanding collateralized obligations with the FHLBNY of $9 million; as of that date, the unused borrowing capacity at the FHLBNY was approximately $557 million. Brokered deposits have also been identified as an available source of funding accessible in a relatively short time period. At September 30, 2024, there were $175 million in brokered CD deposits. In addition, Arrow's two bank subsidiaries have each established a borrowing facility with the FRBNY, pledging certain consumer loans as collateral for potential "discount window" advances, which are maintained for contingency liquidity purposes. At September 30, 2024, the amount available under this facility was approximately $774 million in the aggregate, and there were no advances then outstanding.
Arrow performs regular liquidity stress tests and tests of the contingent liquidity plan to ensure that an adequate amount of available funds can be generated to meet a wide variety of potential liquidity events. Additionally, Arrow continually monitors levels and composition of uninsured deposits.
Arrow measures and monitors basic liquidity as a ratio of liquid assets to total short-term liabilities, both with and without the availability of borrowing arrangements. Based on the level of overnight investments, available liquidity from the investment securities portfolio, cash flows from the loan portfolio, the stable core deposit base and the significant borrowing capacity, Arrow believes that the available liquidity is sufficient to meet all reasonably likely events or occurrences. At September 30, 2024, Arrow's primary liquidity ratio was approximately 11.0% of total assets, well in excess of the internal policy limit of 5%. Total primary liquidity was approximately $483 million, comprised of $340 million of unencumbered cash and $143 million in unencumbered securities.
Arrow did not experience any liquidity constraints in the nine month period ended September 30, 2024, in 2023 or in any recent prior period. Arrow has not at any time during such periods been forced to pay above-market rates to obtain retail deposits or other funds from any source.
69
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Three Months Ended September 30, 2024 Compared With
Three Months Ended September 30, 2023
Summary of Earnings Performance
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Three Months Ended
September 30, 2024
September 30, 2023
Change
% Change
Net Income
$
8,975
$
7,743
$
1,232
15.9
%
Diluted Earnings Per Share
0.53
0.46
0.07
15.2
%
Return on Average Assets
0.84
%
0.75
%
0.09
%
12.0
%
Return on Average Equity
9.20
%
8.47
%
0.73
%
8.6
%
Net income was $9.0 million and diluted EPS of $0.53 for the third quarter of 2024, compared to net income of $7.7 million and diluted EPS of $0.46 for the third quarter of 2023. Return on average assets for the third quarter of 2024 was 0.84%, an increase from 0.75% in the third quarter of 2023. In addition, return on average equity increased to 9.20% for the third quarter of 2024, from 8.47% in the third quarter of 2023.
The following narrative discusses the quarter-to-quarter changes in net interest income, non-interest income, non-interest expense and income taxes:
Net Interest Income
Summary of Net Interest Income
(Dollars in Thousands)
Three Months Ended
September 30, 2024
September 30, 2023
Change
% Change
Interest and Dividend Income
$
49,443
$
42,117
$
7,326
17.4
%
Interest Expense
21,005
16,764
4,241
25.3
%
Net Interest Income
28,438
25,353
3,085
12.2
%
Average Earning Assets(1)
4,075,162
3,973,747
101,415
2.6
%
Average Interest-Bearing Liabilities
3,085,066
2,920,518
164,548
5.6
%
Yield on Earning Assets(1)
4.83
%
4.20
%
0.63
%
15.0
%
Cost of Interest-Bearing Liabilities
2.71
2.28
0.43
18.9
%
Net Interest Spread
2.12
1.92
0.20
10.4
%
Net Interest Margin
2.78
2.53
0.25
9.9
%
(1) Includes Nonaccrual Loans.
