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Alerus Financial Corporation

alrs · NASDAQ Financial Services
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Ticker alrs
Exchange NASDAQ
Sector Financial Services
Industry Banks - Regional
Employees 846
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FY2022 Annual Report · Alerus Financial Corporation
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P R O P E L L E D B Y  P U R P O S E :   2022 Alerus Financial Corporation Annual Report

REINVENTION
OF PROCESSES 
We consistently seek new 
ways to improve the client 
experience and enhance 
efficiencies to build 
scalability.  

TECHNOLOGY
INVESTMENT 
Proactively invested in 
technology to integrate all 
business lines and enhance 
client engagement. 

CLIENT 
ORIENTED
We put the client first 
in every decision we 
make.

O N E
A L E R U S

TAILORED
ADVICE 
Each client is paired with a 
primary point of contact to 
help with individual needs 
and integrate specialists 
when needed. 

DIVERSIFIED
SERVICES
We provide comprehensive 
products and services, including 
banking, mortgage, wealth 
management, and retirement 
and benefits. 

SYNERGISTIC
GROWTH 
Our diverse business 
model provides revenue 
funding and growth 
opportunities. 

Our collaborative culture brings our diverse product and service offerings to clients 
in a cohesive and seamless manner. The combination of our culture and business 
model is One Alerus — a holistic approach to providing service and meeting clients’ 
needs throughout their financial journeys. We believe this strategic and inclusive 
approach enables us to achieve future organic growth through client acquisition, 
retention, and expansion to provide sustained strong returns to our shareholders 
and employees through our employee stock ownership plan.

P R O P E L L E D B Y P U R P O S E

D E A R FE LLOW S H A R E H O LD E R S ,

When I look back on 2022, I am proud 

of our professional and dedicated team 

members at Alerus. Despite a year filled 

with unprecedented and unpredictable 

headwinds across the entire financial 

industry, our collaborative culture, 

commitment to our clients and 

communities, and powerful diversified 

business model enabled us to continue 

executing our growth strategy with a 

focus on areas we could control to propel 

our company forward. 

The strength of our foundation positioned Alerus team members to rise 
to the challenge and continue to grow our company, marking substantial 
milestones including:

•  Completing the largest bank acquisition and first all-stock transaction in    
  Alerus history with the addition of Metro Phoenix Bank — the largest full-   

service community bank headquartered in Phoenix.

•  Attracting and integrating seasoned talent and specialists, including the    
successful lift-out of a commercial real estate team and executive leaders.

•  Earning record levels of new business growth in wealth management and   
retirement verticals while continuing to build synergies between lines  

  of business.

Implementing continued control measures and thoughtful process and  

• 
  policy improvements to enhance the client experience and retain exceptional  
  asset quality.

Katie Lorenson
President and Chief Executive Officer 
Alerus Financial Corporation 

P R O P E L L E D  B Y P U R P O S E

 
 
 
W E L C O M E   N E W   E X E C U T I V E 

T E A M   M E M B E R S

O U R PU R P O S E – O U R P EO P LE

The core of our business model continues to be our commitment to provide 
unmatched client service and holistic advice. Our focus is to provide value to our 
clients by developing an understanding of their goals and working with them 
to achieve those goals. Bringing added value to clients supports our mission to 
positively impact their financial potential and long-term financial outlook and, 
in turn, creates long-term shareholder value. We continued to enhance our team 
with new talent in 2022 to further realize our mission. In addition to successfully 
transitioning several executive roles and establishing a new leadership team, we 
enhanced our lending expertise with the addition of a five-member commercial 
real estate specialist team which exceeded expectations and closed over $200 
million in loans in their first nine months. We also proudly welcomed new team 
members and clients from Metro Phoenix Bank and completed a successful 
transition in September 2022. With extensive market knowledge, commercial 
banking and small business lending expertise, and specialists in the niche areas 
of homeowner’s accociation and outdoor advertising lending, our expanded 
Arizona team is poised to provide transformational growth for our company in 
the rapidly growing Phoenix market, as well as support new deposit and lending 
opportunities throughout our footprint.

W E L C O M E   N E W   E X E C U T I V E 
T E A M   M E M B E R S

We completed our executive leadership transition plan in 2022, following the appointment of Katie 
Lorenson as president and CEO on Jan. 1, 2022, and ahead of chief shared services officer Ann 
McConn’s retirement on Jan. 6, 2023. Ann contributed her expertise and leadership to the company for 
nearly 27 years and provided ample guidance to ensure a smooth leadership transition and support 
continued success. Our long-term succession plan allowed us to appropriately focus on identifying 
candidates with the right mix of industry experience, shared culture and business philosophies, and 
passion for our company and clients. This enabled a seamless leadership transition and established a 
dynamic executive team to lead our company into 2023 and beyond. We are pleased to welcome our 
new executive team members, who join Ms. Lorenson and chief risk officer Karin Taylor.

AL VILL ALON  
was named chief 
financial officer in 
January 2022. With 
over 25 years of 
experience, he brings 
strategic expertise 
and an extensive 
background in analysis, 
corporate strategy, 
and investor relations. 
His deep experience in 
analysis and navigating 
uncertainties inform and 
guide the company’s 
long-term growth 
strategy to benefit 
clients, employees, and 
shareholders.

JIM COLLINS  
was named chief banking 
and revenue officer 
in May 2022. He is an 
accomplished financial 
executive with nearly 
30 years of experience 
and extensive expertise 
in commercial and 
wealth banking. Mr. 
Collins’ proven success 
in talent recruitment, 
retention, and leading 
teams in revenue-related 
activities, including 
balance sheet growth, 
client segmentation 
strategies, products, and 
client service, will benefit 
our business lines across 
all markets.

MISSY KENE Y  
was named chief 
engagement officer in 
July 2022. A nearly 20-
year Alerus employee, 
Ms. Keney previously 
served as director of 
marketing and client 
experience and was a 
multi-year member of the 
company’s leadership 
team prior to accepting 
her new role. In addition 
to leading employee 
and client engagement 
strategies, she leads 
the company’s talent 
management and overall 
marketing and branding 
strategies to drive growth 
and create long-term 
shareholder value. 

JON HENDRY  
was named chief 
technology officer in July 
2022. Mr. Hendry has 39 
years of experience at 
Alerus and has served as 
a member of the Alerus 
Financial, N.A. board of 
directors since 2008. He 
oversees the company’s 
technology infrastructure 
and initiatives, providing 
extensive experience and 
continued leadership 
over the company’s 
digital transformation 
while aligning technology 
investments with growth 
initiatives. i

nitiatives.

We are pleased to welcome our new executive team 

members, who join Ms. Lorenson and chief risk officer 

Karin Taylor. We also bid a fond farewell to Ms. McConn, 

who contributed her expertise and leadership to the 

company for nearly 27 years and provided ample 

guidance to ensure a smooth leadership transition and 

support continued success. 

 
 
CO N T R O LLE D A P P R OAC H

Despite the difficult operating environment in 2022, 
our team executed at a high level, achieving total 
revenue of $211 million and net income of $40 million 
for the year. Loans held for investment grew 39% 
from December 31, 2021; 25.5% when excluding 
loans acquired through Metro Phoenix Bank and the 
Paycheck Protection Program.

Our wealth management and retirement business 
lines saw another record year of new business 
growth while building on the synergies across our 
business lines, creating additional value for clients 
and shareholders. And while the mortgage industry 
struggled against unpredictably severe headwinds, 
our team members’ passion for serving clients 
and communities remained strong. Several team 
members were recognized among the top loan 
producers in Minnesota. The Build Your Community 
giving program, funded in part through contributions 
made by mortgage bankers for each loan closed, 
contributed over $350,000 to charitable causes. 

We also continued to make thoughtful  
improvements to our processes and loan policies 
while taking measures to control and reduce 
expenses where possible. We strategically exited the 
payroll business and replaced the low- to no-margin 
product offering with formal referral partnerships. 
This allows us to continue providing exceptional 
client service while enabling greater focus on our core 
retirement and benefits business line. 

We maintained very strong core deposits and had $706 
million in interest-bearing demand deposits at year 
end. By adjusting where we could while maintaining 
focus on long-term, organic growth, our impressive 
team achieved a 35% income increase compared to 
2019 (the most recent non-pandemic year). We ended 
2022 with total assets of $3.8 billion, 11.4% higher 
than 2021 and an impressive accomplishment when 
considering the macroeconomic challenges faced 
throughout the year. 

FO U N DATI O N A L STR E N GTH , 
TR A N S FO R M ATIV E G R OW TH

As we look to 2023, elevated interest rates 
will likely remain a significant headwind. 
Our continued focus on strategic talent 
acquisitions, the highest levels of client 
service, client growth and relationship 
expansion, combined with strong risk 
management and ongoing control measures, 
positions us to rapidly outpace competitors as 
macroeconomic conditions improve. 

Alerus has an exceptional history of not just 
weathering challenges but emerging from 
them stronger than before. Our foundation has 
been built upon strong capital, reserves, credit 
quality, and high levels of fee income. This 
strong foundation and our diversified business 
model continue to provide a competitive 
advantage for recruiting and retaining talent, 
which our team members will build upon 
exponentially. Together we are committed to 
the ongoing, long-term success of Alerus and 
creating value every day for our clients and our 
shareholders in the coming year and beyond. 
I am grateful to our team for their hard work, 
dedication, and commitment to our clients, 
communities, and each other.  Thank you for 
your investment and placing your trust in us. 

With sincere gratitude,

Katie Lorenson 
President and CEO

2 0 2 2  C O M PA N Y 
A C C O L A D E S

D I R E C T O R   T R A N S I T I O N S 

Best Bank in Eden Prairie, MN 
Sun Current

Top 10 Banks  
Ranking Arizona

Top Workplace 
Star Tribune, Minneapolis, MN

Business Bank, Small Business Bank, 
Commercial Mortgage Lender, Wealth 
Management 
Finance & Commerce Reader Rankings

Business Bank, Community Bank, 
Consumer Bank, Mortgage Lender  
Twin Cities Business Best of Business

50 Best Places to Work 
Prairie Business magazine 

Banks of the Year  
AZ Business magazine

Congratulations to Dan Coughlin, who was appointed 
to serve as chairman of the board effective May 10, 
2022. He replaced former Alerus chairman, president, 
and CEO Randy Newman, who served as executive 
chairman of the board beginning Jan. 1, 2022, to 
support the company’s leadership transition, and 

continues to serve as a director.

Mr. Coughlin joined the board of directors in 2016. 
An industry veteran with over 40 years of experience, 
he provides knowledge and experience in strategic 
planning, risk management, mergers and acquisitions, 
and capital formation. He served as chairman and 
CEO of Howe Barnes Hoefer & Arnett from 2001 until 
its merger with Raymond James & Associates in 2011. 
He then served as managing director and co-head 
of the financial services practice at Raymond James 
until his retirement in 2014. He also served seven 
years with the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, 
where he assessed the competitive implications of 
bank mergers and acquisitions. 

We extend our deepest appreciation to directors 
Karen Bohn and Sally Smith, who retired in  
May 2022. Ms. Bohn joined the board of directors  
in 1999 and contributed many valuable years of 
guidance in the areas of governance and strategic 
planning while Alerus grew exponentially. Ms. Smith 
accepted a director role in 2007 and applied her 
financial expertise to help guide the company  
through the 2008 financial crisis, multiple acquisitions, 
and its initial public offering. Thank you, Karen and 
Sally, for sharing your talents and dedication with  
our company.

 
E X E C U T I V E M A N AGE ME N T

Katie Lorenson 
President and Chief Executive 
Officer

Al Villalon 
Executive Vice President and 
Chief Financial Officer

Jim Collins  
Executive Vice President and Chief 
Banking and Revenue Officer 

6 years with Alerus

Joined Alerus in 2022

Joined Alerus in 2022

Karin Taylor 
Executive Vice President and 
Chief Risk Officer

5 years with Alerus

Missy Keney 
Executive Vice President and 
Chief Engagement Officer 

Jon Hendry  
Executive Vice President and 
Chief Technology Officer

18 years with Alerus

39 years with Alerus

B OA RD  OF  DIRE C T OR S

Kevin D. Lemke 
President, Virtual Systems, Inc. 

Michael S. Mathews 
Former Chief Information Officer, 
Deluxe Corporation 
Former SVP, Technology and 
Enterprise Programs, UnitedHealth 
Group 
Former Global Head/Director, 
Global Technology, Operations 
and Six Sigma, Merrill Lynch 

Randy L. Newman 
Former Chairman, President, and 
CEO, Alerus 

Galen G. Vetter 
Former Global Chief Financial 
Officer, Franklin Templeton 
Investments 
Former Partner-in-Charge, Upper 
Midwest Region, RSM 

Mary E. Zimmer 
Former Director of Diverse Client 
Segments, Wells Fargo Advisors 
Former Regional President, 
Northern Region, Wells Fargo 
Advisors 
Former Head of International 
Wealth USA, Royal Bank of Canada 
U.S. Wealth Management

Daniel E. Coughlin 
Chairman, Alerus 
Former Managing Director and 
Co-Head of Financial Services, 
Raymond James & Associates 
Former Chairman and CEO, Howe 
Barnes Hoefer & Arnett 

Katie A. Lorenson 
President and Chief Executive 
Officer, Alerus 

Janet O. Estep 
Former President and CEO, Nacha 
Former Executive Vice President, 
U.S. Bank Transaction Services 
Division 
Former Vice President, Pace 
Analytical Services 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
UNITED STATES 
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION 
Washington, DC 20549 

FORM 10-K 

☒   ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 

☐   TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 

For the transition period from                          to 

Commission File Number: 001-39036 

ALERUS FINANCIAL CORPORATION 
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) 

Delaware 
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or
organization) 

401 Demers Avenue 
Grand Forks, ND 
(Address of principal executive offices)

45-0375407 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) 

58201 
(Zip Code) 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: 

(701) 795-3200 
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code) 

Title of each class 
Common Stock, par value $1.00 per share 

Trading symbol
ALRS

Name of each exchange on which registered
The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None. 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. 

 Yes   No 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. 

 Yes   No 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 
12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes 
☒    No  

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T 
(§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☒    No  

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company or an emerging growth 
company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange 
Act. 

Large accelerated filer  

Accelerated filer  

Non-accelerated filer  

Smaller reporting company ☐
Emerging growth company ☒

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised 
financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐ 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to his management's assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial 
reporting under section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. ☐ 

If securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant included in the filing reflect the 
correction of an error to previously issued financial statements. ☐ 

Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation received by any of the 
registrant’s executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to §240.10D-1(b). ☐ 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes ☐  No  

The aggregate market value of the voting common equity held by non-affiliates, as of June 30, 2022, was approximately $389,265,666 (based on the closing price on The 
Nasdaq Capital Market on that date of $23.81). The number of shares of the registrant’s common stock outstanding at February 28, 2023 was 20,058,582. 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE: 
The information required by Part III is incorporated by reference to portions of the definitive proxy statement to be filed within 120 days after December 31, 2022, pursuant 
to Regulation 14A under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 in connection with the annual meeting of stockholders to be held on May 8, 2023. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Table of Contents 

PART I 

Page

Item 1. Business 

Item 1A. Risk Factors 

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments 

Item 2. Properties 

Item 3. Legal Proceedings 

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures 

Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

PART II

Item 6. [Reserved] 

Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures 

Item 9B. Other Information 

Item 9C. Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections

Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

Item 11. Executive Compensation 

PART III

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters 

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services 

PART IV

Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

Item 16. Form 10-K Summary 

Signatures 

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CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS 

This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the safe harbor 

provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include, without 
limitation, statements concerning plans, estimates, calculations, forecasts and projections with respect to the anticipated 
future performance of Alerus Financial Corporation. These statements are often, but not always, identified by words 
such as “may”, “might”, “should”, “could”, “predict”, “potential”, “believe”, “expect”, “continue”, “will”, “anticipate”, 
“seek”, “estimate”, “intend”, “plan”, “projection”, “would”, “annualized”, “target” and “outlook”, or the negative 
version of those words or other comparable words of a future or forward-looking nature. Examples of forward-looking 
statements include, among others, statements we make regarding our projected growth, anticipated future financial 
performance, financial condition, credit quality and management’s long-term performance goals and the future plans and 
prospects of Alerus Financial Corporation. 

Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they are 

based only on our current beliefs, expectations and assumptions regarding the future of our business, future plans and 
strategies, projections, anticipated events and trends, the economy and other future conditions. Because forward-looking 
statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are 
difficult to predict and many of which are outside of our control. Our actual results and financial condition may differ 
materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Therefore, you should not rely on any of these 
forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause our actual results and financial condition to differ 
materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements include, among others, the following:  

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

interest rate risks associated with our business, including the effects of recent and anticipated rate increases 
by the Federal Reserve; 

our ability to successfully manage credit risk and maintain an adequate level of allowance for loan losses; 

fluctuations in the values of the securities held in our securities portfolio, including as a result of rising 
interest rates, which has resulted in unrealized losses in our portfolio; 

the impact of economic or market conditions on our fee-based services 

new or revised accounting standards, including as a result of the implementation of the new Current 
Expected Credit Loss standard; 

business and economic conditions generally and in the financial services industry, nationally and within our 
market areas, including continued rising rates of inflation; 

the overall health of the local and national real estate market; 

our ability to implement our organic and acquisition growth strategies, including the integration of Metro 
Phoenix Bank, which we acquired in 2022; 

potential impairment to the goodwill we recorded in connections with our past acquisitions, including the 
acquisition of Metro Phoenix Bank; 

our ability to continue to grow our retirement and benefit services business; 

our ability to continue to originate a sufficient volume of residential mortgages; 

our ability to successfully manage liquidity risk, including our need to access higher cost sources of funds 
such as fed funds purchased and short-term borrowings; 

3 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

concentrations within our loan portfolio 

the level of nonperforming assets on our balance sheet; 

the occurrence of fraudulent activity, breaches or failures of our information security controls or 
cybersecurity-related incidents; 

interruptions involving our information technology and telecommunications systems or third-party 
servicers; 

developments and uncertainty related to the future use and availability of some reference rates, such as the 
expected discontinuation of the London Interbank Offered Rate, as well as the development and 
implementation of other alternative reference rates; 

potential losses incurred in connection with mortgage loan repurchases; 

the composition of our executive management team and our ability to attract and retain key personnel; 

risks related to climate change and the negative impact it may have on our customers and their businesses; 

severe weather, natural disasters, widespread disease or pandemics, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, acts 
of war or terrorism, including the Russian invasion of Ukraine, or other adverse external events; 

any material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting; 

concentrations of large depositors;  

our dependence on dividends from the Bank; 

the effectiveness of our risk management framework; 

the extensive regulatory framework that applies to us; 

the impact of recent and future legislative and regulatory changes; 

the commencement and outcome of litigation and other legal proceedings and regulatory actions against us 
or to which we may become subject; 

governmental monetary, trade and fiscal policies; 

rapid technological change in the financial services industry; 

increased competition in the financial services industry from non-banks such as credit unions and Fintech 
companies, including digital asset service providers; 

our ability to manage mortgage pipeline risk;  

changes to U.S. or state tax laws, regulations and guidance including the new 1.0% excise tax on stock 
buybacks by publicly traded companies; 

talent and labor shortages and employee turnover; 

4 

• 

• 

our success at managing the risks involved with the foregoing items; and 

any other risks described in the “Risk Factors” section of this report and in other reports filed by Alerus 
Financial Corporation with the Securities and Exchange Commission. 