Net interest income for the recently completed quarter increased by $3.1 million, or 12.2%, from the third quarter of 2023. Interest and fees on loans were $44.1 million for the third quarter of 2024, an increase from $36.7 million for the quarter ending September 30, 2023, primarily due to loan growth and higher loan rates. Interest expense for the third quarter of 2024 was $21.0 million, an increase of $4.2 million versus the comparable quarter ending September 30, 2023, primarily due to higher deposit rates and changes in deposit composition. Net interest margin increased 25 basis points in the third quarter of 2024 to 2.78%, from 2.53% during the third quarter of 2023. Average earning asset yields were 63 basis points higher as compared to the third quarter of 2023. The cost of interest-bearing liabilities increased 43 basis points from the quarter ended September 30, 2023. Arrow defines net interest margin as net interest income divided by average earning assets, annualized. Further detailed information is presented above under the section entitled "Average Consolidated Balance Sheets and Net Interest Income Analysis" on page 54 The impact of recent interest rate changes on Arrow's deposit and loan portfolios are discussed above in this Report under the sections entitled "Deposit Trends" on page 63 and "Loan Trends" on page 61.
As discussed previously under the heading "Asset Quality" beginning on page 65, the provision for loan losses for the third quarter of 2024 was $934 thousand, compared to a provision of $354 thousand for the third quarter of 2023.
70
Non-interest Income
Summary of Non-interest Income
(Dollars in Thousands)
Three Months Ended
September 30, 2024
September 30, 2023
Change
% Change
Income From Fiduciary Activities
$
2,429
$
2,378
$
51
2.1
%
Fees for Other Services to Customers
2,881
2,761
120
4.3
%
Insurance Commissions
1,955
1,695
260
15.3
%
Net Gain on Securities
94
71
23
32.4
%
Net Gain on the Sale of Loans
126
21
105
500.0
%
Other Operating Income
648
1,124
(476)
(42.3)
%
Total Non-interest Income
$
8,133
$
8,050
$
83
1.0
%
Total non-interest income in the current quarter was $8.1 million, an increase of $83 thousand from the comparable quarter of 2023. Income from fiduciary activities for the third quarter of 2024 remained fairly consistent with the third quarter of 2023. Assets under trust administration and investment management at September 30, 2024 were $1.94 billion, an increase from $1.63 billion at September 30, 2023.
Fees for other services to customers were $2.9 million for the third quarter of 2024 an increase of $120 thousand as compared to the third quarter of 2023.
Insurance commissions were $2.0 million for the third quarter of 2024, an increase of $260 thousand or 15.3%, as compared to the third quarter of 2023. The increase was partially attributable to the A&B Acquisition which occurred in the third quarter of 2024.
Net gain on securities of $94 thousand for the third quarter of 2024 was the result of an increase in the fair value of equity securities from December 31, 2023. The change in other operating income from the comparable prior-year quarter was primarily driven by one-time proceeds from bank-owned life insurance received in the third quarter of 2023.
Non-interest Expense
Summary of Non-interest Expense
(Dollars in Thousands)
Three Months Ended
September 30, 2024
September 30, 2023
Change
% Change
Salaries and Employee Benefits
$
13,446
$
11,988
$
1,458
12.2
%
Occupancy Expense of Premises, Net
1,754
1,517
237
15.6
%
Technology and Equipment Expense
4,692
4,371
321
7.3
%
FDIC and FICO Assessments
698
515
183
35.5
%
Amortization
78
43
35
81.4
%
Other Operating Expense
3,432
5,045
(1,613)
(32.0)
%
Total Non-interest Expense
$
24,100
$
23,479
$
621
2.6
%
Efficiency Ratio
65.59
%
69.93
%
(4.3)
%
(6.1)
%
Non-interest expense for the third quarter of 2024 was $24.1 million, an increase of $0.6 million, or 2.6%, from the third quarter of 2023. Salaries and benefit expenses increased $1.5 million, or 12.2%, from the comparable quarter in 2023 primarily driven by the overall growth in organization and inflation driven wage increases. Technology expenses in the third quarter increased $321 thousand, or 7.3%, from the third quarter of 2023. In the third quarter of 2024, FDIC assessments increased $183 thousand from the third quarter of 2023, primarily the result of increase in the balance sheet. Other operating expense decreased from the prior year, primarily due to the resolution of the prior year's filing delays and related matters.
Income Taxes
Summary of Income Taxes
(Dollars in Thousands)
Three Months Ended
September 30, 2024
September 30, 2023
Change
% Change
Provision for Income Taxes
$
2,562
$
1,827
$
735
40.2
%
Effective Tax Rate
22.2
%
19.1
%
3.1
%
16.2
%
The increase in the effective tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2023 was primarily due to a change in pre-tax income combined with a decrease in the amount of tax advantaged earning assets as a percentage of total earning assets.
71
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024 Compared With
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023
Summary of Earnings Performance
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2024
September 30, 2023
Change
% Change
Net Income
$
25,239
$
22,352
$
2,887
12.9
%
Diluted Earnings Per Share
1.50
1.31
0.19
14.5
Return on Average Assets
0.79
%
0.74
%
0.05
%
6.8
Return on Average Equity
8.83
%
8.25
%
0.58
%
7.0
Net income was $25.2 million and diluted EPS was $1.50 for the first nine months of 2024, compared to net income of $22.4 million and diluted EPS of $1.31 for the first nine months of 2023. ROA for the first nine months of 2024 was 0.79%, an increase from 0.74% for the first nine months of 2023. In addition, ROE increased to 8.83% for the first nine months of 2024 from 8.25% for the first nine months of 2023.
The following narrative discusses the period-to-period changes in net interest income, non-interest income, non-interest expense and income taxes:
Net Interest Income
Summary of Net Interest Income
(Dollars in Thousands)
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2024
September 30, 2023
Change
% Change
Interest and Dividend Income
$
144,092
$
118,240
$
25,852
21.9
%
Interest Expense
62,047
39,021
23,026
59.0
%
Net Interest Income
82,045
79,219
2,826
3.6
%
Average Earning Assets (1)
4,081,436
3,924,875
156,561
4.0
%
Average Interest-Bearing Liabilities
3,106,778
2,876,360
230,418
8.0
%
Yield on Earning Assets (1)
4.72
%
4.03
%
0.69
%
17.1
%
Cost of Interest-Bearing Liabilities
2.67
1.81
0.86
47.5
%
Net Interest Spread
2.05
2.22
(0.17)
(7.7)
%
Net Interest Margin
2.69
2.70
(0.01)
(0.4)
%
(1) Includes Nonaccrual Loans.
Net interest income for the first nine months of 2024 increased $2.8 million, or 3.6%, as compared to the first nine months of 2023. Total loans at September 30, 2024 increased $201.3 million from September 30, 2023. Investments decreased $117.0 million from September 30, 2023. At September 30, 2024, deposit balances were $3.8 billion. The decline of deposits from September 30, 2023 to September 30, 2024 was $171.0 million, or 4.7%. Net interest margin for the first nine months of 2024 decreased 1 basis point to 2.69%, from 2.70% for the first nine months of 2023. Average earning asset yields were 69 basis points higher as compared to the first nine months of 2023, primarily due to higher market rates. The cost of interest-bearing liabilities increased 86 basis points from the first nine months of 2023. Arrow defines net interest margin as net interest income divided by average earning assets, annualized. Further detailed information is presented above under the section entitled "Average Consolidated Balance Sheets and Net Interest Income Analysis." The impact of recent interest rate changes on Arrow's deposit and loan portfolios are discussed above in this Report under the sections entitled "Deposit Trends" on page 63 and "Loan Trends" on page 61.
As discussed previously under the heading "Asset Quality" beginning on page 65, the provision for loan losses for the first nine months of 2024 was $2.3 million, compared to $2.9 million for the first nine months of 2023.