Any forward-looking statement made by us in this report is based only on information currently available to us 
and speaks only as of the date on which it is made. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking 
statement, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future 
developments or otherwise. 

ITEM 1.  BUSINESS  

Company Overview and History 

Alerus Financial Corporation, or the Company, is a diversified financial services company headquartered in 
Grand Forks, North Dakota. Through our subsidiary, Alerus Financial, National Association, or the Bank, we provide 
innovative and comprehensive financial solutions to businesses and consumers through four distinct business 
segments—banking, retirement and benefit services, wealth management, and mortgage. These solutions are delivered 
through a relationship-oriented primary point of contact along with responsive and client-friendly technology. 

As of December 31, 2022, we had $3.8 billion of total assets, $2.4 billion of total loans, $2.9 billion of total 

deposits, $356.9 million of stockholders’ equity, $32.1 billion of assets under administration/management in our 
retirement and benefit services segment, and $3.6 billion of assets under administration/management in our wealth 
management segment. For the year ended December 31, 2022, we had $812.3 million of mortgage originations. 

Our business model produces strong financial performance and a diversified revenue stream, which has helped 

us establish a brand and culture yielding both a loyal client base and passionate and dedicated employees. We believe 
our client-first and advice-based philosophy, diversified business model and history of high performance and growth 
distinguishes us from other financial service providers. We generate a majority of our overall revenue from noninterest 
income, which is driven primarily by our retirement and benefit services, wealth management and mortgage business 
segments. The remainder of our revenue consists of net interest income, which we derive from offering our traditional 
banking products and services. 

Our operations date back to 1879, when we were originally founded as the Bank of Grand Forks, one of the first 

banks chartered in the Dakota Territory. In 2000, we changed our name to Alerus Financial Corporation, reflecting our 
evolution from a traditional community bank to a high-value financial services company focused on serving the needs of 
businesses and consumers who desire comprehensive financial solutions delivered through relationship-based advice and 
service. Since this rebranding, we have experienced significant growth, both organically and through a series of strategic 
acquisitions. This growth has allowed us to build a diversified franchise and expand our geographic footprint into 
growing metropolitan areas. We believe these initiatives have transformed our Company into a high-tech, high-touch 
client service provider, increased our earnings and allowed us to return more value to stockholders. 

Our Business Model and Products and Services  

General 

Our business model is client-centric, with a focus on offering a diversified range of solutions to clients who 

desire an advice-based relationship, enabling us to become the preferred financial services provider to clients. Through 
this approach, instead of focusing on the broader population, we target specific business and consumer segments that we 
believe we can serve better than our competitors and that have meaningful growth potential. By offering sound financial 
advice and a long-term partnership, we believe we align best with clients who are achievement-oriented in their purpose 
and will allow us to play an active role in their success at all stages of their businesses and lives. We classify our 
consumer clients based on age and income, aligning best with clients who have complex financial needs. Our business 
clients are classified by industry, with a focus on specific high priority industries and client types, including professional 

5 

services, finance and insurance, wholesale, small business, construction, retail, and manufacturers. We target businesses 
with sales between $2.0 million and $100.0 million. 

Our commitment to delivering diversified solutions is driven by our “One Alerus” initiative, launched in 2017, 

which enables us to bring all of our product and service offerings to clients in a cohesive and seamless manner. 
Underlying the One Alerus initiative is our strategy of serving clients through a combination of technology and skilled 
advisors—a “high-tech, high-touch” approach that we believe clients demand and deserve. One Alerus lays the strategic 
foundation for current and future technology investments and the synergistic growth strategies of a diversified financial 
services firm. It also brings together our product and service offerings in a unified way, which we believe differentiates 
us from our competitors and allows us to impact clients more meaningfully and generate long-term value for our 
Company. The primary components of One Alerus are: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

providing proactive advice to clients; 

offering an integrated client-access portal (My Alerus); 

seeking additional ways to improve the client experience; 

leveraging synergistic growth opportunities; and 

focusing on process reinvention and efficiency. 

Through One Alerus, we strive to provide each client with a primary point of contact—a trusted advisor—who 
takes the time to develop an in-depth understanding of the client’s needs and goals. Our advisors work holistically with 
clients in a guidance-based manner to proactively help them with their financial decisions. Our products and services 
include traditional bank offerings such as checking accounts, debit cards, savings accounts, personal and business loans, 
credit cards, online banking, mobile banking / wallet, private banking, deposit and payment solutions and mortgages, as 
well as fee income services such as individual retirement accounts, or IRAs, 401(k) rollovers, retirement planning, 
employer-sponsored plans, employee stock ownership plans, health savings account, or HSA, flex spending account, or 
FSA, administration and government health insurance program services, and wealth management services such as 
advisory, investment management and trust and fiduciary services. The advisor is equipped to tailor this diverse set of 
products and services to each client’s unique goals and is empowered to reach across our organization to bring the client 
in contact with product specialists as needed. One Alerus bridges the gaps between our business units with a focus on 
client advocacy. We believe the One Alerus initiative will enable us to achieve future organic growth by leveraging our 
existing client base and help us continue to provide strong returns to our stockholders. 

The trusted advisor relationship is supported and enhanced through an integrated client-access portal we call 
“My Alerus.” By collaborating with a key technology partner, we have integrated the diverse client applications of our 
full product suite into a unified system and layered in new technology to bring a client’s entire financial picture into one 
view. For example, a client who has multiple products with our Company, such as banking accounts, a mortgage, wealth 
management accounts, a retirement account, and a health benefit account, can now access all of these accounts online 
and effect transactions via one, single login through My Alerus. Instead of being forced to use different usernames and 
passwords for each system, we’ve created a single login dashboard to access the most used information on client 
accounts and coupled that with the ability to link into more detailed information within each transaction system 
(banking, retirement, and benefits, wealth management and mortgage). Our clients can further personalize their 
dashboard by integrating or linking financial accounts held at other institutions into My Alerus. Once our clients have 
integrated or linked all of their financial information, the data can be used to create a custom financial fitness score to 
help clients save for emergencies, plan for retirement, manage their debt, optimize health savings and protect them from 
unexpected events with insurance. 

On July 1, 2022, we completed our acquisition of MPB BHC, Inc., the holding company of Metro Phoenix 

Bank. The primary reasons for the acquisition were to expand the Company’s business in the Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale 
metropolitan statistical area, or Phoenix MSA, and grow the size of the Company’s business. As consideration for the 

6 

merger, we issued $64.0 million in a stock-for-stock transaction. As a result of the acquisition, we acquired $270.4 
million in loans and $353.7 million in deposits from Metro Phoenix Bank.  

Banking 

Lending. Through our relationship-oriented lending approach, our strategy is to offer a broad range of 
customized commercial and consumer lending products for the personal investment and business needs of our clients. 
Our commercial lending products include commercial loans, business term loans and lines of credit for a diversified mix 
of small and midsized businesses. We offer both owner occupied and non-owner occupied commercial real estate loans, 
as well as construction and land development loans. Our consumer lending products include residential first mortgage 
loans. In addition to originating these loans for our own portfolio, we originate and sell, primarily servicing-released, 
whole loans in the secondary market. Our mortgage loan sales activities are primarily directed at originating single 
family mortgages, which generally conform to Federal National Mortgage Association and Federal Home Loan 
Mortgage Corporation guidelines and are delivered to the investor shortly after funding. Additionally, we offer 
installment loans and lines of credit, typically to facilitate investment opportunities for consumer clients whose financial 
characteristics support the request. We also provide clients loans collateralized by cash and marketable securities. 

Our loan portfolio includes commercial and industrial loans, commercial real estate loans, consumer loans, 

which include residential real estate loans, indirect auto loans and other consumer loans, and a small amount of 
agricultural loans. The principal risk associated with each category of loans we make is the creditworthiness of the 
borrower. Borrower creditworthiness is affected by general economic conditions and the attributes of the borrower and 
the borrower’s market or industry. We underwrite for strong cash flow, multiple sources of repayment, adequate 
collateral, borrower experience and backup guarantors. Attributes of the relevant business market or industry include the 
competitive environment, client and supplier availability, the threat of substitutes, and barriers to entry and exit. 

Deposits. We provide a broad range of deposit products and services, including demand deposits, 
interest-bearing transaction accounts, money market accounts, time and savings deposits, and certificates of deposit. 
Core deposits, which consist of noninterest bearing deposits, interest-bearing checking accounts, certificates of deposit 
less than $250,000, and money market accounts, provide our major source of funds from individuals, businesses and 
local governments. As of December 31, 2022, core deposits totaled $2.9 billion or 98.3% of our total deposits. Our 
deposit portfolio includes synergistic deposits from our retirement and benefits services and wealth management 
segments. As of December 31, 2022, these synergistic deposits totaled $691.6 million. We also offer an HSA deposit 
program to attract low cost deposits. As of December 31, 2022, we had $166.2 million of HSA deposits which are 
included in the synergistic deposit total.  

We offer a range of treasury management products, including electronic receivables management, remote 

deposit capture, cash vault services, merchant services, and other cash management services. Deposit flows are 
significantly influenced by general and local economic conditions, changes in prevailing interest rates, internal pricing 
decisions and competition. Our deposits are primarily obtained from depositors located in our geographic footprint, and 
we believe that we have attractive opportunities to capture additional deposits in our markets. In addition, we have 
created a National Market to focus on growing the synergistic deposits from our retirement and benefits services and 
wealth management segments.  In order to attract and retain deposits, we rely on providing quality service, offering a 
suite of consumer and commercial products and services and introducing new products and services that meet our 
clients’ needs as they evolve.  

Retirement and Benefit Services 

Our retirement and benefit services business offers retirement plan administration and investment advisory 
services, employee stock ownership plan, or ESOP, fiduciary services, HSA and other benefit services to clients on a 
nationwide basis. A breakdown of these services is as follows: 

•  Advisory. We provide investment fiduciary services to retirement plans. 

•  Retirement. We provide recordkeeping and administration services to qualified retirement plans. 

7 

•  ESOPs. We provide trustee, recordkeeping and administration services to employee stock ownership plans. 

•  Health and Welfare. We provide HSA, FSA, and government health insurance program recordkeeping 

and administration services to employers. 

Wealth Management 

Our wealth management division provides fiduciary services to consumer and commercial clients. These 
services include financial planning, investment management, personal and corporate trust services, estate administration, 
and custody services. In addition, our wealth management division offers brokerage services to compliment the unique 
needs of our clients. Our investment management services offer two unique and proprietary strategies called Dimension 
and Blueprint, which are primarily targeted toward IRAs, and agency account relationships. A Dimension account is a 
proprietary, separately managed account designed for individual investors, foundations, endowments and institutions 
with assets typically greater than $500 thousand. Dimension accounts use actively managed portfolios consisting of 
individual securities, mutual funds, and exchange traded funds selected and monitored by a centralized team of 
investment professionals. A Blueprint account uses a series of models that are designed to help investors gain exposure 
to a diversified, risk-based asset allocation. Portfolios in these accounts are comprised of mutual funds run by consistent, 
low-cost fund managers, with the Bank conducting initial and ongoing fund monitoring of the model allocations and 
rebalancing the portfolios on a regular basis. 

Mortgage 

Our mortgage business offers first and second mortgage loans through a centralized mortgage unit located in 

Minneapolis, Minnesota, as well as through our banking office locations. These loans typically enable borrowers to 
purchase or refinance existing homes, most of which serve as the primary residence of the owner. In 2022, 
approximately 88.3% of the loans made by our mortgage division were for the purchase of a residential property, 
compared to 11.7% for the refinance of an existing mortgage. We source most of our residential mortgage loans from the 
Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington metropolitan statistical area, or the Twin Cities MSA, and for the year ended 
December 31, 2022, approximately 91.4% of the total mortgage loans were attributable to that market, compared to 
5.4% attributable to the North Dakota market and 3.2% attributable to the Phoenix MSA. We believe there is an 
opportunity to expand our mortgage loan pipeline in these other markets, especially in the Phoenix MSA. Although we 
originate loans for our own portfolio, we also conduct mortgage banking activities in which we originate and sell, 
servicing-released, whole loans in the secondary market. Typically, loans with a fixed interest rate of greater than 
10 years are available-for-sale and sold on the secondary market. Our mortgage banking loan sales activities are 
primarily directed at originating single family mortgages that are priced and underwritten to conform to previously 
agreed criteria before loan funding and are delivered to the investor shortly after funding. The level of future loan 
originations, loan sales, and loan repayments depends on overall credit availability, the interest rate environment, the 
strength of the general economy, local real estate markets and the housing industry, and conditions in the secondary loan 
sale market. The amount of gain or loss on the sale of loans is primarily driven by market conditions and changes in 
interest rates, as well as our pricing and asset liability management strategies. As of December 31, 2022, we had 
mortgage loans held for sale of $9.5 million from the residential mortgage loans we originated. For the year ended 
December 31, 2022, our mortgage segment originated $812.3 million of mortgage loans. 

Our Banking Market Areas 

Our primary banking market areas are the states of North Dakota, Minnesota, specifically, the Twin Cities 

MSA, and Arizona, specifically, the Phoenix MSA. In addition to our offices located in our banking markets, our 
retirement and benefit services business administers plans in all 50 states through offices located in Colorado, Michigan, 
and Minnesota. 

North Dakota 

Our corporate headquarters, which is a full-service banking office located at 401 Demers Avenue, Grand Forks, 
North Dakota 58201, primarily serves the eastern North Dakota market along with two other full-service banking offices 

8 

located in Grand Forks, North Dakota, three full-service banking offices located in Fargo and West Fargo, North Dakota, 
and one full-service banking office located in Northwood, North Dakota. We believe this market is rich in low-cost, core 
deposits and is strengthened by the Bakken Oil region. We can use these low-cost, core deposits to fund loans in our 
higher-growth metropolitan markets.  

The State of North Dakota also features one of the only state-owned banks in the nation, the Bank of North 

Dakota, which offers services, many of which are similar to those offered by a correspondent bank, only to banks like 
ours that are headquartered in the state. The Bank of North Dakota expands our lending capacity by purchasing 
participations from the Bank. In addition, the Bank of North Dakota offers us additional financing options such as bank 
stock loans, lines of credit and subordinated debt at competitive rates. Finally, the Bank of North Dakota enables state 
banks to take deposits and manage funds for municipal and county governments without meeting collateral 
requirements, which are waived by a letter of credit from the Bank of North Dakota. 

Minnesota 

We serve the Minnesota market through six full-service banking offices all located in the Twin Cities MSA. 

The Twin Cities MSA had total deposits of $232.4 billion as of June 30, 2022 and ranks as the 16th largest metropolitan 
statistical area in the United States in total deposits, based on FDIC data. The Twin Cities MSA is defined by attractive 
market demographics, including strong household incomes, dense populations, low unemployment, and the presence of a 
diverse group of large and small national and international businesses making the Twin Cities MSA one of the most 
economically vibrant and diverse markets in the country. 

Arizona 

We serve the Arizona market through our full-service banking offices located in Phoenix, Scottsdale and Mesa, 

Arizona. The Phoenix MSA had total deposits of $181.8 billion as of June 30, 2022 and ranks as the 20th largest 
metropolitan statistical area in the United States in total deposits, based on FDIC data. The Phoenix MSA is a large and 
growing market, with a total population of approximately 4.9 million as of July 1, 2019, making it the 10th largest 
metropolitan statistical area in the United States. The Phoenix MSA is defined by attractive market demographics, 
including a large number of high- net- worth households, dense populations, low unemployment, and the presence of a 
diverse group of small-to-medium sized businesses.  

Our National Market 

Our retirement and benefit services business serves clients in all 50 states. We offer retirement and benefit 

services at all of our banking offices located in our three primary market areas. In addition, we operate one retirement 
and benefits services office in Minnesota, one in Colorado and one in Michigan. In addition, our National Market 
President oversees the development of the national market’s client base. Retirement and benefit services assets under 
administration/management, wealth management assets under administration/management, loans and deposits 
attributable to the National Market were $25.0 billion, $435.1 million, $58.8 million and $692.8 million, respectively, as 
of December 31, 2022, representing approximately 77.8%, 12.8%, 2.4% and 23.8%, respectively of our total retirement 
and benefit services assets under administration/management, wealth management assets under 
administration/management, loans and deposits as of that date. 