72
Non-interest Income
Summary of Non-interest Income
(Dollars in Thousands)
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2024
September 30, 2023
Change
% Change
Income From Fiduciary Activities
7,337
7,081
$
256
3.6
%
Fees for Other Services to Customers
8,130
8,073
57
0.7
Insurance Commissions
5,299
4,775
524
11.0
Net Gain (Loss) on Securities
165
(214)
379
(177.1)
Net Gain on the Sale of Loans
135
25
110
440.0
Other Operating Income
2,781
1,893
888
46.9
Total Non-interest Income
$
23,847
$
21,633
$
2,214
10.2
%
Total non-interest income for the first nine months of 2024 was $23.8 million, an increase of $2.2 million from the first nine months of 2023. Income from fiduciary activities for the first nine months of 2024 increased by 3.6% from the first nine months of 2023, primarily due to market performance. For the first nine months of 2024, Arrow has been able to maintain a stable customer base.
Fees for other services to customers were $8.1 million for the first nine months of 2024 relatively consistent with the prior year comparative period.
Insurance commissions were $5.3 million for the first nine months of 2024, an increase of $524 thousand or 11.0%, from the first nine months of 2023. The increase was partially attributable to the A&B Acquisition which occurred in the third quarter of 2024.
Net loss on security transactions of $165 thousand for the first nine months of 2024 was the result of the increase in the fair value of equity securities.
Other operating income increased $888 thousand from the comparable period in 2023, partially attributable to gains on other assets as well as the gain on the sale of assets received in 2024.
Noninterest Expense
Summary of Noninterest Expense
(Dollars in Thousands)
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2024
September 30, 2023
Change
% Change
Salaries and Employee Benefits
$
39,375
$
35,974
$
3,401
9.5
%
Occupancy Expense of Premises, Net
5,299
4,728
571
12.1
Technology and Equipment Expense
14,246
13,150
1,096
8.3
FDIC and FICO Assessments
2,111
1,478
633
42.8
Amortization
158
132
26
19.7
Other Operating Expense
10,241
14,396
(4,155)
(28.9)
Total Noninterest Expense
$
71,430
$
69,858
$
1,572
2.3
Efficiency Ratio
67.10
%
68.60
%
(1.50)
%
(2.2)
%
Noninterest expense for the first nine months of 2024 was $71.4 million, an increase of $1.6 million, or 2.3%, from the first nine months of 2023. Salaries and benefit expenses increased $3.4 million, or 9.5%, from the comparable period in 2023 primarily driven by the overall growth in organization and inflation driven wage increases. Technology expenses increased $1.1 million, or 8.3%, from the first nine months of 2023. Other non-interest expense decreased $4.2 million for the first nine months of 2024, as compared to the first nine months of 2023. Other operating expense decreased from the prior year as previous filing delays and related matters are resolved.
Income Taxes
Summary of Income Taxes
(Dollars in Thousands)
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2024
September 30, 2023
Change
% Change
Provision for Income Taxes
$
6,897
$
5,786
$
1,111
19.2
%
Effective Tax Rate
21.5
%
20.6
%
0.9
%
4.4
%
The increase in the effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2023 was primarily due to a change in pre-tax income combined with a decrease in the amount of tax advantaged earning assets as a percentage of total earning assets.
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Item 3.
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
In addition to credit risk in the loan portfolio and liquidity risk, discussed earlier, Arrow's business activities also generate market risk. Market risk is the possibility that changes in future market rates (interest rates) or prices (market value of financial instruments) will make Arrow's position (i.e., assets and operations) less valuable. Arrow's primary market risk is interest rate volatility. The ongoing monitoring and management of interest rate risk is an important component of the asset/liability management process, which is governed by policies that are reviewed and approved annually by the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors delegates responsibility for carrying out asset/liability oversight and control to management's Asset/Liability Committee (ALCO). In this capacity ALCO develops guidelines and strategies impacting the asset/liability profile based upon estimated market risk sensitivity, policy limits and overall market interest rate levels and trends.
Changes in market interest rates, whether increases or decreases, can trigger repricing and changes in the pace of payments for both assets and liabilities (prepayment risk). This may individually or in combination affect net interest income, net interest margin, and ultimately net income, either positively or negatively. ALCO utilizes the results of a detailed and dynamic simulation model to quantify this interest rate risk by projecting net interest income in various interest rate scenarios.
Arrow's standard simulation model applies a parallel shift in interest rates, ramped over a 12-month period, to capture the impact of changing interest rates on net interest income. The results are compared to ALCO policy limits which specify a maximum tolerance level for net interest income exposure over a one-year horizon, assuming no balance sheet growth and a 100 and 200 basis point downward and a 200 basis point upward shift in interest rates. Additional tools to monitor potential longer-term interest rate risk, including periodic stress testing involving hypothetical sudden and significant interest rate spikes, are also evaluated.
The following table summarizes the percentage change in net interest income as compared to the base scenario, which assumes no change in market interest rates as generated from the standard simulation model. The results are presented for each of the first two years of the simulation period for the 100 and 200 basis point decreases in interest rate scenario and the 200 basis point increase in interest rate scenario. These results are well within the ALCO policy limits.
As of September 30, 2024:
Change in Interest Rate
Calculated change in Net Interest Income - Year 1
Calculated change in Net Interest Income - Year 2
- 200 basis points
0.9%
4.7%
- 100 basis points
0.6%
9.4%
+200 basis points
(2.3)%
15.6%
The balance sheet shows an inverse relationship between changes in prevailing rates and Arrow's net interest income in the near term, suggesting that liabilities and sources of funds generally reprice more quickly than earning assets. However, when net interest income is simulated over a longer time frame, the balance sheet shows a relatively neutral profile with long-term asset sensitivity, as asset yields continue to reprice while the cost of funding reaches assumed ceilings or floors.
The hypothetical estimates underlying the sensitivity analysis are based upon numerous assumptions, including: the nature and timing of changes in interest rates including yield curve shape, prepayments on loans and securities, deposit decay rates, pricing decisions on loans and deposits, reinvestment/replacement of asset and liability cash flows, and others. While assumptions are developed based upon current economic and local market conditions, Arrow cannot make any assurance as to the predictive nature of these assumptions including how customer preferences or competitor influences might change.
Also, as market conditions vary from those assumed in the sensitivity analysis, actual results will differ due to: prepayment/refinancing levels likely deviating from those assumed, the varying impact of interest rate changes on caps or floors on adjustable rate assets, the potential effect of changing debt service levels on customers with adjustable rate loans, depositor early withdrawals and product preference changes, unanticipated shifts in the yield curve and other internal/external variables. Furthermore, the sensitivity analysis does not reflect actions that ALCO might take in responding to or anticipating changes in interest rates.
Item 4.
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Management, under the supervision and with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer ("CEO") (who is our principal executive officer) and Chief Financial Officer ("CFO") (who is our principal financial officer), evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), as of September 30, 2024. The term "disclosure controls and procedures" means controls and other procedures of a company that are designed to ensure that:
•information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms; and
•information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to management, including the principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons and committees performing similar functions, such as the Audit Committee, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
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Based on this evaluation, management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was not effective due to the following unremediated material weaknesses identified in our internal control over financial reporting, previously disclosed on the 2023 Form 10-K:
•We did not maintain effective monitoring controls related to 1) Internal Audit’s testing of management’s internal control over financial reporting, 2) the completeness and accuracy of information presented to the Audit Committee by Internal Audit, and 3) the related Audit Committee oversight over Internal Audit’s testing of management’s internal control over financial reporting.
•With regard to the conversion of our core banking information technology system, we did not effectively perform risk assessment procedures to identify the impact of the conversion on our internal control over financial reporting.
The material weaknesses did not result in a material misstatement of our annual or interim financial statements or previously released financial results. For additional information please refer to Part II - Item 9A. of the 2023 Form 10-K.
Prior to filing this Report, we performed relevant and responsive substantive procedures as of September 30, 2024, in order to complete our financial statements and related disclosures. Based on these procedures, management believes that our consolidated financial statements included in this Report have been prepared in accordance with GAAP. Our CEO and CFO have certified that, based on their knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this Report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows of the Company as of the dates, and for the periods presented in this Report.