Competition 

The financial services industry is highly competitive, and we compete in a number of areas, including 
commercial and consumer banking, residential mortgages, wealth advisory, investment management, trust, and 
record-keeping among others. We compete with other bank and nonbank institutions located within our market areas, 
along with competitors situated regionally, nationally, and others with only an online presence. These include large 
banks and other financial intermediaries, such as consumer finance companies, brokerage firms, mortgage banking 
companies, business leasing and finance companies, credit unions, Fintech companies and digital asset service providers, 
all actively engaged in providing various types of loans and other financial services. We also face growing competition 
from online businesses with few or no physical locations, including online banks, lenders and consumer and commercial 

9 

lending platforms, as well as automated retirement and investment services providers. Competition involves efforts to 
retain current clients, obtain new loans, deposits, and advisory services, increase the scope and type of services offered, 
and offer competitive interest rates paid on deposits, charged on loans, or charged for advisory services. We believe our 
integrated and high-touch service offering, along with our sophisticated relationship-oriented approach sets us apart from 
our competitors. 

Human Capital Resources 

The Company and its subsidiaries employed a total of 837 employees as of December 31, 2022, of which 

approximately: 

• 

• 

773 are full-time employees; and  

64 are part-time employees.  

Our workforce further breaks down into the following categories:  

• 

• 

gender: male 281, female 556; and  

ethnicity: 715 white, 122 identify as either Native American Indian, Asian, African American, 
Hispanic, Latino, or not specified. 

The Company has four operating segments with the following employees:  

•  Banking: 109 employees;  

•  Mortgage: 97 employees;  

•  Retirement and Benefits: 213 employees; and 

•  Wealth Management: 23 employees.  

The client service divisions include:  

•  Sales and Service: 222 employees; 

•  Client Service Center: 35 employees; and  

•  Human Resources, Information Technology, Audit, Legal, Compliance, and the Executives staff areas: 

138 employees. 

Banking is a people- and relationship-driven business and our employees are vital to our success in the financial 

services industry. In short, our long-term success depends on our ability to attract and retain top performers in every 
aspect of our business. We believe a diverse workforce better enables us to understand our client base, and to help our 
clients meet their own goals and expectations. 

Our culture is underpinned by our core values and fundamental beliefs: Do the Right Thing, Cherish People, 

Empower with Knowledge, Respect Everyone, Serve with Passion and Embrace Change. 

Our Talent Management Program is built on the foundation of our Alerus leadership essentials, which include 
12 competencies, divided into four elements of success: Charting the Course, Achieving Results, Leading People, and 
Managing Self. Through this program we build on strengths with continuous, real-time coaching and evaluation in areas 
of development, all aligned with our Company’s goals and strategies.  

10 

The development, attraction and retention of employees is a critical success factor for the Company for 
succession planning and sustaining our core values. To support the advancement of our employees, we offer training and 
development programs encouraging advancement from within and continue to fill our team with strong and experienced 
management talent. We leverage both formal and informal programs to identify, foster, and retain top talent at both the 
corporate and operating unit level. Training programs are offered through our Alerus University platform which provides 
a variety of courses in the areas of management, leadership, sales, technology, compliance, product knowledge, and on 
the job training opportunities. Foundations is a development program designed to build future leaders by familiarizing 
participants with a thorough understanding of Alerus and provides insights into a professional services company. 
STRETCH is a leadership development program designed to further the personal and professional growth of high 
performers through development assessments, a mentor program and in-depth knowledge of risk management, client 
segmentation, project management and strategic planning and decision making. Manager Connection provides managers 
across the Company an opportunity to learn together and share best practices for developing and leading teams. 

The Company’s compensation programs are designed to align the compensation of our employees with the 

Company’s performance and to provide the proper incentives to attract, retain and motivate employees to achieve 
superior results. The structure of our compensation programs balances incentive earnings for both short-term and long-
term performance. Specifically, we compensate our employees through a combination of base salary, sales incentive 
programs, an annual performance bonus program tied to individual, team and company success measures and a long-
term equity program tied to Company long-term performance. Each element of compensation is designed to achieve a 
compensation package that is competitive in our markets and within our industry. The Company hired compensation 
consultants FW Cook to perform compensation analysis and benchmarking compared to the peer group for executive 
compensation plans. For all other areas, the Company hired McLagan a division of Aon, to provide benchmarking and 
analysis for base salary structures and sales incentive programs. 

Our benefits package provides employees medical, dental, vision, life, disability and accidental death insurance 

and paid time off benefits. We also provide our employees with retirement benefits designed to assist our employees 
with planning for and securing appropriate levels of income during retirement. We believe these plans help us attract and 
retain quality employees by offering benefits comparative with those offered by our competitors. 

The Company provides policies and training on ethical conduct. We maintain an open-door policy to encourage 

open communication, feedback and discussion about any matter of importance to any employees. The Company hired 
Lighthouse Services to provide employees with a confidential reporting mechanism for misconduct, including 
discrimination, ethics, harassment and hostility, human resource issues, privacy, security and safety. 

Corporate Information 

Our principal executive office is located at 401 Demers Avenue, Grand Forks, North Dakota 58201, and our 

telephone number at that address is (701) 795-3200. Our website address is www.alerus.com. The information contained 
on our website is not a part of, or incorporated by reference into, this report. The SEC maintains an Internet site that 
contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with 
the SEC, as the Company does. The website is www.sec.gov. The Company provides access to its SEC filings for 
viewing or downloading free of charge through its website at www.alerus.com. After accessing the website, the filings 
are available upon selecting “Investor Relations” and “SEC Filings.” Reports available include the Company’s proxy 
statements, annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and all 
amendments to those reports as soon as reasonable practicable after the documents and reports are electronically filed 
with or furnished to the SEC. 

General 

SUPERVISION AND REGULATION  

Alerus Financial Corporation, a financial holding company, and its subsidiary, Alerus Financial, N.A., a 

national banking association, are extensively regulated under federal law. As a result, our growth and earnings 
performance may be affected not only by management decisions and general economic conditions, but also by the 

11 

requirements of applicable statutes and by the regulations and policies of various bank regulatory agencies, including our 
primary regulator, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, or Federal Reserve, and the Bank’s primary 
regulator, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, or OCC, as well as the FDIC, as the insurer of our deposits, and 
the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, or CFPB, as the regulator of consumer financial services and their providers. 
Furthermore, taxation laws administered by the Internal Revenue Service and state taxing authorities, accounting rules 
developed by the Financial Accounting Standards Board, or FASB, securities laws administered by the Securities and 
Exchange Commission, or SEC, and state securities authorities, and anti-money laundering laws enforced by the U.S. 
Department of the Treasury, or Treasury, have an impact on our business. The effect of these statutes, regulations, 
regulatory policies and accounting rules are significant to our operations and results. 

Federal and state banking laws impose a comprehensive system of supervision, regulation and enforcement on 

the operations of FDIC-insured institutions, their holding companies and affiliates that is intended primarily for the 
protection of the FDIC-insured deposits and depositors of banks, rather than stockholders. These federal and state laws, 
and the regulations of the bank regulatory agencies issued under them, affect, among other things, the scope of our 
business; the kinds and amounts of investments we may make; required capital levels relative to our assets; the nature 
and amount of collateral for loans; the establishment of branches; our ability to merge, consolidate and acquire; dealings 
with our insiders and affiliates; and our payment of dividends. In reaction to the global financial crisis and particularly 
following passage of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010, or Dodd-Frank Act, we 
experienced heightened regulatory requirements and scrutiny. Although the reforms primarily targeted systemically 
important financial service providers, their influence filtered down in varying degrees to community banks over time and 
caused our compliance and risk management processes, and the costs thereof, to increase. The Economic Growth, 
Regulatory Relief and Consumer Protection Act of 2018, or Regulatory Relief Act, eliminated questions about the 
applicability of certain Dodd-Frank Act reforms to community bank systems, including relieving us of any requirement 
to engage in mandatory stress tests, maintain a risk committee or comply with the Volcker Rule’s complicated 
prohibitions on proprietary trading and ownership of private funds. We believe these reforms have been favorable to our 
operations.  

The supervisory framework for U.S. banking organizations subjects banks and bank holding companies to 

regular examination by their respective regulatory agencies, which results in examination reports and ratings that are not 
publicly available and that can impact the conduct and growth of their business. These examinations consider not only 
compliance with applicable laws and regulations, but also capital levels, asset quality and risk, management ability and 
performance, earnings, liquidity, and various other factors. The regulatory agencies generally have broad discretion to 
impose restrictions and limitations on the operations of a regulated entity where the agencies determine, among other 
things, that such operations are unsafe or unsound, fail to comply with applicable law or are otherwise inconsistent with 
laws and regulations. 

The following is a summary of the material elements of the supervisory and regulatory framework applicable to 

the Company and the Bank. It does not describe all of the statutes, regulations and regulatory policies that apply, nor 
does it restate all of the requirements of those that are described. The descriptions are qualified in their entirety by 
reference to the particular statutory and regulatory provision. 

The Role of Capital  

Regulatory capital represents the net assets of a banking organization available to absorb losses. Because of the 

risks attendant to their business, FDIC-insured institutions generally are required to hold more capital than other 
businesses, which directly affects our earnings capabilities. Although capital has historically been one of the key 
measures of the financial health of both bank holding companies and banks, its role became fundamentally more 
important in the wake of the global financial crisis, as the banking regulators recognized that the amount and quality of 
capital held by banks prior to the crisis was insufficient to absorb losses during periods of severe stress.   

Capital Levels. Banks have been required to hold minimum levels of capital based on guidelines established by 

the bank regulatory agencies since 1983. The minimums have been expressed in terms of ratios of “capital” divided by 
“total assets.” The capital guidelines for U.S. banks beginning in 1989 have been based upon international capital 
accords (known as “Basel” rules) adopted by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision, a committee of central 

12 

banks and bank supervisors that acts as the primary global standard-setter for prudential regulation, as implemented by 
the U.S. bank regulatory agencies on an interagency basis. The accords recognized that bank assets for the purpose of the 
capital ratio calculations needed to be risk weighted (the theory being that riskier assets should require more capital) and 
that off-balance sheet exposures needed to be factored in the calculations. Following the global financial crisis, the 
Group of Governors and Heads of Supervision, the oversight body of the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision, 
announced agreement on a strengthened set of capital requirements for banking organizations around the world, known 
as Basel III, to address deficiencies recognized in connection with the global financial crisis.    

The Basel III Rule. The United States bank regulatory agencies adopted the Basel III regulatory capital 
reforms, and, at the same time, effected changes required by the Dodd-Frank Act, in regulations that were effective (with 
certain phase-ins) in 2015. Basel III established capital standards for banks and bank holding companies that are 
meaningfully more stringent than those in place previously: it increased the required quantity and quality of capital; and 
it required a more complex, detailed and calibrated assessment of risk in the calculation of risk weightings. The Basel III 
Rule is applicable to all banking organizations that are subject to minimum capital requirements, including federal and 
state banks and savings and loan associations, as well as to most bank and savings and loan holding companies. The 
Company and the Bank are each subject to the Basel III Rule. 

Not only did Basel III increase most of the required minimum capital ratios in effect prior to January 1, 2015, 
but, in requiring that forms of capital be of higher quality to absorb loss, it introduced the concept of Common Equity 
Tier 1 Capital, which consists primarily of common stock, related surplus (net of Treasury stock), retained earnings, and 
Common Equity Tier 1 minority interests subject to certain regulatory adjustments. The Basel III Rule also changed the 
definition of capital by establishing more stringent criteria that instruments must meet to be considered Additional Tier 1 
Capital (primarily non-cumulative perpetual preferred stock that meets certain requirements) and Tier 2 Capital 
(primarily other types of preferred stock and subordinated debt, subject to limitations). The Basel III Rule also 
constrained the inclusion of minority interests, mortgage-servicing assets, and deferred tax assets in capital and required 
deductions from Common Equity Tier 1 Capital in the event that such assets exceeded a percentage of a banking 
institution’s Common Equity Tier 1 Capital.   

The Basel III Rule requires minimum capital ratios as follows:  

•  A ratio of Common Equity Tier 1 Capital equal to 4.5% of risk-weighted assets; 

•  A ratio of Tier 1 Capital equal to 6% of risk-weighted assets;  

•  A continuation of the minimum required amount of Total Capital (Tier 1 plus Tier 2) at 8% of risk-

weighted assets; and 

•  A leverage ratio of Tier 1 Capital to total quarterly average assets equal to 4% in all circumstances. 

In addition, institutions that seek the freedom to make capital distributions (including for dividends and 
repurchases of stock) and pay discretionary bonuses to executive officers without restriction must also maintain 2.5% in 
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital attributable to a capital conservation buffer. The purpose of the conservation buffer is to 
ensure that banking institutions maintain a buffer of capital that can be used to absorb losses during periods of financial 
and economic stress. Factoring in the conservation buffer increases the minimum ratios depicted above to 7% for 
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital, 8.5% for Tier 1 Capital and 10.5% for Total Capital.   

Well-Capitalized Requirements. The ratios described above are minimum standards for banking organizations 

to be considered “adequately capitalized.” Bank regulatory agencies uniformly encourage banks to hold more capital and 
be “well-capitalized” and, to that end, federal law and regulations provide various incentives for banking organizations 
to maintain regulatory capital at levels in excess of minimum regulatory requirements. For example, a banking 
organization that is well-capitalized may: (i) qualify for exemptions from prior notice or application requirements 
otherwise applicable to certain types of activities; (ii) qualify for expedited processing of other required notices or 
applications; and (iii) accept, roll-over or renew brokered deposits. Higher capital levels could also be required if 
warranted by the particular circumstances or risk profiles of individual banking organizations. For example, the Federal 

13 

Reserve’s capital guidelines contemplate that additional capital may be required to take adequate account of, among 
other things, interest rate risk, or the risks posed by concentrations of credit, nontraditional activities or securities trading 
activities. Further, any banking organization experiencing or anticipating significant growth would be expected to 
maintain capital ratios, including tangible capital positions (i.e., Tier 1 Capital less all intangible assets), well above the 
minimum levels. 

Under the capital regulations of the Federal Reserve for the Company and the OCC for the Bank, in order to be 

well-capitalized, we must maintain: 

•  A Common Equity Tier 1 Capital ratio to risk-weighted assets of 6.5% or more;  

•  A ratio of Tier 1 Capital to total risk-weighted assets of 8% or more;  

•  A ratio of Total Capital to total risk-weighted assets of 10% or more; and  

•  A leverage ratio of Tier 1 Capital to total adjusted average quarterly assets of 5% or greater. 

It is possible under the Basel III Rule to be well-capitalized while remaining out of compliance with the capital 

conservation buffer discussed above. 

As of December 31, 2022: (i) the Bank was not subject to a directive from the OCC to increase its capital and 

(ii) the Bank was well-capitalized, as defined by OCC regulations. As of December 31, 2022, the Company had 
regulatory capital in excess of the Federal Reserve’s requirements and met the Basel III Rule requirements to be well-
capitalized. We also remain in compliance with the capital conservation buffer of 2.5 % as of December 31, 2022. 

Prompt Corrective Action. The concept of being “well-capitalized” is part of a regulatory regime that provides 
the federal banking regulators with broad power to take “prompt corrective action” to resolve the problems of depository 
institutions based on the capital level of each particular institution. The extent of the regulators’ powers depends on 
whether the institution in question is “adequately capitalized,” “undercapitalized,” “significantly undercapitalized” or 
“critically undercapitalized,” in each case as defined by regulation. Depending upon the capital category to which an 
institution is assigned, the regulators’ corrective powers include: (i) requiring the institution to submit a capital 
restoration plan; (ii) limiting the institution’s asset growth and restricting its activities; (iii) requiring the institution to 
issue additional capital stock (including additional voting stock) or to sell itself; (iv) restricting transactions between the 
institution and its affiliates; (v) restricting the interest rate that the institution may pay on deposits; (vi) ordering a new 
election of directors of the institution; (vii) requiring that senior executive officers or directors be dismissed; (viii) 
prohibiting the institution from accepting deposits from correspondent banks; (ix) requiring the institution to divest 
certain subsidiaries; (x) prohibiting the payment of principal or interest on subordinated debt; and (xi) ultimately, 
appointing a receiver for the institution. 

Community Bank Capital Simplification. Community banks have long raised concerns with bank regulators 

about the regulatory burden, complexity, and costs associated with certain provisions of the Basel III Rule. In response, 
Congress provided an “off-ramp” for institutions, like us, with total consolidated assets of less than $10 billion. Section 
201 of the Regulatory Relief Act instructed the federal banking regulators to establish a single “Community Bank 
Leverage Ratio”, or CBLR, of between 8 and 10%. Under the final rule, a community banking organization is eligible to 
elect the new framework if it has: less than $10 billion in total consolidated assets, limited amounts of certain assets and 
off-balance sheet exposures, and a CBLR greater than 9%. We may elect the CBLR framework at any time but have not 
currently determined to do so. 

Supervision and Regulation of the Company 

General. The Company, as the sole stockholder of the Bank, is a bank holding company that has elected 
financial holding company status. As a bank holding company, we are registered with, and subject to regulation, 
supervision and enforcement by, the Federal Reserve under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended, or the 
BHCA. We are legally obligated to act as a source of financial and managerial strength to the Bank and to commit 

14 

resources to support the Bank in circumstances where we might not otherwise do so. Under the BHCA, we are subject to 
periodic examination by the Federal Reserve and are required to file with the Federal Reserve periodic reports of our 
operations and such additional information regarding the Company and the Bank as the Federal Reserve may require.   