Remediation Efforts to Address the Material Weaknesses
The aforementioned material weaknesses were previously disclosed in the 2023 and 2022 Forms 10-K. While the Company has improved its organizational capabilities and implemented necessary remediation measures, the remediation steps taken were not in place for a sufficient amount of time for the material weaknesses to be considered remediated as of September 30, 2024. Accordingly, the Company will continue to monitor its remediation measures in the final quarter of 2024 in order to confirm effective remediation of the identified material weaknesses.
During the year ended December 31, 2023 and through the nine months ended September 30, 2024, management initiated and/or completed the following remedial actions:
•The Company evaluated the assignment of responsibilities of internal and external resources associated with the performance of internal controls over financial reporting and hired additional resources, contracted external resources, and/or provided additional training to existing resources as appropriate. In addition, we have initiated a process to identify and maintain the information required to support the functioning of internal control.
•Audit Committee and management implemented the following actions to improve the monitoring activities related to Audit Committee oversight over Internal Audit’s testing of management’s internal control over financial reporting:
◦Increased the frequency and depth of reporting to the Audit Committee through the creation of a sub-committee of Audit Committee members that meet in the months in which the full Audit Committee does not have scheduled meetings or as needed.
◦Instituted more frequent Audit Committee meetings to facilitate timely review of matters related to the results of the Company’s monitoring program and Internal Audit’s progress against their plan as well as status of control testing results.
◦Developed a comprehensive internal audit strategy and program to test management’s controls over financial reporting.
◦Developed a robust reporting mechanism to ensure the completeness, accuracy and improved effectiveness of information which is presented on a timely basis to the Audit Committee to help fulfill the Audit Committee's oversight responsibilities.
◦Utilized monthly dashboards to report status and results of internal audits as well as operations of internal controls over financial reporting.
◦Engaged a professional services firm to review the Company’s control program required by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as amended, and assist management with its overall Company-wide processes and with selecting and developing control activities designed to mitigate risks and support achievement of control objectives.
•Performed a thorough risk assessment to identify the impact of the core banking system conversion on our internal control over financial reporting. As a result, the company identified the need for additional controls to mitigate risks and support the achievement of control objectives. These controls are being implemented as part of the ongoing, overall remediation efforts.
The actions that we are taking are subject to ongoing management review and Audit Committee oversight to ensure they remain in place and continue to operate in order to be deemed effective.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Except for the remediation measures in connection with the material weaknesses described above, there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act, during the quarter ended September 30, 2024 that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
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PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1.
Legal Proceedings
Arrow, including its subsidiaries, is not currently the subject of any material pending legal proceedings, other than ordinary routine litigation occurring in the normal course of their business. On an ongoing basis, Arrow is often the subject of, or a party to, various legal claims by other parties against Arrow, by Arrow against other parties, or involving Arrow, which arise in the normal course of business. The various pending legal claims against Arrow will not, in the opinion of management based upon consultation with counsel, result in any material liability. Legal expenses incurred in connection with loss contingencies are expensed as incurred.
As previously disclosed in certain of the Company’s filings with the SEC, on June 23, 2023, Robert C. Ashe filed a putative class action complaint (the "Ashe Lawsuit") against the Company in the United States District Court for the Northern District of New York. In addition to the Company, the complaint names as defendants Thomas J. Murphy, the Company’s former CEO and from September 30, 2022 to February 20, 2023, its interim CFO, Edward J. Campanella, the Company’s former CFO, and Penko Ivanov, the Company’s current CFO (“Individual Defendants” and, together with the Company, the "Defendants"). The complaint alleges that the Defendants made materially false and misleading statements regarding the Company’s business, operations and compliance policies in the Company’s public filings between March 12, 2022 and May 12, 2023. The complaint further alleges that the Individual Defendants are liable for these materially false and misleading statements as "controlling persons" of the Company. Based on these allegations, the complaint brings two claims for violations of Section 10(b) of the Exchange Act and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder and of Section 20(a) of the Exchange Act. Mr. Ashe, on behalf of a purported class of shareholders, seeks compensatory damages as well as recovery of the costs and fees associated with the litigation. On December 5, 2023, plaintiff Ashe filed an amended complaint that changed the putative class period to the period from August 5, 2022 through May 12, 2023, but challenged substantially the same statements on the same basis. On February 9, 2024, the Company moved to dismiss the action in its entirety. On June 7, 2024, the parties reached a settlement (subject to court approval.) The pending settlement will not have a material impact on the Company's financial results or position. On August 26, 2024, the court granted preliminary approval of the settlement and set a final approval hearing for January 10, 2025.