Acquisitions and Activities/ Financial Holding Company Election. The primary purpose of a bank holding 
company is to control and manage banks. The BHCA generally requires the prior approval of the Federal Reserve for 
any merger involving a bank holding company or any acquisition by a bank holding company of another bank or bank 
holding company. Subject to certain conditions (including deposit concentration limits established by the BHCA), the 
Federal Reserve may allow a bank holding company to acquire banks located in any state of the United States. In 
approving interstate acquisitions, the Federal Reserve is required to give effect to applicable state law limitations on the 
aggregate amount of deposits that may be held by the acquiring bank holding company and its FDIC-insured institution 
affiliates in the state in which the target bank is located (provided that those limits do not discriminate against out-of-
state institutions or their holding companies) and state laws that require that the target bank have been in existence for a 
minimum period of time (not to exceed five years) before being acquired by an out-of-state bank holding company. 
Furthermore, in accordance with the Dodd-Frank Act, bank holding companies must be well-capitalized and well-
managed in order to effect interstate mergers or acquisitions. For a discussion of the capital requirements, see “—The 
Role of Capital” above. 

The BHCA generally prohibits the Company from acquiring direct or indirect ownership or control of more 

than 5% of a class of the voting shares of any company that is not a bank and from engaging in any business other than 
that of banking, managing and controlling banks or furnishing services to banks and their subsidiaries. This general 
prohibition is subject to a number of exceptions. The principal exception allows bank holding companies to engage in, 
and to own shares of companies engaged in, certain businesses found by the Federal Reserve prior to November 11, 
1999 to be “so closely related to banking ... as to be a proper incident thereto.” This authority permits us to engage in a 
variety of banking-related businesses, including the ownership and operation of a savings association, or any entity 
engaged in consumer finance, equipment leasing, the operation of a computer service bureau (including software 
development) and mortgage banking and brokerage services. The BHCA does not place territorial restrictions on the 
domestic activities of nonbank subsidiaries of bank holding companies. 

Additionally, bank holding companies that meet certain eligibility requirements prescribed by the BHCA and 

elect to operate as financial holding companies may engage in, or own shares in companies engaged in, a wider range of 
nonbanking activities, including securities and insurance underwriting and sales, merchant banking and any other 
activity that the Federal Reserve, in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury, determines by regulation or order is 
financial in nature or incidental to any such financial activity or that the Federal Reserve determines by order to be 
complementary to any such financial activity, as long as the activity does not pose a substantial risk to the safety or 
soundness of FDIC-insured institutions or the financial system generally. We have elected to operate as a financial 
holding company. In order to maintain our status as a financial holding company, both the Company and the Bank must 
be well-capitalized, well-managed, and the Bank must have at least a satisfactory CRA rating. If the Federal Reserve 
determines that either we or the Bank is not well-capitalized or well-managed, the Federal Reserve will provide a period 
of time in which to achieve compliance, but during the period of noncompliance, the Federal Reserve may place any 
limitations on us that it deems appropriate. Furthermore, if non-compliance is based on the failure of the Bank to achieve 
a satisfactory CRA rating, we would not be able to commence any new financial activities or acquire a company that 
engages in such activities.  

Change in Control. Federal law prohibits any person or company from acquiring “control” of an FDIC-insured 
depository institution or its holding company without prior notice to the appropriate federal bank regulator. “Control” is 
conclusively presumed to exist upon the acquisition of 25% or more of the outstanding voting securities of a bank or 
bank holding company, but may arise under certain circumstances between 10% and 24.99% ownership. 

Capital Requirements. We are subject to the complex consolidated capital requirements of the Basel III Rule, 

see “—the Role of Capital” above. 

Dividend Payments. Our ability to pay dividends to stockholders may be affected by both general corporate law 
considerations and policies of the Federal Reserve applicable to bank holding companies. As a Delaware corporation, we 

15 

are subject to the limitations of the Delaware General Corporation Law, or the DGCL. The DGCL allows us to pay 
dividends only out of its surplus (as defined and computed in accordance with the provisions of the DGCL) or if we have 
no such surplus, out of its net profits for the fiscal year in which the dividend is declared and/or the preceding fiscal year. 

As a general matter, the Federal Reserve has indicated that the board of directors of a bank holding company 
should eliminate, defer or significantly reduce dividends to stockholders if: (i) the company’s net income available to 
stockholders for the past four quarters, net of dividends previously paid during that period, is not sufficient to fully fund 
the dividends; (ii) the prospective rate of earnings retention is inconsistent with the company’s capital needs and overall 
current and prospective financial condition; or (iii) the company will not meet, or is in danger of not meeting, its 
minimum regulatory capital adequacy ratios. The Federal Reserve also possesses enforcement powers over bank holding 
companies and their nonbank subsidiaries to prevent or remedy actions that represent unsafe or unsound practices or 
violations of applicable statutes and regulations. Among these powers is the ability to proscribe the payment of 
dividends by banks and bank holding companies. In addition, under the Basel III Rule, institutions that seek the freedom 
to pay unrestricted dividends will have to maintain 2.5% in Common Equity Tier 1 Capital attributable to the capital 
conservation buffer. See “—The Role of Capital” above. 

Monetary Policy. The monetary policy of the Federal Reserve has a significant effect on the operating results of 

financial or bank holding companies and their subsidiaries, and this is evidenced in its increases in the targeted federal 
funds rate throughout 2022. Among the tools available to the Federal Reserve to affect the money supply are open 
market transactions in U.S. government securities and changes in the discount rate on bank borrowings. These means are 
used in varying combinations to influence overall growth and distribution of bank loans, investments and deposits, and 
their use may affect interest rates charged on loans or paid on deposits. 

Federal Securities Regulation. Our common stock is registered with the SEC under the Securities Exchange 

Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act. Consequently, we are subject to the information, proxy solicitation, 
insider trading and other restrictions and requirements of the SEC under the Exchange Act. 

Corporate Governance. The Dodd-Frank Act addressed many investor protection, corporate governance and 

executive compensation matters that will affect most U.S. publicly traded companies. It increased stockholder influence 
over boards of directors by requiring companies to give stockholders a nonbinding vote on executive compensation and 
so-called “golden parachute” payments, and authorizing the SEC to promulgate rules that would allow stockholders to 
nominate and solicit voters for their own candidates using a company’s proxy materials. The legislation also directed the 
Federal Reserve to promulgate rules prohibiting excessive compensation paid to executives of bank holding companies, 
regardless of whether such companies are publicly traded. 

Supervision and Regulation of the Bank 

General. The Bank is a national bank, chartered by the OCC under the National Bank Act. The deposit 

accounts of the Bank are insured by the deposit insurance fund, or DIF, to the maximum extent provided under federal 
law and FDIC regulations, currently $250,000 per insured depositor category, and the Bank is a member of the Federal 
Reserve System. As a national bank, the Bank is subject to the examination, supervision, reporting and enforcement 
requirements of the OCC, the chartering authority for national banks. Our defined business lines of Banking, Mortgage, 
Retirement and Benefits and Wealth Management are each subject to that authority. The FDIC, as administrator of the 
DIF, also has regulatory authority over the Bank. 

Supervision of Business Segments. As a national bank, the Bank is subject to examination and enforcement by 

the OCC. The OCC examines the Bank’s Banking and Mortgage business segments as part of its safety and soundness 
examinations, which consider not only compliance with applicable laws and regulations, but also capital levels, asset 
quality (with rigorous loan portfolio reviews) and risk, management ability and performance, earnings, liquidity, and 
various other factors. Many of these subjects are discussed further below. 

The Bank’s Retirement and Benefits and Wealth Management business segments are subject to separate 

examination as trust activities (generally on the same cycle as safety and soundness examinations). The OCC’s trust 
examinations evaluate compliance with applicable law, management ability, operations, internal controls, and auditing, 

16 

earnings, compliance, and asset management. These business segments are subject to a multitude of state laws (trust law 
is a state concept) and federal laws to which the Bank and each individual account are subject. These include trust 
investment law, securities law, banking law, tax law, contract law, anti-money laundering requirements, environmental 
law, consumer protection law, criminal law, and the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control 
laws and regulations. The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, or ERISA, and the Internal Revenue Code 
are the primary sources of law governing the structure, administration, and operation of employee benefit plans. The 
U.S. Department of Labor is primarily responsible for administering and enforcing ERISA. 

The OCC has broad enforcement authority to impose penalties, restrictions and limitations on the Bank where it 
determines, among other things, that the Bank’s operations are unsafe or unsound, fail to comply with applicable law or 
are otherwise inconsistent with laws and regulations. 

Deposit Insurance. As an FDIC-insured institution, the Bank is required to pay deposit insurance premium 

assessments to the FDIC. The FDIC has adopted a risk-based assessment system whereby FDIC-insured institutions pay 
insurance premiums at rates based on their risk classification. For institutions like the Bank that are not considered large 
and highly complex banking organizations, assessments are now based on examination ratings and financial ratios. The 
total base assessment rates currently range from 1.5 basis points to 30 basis points. At least semi-annually, the FDIC 
updates its loss and income projections for the DIF and, if needed, increases or decreases the assessment rates, following 
notice and comment on proposed rulemaking.  

The reserve ratio is the DIF balance divided by estimated insured deposits. In response to the global financial 
crisis, the Dodd-Frank Act increased the minimum reserve ratio from 1.15% to 1.35% of the estimated amount of total 
insured deposits. Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, the reserve ratio briefly exceeded the statutory threshold, but, because 
of extraordinary insured deposit growth caused by an unprecedented inflow of deposits during the pandemic, the reserve 
ratio fell below 1.35% and continues to be below the threshold. The FDIC staff closely monitors the factors that affect 
the reserve ratio, and, in order to raise the reserve ratio to 1.35 % by September 30, 2028, the FDIC increased the initial 
deposit insurance rates by two basis points, beginning with the first quarterly assessment period of the 2023 assessment. 
As a result of this change, the Bank’s FDIC insurance assessment will increase beginning in 2023. 

The DIF balance was approximately $125.5 billion on September 30, 2022, up $1.0 billion from the end of the 

second quarter.  The reserve ratio remained at 1.26%, as growth in the fund balance kept pace with growth in insured 
deposits. The FDIC staff continues to closely monitor the factors that affect the reserve ratio, and any change could 
impact FDIC assessments. 

Supervisory Assessments. National banks are required to pay supervisory assessments to the OCC to fund the 

operations of the OCC. The amount of the assessment is calculated using a formula that considers the bank’s size and its 
supervisory condition. During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Bank paid supervisory assessments to the OCC 
totaling $497 thousand. 

Capital Requirements. Banks are generally required to maintain capital levels in excess of other businesses. For 

a discussion of capital requirements, see “—The Role of Capital” above. 

Liquidity Requirements. Liquidity is a measure of the ability and ease with which bank assets may be 
converted to cash. Liquid assets are those that can be converted to cash quickly if needed to meet financial obligations. 
To remain viable, FDIC-insured institutions must have enough liquid assets to meet their near-term obligations, such as 
withdrawals by depositors. Because the global financial crisis was in part a liquidity crisis, Basel III also includes a 
liquidity framework that requires FDIC-insured institutions to measure their liquidity against specific liquidity tests. One 
test, referred to as the Liquidity Coverage Ratio, or LCR, is designed to ensure that the banking entity has an adequate 
stock of unencumbered high-quality liquid assets that can be converted easily and immediately in private markets into 
cash to meet liquidity needs for a 30-calendar day liquidity stress scenario. The other test, known as the Net Stable 
Funding Ratio, or NSFR, is designed to promote more medium- and long-term funding of the assets and activities of 
FDIC-insured institutions over a one-year horizon. These tests provide an incentive for banks and holding companies to 
increase their holdings in Treasury securities and other sovereign debt as a component of assets, increase the use of long-
term debt as a funding source and rely on stable funding like core deposits (in lieu of brokered deposits).  

17 

In addition to liquidity guidelines already in place, the federal bank regulatory agencies implemented the Basel 
III LCR in 2014 and have proposed the NSFR. While these rules do not, and will not, apply to the Bank, we continue to 
review our liquidity risk management policies in light of these developments. 

Dividend Payments. The primary source of funds for the Company is dividends from the Bank. Under the 

National Bank Act, a national bank may pay dividends out of its undivided profits in such amounts and at such times as 
the bank’s board of directors deems prudent. Without OCC approval, however, a national bank may not pay dividends in 
any calendar year that, in the aggregate, exceed that bank’s year-to-date income plus the bank’s retained net income for 
the two preceding years. The payment of dividends by any FDIC-insured institution is affected by the requirement to 
maintain adequate capital pursuant to applicable capital adequacy guidelines and regulations, and an FDIC-insured 
institution generally is prohibited from paying any dividends if, following payment thereof, the institution would be 
undercapitalized. As described above, the Bank exceeded its capital requirements under applicable guidelines as of 
December 31, 2022. Notwithstanding the availability of funds for dividends, however, the OCC may prohibit the 
payment of dividends by the Bank if it determines such payment would constitute an unsafe or unsound practice. In 
addition, under the Basel III Rule, institutions that seek the freedom to pay dividends have to maintain 2.5% in Common 
Equity Tier 1 Capital attributable to the capital conservation buffer. See “—The Role of Capital” above. 

Insider Transactions. The Bank is subject to certain restrictions imposed by federal law on “covered 

transactions” between the Bank and its “affiliates.” The Company is an affiliate of the Bank for purposes of these 
restrictions, and covered transactions subject to the restrictions include extensions of credit to the Company, investments 
in the stock or other securities of the Company and the acceptance of the stock or other securities of the Company as 
collateral for loans made by the Bank. The Dodd-Frank Act enhanced the requirements for certain transactions with 
affiliates, including an expansion of the definition of “covered transactions” and an increase in the amount of time for 
which collateral requirements regarding covered transactions must be maintained. 

Certain limitations and reporting requirements are also placed on extensions of credit by the Bank to its 

directors and officers, to directors and officers of the Company and its subsidiaries, to principal stockholders of the 
Company and to “related interests” of such directors, officers and principal stockholders. In addition, federal law and 
regulations may affect the terms on which any person who is a director or officer of the Company or the Bank, or a 
principal stockholder of the Company, may obtain credit from banks with which the Bank maintains a correspondent 
relationship. 

Safety and Soundness Standards/Risk Management. FDIC-insured institutions are expected to operate in a 

safe and sound manner. The federal banking agencies have adopted operational and managerial standards to promote the 
safety and soundness of such institutions that address internal controls, information systems, internal audit systems, loan 
documentation, credit underwriting, interest rate exposure, asset growth, compensation, fees and benefits, asset quality 
and earnings. 

In general, the safety and soundness standards prescribe the goals to be achieved in each area, and each 
institution is responsible for establishing its own procedures to achieve those goals. If an institution fails to operate in a 
safe and sound manner, the FDIC-insured institution’s primary federal regulator may require the institution to submit a 
plan for achieving and maintaining compliance. If an FDIC-insured institution fails to submit an acceptable compliance 
plan, or fails in any material respect to implement a compliance plan that has been accepted by its primary federal 
regulator, the regulator is required to issue an order directing the institution to cure the deficiency. Until the deficiency 
cited in the regulator’s order is cured, the regulator may restrict the FDIC-insured institution’s rate of growth, require the 
FDIC-insured institution to increase its capital, restrict the rates that the institution pays on deposits or require the 
institution to take any action that the regulator deems appropriate under the circumstances. Operating in an unsafe or 
unsound manner will also constitute grounds for other enforcement action by the federal bank regulatory agencies, 
including cease and desist orders and civil money penalty assessments. 

During the past decade, the bank regulatory agencies have increasingly emphasized the importance of sound 
risk management processes and strong internal controls when evaluating the activities of the FDIC-insured institutions 
that they supervise. Properly managing risks has been identified as critical to the conduct of safe and sound banking 
activities and has become even more important as new technologies, product innovation, and the size and speed of 

18 

financial transactions have changed the nature of banking markets. The agencies have identified a spectrum of risks 
facing a banking institution including, but not limited to, credit, market, liquidity, operational, legal and reputational risk. 
The key risk themes identified for 2023 are discussed under Item 1A - Risk Factors. The Bank is expected to have active 
board and senior management oversight; adequate policies, procedures and limits; adequate risk measurement, 
monitoring and management information systems; and comprehensive internal controls. 

Privacy and Cybersecurity. The Bank is subject to many U.S. federal and state laws and regulations governing 
requirements for maintaining policies and procedures to protect non-public confidential information of their customers. 
These laws require the Bank to periodically disclose its privacy policies and practices relating to sharing such 
information and permit consumers to opt out of their ability to share information with unaffiliated third parties under 
certain circumstances. They also impact the Bank’s ability to share certain information with affiliates and non-affiliates 
for marketing and/or non-marketing purposes, or to contact customers with marketing offers. In addition, as a part of its 
operational risk mitigation, the Bank is required to implement a comprehensive information security program that 
includes administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to ensure the security and confidentiality of customer records 
and information and to require the same of its service providers. These security and privacy policies and procedures are 
in effect across all business lines and geographic locations. 

Branching Authority. National banks headquartered in North Dakota, such as the Bank, have the same 

branching rights in North Dakota as banks chartered under North Dakota law, subject to OCC approval. North Dakota 
law grants North Dakota-chartered banks the authority to establish branches anywhere in the State of North Dakota, 
subject to receipt of all required regulatory approvals. The Dodd-Frank Act permits well-capitalized and well-managed 
banks to establish new branches across state lines without legal impediments. However, while Federal law permits state 
and national banks to merge with banks in other states, such mergers are subject to: (i) regulatory approval; (ii) federal 
and state deposit concentration limits; and (iii) state law limitations requiring the merging bank to have been in existence 
for a minimum period of time (not to exceed five years) prior to the merger.  

Financial Subsidiaries. Under federal law and OCC regulations, national banks are authorized to engage, 

through “financial subsidiaries,” in any activity that is permissible for a financial holding company and any activity that 
the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Federal Reserve, determines is financial in nature or incidental to 
any such financial activity, except (i) insurance underwriting, (ii) real estate development or real estate investment 
activities (unless otherwise permitted by law), (iii) insurance company portfolio investments and (iv) merchant banking. 
The authority of a national bank to invest in a financial subsidiary is subject to a number of conditions, including, among 
other things, requirements that the bank must be well-managed and well-capitalized (after deducting from capital the 
bank’s outstanding investments in financial subsidiaries). The Bank has not applied for approval to establish any 
financial subsidiaries. 

Federal Home Loan Bank System. The Bank is a member of the FHLB, which serves as a central credit 

facility for its members. The FHLB is funded primarily from proceeds from the sale of obligations of the FHLB system. 
It makes loans to member banks in the form of FHLB advances. All advances from the FHLB are required to be fully 
collateralized as determined by the FHLB. 

Transaction Account Reserves. Federal law requires FDIC-insured institutions to maintain reserves against 

their transaction accounts (primarily NOW and regular checking accounts) to provide liquidity. The amount of reserves 
is established by the Federal Reserve based on tranches of zero, three and ten percent of a bank’s transaction account 
deposits. However, in March 2020, in an unprecedented move, the Federal Reserve announced that the banking system 
had ample reserves, and, as reserve requirements no longer played a significant role in this regime, it reduced all reserve 
tranches to zero percent, thereby freeing banks from the legally mandated reserve maintenance requirement. The action 
permits the Bank to loan or invest funds that were previously unavailable. The Federal Reserve has indicated that it 
expects to continue to operate in an ample reserves regime for the foreseeable future.  

Community Reinvestment Act Requirements. The CRA requires the Bank to have a continuing and affirmative 

obligation in a safe and sound manner to help meet the credit needs of the entire community, including low- and 
moderate-income neighborhoods. Federal regulators regularly assess the Bank’s record of meeting the credit needs of its 

19 

communities. Applications for acquisitions would be affected by the evaluation of the Bank’s effectiveness in meeting 
its CRA requirements.  

In May 2022, the bank regulatory agencies issued a notice of proposed rulemaking called the Joint Proposal to 

Strengthen and Modernize Community Reinvestment Act Regulations (the “CRA Proposal”). The CRA Proposal is 
designed to update how CRA activities qualify for consideration, where CRA activities are considered, and how CRA 
activities are evaluated. More specifically, the bank regulatory agencies described the goals of the CRA Proposal as 
follows: (i) to expand access to credit, investment, and basic banking services in low and moderate income communities; 
(ii) to adapt to changes in the banking industry, including mobile and internet banking by modernizing assessment areas 
while maintaining a focus on branch based areas; (iii) to provide greater clarity, consistency, and transparency in the 
application of the regulations through the use of standardized metrics as part of CRA evaluation and clarifying eligible 
CRA activities focused on low and moderate income communities and under served rural communities; (iv) to tailor 
CRA rules and data collection to bank size and business model; and (v) to maintain a unified approach among the 
regulators. A final rule has not yet been issued.   

Anti-Money Laundering. The USA PATRIOT Act, the Bank Secrecy Act and other similar laws are designed 
to deny terrorists and criminals the ability to obtain access to the U.S. financial system and have significant implications 
for FDIC-insured institutions and other businesses involved in the transfer of money. These laws mandate financial 
services companies to have policies and procedures with respect to measures designed to address the following matters: 
(i) customer identification programs; (ii) money laundering; (iii) terrorist financing; (iv) identifying and reporting 
suspicious activities and currency transactions; (v) currency crimes; and (vi) cooperation between FDIC-insured 
institutions and law enforcement authorities. 

Concentrations in Commercial Real Estate. Concentration risk exists when FDIC-insured institutions deploy 
too many assets to any one industry or segment. A concentration in commercial real estate, or CRE, is one example of 
regulatory concern. The interagency Concentrations in Commercial Real Estate Lending, Sound Risk Management 
Practices guidance, or CRE Guidance, provides supervisory criteria, including the following numerical indicators, to 
assist bank examiners in identifying banks with potentially significant commercial real estate loan concentrations that 
may warrant greater supervisory scrutiny: (i) CRE loans exceeding 300% of capital and increasing 50% or more in the 
preceding three years; or (ii) construction and land development loans exceeding 100% of capital. The CRE Guidance 
does not limit banks’ levels of CRE lending activities, but rather guides institutions in developing risk management 
practices and levels of capital that are commensurate with the level and nature of their CRE concentrations. On 
December 18, 2015, the federal banking agencies issued a statement to reinforce prudent risk-management practices 
related to CRE lending, having observed substantial growth in many CRE asset and lending markets, increased 
competitive pressures, rising CRE concentrations in banks, and an easing of CRE underwriting standards. The federal 
bank agencies reminded FDIC-insured institutions to maintain underwriting discipline and exercise prudent risk-
management practices to identify, measure, monitor, and manage the risks arising from CRE lending. In addition, FDIC-
insured institutions must maintain capital commensurate with the level and nature of their CRE concentration risk. 

Based on the Bank’s loan portfolio as of December 31, 2022, we did not exceed the guidelines for CRE 

lending.  

Consumer Financial Services. The historical structure of federal consumer protection regulation applicable to 

all providers of consumer financial products and services changed significantly on July 21, 2011, when the CFPB 
commenced operations to supervise and enforce consumer protection laws. The CFPB has broad rulemaking authority 
for a wide range of consumer protection laws that apply to all providers of consumer products and services, including the 
Bank, as well as the authority to prohibit “unfair, deceptive or abusive” acts and practices. The CFPB has examination 
and enforcement authority over providers with more than $10 billion in assets. FDIC-insured institutions with $10 billion 
or less in assets, like the Bank, continue to be examined by their applicable bank regulators.  

Because abuses in connection with residential mortgages were a significant factor contributing to the global 

financial crisis, many rules issued by the CFPB, as required by the Dodd-Frank Act addressed mortgage and mortgage-
related products, their underwriting, origination, servicing and sales. The Dodd-Frank Act significantly expanded 
underwriting requirements applicable to loans secured by 1-4 family residential real property and augmented federal law 

20 

combating predatory lending practices. In addition to numerous disclosure requirements, the Dodd-Frank Act and the 
CFPB’s enabling rules imposed new standards for mortgage loan originations on all lenders, including banks and savings 
associations, in an effort to strongly encourage lenders to verify a borrower’s ability to repay, while also establishing a 
presumption of compliance for certain “qualified mortgages.” The CFPB’s rules have not had a significant impact on the 
Bank’s operations, except for higher compliance costs. 

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS 

Investing in our common stock involves a high degree of risk. The material risks and uncertainties that 
management believes affect us are described below. Before you decide to invest, you should carefully review and 
consider the risks described below, together with all other information included in this report and other documents we 
file with the SEC. Any of the following risks, as well as risks that we do not know or currently deem immaterial, could 
have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects. 

Summary 

This is a summary of some of the material risks and uncertainties that management believes affects us. The list 
is not exhaustive but provides a high-level summary of some of the material risks that are further described in this Item 
1A. We encourage you to read Item 1A in its entirety. 

Market and Interest Rate Risks 

• 

• 

• 

Interest rate risks associated with our business; 

fluctuations in the values of the securities held in our securities portfolio; and 

governmental monetary, trade and fiscal policies. 

Credit Risks 

•  Our ability to successfully manage credit risk and maintain an adequate level of allowance for loan losses; 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

new or revised accounting standards, including as a result of the future implementation of the CECL 
standard; 

business and economic conditions in our market areas; 

the overall health of the local and national real estate market; 

concentrations within our loan portfolio; and 

the level of nonperforming assets on our balance sheet. 

Operational, Strategic and Reputational Risks 

•  The impact of economic or market conditions on our fee-based services; 

• 

• 

• 

our ability to implement our organic and acquisition growth strategies; 

potential impairment to the goodwill we recorded in connection with our past acquisitions, including the 
acquisition of Metro Phoenix Bank; 

our ability to continue to grow our retirement and benefit services business; 

21 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

our ability to continue to originate a sufficient volume of residential mortgages; 

the occurrence of fraudulent activity, breaches or failures of our information security controls or 
cybersecurity-related incidents; 

interruptions involving our information technology and telecommunications systems or third-party 
services; 

developments and uncertainty related to the future use and availability of some reference rates, such as the 
expected discontinuation of LIBOR as well as the development and implementation of alternative reference 
rates; 

potential losses incurred in connection with mortgage loan repurchases; 

the composition of our executive management team and our ability to attract and retain key personnel; 

labor shortages; 

any material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting; and 

severe weather, natural disasters, widespread disease or pandemics, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, acts 
of war or terrorism, or other adverse external events. 

Liquidity and Funding Risks 

•  Our ability to successfully manage liquidity risk, including our need to access higher cost sources of funds 

such as fed funds purchased and short-term borrowings; 

• 

• 

concentrations of large depositors; and 

our dependence on dividends from the Bank. 

Legal, Accounting and Compliance Risks 

•  The effectiveness of our risk management framework; 

• 

• 

• 

the commencement and outcome of litigation and other legal proceedings and regulatory actions against us 
or to which we may become subject; 

the extensive regulatory framework that applies to us; and 

the impact of recent and future legislative and regulatory changes. 

Market and Interest Rate Risks 

Our business is subject to interest rate risk, and fluctuations in interest rates may adversely affect our earnings. 

Fluctuations in interest rates, which are expected to continue to increase in 2023, may negatively affect our 

business and may weaken demand for some of our products. Our earnings and cash flows are dependent, in part, on our 
net interest income, which is the difference between the interest income that we earn on interest earning assets, such as 
loans and investment securities, and the interest expense that we pay on interest-bearing liabilities, such as deposits and 
borrowings. Changes in interest rates might also impact the values of equity and debt securities under management and 

22 

administration by our retirement and benefit services and wealth management businesses which may have a negative 
impact on our fee income. Additionally, changes in interest rates also affect our ability to fund our operations with client 
deposits and the fair value of securities in our investment portfolio. Therefore, any change in general market interest 
rates, including changes in federal fiscal and monetary policies, could have a material adverse effect on our business, 
financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects.  

It is currently expected that during 2023, and perhaps beyond, the Federal Open Market Committee of the 

Federal Reserve, or FOMC, will continue to increase interest rates to reduce the rate of inflation. In 2022, the FOMC 
increased at various dates throughout the year the target range for the federal funds rate from 0.00% to 0.25% to a range 
of 4.25% to 4.50%. All of these increases were expressly made in response to inflationary pressures, which are currently 
expected to continue in 2023. In February of 2023 the FOMC increased rates again by 0.25%. If the FOMC further 
increases the targeted federal funds rates, overall interest rates likely will rise, which may negatively impact the entire 
national economy. In addition, our net interest income could be adversely affected if the rates we pay on deposits and 
borrowings increase more rapidly than the rates we earn on loans and other assets. Rising interest rates also may reduce 
the demand for loans and the value of fixed-rate investment securities. These effects from interest rate changes or from 
other sustained economic stress or a recession, among other matters, could have a material adverse effect on our 
business, financial condition, liquidity, and results of operations. 

Our interest earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities may react in different degrees to changes in market 

interest rates. Interest rates on some types of assets and liabilities may fluctuate prior to changes in broader market 
interest rates, while rates on other types of assets and liabilities may lag behind. The result of these changes to rates may 
cause differing spreads on interest earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities. We cannot control or accurately predict 
changes in market rates of interest. If short-term interest rates remain at the current low levels for a prolonged period, 
and if longer term interest rates fall, we could experience net interest margin compression as our interest-earning assets 
would continue to reprice downward while our interest-bearing liability rates could fail to decline in tandem. This could 
have a material adverse effect on our net interest income and our results of operations. 

In addition, we could be prevented from increasing the interest rates we charge on loans or from maintaining 

the interest rates we offer on deposits and money market savings accounts due to “price” competition from other banks 
and financial institutions with which we compete. As of December 31, 2022, we had $861.0 million of non-maturity, 
noninterest bearing deposit accounts and $1.8 billion of non-maturity interest-bearing deposit accounts. Interest rates for 
interest-bearing accounts have, in recent periods, started to increase in response to a series of increases made by the 
Federal Reserve in the targeted fed funds rate in 2022 and market competition. We do not know what market rates will 
eventually be in 2023. We have started to offer higher interest rates to maintain current clients or attract new clients, and 
as a result, our interest expense has increased in recent periods and may increase further, perhaps materially. If we fail to 
offer interest at a sufficient level to keep these non-maturity deposits, our core deposits may be reduced, which would 
require us to obtain funding in other ways or risk slowing our future asset growth. 

We could recognize losses on securities held in our securities portfolio, particularly if interest rates increase or 
economic and market conditions deteriorate. 

As of December 31, 2022, the fair value of our securities portfolio was approximately $1.0 billion, or 26.1% of 

our total assets. Factors beyond our control can significantly influence and cause potential adverse changes to the fair 
value of securities in our portfolio. For example, fixed-rate securities acquired by us are generally subject to decreases in 
market value when interest rates rise. Additional factors include, but are not limited to, rating agency downgrades of the 
securities or our own analysis of the value of the securities, defaults by the issuers or individual mortgagors with respect 
to the underlying securities and instability in the credit markets. Any of the foregoing factors, as well as changing 
economic and market conditions and other factors, could cause other-than-temporary impairments and realized or 
unrealized losses in future periods and declines in other comprehensive income, which could have a material adverse 
effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects. The process for determining 
whether impairment is other-than-temporary usually requires complex, subjective judgments, which could subsequently 
prove to have been wrong, about the future financial performance and liquidity of the issuer, the fair value of any 
collateral underlying the security and whether and the extent to which the principal and interest on the security will 
ultimately be paid in accordance with its payment terms.  

23 

A large percentage of our investment securities classified as available-for-sale has fixed interest rates. As is the 
case with many financial institutions, our emphasis on increasing the development of core deposits, those with no stated 
maturity date, has resulted in our interest-bearing liabilities having a shorter duration than our interest-earning assets. 
This imbalance can create significant earnings volatility because interest rates change over time. As interest rates have 
increased, our cost of funds has increased more rapidly than the yields on a substantial portion of our interest-earning 
assets. In addition, the market value of our fixed-rate assets, for example, our investment securities, has declined in 
recent periods. In line with the foregoing, we have experienced and may continue to experience an increase in the cost of 
interest-bearing liabilities primarily due to raising the rates we pay on some of our deposit products to stay competitive 
within our market and an increase in borrowing costs from increases in the federal funds rate. 

At December 31, 2022, we had $183.3 million of unrealized losses in our securities portfolio. If we are forced 
to liquidate any of those investments prior to maturity, including because of a lack of liquidity, we would recognize as a 
charge to earnings the losses attributable to those securities. Our securities portfolio has an average duration of 20 years, 
so we expect an increase in realized losses if interest rates continue to increase in 2023. 

Monetary policies of the Federal Reserve could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. 

In the current environment, economic and business conditions are significantly affected by U.S. monetary 
policy, particularly the actions of the Federal Reserve in its effort to fight elevated levels of inflation.  The Federal 
Reserve is mandated to pursue the goals of maximum employment and price stability and, beginning in March 2022, it 
made a series of significant increases to the target Federal Funds rate as part of an effort to combat elevated levels of 
inflation affecting the U.S. economy, which is expected to continue in 2023.  This has helped drive a significant increase 
in prevailing interest rates and, while this will have a positive effect on our net interest income, it also harmed the value 
of our securities portfolio, which had $132.3 million in unrealized losses in our available-for-sale investment securities 
portfolio at December 31, 2022. This decline in value has negatively affected our tangible book value. Higher interest 
rates can also negatively affect our customers’ businesses and financial condition, and the value of collateral securing 
loans in our portfolio. 

Given the complex factors affecting the strength of the U.S. economy, including uncertainties regarding the 
persistence of inflation, geopolitical developments such as the war in Ukraine and resulting disruptions in the global 
energy market, the effects of the pandemic in China, and tight labor market conditions and supply chain issues, there is a 
meaningful risk that the Federal Reserve and other central banks may raise interest rates too much, thereby limiting 
economic growth and potentially causing an economic recession.  As noted above, this could decrease loan demand, 
harm the credit characteristics of our existing loan portfolio and decrease the value of collateral securing loans in the 
portfolio. 

Credit Risks 

Our business depends on our ability to manage credit risk. 

As a bank, our business requires us to manage credit risk. As a lender, we are exposed to the risk that our 

borrowers will be unable to repay their loans according to their terms, and that the collateral securing repayment of their 
loans, if any, may not be sufficient to ensure repayment. In addition, there are risks inherent in making any loan, 
including risks with respect to the period of time over which the loan may be repaid, risks relating to proper loan 
underwriting, risks resulting from changes in economic and industry conditions, and risks inherent in dealing with 
individual borrowers, including the risk that a borrower may not provide information to us about its business in a timely 
manner, or may present inaccurate or incomplete information to us, as well as risks relating to the value of collateral. To 
manage our credit risk, we must, among other actions, maintain disciplined and prudent underwriting standards and 
ensure that our bankers follow those standards. The weakening of these standards for any reason, such as an attempt to 
attract higher yielding loans, a lack of discipline or diligence by our employees in underwriting and monitoring loans, or 
our inability to adequately adapt policies and procedures to changes in economic, or any other conditions affecting 
borrowers and the quality of our loan portfolio, may result in loan defaults, foreclosures, and charge-offs and may 
necessitate that we significantly increase our allowance for loan losses, each of which could adversely affect our net 

24 

income. As a result, our inability to successfully manage credit risk could have a material adverse effect on our business, 
financial condition, results of operations, and growth prospects. 

Our allowance for loan losses may prove to be insufficient to absorb potential losses in our loan portfolio. 

We establish and maintain our allowance for loan losses at a level that management considers adequate to 

absorb probable loan losses based on an analysis of our loan portfolio and current market environment. The allowance 
for loan losses represents our estimate of probable losses in the portfolio at each balance sheet date and is based upon 
relevant information available to us at such time. The allowance contains provisions for probable losses that have been 
identified relating to specific borrowing relationships, as well as probable losses inherent in the loan portfolio that are 
not specifically identified. Additions to the allowance for loan losses, which are charged to earnings through the 
provision for loan losses, are determined based on a variety of factors, including an analysis of the loan portfolio, 
historical loss experience and an evaluation of current economic conditions in our market area. The actual amount of 
loan losses is affected by, among other things, changes in economic, operating, and other conditions within our markets, 
which may be beyond our control, and such losses may exceed current estimates. In addition, as a result of the 
implementation of CECL, the allowance for loan losses will reflect new or updated assumptions, model, and methods for 
estimating the allowance for loan losses to determine expected credit losses. 