On December 12, 2023 the Company became aware that Stephen Bull filed a complaint (the "Shareholder Derivative Complaint") on behalf of Arrow against the three individual defendants in the Ashe Lawsuit as well as against all members of Arrow’s board of directors during the class period in Ashe. The Company is named solely as a nominal defendant in the action and would be the beneficiary of any recovery. The Shareholder Derivative Complaint alleges breaches of fiduciary duty (i) by the Ashe individual defendants based on substantially the same allegedly misleading statements pleaded in the Ashe complaint; and (ii) the director defendants by failing to adequately oversee the individual defendants and maintain internal and disclosure controls. Plaintiffs seek (i) unspecified damages (which would be payable to the Company) for costs incurred as a result of the alleged misstatements, including costs of investigation, remediation, and litigation, (ii) repayment of the director defendants’ compensation on an unjust enrichment theory, and (iii) an order directing the Company to take all necessary actions to reform and improve its corporate governance, and (iv) the recovery of costs and fees associated with the litigation. The Shareholder Derivative Complaint also asserts various federal securities claims based on the same alleged misrepresentations as set forth in the Ashe Lawsuit. The parties are in active settlement negotiations, while the case is currently stayed pending disposition of Ashe. Management does not expect a settlement to have a material impact on the Company's financial results or position.
Item 1.A.
Risk Factors
The Risk Factors identified in the 2023 Form 10-K continue to represent the most significant risks to Arrow's future results of operations and financial conditions, without further modification or amendment.
Item 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities
None.
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
The following table presents information about purchases of common stock (our only class of equity securities registered pursuant to Section 12 of the Exchange Act) by Arrow during the three months ended September 30, 2024. In October 2023, the Board of Directors expanded the 2022 Repurchase Program by $5 million, bringing the total availability under the repurchase program to $9.1 million, and removed the expiration date previously incorporated into the existing repurchase program. In the first quarter of 2024, Arrow repurchased approximately $6.0 million (244,000 shares of its common stock) under the 2022 Repurchase Program and additional purchases in April 2024 fully utilized the $9.1 million authorized program amount.
On April 24, 2024, the Board approved the 2024 Repurchase Program, under which the Board authorized management, in its discretion to repurchase from time to time, in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions, up to $5 million of Arrow common stock. No shares were purchased under the 2024 Repurchase Program during the three months ended September 20, 2024.
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Third Quarter
2024
Calendar Month
(A)
Total Number of
Shares Purchased 1
(B)
Average Price
Paid Per Share 1
(C)
Total Number of
Shares Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced
Plans or Programs 2
(D)
Maximum
Approximate Dollar
Value of Shares that
May Yet be
Purchased Under the
Plans or Programs 3
July
32,563
$
27.16
—
$
5,000,000
August
—
—
—
5,000,000
September
—
—
—
5,000,000
Total
32,563
27.16
—
1The total number of shares purchased and the average price paid per share listed in columns (A) and (B) consist of (i) any shares purchased in such periods in the open market under the ESOP on behalf of the participants under the ESOP by the administrator of the ESOP and (ii) any shares repurchased by Arrow pursuant to the Company's 2024 Repurchase Program. In the months indicated, the listed number of shares purchased included the following number of shares purchased by Arrow and the ESOP through such methods: July - purchased by the ESOP (32,563 shares); August - none; and September - none.