As of December 31, 2022, our allowance for loan losses as a percentage of total loans was 1.27% and as a 

percentage of total nonperforming loans was 820.9%. Although management believes that the allowance for loan losses 
was adequate on such date to absorb probable losses on existing loans that may become uncollectible, losses in excess of 
the existing allowance will reduce our net income and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial 
condition, results of operations and growth prospects. We may also be required to take additional provisions for loan 
losses in the future to further supplement the allowance for loan losses, either due to management’s assessment that the 
allowance is inadequate or as required by our banking regulators. Our banking regulators periodically review our 
allowance for loan losses and the value attributed to nonaccrual loans or to real estate acquired through foreclosure and 
may require us to adjust our determination of the value for these items. These adjustments may have a material adverse 
effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects. 

The CECL accounting standard could require us to increase our allowance for loan losses and may have a material 
adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. 

The new accounting standard for establishing the allowance for credit losses, referred to as CECL, requires 

financial institutions to determine periodic estimates of lifetime expected credit losses on loans and recognize the 
expected credit losses as allowances for credit losses. This standard became applicable to us on January 1, 2023. Under 
the revised methodology, credit losses are measured based on past events, current conditions and reasonable and 
supportable forecasts of future conditions that affect the collectability of financial assets. The new standard requires the 
application of the revised methodology to existing financial assets through a one-time adjustment to retained earnings 
upon initial effectiveness. The change will also likely increase the types of data we need to collect and analyze to 
determine the appropriate level of the allowance for credit losses. Any increase in our allowance for credit losses, or 
expenses incurred to determine the appropriate level of the allowance for credit losses, will result in a decrease in net 
income and capital and may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. 
Moreover, the CECL model may create more volatility in our level of allowance for credit losses and could result in the 
need for additional capital. 

Utilizing objective and subjective factors, the Company now maintains, as of January 1, 2023, an allowance for 

credit losses, established through a provision for credit losses charged to expense, to cover its estimate of the current 
expected credit losses in its loan and securities portfolios. In determining the size of this allowance, the Company 
utilizes estimates based on analyses of volume and types of loans, internal loan classifications, trends in classifications, 
volume and trends in delinquencies, nonaccruals and charge-offs, loss experience of various loan categories, national 
and local economic conditions, including unemployment statistics, industry and peer bank loan quality indications, and 
other pertinent factors and information. Actual losses are difficult to forecast, especially if those losses stem from factors 
beyond the Company’s historical experience or are otherwise inconsistent with its credit quality assessments. If our 
assumptions are inaccurate, our current allowance may not be sufficient to cover potential credit losses, and additional 

25 

provisions may be necessary, which would negatively impact our results of operations and financial condition. Any 
subsequent increase in our allowance for credit losses or expenses incurred to determine the appropriate level of the 
allowance for credit losses will result in a decrease in net income and capital and may have a material adverse impact on 
our financial condition and results of operations. Moreover, the CECL standard may create more volatility in our level of 
allowance for credit losses and could result in the need for additional capital.  

A decline in the business and economic conditions in our market areas could have a material adverse effect on our 
business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects. 

Our business activities and credit exposure, including real estate collateral for many of our loans, are 
concentrated in North Dakota, Minnesota and Arizona, although we also pursue business opportunities nationally. As of 
December 31, 2022, 97.6% of the loans in our loan portfolio were made to borrowers who live in or conduct business in 
those states. This concentration imposes risks from lack of geographic diversification. Weak economic conditions in 
North Dakota, Minnesota and Arizona may affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and growth 
prospects, where adverse economic developments, among other things, could affect the volume of loan originations, 
increase the level of nonperforming assets, increase the rate of foreclosure losses on loans and reduce the value of our 
loans and loan servicing portfolio. Weak economic conditions are characterized by, among other indicators, state and 
local government deficits, deflation, elevated levels of unemployment, fluctuations in debt and equity capital markets, 
increased delinquencies on mortgage, consumer and commercial loans, residential and commercial real estate price 
declines and lower home sales and commercial activity. Any regional or local economic downturn that affects North 
Dakota, Minnesota or Arizona or existing or prospective borrowers or property values in such areas may affect us and 
our profitability more significantly and more adversely than our competitors whose operations are less geographically 
concentrated. Further, a general economic slowdown could decrease the value of the assets under administration, or 
AUA, and assets under management, or AUM, of our retirement and benefit services and wealth management businesses 
resulting in lower fee income, and clients could potentially seek alternative investment opportunities with other 
providers, which could also result in lower fee income to us. Our business is also significantly affected by monetary, 
trade and other regulatory policies of the U.S. federal government, its agencies and government-sponsored entities. 
Changes in any of these policies are influenced by macroeconomic conditions and other factors that are beyond our 
control, are difficult to predict and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial position, results of 
operations and growth prospects. 

Continued elevated levels of inflation could adversely impact our business, financial condition, results of operations 
and growth prospects. 

The United States has recently experienced elevated levels of inflation, with the consumer price index climbing 

approximately 6.5% in 2022. Inflationary pressures are currently expected to continue into 2023. Continued levels of 
inflation could have complex effects on our business, results of operations and financial condition, some of which could 
be materially adverse. For example, while we generally expect any inflation-related increases in our interest expense to 
be offset by increases in our interest income, inflation-driven increases in our levels of noninterest expense could 
negatively impact our results of operations. Continued elevated levels of inflation could also cause increased volatility 
and uncertainty in the business environment, which could adversely affect loan demand and our clients’ ability to repay 
indebtedness. It is possible that governmental responses to the current inflation environment could adversely affect our 
business, such as changes to monetary and fiscal policy that are too strict, or the imposition or threatened imposition of 
price controls. The duration and severity of the current inflationary period cannot be estimated with precision. 

Because a significant portion of our loan portfolio is comprised of real estate loans, negative changes in the economy 
affecting real estate values and liquidity, as well as environmental factors, could impair the value of collateral 
securing our real estate loans and result in loan and other losses. 

At December 31, 2022, approximately 74.0% of our total loan portfolio was comprised of loans with real estate 
as a primary or secondary component of collateral. The repayment of such loans is highly dependent on the ability of the 
borrowers to meet their loan repayment obligations to us, which can be adversely affected by economic downturns that 
can lead to (i) declines in the rents and, therefore, in the cash flows generated by those real properties on which the 
borrowers depend to fund their loan payments to us, (ii) decreases in the values of those real properties, which make it 

26 

more difficult for the borrowers to sell those real properties for amounts sufficient to repay their loans in full, and 
(iii) job losses of residential home buyers, which makes it more difficult for these borrowers to fund their loan payments. 
As a result, adverse developments affecting real estate values in our market areas could increase the credit risk 
associated with our real estate loan portfolio. The market value of real estate can fluctuate significantly in a short period 
of time as a result of interest rates and market conditions in the area in which the real estate is located and some of these 
values have been negatively affected by the recent rise in prevailing interest rates. Adverse changes affecting real estate 
values and the liquidity of real estate in one or more of our markets could increase the credit risk associated with our 
loan portfolio, significantly impair the value of property pledged as collateral on loans and affect our ability to sell the 
collateral upon foreclosure without a loss or additional losses or our ability to sell those loans on the secondary market. 
Such declines and losses would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations 
and growth prospects. If real estate values decline, it is also more likely that we would be required to increase our 
allowance for loan losses, which would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of 
operations and growth prospects. In addition, adverse weather events, including tornados, wildfires, flooding, and 
mudslides, can cause damage to the property pledged as collateral on loans, which could result in additional losses upon 
a foreclosure. 

In addition, if hazardous or toxic substances are found on properties pledged as collateral, the value of the real 
estate could be impaired. If we foreclose on and take title to such properties, we may be liable for remediation costs, as 
well as for personal injury and property damage. Environmental laws may require us to incur substantial expenses to 
address unknown liabilities and may materially reduce the affected property’s value or limit our ability to use or sell the 
affected property. In addition, future laws or more stringent interpretations or enforcement policies with respect to 
existing laws may increase our exposure to environmental liability. The remediation costs and any other financial 
liabilities associated with an environmental hazard could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial 
condition, results of operations and growth prospects. 

Many of our loans are to commercial borrowers, which have a higher degree of risk than other types of loans. 

Commercial and industrial loans represented 23.9% of our total loan portfolio at December 31, 2022. These 
loans are often larger and involve greater risks than other types of lending. Because payments on such loans are often 
dependent on the successful operation of the business involved, repayment of such loans is often more sensitive than 
other types of loans to the general business climate and economy. Accordingly, a challenging business and economic 
environment may increase our risk related to commercial loans. In the current economic environment, the cumulative 
effects of rising inflation, labor shortages and supply chain constraints and the threat of a recession may adversely affect 
commercial and industrial loans, especially if general economic conditions worsen. Unlike residential mortgage loans, 
which generally are made on the basis of the borrowers’ ability to make repayment from their employment and other 
income and which are secured by real property whose value tends to be more easily ascertainable, commercial loans 
typically are made on the basis of the borrowers’ ability to make repayment from the cash flow of the commercial 
venture. Our commercial and industrial loans are primarily made based on the identified cash flow of the borrower and 
secondarily on the collateral underlying the loans. Most often, this collateral consists of accounts receivable, inventory 
and equipment. Inventory and equipment may depreciate over time, may be difficult to appraise and may fluctuate in 
value based on the success of the business. If the cash flow from business operations is reduced, the borrower’s ability to 
repay the loan may be impaired. Due to the larger average size of each commercial loan as compared with other loans 
such as residential loans, as well as collateral that is generally less readily-marketable, losses incurred on a small number 
of commercial loans could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and 
growth prospects. 

Our loan portfolio has a large concentration of commercial real estate loans, which involve risks specific to real 
estate values and the health of the real estate market generally. 

As of December 31, 2022, we had $979.5 million of commercial real estate loans, consisting of $756.1 million 

of loans secured by nonfarm nonresidential properties, $87.8 million of loans secured by multifamily residential 
properties, $97.8 million of construction and land development loans and $37.8 million of loans secured by farmland. 
Commercial real estate loans represented 40.0% of our total loan portfolio and 289.5% of the Bank’s total capital at 
December 31, 2022. The market value of real estate can fluctuate significantly in a short period of time as a result of 

27 

interest rates and market conditions in the area in which the real estate is located and some of these values have been 
negatively affected by the recent rise in prevailing interest rates. Adverse developments affecting real estate values in 
our market areas could increase the credit risk associated with our loan portfolio. Additionally, the repayment of 
commercial real estate loans generally is dependent, in large part, on sufficient income from the properties securing the 
loans to cover operating expenses and debt service. Economic events or governmental regulations outside of the control 
of the borrower or lender could negatively impact the future cash flow and market values of the affected properties. If 
the loans that are collateralized by real estate become troubled during a time when market conditions are declining or 
have declined, then we may not be able to realize the full value of the collateral that we anticipated at the time of 
originating the loan, which could force us to take charge-offs or require us to increase our provision for loan losses, 
which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and growth 
prospects. 

Construction and land development loans are based upon estimates of costs and values associated with the complete 
project. These estimates may be inaccurate, and we may be exposed to significant losses on loans for these projects. 

Construction and land development loans comprised approximately 4.0% of our total loan portfolio as of 

December 31, 2022. Such lending involves additional risks because funds are advanced upon the security of the project, 
which is of uncertain value prior to its completion, and costs may exceed realizable values in declining real estate 
markets. Because of the uncertainties inherent in estimating construction costs and the realizable market value of the 
completed project and the effects of governmental regulation of real property, it is relatively difficult to evaluate 
accurately the total funds required to complete a project and the related loan-to-value ratio. As a result, construction and 
land development loans often involve the disbursement of substantial funds with repayment dependent, in part, on the 
success of the ultimate project and the ability of the borrower to sell or lease the property, rather than the ability of the 
borrower or guarantor to repay principal and interest. If our appraisal of the value of the completed project proves to be 
overstated or market values or rental rates decline, we may have inadequate security for the repayment of the loan upon 
completion of construction of the project. If we are forced to foreclose on a project prior to or at completion due to a 
default, we may not be able to recover all of the unpaid balance of, and accrued interest on, the loan as well as related 
foreclosure and holding costs. In addition, we may be required to fund additional amounts to complete the project and 
may have to hold the property for an unspecified period of time while we attempt to dispose of it. 

Our concentration of one-to-four family residential mortgage loans may result in lower yields and profitability. 

One-to-four family residential mortgage loans comprised $679.6 million and $510.7 million, or 27.8% and 

29.1%, of our loan portfolio at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. These loans are secured primarily by 
properties located in the states of Minnesota, North Dakota and Arizona. These loans generally have lower yields 
relative to other loan categories within our loan portfolio. While these loans may possess higher yields than investment 
securities, their repayment characteristics are not as well defined, and they generally possess a higher degree of interest 
rate risk versus other loans and investment securities within our portfolio. This increased interest rate risk is due to the 
repayment and prepayment options inherent in residential mortgage loans which are exercised by borrowers based upon 
the overall level of interest rates. These residential mortgage loans are generally made on the basis of the borrower’s 
ability to make repayments from his or her employment and the value of the property securing the loan. Thus, as a result, 
repayment of these loans is also subject to general economic and employment conditions within the communities and 
surrounding areas where the property is located. 

A decline in residential real estate market prices or home sales has the potential to adversely affect our one-to-

four family residential mortgage portfolio in several ways, such as a decrease in collateral values and an increase in non-
performing loans, each of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of 
operations and growth prospects. 

Nonperforming assets take significant time to resolve and adversely affect our net interest income. 

As of December 31, 2022, our nonperforming loans (which consist of nonaccrual loans and loans past due 

90 days or more) totaled $3.8 million, or 0.16% of our total loan portfolio, and our nonperforming assets (which consist 

28 

of nonperforming loans, foreclosed assets and other real estate owned) totaled $3.8 million, or 0.10% of total assets. In 
addition, we had $5.0 million of accruing loans that were 31-89 days delinquent as of December 31, 2022.   

Our nonperforming assets adversely affect our net interest income in various ways. We do not record interest 
income on nonaccrual loans or foreclosed assets, thereby adversely affecting our net income and returns on assets and 
equity. When we take collateral in foreclosure and similar proceedings, we are required to mark the collateral to its then-
fair market value, which may result in a loss. These nonperforming loans and foreclosed assets also increase our risk 
profile and the level of capital our regulators believe is appropriate for us to maintain in light of such risks. The 
resolution of nonperforming assets requires significant time commitments from management, which increases our loan 
administration costs and adversely affects our efficiency ratio and can be detrimental to the performance of their other 
responsibilities. If we experience increases in nonperforming loans and nonperforming assets, our net interest income 
may be negatively impacted and our loan administration costs could increase, each of which could have a material 
adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects. 

Our high concentration of large loans to certain borrowers may increase our credit risk. 

We have developed relationships with certain individuals and businesses that have resulted in a concentration of 
large loans to a small number of borrowers. As of December 31, 2022, our 10 largest borrowing relationships accounted 
for approximately 5.5% of our total loan portfolio. We have established an informal, internal limit on loans to one 
borrower, principal or guarantor, but we may, under certain circumstances, consider going above this internal limit in 
situations where management’s understanding of the industry, the borrower’s business and the credit quality of the 
borrower are commensurate with the increased size of the loan. Along with other risks inherent in these loans, such as 
the deterioration of the underlying businesses or property securing these loans, this high concentration of borrowers 
presents a risk to our lending operations. If any one of these borrowers becomes unable to repay its loan obligations as a 
result of business, economic or market conditions, or personal circumstances, such as divorce or death, our nonaccruing 
loans and our provision for loan losses could increase significantly, which could have a material adverse effect on our 
business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects.  

The small to midsized businesses that we lend to may have fewer resources to weather adverse business developments, 
which may impair their ability to repay their loans. 

We lend to small to midsized businesses, which generally have fewer financial resources in terms of capital or 

borrowing capacity than larger entities, frequently have smaller market share than their competition, may be more 
vulnerable to economic downturns, often need substantial additional capital to expand or compete and may experience 
substantial volatility in operating results, any of which may impair their ability to repay their loans. In addition, the 
success of a small and midsized business often depends on the management talents and efforts of one or two people or a 
small group of people, and the death, disability or resignation of one or more of these people could have a material 
adverse impact on the business and its ability to repay its loan. If general economic conditions negatively impact the 
markets in which we operate and small to midsized businesses are adversely affected or our borrowers are otherwise 
affected by adverse business developments, our business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects 
may be materially adversely affected. 

Real estate market volatility and future changes in our disposition strategies could result in net proceeds that differ 
significantly from our foreclosed asset fair value appraisals. 

As of December 31, 2022, we had $30 thousand of foreclosed assets, which consisted of properties that we 
obtained through foreclosure. Assets acquired through loan foreclosure are included in other assets and are initially 
recorded at estimated fair value less estimated selling costs. The estimated fair value of foreclosed assets is evaluated 
regularly and any decreases in value along with holding costs, such as taxes, insurance and utilities, are reported in 
noninterest expense.  

In response to market conditions and other economic factors, we may utilize alternative sale strategies other 

than orderly disposition as part of our foreclosed asset disposition strategy, such as immediate liquidation sales. In this 
event, as a result of the significant judgments required in estimating fair value and the variables involved in different 

29 

methods of disposition, the net proceeds realized from such sales transactions could differ significantly from appraisals, 
comparable sales and other estimates used to determine the fair value of our foreclosed assets. 

Our exposure to home equity lines of credit may increase the potential for loss. 

Our mortgage loan portfolio consists, in part, of home equity lines of credit. A large portion of home equity 

lines of credit are originated in conjunction with the origination of first mortgage loans eligible for sale in the secondary 
market, which we typically do not service if the loan is sold. By not servicing the first mortgage loans, we are unable to 
track the delinquency status which may indicate whether such loans are at risk of foreclosure by others. In addition, 
home equity lines of credit are initially offered as “revolving” lines of credit whereby the borrowers are only required to 
make scheduled interest payments during the initial terms of the loans, which is generally five or ten years. Thereafter, 
the borrowers no longer have the ability to make principal draws from the lines and the loans convert to a fully-
amortizing basis, requiring scheduled principal and interest payments sufficient to repay the loans within a certain period 
of time, which is generally 15 or 20 years. The conversion of a home equity line of credit to a fully amortizing basis 
presents an increased level of default risk to us since the borrower no longer has the ability to make principal draws on 
the line, and the amount of the required monthly payment could substantially increase to provide for scheduled 
repayment of principal and interest. 

Operational, Strategic and Reputational Risks 

Noninterest income represents a significant portion of our total revenue and may be negatively impacted by changes 
in economic or market conditions and competition. 

A significant portion of our revenue results from fee-based services provided by our retirement and benefit 

services business. This contrasts with many other community and regional banks that rely more heavily on interest-based 
sources of revenue, such as loans and investment securities. For the year ended December 31, 2022, noninterest income 
represented approximately 52.7% of our total revenue, which includes net interest income and noninterest income, a 
significant portion of which is derived from our retirement and benefit services business. This fee income business 
presents special risks not borne by other institutions that focus exclusively on banking. The level of these fees is 
influenced by several factors, including the number of plans and participants we provide retirement, advisory and other 
services for, the level of transactions within the plans, and the asset values of the plans whose fees are earned based on 
the level of assets in the plans. If we are unable to maintain our number of plans, participants and AUA and AUM at 
historical or greater levels, our fee income derived from this business may decline. For example, in a typical year we 
expect to experience outflows in AUA and AUM due to withdrawals, client turnover, plan terminations, mergers and 
acquisition activity. In 2022, we experienced outflows of $7.5 billion in our retirement and benefit services division 
partially offset by inflows of $5.7 billion. 

In addition, economic, market or other factors that reduce the level or rates of savings in or with our clients, 

either through reductions in financial asset valuations or through changes in investor preferences, could materially 
reduce our fee revenue. The financial markets and businesses operating in the securities industry are highly volatile 
(meaning that performance results can vary greatly within short periods of time) and are directly affected by, among 
other factors, domestic and foreign economic conditions and general trends in business and finance, all of which are 
beyond our control. We cannot assure you that broad market performance will be favorable in the future. Declines in the 
financial markets or a lack of sustained growth may result in a corresponding decline in our performance and may 
adversely affect the value of the assets that we manage. A general economic slowdown could decrease the value of the 
AUA and AUM in our retirement and benefit services and wealth management businesses and result in clients 
potentially seeking alternative investment opportunities with other providers, which could result in lower fee income to 
our Company. 

Even when economic and market conditions are generally favorable, our investment performance may be 

adversely affected by the investment style of our asset managers and the particular investments that they make. To the 
extent our future investment performance is perceived to be poor in either relative or absolute terms, the revenues and 
profitability of our wealth management business will likely be reduced and our ability to attract new clients will likely be 
impaired. In addition, our management contracts generally provide for fee payments for wealth management and trust 

30 

services based on the market value of AUM. Because most contracts provide for a fee based on market values of 
securities, fluctuations in the underlying securities values may have a material adverse effect on our revenue. Fee 
compression due to competitive pressures has resulted in and continues to result in significant pressure to reduce the fees 
we charge for our services in both our retirement and benefit services and wealth management businesses. 

We may not be successful in implementing our organic growth strategy, which could have a material adverse effect 
on our business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects. 

Part of our business strategy is to focus on organic growth, which includes leveraging our business lines across 

our entire client base, enhancing brand awareness and building our infrastructure. The success of our organic growth 
strategy depends on our ability to increase loans, deposits, AUM and AUA at acceptable risk levels without incurring 
offsetting increases in noninterest expense. We may not be successful in generating organic growth if we fail to 
effectively execute our integrated One Alerus strategy, or as a result of other factors, including delays in introducing and 
implementing new products and services and other impediments resulting from regulatory oversight or lack of qualified 
personnel at our office locations. In addition, the success of our organic growth strategy will depend on maintaining 
sufficient regulatory capital levels and on favorable economic conditions in our primary market areas. Failure to 
adequately manage the risks associated with our anticipated organic growth could have a material adverse effect on our 
business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects. 

In addition to our organic growth strategy, we intend to expand our business by acquiring other banks and financial 
services companies, but we may not be successful in doing so, either because of an inability to find suitable 
acquisition candidates, constrained capital resources or otherwise. 

While a key element of our business strategy is to grow our banking franchise and increase our market share 

through organic growth, we intend to take advantage of opportunities to acquire other banks and financial services 
companies, including wealth management and retirement administration businesses, as such opportunities present 
themselves. For example, in the second quarter of 2022, we completed the acquisition of MPB BHC, Inc., holding 
company for Metro Phoenix Bank in Phoenix, Arizona. Although we intend to continue to grow our business through 
organic growth and strategic acquisitions, because certain of our market areas are comprised of mature, rural 
communities with limited population growth, we anticipate that much of our future growth will be dependent on our 
ability to successfully implement our acquisition growth strategy. However, we may not be able to identify suitable 
acquisition targets or even if we do, we may not succeed in seizing such opportunities when they arise or in integrating 
any such banks or financial service companies within our existing business framework. In addition, even if suitable 
targets are identified, we expect to compete for such businesses with other potential bidders, many of which may have 
greater financial resources than we have, which may adversely affect our ability to make acquisitions at attractive prices. 
Our ability to execute on acquisition opportunities may require us to raise additional capital and to increase our capital 
position to support the growth of our franchise. It will also depend on market conditions over which we have no control. 
Moreover, certain acquisitions may require the approval of our bank regulators, and we may not be able to obtain such 
approvals on acceptable terms, if at all. 

We may be adversely affected by risks associated with completed acquisitions, including execution risks, failure to 
realize anticipated transaction benefits, and failure to overcome integration risks, which could adversely affect our 
growth and profitability. 

In the third quarter of 2022, we completed the acquisition of MPB BHC, Inc., the holding company for Metro 

Phoenix Bank in Phoenix, Arizona. As with any acquisition, we may fail to realize some or all of the anticipated 
transaction benefits associated with the acquisition of Metro Phoenix Bank, including anticipated cost savings. 
Additionally, the integration of Metro Phoenix Bank requires integration of systems, procedures and personnel of the 
acquired entity. This integration process is complicated and time consuming and can also be disruptive to the customers 
and employees of the acquired business and our business. If the ongoing integration process for our acquisition of Metro 
Phoenix Bank is not completed successfully, we may not realize the anticipated economic benefits of the acquisition 
within the expected time frame, or ever, and we may lose customers or employees of the acquired business. We may also 
experience greater than anticipated customer losses even if the integration process is successful. 

31 

If we pursue additional acquisitions, it may expose us to financial, execution and operational risks that could have a 
material adverse effect on our business, financial position, results of operations and growth prospects. 

Since 2000, we have experienced significant growth, both organically and through acquisitions of banks and 
other financial service providers, including wealth management and retirement administration businesses. We plan to 
continue to grow our business by executing additional strategic acquisitions of all or parts of other banks or financial 
institutions or through the hiring of teams of employees that fit within our overall strategy and that we believe make 
financial and strategic sense. These acquisitions may result in us entering new markets. 

If we grow through acquisitions, it may expose us to financial, execution and operational risks that could have a 

material adverse effect on our business, financial position, results of operations and growth prospects. Acquiring other 
banks and financial service providers involve risks commonly associated with acquisitions, including: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

potential exposure to unknown or contingent liabilities of the banks and businesses we acquire; 

exposure to potential asset and credit quality issues of the acquired bank or related business; 

difficulty and expense of integrating the operations, culture and personnel of banks and businesses we 
acquire, including higher than expected deposit attrition; 

potential disruption to our business; 

potential restrictions on our business resulting from the regulatory approval process; 

an inability to realize the expected revenue increases, costs savings, market presence or other anticipated 
benefits; 

potential diversion of our management’s time and attention; and 

the possible loss of key employees and clients of the banks and businesses we acquire. 

In addition to the foregoing, we may face additional risks in acquisitions to the extent we acquire new lines of 
business or new products, or enter new geographic areas, in which we have little or no current experience, especially if 
we lose key employees of the acquired operations. If we hire a new team of employees, we may incur additional 
expenses relating to their compensation without any guarantee that such new team will be successful in generating new 
business. In addition, if we later determine that the value of an acquired business has decreased and that the related 
goodwill is impaired, an impairment of goodwill charge to earnings would be recognized. 

Acquisitions involve inherent uncertainty and we cannot assure you that we will be successful in overcoming 

these risks or any other problems encountered in connection with acquisitions. Our inability to overcome risks associated 
with acquisitions could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and 
growth prospects. 

Our retirement and benefit services business relies on acquisitions to maintain and grow our AUA and AUM. 

In 2022, our retirement and benefit services business experienced outflows of AUA and AUM of $7.5 billion, 

due to withdrawals, client turnover, plan terminations, and mergers and acquisition activity. We believe this level of 
runoff is typical in the industry. To maintain and grow this business, we believe we need to be an active acquirer and 
seek to complete acquisitions of retirement administration providers if we are able to find quality acquisition 
opportunities. If we are unable to source a pipeline of potential acquisitions of companies that we determine are a good 
strategic fit for our Company, our retirement and benefit services business may fail to grow or even shrink, which could 
have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects. 

32 

If we are unable to continue to originate residential real estate loans and sell them into the secondary market for a 
profit, our noninterest income could decrease. 

We derive a portion of our noninterest income from the origination of residential real estate loans and the 
subsequent sale of such loans into the secondary market. If we are unable to continue to originate and sell residential real 
estate loans at historical or greater levels, our residential real estate loan volume would decrease, which could decrease 
our earnings. A rising interest rate environment, general economic conditions, market volatility or other factors beyond 
our control could adversely affect our ability to originate residential real estate loans. Mortgage banking income is 
highly influenced by the level and direction of mortgage interest rates and real estate and refinancing activity. In a lower 
interest rate environment, the demand for mortgage loans and refinancing activity will tend to increase. This has the 
effect of increasing fee income but could adversely impact the estimated fair value of our Company’s mortgage servicing 
rights as the rate of loan prepayments increase. In a higher interest rate environment, the demand for mortgage loans and 
refinancing activity will generally be lower. This has the effect of decreasing fee income opportunities. As a result of the 
current rising interest rate environment, we began to see in the second half of 2022 lower demand for mortgage loans 
and refinancing activity. In 2022, we originated $812.3 million of mortgage loans, compared to $1.8 billion in 2021. We 
expect this trend to continue in 2023 with additional rate increases expected to be made by the Federal Reserve. 

The financial services industry is experiencing an increase in regulations and compliance requirements related 

to mortgage loan originations necessitating technology upgrades and other changes. If new regulations continue to 
increase and we are unable to make technology upgrades, our ability to originate mortgage loans will be reduced or 
eliminated. Additionally, we sell a large portion of our residential real estate loans to third party investors, and rising 
interest rates could negatively affect our ability to generate suitable profits on the sale of such loans. If interest rates 
increase after we originate the loans, our ability to market those loans is impaired as the profitability on the loans 
decreases. These fluctuations can have an adverse effect on the revenue we generate from residential real estate loans 
and in certain instances, could result in a loss on the sale of the loans. 

In addition, a prolonged period of illiquidity in the secondary mortgage market, coupled with an increase in 

interest rates, could reduce the demand for residential mortgage loans and increase investor yield requirements for those 
loans. As a result, we may be at higher risk of retaining a larger portion of mortgage loans than in other environments 
until they are sold to investors. Any reduction of loan production volumes could have a material adverse effect on our 
business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects. 

The occurrence of fraudulent activity, breaches or failures of our information security controls or 
cybersecurity-related incidents could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of 
operations and growth prospects. 

As a financial institution, we are susceptible to fraudulent activity, information security breaches and 

cybersecurity-related incidents that may be committed against us, our clients or third parties with whom we interact, 
which may result in financial losses or increased costs to us or our clients, disclosure or misuse of our information or our 
client information, misappropriation of assets, privacy breaches against our clients, litigation or damage to our 
reputation. Such fraudulent activity may take many forms, including check fraud, electronic fraud, wire fraud, phishing, 
social engineering and other dishonest acts. Information security breaches and cybersecurity-related incidents may 
include fraudulent or unauthorized access to systems used by us or our clients, denial or degradation of service attacks 
and malware or other cyber-attacks. 

In recent periods, there continues to be a rise in electronic fraudulent activity, security breaches and cyber-

attacks within the financial services industry, especially in the commercial banking sector due to cyber criminals 
targeting commercial bank accounts. Consistent with industry trends, we have also experienced an increase in attempted 
electronic fraudulent activity, security breaches and cybersecurity related incidents in recent periods. Moreover, in recent 
periods, several large corporations, including financial institutions and retail companies, have suffered major data 
breaches, in some cases exposing not only confidential and proprietary corporate information, but also sensitive financial 
and other personal information of their clients and employees and subjecting them to potential fraudulent activity. We 
are not aware that we have experienced any material misappropriation, loss or other unauthorized disclosure of 
confidential or personally identifiable information as a result of a cyber-security breach or other act, however, some of 

33 

our clients may have been affected by these breaches, which could increase their risks of identity theft and other 
fraudulent activity that could involve their accounts with us. 

Information pertaining to us and our clients is maintained, and transactions are executed, on networks and 

systems maintained by us and certain third-party partners, such as our online banking, mobile banking, record-keeping or 
accounting systems. The secure maintenance and transmission of confidential information, as well as execution of 
transactions over these systems, are essential to protect us and our clients against fraud and security breaches and to 
maintain the confidence of our clients. Breaches of information security also may occur through intentional or 
unintentional acts by those having access to our systems or the confidential information of our clients, including 
employees. In addition, increases in criminal activity levels and sophistication, advances in computer capabilities, new 
discoveries, vulnerabilities in third party technologies (including browsers and operating systems) or other developments 
could result in a compromise or breach of the technology, processes and controls that we use to prevent fraudulent 
transactions and to protect data about us, our clients and underlying transactions, as well as the technology used by our 
clients to access our systems. Our third party partners’ inability to anticipate, or failure to adequately mitigate, breaches 
of security could result in a number of negative events, including losses to us or our clients, loss of business or clients, 
damage to our reputation, the incurrence of additional expenses, disruption to our business, additional regulatory 
scrutiny or penalties or our exposure to civil litigation and possible financial liability, any of which could have a material 
adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects. 

We depend on information technology and telecommunications systems, and any systems failures, interruptions or 
data breaches involving these systems could adversely affect our operations and financial condition. 

Our business is highly dependent on the successful and uninterrupted functioning of our information technology 

and telecommunications systems, third party servicers, accounting systems, mobile and online banking platforms and 
financial intermediaries. The risks resulting from use of these systems result from a variety of factors, both internal and 
external. We are vulnerable to the impact of failures of our systems to operate as needed or intended. Such failures could 
include those resulting from human error, unexpected transaction volumes, or overall design or performance issues. 

We outsource to third parties many of our major systems, such as data processing and mobile and online 

banking. In addition, we partner with a leading financial technology company to create an online account portal that 
integrates our diverse product applications into a user-friendly experience for our consumer clients. The failure of these 
systems, or the termination of a third-party software license or service agreement on which any of these systems is 
based, could interrupt our operations. Because our information technology and telecommunications systems interface 
with and depend on third party systems, we could experience service denials if demand for such services exceeds 
capacity or such third-party systems fail or experience interruptions. A system failure or service denial could result in a 
deterioration of our ability to process loans or gather deposits and provide customer service, compromise our ability to 
operate effectively, result in potential noncompliance with applicable laws or regulations, damage our reputation, result 
in a loss of client business or subject us to additional regulatory scrutiny and possible financial liability, any of which 
could have a material adverse effect on business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects. In 
addition, failures of third parties to comply with applicable laws and regulations, or fraud or misconduct on the part of 
employees of any of these third parties, could disrupt our operations or adversely affect our reputation. 

It may be difficult for us to replace some of our third-party vendors, particularly vendors providing our core 

banking and information services, in a timely manner if they are unwilling or unable to provide us with these services in 
the future for any reason and even if we are able to replace them, it may be at higher cost or result in the loss of clients. 
Any such events could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and 
growth prospects. 

Our operations rely heavily on the secure processing, storage and transmission of information and the 
monitoring of a large number of transactions on a minute-by-minute basis, and even a short interruption in service could 
have significant consequences. We also interact with and rely on retailers, for whom we process transactions, as well as 
financial counterparties and regulators. Each of these third parties may be targets of the same types of fraudulent 
activity, computer break-ins and other cyber security breaches described above, and the cyber security measures that 
they maintain to mitigate the risk of such activity may be different than our own and may be inadequate. 

34 

Because financial entities and technology systems are becoming more interdependent and complex, a cyber 

incident, information breach or loss, or technology failure that compromises the systems or data of one or more financial 
entities could have a material impact on counterparties or other market participants, including ourselves. As a result of 
the foregoing, our ability to conduct business may be adversely affected by any significant disruptions to us or to third 
parties with whom we interact. 

A transition away from LIBOR as a reference rate for financial contracts could negatively affect our income and 
expenses and the value of various financial contracts. 

LIBOR is used extensively in the United States and globally as a benchmark for various commercial and 

financial contracts, including adjustable rate mortgages, corporate debt and interest rate swaps. LIBOR is set based on 
interest rate information reported by certain banks, which are scheduled to stop reporting such information by June 30, 
2023. It is not certain at this time the extent to which those entering into commercial or financial contracts will transition 
to any particular new benchmark. Other benchmarks may perform differently than LIBOR, or alternative benchmarks 
have performed in the past or have other consequences that cannot currently be anticipated. It is also uncertain what will 
happen with instruments that rely on LIBOR for future interest rate adjustments and which remain outstanding if LIBOR 
ceases to exist. 