2No shares were acquired under the 2024 Repurchase Program in July, August or September 2024.
3 Reflects the approximate dollar value of shares that may yet be purchased under the 2024 Repurchase Program.
Item 3.
Defaults Upon Senior Securities - None
Item 4.
Mine Safety Disclosures - None
Item 5.
Other Information
Appointment of New Directors
The Board of Directors of the Company has reset the number of the directors of the Board to 13 members and effective November 5, 2024, has appointed James M. Dawsey, Kristine D. Duffy, Ed D., Philip C. Morris and Daniel J. White to serve as new directors to the Board.
All of the new directors except Daniel J. White are currently serving as directors of the Company’s subsidiary banks. Biographical information of the new directors is set forth below.
James M. Dawsey, 72
Mr. Dawsey graduated from Manhattan College in 1975 with a civil engineering degree and has a master's degree from SUNY Plattsburgh. He is currently the President and CEO of MLB Construction Services LLC. He is a member of the Board of Directors and serves as Vice Chair on the Executive Board for Eastern Contractor’s Association and he is a Trustee of Local #157.
Kristine D. Duffy, Ed.D. 59
Dr. Duffy has been the President of SUNY Adirondack since 2013. She has significant experience in New York state higher education. She served for seven years as vice president of Enrollment Management and Student Services at Onondaga Community College and six years as dean of Enrollment Management at Cayuga Community College. She holds a Doctor of Education in Executive Leadership from St. John Fisher College.
Philip C. Morris, 69
Mr. Morris is the CEO of Arts Center and Theater of Schenectady, Inc. dba Proctors Collaborative. Mr. Morris has nearly 50 years cultural facilities and development experience, renovating over 20 buildings for cultural uses and raising over $200 million for those projects. In addition, he oversees operations of the facilities in Schenectady, Saratoga Springs and Albany attracting nearly one million visitors a year.
Daniel J. White, 60
Mr. White is the former Office Managing Partner for KPMG LLP’s Albany and Upstate Offices, retiring from KPMG LLP in September 2023. He specialized in community bank auditing and accounting, SEC reporting and related matters, bank internal controls, corporate governance, credit review, public stock and debt offerings, pensions and benefits, and mergers and acquisitions throughout his 37-year career. Mr. White is a Certified Public Accountant.
There are no arrangements between the new directors and any other person pursuant to which such director was elected to serve as a director.
All of the new directors except James M. Dawsey have been determined to be independent. As previously disclosed in our Annual Reports on Form 10-K for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2023, James M. Dawsey is the Chief Executive Officer of MLB Construction Services, the general contractor which led the recently-completed, multi-year renovation project to enhance and improve the downtown Glens Falls, New York Company Main Campus (the “Renovation”). The terms of the engagement with MLB Construction Services, from the Company’s perspective, were no less favorable than terms the Company could have obtained from a non-related party for comparable services in an arms-length transaction. Arrow paid MLB Construction Services $2.8 million in 2023 for services rendered in connection with the Renovation. From January 1, 2024 until September 30, 2024, the Company has paid MLB Construction Services $86 thousand for services rendered with respect to the Renovation. The Company does not expect that additional amounts paid to MLB Construction Services in 2024 will be material.
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There are no other related party transactions between the Company and the new directors that would require disclosure under Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K.
In connection with the appointment to the Board, Mr. White was also appointed to the Audit Committee, given his demonstrated financial expertise.
Each of the new directors will receive compensation as outlined in the Company’s most recent proxy statement, which was filed with the Securities Exchange Commission on April 25, 2024 (the “2024 Proxy Statement”). This compensation shall be pro-rated, based on the total number of days served for the calendar year. For additional information on director compensation paid by Arrow to its directors, please see the 2024 Proxy Statement under the heading Director Compensation.
Rule 10b5-1 Trading Arrangements
During the three months ended September 30, 2024, no director or officer of the Company adopted or terminated a “Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement” or “non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement,” as each term is defined in Item 408(a) of Regulation S-K.
Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document)
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.