While there is no consensus on what rate, or rates, may become accepted alternatives to LIBOR, the Alternative 

Reference Rates Committee, a steering committee comprised of U.S. financial market participants, selected by the 
Federal Reserve Bank of New York, started in May 2018, to publish the Secured Overnight Financing Rate, or SOFR, as 
an alternative to LIBOR. SOFR is a broad measure of the cost of overnight borrowings collateralized by Treasury 
securities that was selected by the Alternative Reference Rate Committee due to the depth and robustness of the 
Treasury repurchase market. At this time, it is impossible to predict whether SOFR will become an accepted alternative 
to LIBOR. 

We have loans, available-for-sale securities, derivative contracts, subordinated notes payable, and junior 
subordinated debentures with terms that are either directly or indirectly dependent on LIBOR. The transition from 
LIBOR to alternative rates such as SOFR, could create considerable costs and additional risk. Any such transition could: 
(i) adversely affect the interest rates paid or received on, the revenue and expenses associated with, and the value of our 
floating-rate obligations, loans, deposits, derivatives, and other financial instruments tied to LIBOR rates, or other 
securities or financial arrangements given LIBOR’s role in determining market interest rates globally; (ii) prompt 
inquiries or other actions from regulators in respect of our preparation and readiness for the replacement of LIBOR with 
an alternative reference rate; (iii) result in disputes, litigation, or other actions with counterparties regarding the 
interpretation and enforceability of certain fallback language in LIBOR-based securities; and (iv) require the transition to 
or development of appropriate systems and analytics to effectively transition our risk management processes from 
LIBOR-based products to those based on the applicable alternative pricing benchmark, such as SOFR. Since proposed 
alternative rates are calculated differently, payments under contracts referencing new rates will differ from those 
referencing LIBOR. The transition will change our market risk profile, requiring changes to risk and pricing models, 
valuation tools, product design and hedging strategies. Further, a failure to adequately manage this transition process 
with our customers could adversely affect our reputation. Although we are currently unable to assess the ultimate impact 
of the transition from LIBOR, a failure to adequately manage the transition could have a material adverse effect on our 
business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects. 

Potential losses incurred in connection with possible repurchases and indemnification payments related to mortgages 
that we have sold into the secondary market may require us to increase our financial statement reserves in the future. 

We engage in the origination and sale of residential real estate loans into the secondary market. In connection 
with such sales, we make certain representations and warranties, which, if breached, may require us to repurchase such 
loans or indemnify the purchasers of such loans for actual losses incurred in respect of such loans. These representations 
and warranties vary based on the nature of the transaction and the purchaser’s or insurer’s requirements but generally 
pertain to the ownership of the mortgage loan, the real property securing the loan and compliance with applicable laws 
and applicable lender and government-sponsored entity underwriting guidelines in connection with the origination of the 
loan. While we believe our mortgage lending practices and standards to be adequate, we may receive repurchase or 

35 

indemnification requests in the future, which could be material in volume. If that were to happen, we could incur losses 
in connection with loan repurchases and indemnification claims, and any such losses might exceed our financial 
statement reserves, requiring us to increase such reserves. In that event, any losses we might have to recognize and any 
increases we might have to make to our reserves could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial position, 
results of operations and growth prospects. 

We are highly dependent on our executive management team, and the loss of any of our senior executive officers or 
other key employees, or our inability to attract and retain qualified personnel, could harm our ability to implement 
our strategic plan and impair our relationships with clients. 

Our success is dependent, to a large degree, upon the continued service and skills of our executive management 

team, which consists of Katie Lorenson, our President and Chief Executive Officer, Alan Villalon, our Chief Financial 
Officer, Jim Collins, our Chief Banking and Revenue Officer, Missy Keney, our Chief Engagement Officer, Jon Hendry 
our Chief Technology Officer and Karin Taylor, our Chief Risk Officer. Our business and growth strategies are built 
primarily upon our ability to retain employees with experience and business relationships within our market areas. The 
loss of any of the members of our executive management team or any of our other key personnel, including our client 
advisors, could have an adverse impact on our business and growth because of their skills, years of industry experience, 
knowledge of our market areas, the difficulty of finding qualified replacement personnel and any difficulties associated 
with transitioning of responsibilities to any new members of the executive management team. As such, we need to 
continue to attract and retain key personnel and to recruit qualified individuals who fit our culture to succeed existing 
key personnel and ensure the continued growth and successful operation of our business. Leadership changes may occur 
from time to time, and we cannot predict whether significant retirements or resignations will occur or whether we will be 
able to recruit additional qualified personnel. 

Competition for senior executives and skilled personnel in the financial services industry is intense, which 

means the cost of hiring, incentivizing and retaining skilled personnel may continue to increase. In addition, our ability 
to effectively compete for senior executives and other qualified personnel by offering competitive compensation and 
benefit arrangements may be restricted by applicable banking laws and regulations. The loss of the services of any senior 
executive or other key personnel, the inability to recruit and retain qualified personnel in the future or the failure to 
develop and implement a viable succession plan could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial 
condition, results of operations and growth prospects. 

Our ability to retain and recruit employees is critical to the success of our business strategy and any failure to do so 
could impair our customer relationships and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations 
and growth prospects. 

Our ability to retain and grow our loans, deposits and fee income depends upon the business generation 

capabilities, reputation and relationship management skills of our employees. If we lose the services of any of our 
employees, including successful employees employed by banks or other businesses that we may acquire, to a new or 
existing competitor or otherwise, we may not be able to retain valuable relationships and some of our customers could 
choose to use the services of a competitor instead of our services. 

Our success and growth strategy also depends on our continued ability to attract and retain experienced 

employees for all of our business lines. We may face difficulties in recruiting and retaining personnel of our desired 
caliber, including as a result of competition from other financial institutions. Competition for high quality personnel is 
strong and we may not be successful in attracting or retaining the personnel we require. In particular, many of our 
competitors are significantly larger with greater financial resources and may be able to offer more attractive 
compensation packages and broader career opportunities. Additionally, we may incur significant expenses and expend 
significant time and resources on training, integration, and business development before we are able to determine 
whether a new employee will be profitable or effective in his or her role. If we are unable to attract and retain a 
successful customer development and management team or if our customer development and management team fails to 
meet our expectations in terms of customer relationships and profitability, we may be unable to execute our business 
strategy and our business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects may be negatively affected. 

36 

Our ability to maintain our reputation is critical to the success of our business, and the failure to do so may 
materially adversely affect our business and the value of our stock. 

We rely, in part, on our reputation to attract clients and retain our client relationships. Damage to our reputation 

could undermine the confidence of our current and potential clients in our ability to provide high-quality financial 
services. Such damage could also impair the confidence of our counterparties and vendors and ultimately affect our 
ability to effect transactions. In particular, our ability to attract and retain clients and employees could be adversely 
affected to the extent our reputation is damaged. Our actual or perceived failure to address various issues could give rise 
to reputational risk that could cause harm to us and our business prospects. These issues include, but are not limited to, 
legal and regulatory requirements; privacy; client and other third-party fraud; properly maintaining and safeguarding 
client and employee personal information; money-laundering; illegal or fraudulent sales practices; ethical issues; 
appropriately addressing potential conflicts of interest; and the proper identification and disclosure of the legal, 
reputational, credit, liquidity, and market risks inherent in our products. Failure to appropriately address any of these 
issues could also give rise to additional regulatory restrictions, reputational harm and legal risks, which could, among 
other consequences, increase the size and number of litigation claims and damages asserted or subject us to enforcement 
actions, fines, and penalties and cause us to incur related costs and expenses. In addition, our businesses are dependent 
on the integrity of our relationship, asset managers and other employees. If a relationship manager, asset manager or 
other employee were to misappropriate any client funds or client information, the reputation of our businesses could be 
negatively affected, which may result in the loss of accounts and could have a material adverse effect on our business, 
financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects. 

Maintenance of our reputation depends not only on our success in maintaining our service-focused culture and 

controlling and mitigating the various risks described in this report, but also on our success in identifying and 
appropriately addressing issues that may arise in the areas described above. Maintaining our reputation also depends on 
our ability to successfully prevent third parties from infringing on the “Alerus” brand and associated trademarks and our 
other intellectual property. Defense of our reputation, trademarks and other intellectual property, including through 
litigation, could result in costs that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of 
operations and growth prospects. 

Labor shortages and a failure to attract and retain qualified employees could negatively impact our business, 
financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects. 

A number of factors may adversely affect the labor force available to us or increase labor costs, including the 
high employment levels and decreased labor force size and participation rates in recent periods. Although we have not 
experienced any material labor shortage to date, we have recently observed an overall tightening and increasingly 
competitive local labor markets. A sustained labor shortage or increased turnover rates within our employee base could 
lead to increased costs, such as increased compensation expense to attract and retain employees. In addition, if we are 
unable to hire and retain employees capable of performing at a high-level, or if mitigation measures we take to respond 
to a decrease in labor availability have unintended negative effects, our business could be adversely affected. An overall 
labor shortage, lack of skilled labor, increased turnover or labor inflation, caused by general macroeconomic factors, 
could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects. 

Our use of third-party vendors and our other ongoing third-party business relationships is subject to increasing 
regulatory requirements and attention. 

Our use of third-party vendors, including the financial technology company we partner with to create a 

customer portal, for certain information systems is subject to increasingly demanding regulatory requirements and 
attention by our federal bank regulators. Recent regulations require us to enhance our due diligence, ongoing monitoring 
and control over our third-party vendors and other ongoing third-party business relationships. In certain cases, we may 
be required to renegotiate our agreements with these vendors to meet these enhanced requirements, which could increase 
our costs. We expect that our regulators will hold us responsible for deficiencies in our oversight and control of our 
third-party relationships and in the performance of the parties with which we have these relationships. As a result, if our 
regulators conclude that we have not exercised adequate oversight and control over our third party vendors or other 
ongoing third party business relationships or that such third parties have not performed appropriately, we could be 

37 

subject to enforcement actions, including civil money penalties or other administrative or judicial penalties or fines, as 
well as requirements for client remediation, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial 
condition, results of operations and growth prospects. 

We have a continuing need for technological change, and we may not have the resources to effectively implement 
new technology or we may experience operational challenges when implementing new technology. 

The financial services industry is undergoing rapid technological changes with frequent introductions of new 
technology-driven products and services. In addition to better serving clients, the effective use of technology increases 
efficiency and enables financial institutions to reduce costs. Our future success will depend in part upon our ability to 
address the needs of our clients by using technology to provide products and services that will satisfy client demands for 
convenience as well as to create additional efficiencies in our operations. The widespread adoption of new technologies, 
including mobile banking services, cryptocurrencies and payment systems, could require us in the future to make 
substantial expenditures to modify or adapt our existing products and services as we grow and develop new products to 
satisfy our customers’ expectations and comply with regulatory guidance. We may experience operational challenges as 
we implement these new technology enhancements, which could result in us not fully realizing the anticipated benefits 
from such new technology or require us to incur significant costs to remedy any such challenges in a timely manner. 

Many of our larger competitors have substantially greater resources to invest in technological improvements. 

As a result, they may be able to offer additional or superior products to those that we will be able to offer, which would 
put us at a competitive disadvantage. Accordingly, a risk exists that we will not be able to effectively implement new 
technology-driven products and services or be successful in marketing such products and services to our clients. 

In addition, the implementation of technological changes and upgrades to maintain current systems and 
integrate new ones may also cause service interruptions, transaction processing errors and system conversion delays and 
may cause us to fail to comply with applicable laws. We expect that new technologies and business processes applicable 
to the financial services industry will continue to emerge, and these new technologies and business processes may be 
better than those we currently use. Because the pace of technological change is high and our industry is intensely 
competitive, we may not be able to sustain our investment in new technology as critical systems and applications 
become obsolete or as better ones become available. A failure to successfully keep pace with technological change 
affecting the financial services industry and failure to avoid interruptions, errors and delays could have a material 
adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects. 

We are subject to certain operational risks, including, but not limited to, customer or employee fraud and data 
processing system failures and errors. 

Employee errors and employee and customer misconduct could subject us to financial losses or regulatory 

sanctions and seriously harm our reputation. Misconduct by our employees could include hiding unauthorized activities 
from us, improper or unauthorized activities on behalf of our customers or improper use of confidential information. It is 
not always possible to prevent employee errors and misconduct, and the precautions we take to prevent and detect this 
activity may not be effective in all cases. Employee errors could also subject us to financial claims for negligence. 

We maintain a system of internal controls and insurance coverage to mitigate against operational risks, 

including data processing system failures and errors and customer or employee fraud. If our internal controls fail to 
prevent or detect an occurrence, or if any resulting loss is not insured or exceeds applicable insurance limits, it could 
have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition results of operations and growth prospects. 

Our dividend policy may change. 

Although we have historically paid dividends to our stockholders and currently intend to maintain or increase 
our current dividend levels in future quarters, we have no obligation to continue doing so and may change our dividend 
policy at any time without notice to our stockholders. Holders of our common stock are only entitled to receive such 
cash dividends as our board of directors, in its discretion, may declare out of funds legally available for such payments. 
Further, consistent with our strategic plans, growth initiatives, capital availability, projected liquidity needs, and other 

38 

factors, we have made, and will continue to make, capital management decisions and policies that could adversely 
impact the amount of dividends paid to our common stockholders. 

In addition, we are a financial holding company, and our ability to declare and pay dividends is dependent on 

certain federal regulatory considerations, including the guidelines of the Federal Reserve regarding capital adequacy and 
dividends. It is the policy of the Federal Reserve that bank and financial holding companies should generally pay 
dividends on capital stock only out of earnings, and only if prospective earnings retention is consistent with the 
organization’s expected future needs, asset quality and financial condition. 

We are a separate and distinct legal entity from our subsidiaries, including the Bank. We receive substantially 

all of our revenue from dividends from the Bank, which we use as the principal source of funds to pay our expenses. 
Various federal and state laws and regulations limit the amount of dividends that the Bank and certain of our non-bank 
subsidiaries may pay us. Such limits are also tied to the earnings of our subsidiaries. If the Bank does not receive 
regulatory approval or if its earnings are not sufficient to make dividend payments to us while maintaining adequate 
capital levels, our ability to pay our expenses and our business, financial condition or results of operations could be 
materially and adversely impacted. 

Future issuances of common stock could result in dilution, which could cause our common stock price to decline. 

We are generally not restricted from issuing additional shares of stock, up to the 30,000,000 shares of common 
stock and 2,000,000 shares of preferred stock authorized in our certificate of incorporation, which in each case could be 
increased by a vote of the holders of a majority of our shares of common stock. We may issue additional shares of our 
common stock in the future pursuant to current or future equity compensation plans, upon conversions of preferred stock 
or debt, or in connection with future acquisitions or financings. If we choose to raise capital by selling shares of our 
common stock for any reason, the issuance would have a dilutive effect on the holders of our common stock and could 
have a material negative effect on the market price of our common stock. 

We may issue shares of preferred stock in the future, which could make it difficult for another company to acquire us 
or could otherwise adversely affect holders of our common stock, which could depress the price of our common stock. 

Although there are currently no shares of our preferred stock issued and outstanding, our certificate of 

incorporation authorizes us to issue up to 2,000,000 shares of one or more series of preferred stock. Our board of 
directors also has the power, without stockholder approval, to set the terms of any series of preferred stock that may be 
issued, including voting rights, dividend rights, preferences over our common stock with respect to dividends or in the 
event of a dissolution, liquidation or winding up, and other terms. If we issue preferred stock in the future that has 
preference over our common stock with respect to payment of dividends or upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding 
up, or if we issue preferred stock with voting rights that dilute the voting power of our common stock, the rights of the 
holders of our common stock or the market price of our common stock could be adversely affected. In addition, the 
ability of our board of directors to issue shares of preferred stock without any action on the part of our stockholders may 
impede a takeover of us and prevent a transaction perceived to be favorable to our stockholders. 

The holders of our debt obligations and preferred stock, if any, will have priority over our common stock with respect 
to payment in the event of liquidation, dissolution or winding up and with respect to the payment of interest and 
dividends. 

In any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, our common stock would rank junior in priority 

to all claims of debt holders against us and claims of all of our outstanding shares of preferred stock. As of December 31, 
2022, we had $50.0 million of subordinated notes payable and $8.8 million of junior subordinated debentures 
outstanding. In the first quarter of 2021, we redeemed our previously issued subordinated debt with a rate of 5.75% and 
issued new subordinated debt to the Bank of North Dakota with an initial fixed rate of 3.50%. We do not currently have 
any shares of preferred stock outstanding. As a result, holders of our common stock will not be entitled to receive any 
payment or other distribution of assets upon the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company until after all of 
our obligations to our debt holders have been satisfied and holders of senior equity securities, including any preferred 
shares, if any, have received any payment or distribution due to them. 

39 

The COVID-19 pandemic could continue to have adverse effects on our business. 

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant economic impact on the communities in which we operate, our 
borrowers and depositors, and the national economy generally. These effects have diminished in the past year, but future 
developments and uncertainties will be difficult to predict, such as the potential emergence of a new variant, the course 
of the pandemic in China and other major economies, the persistence of pandemic-related work and lifestyle changes, 
changes in consumer preferences associated with the emergence of the pandemic, and other market disruptions.  Any 
such developments could have a complex and negative effect on our business, including with respect to the prevailing 
economic environment, our lending and investment activities, and our business operations. 

Our business and operations may be adversely affected in numerous and complex ways by weak economic conditions 
and global trade. 

Our businesses and operations, which primarily consist of lending money to clients in the form of commercial 

and residential mortgage loans, borrowing money from clients in the form of deposits and savings accounts, investing in 
securities, and providing wealth management, trust and fiduciary and recordkeeping services, are sensitive to general 
business and economic conditions in the United States. If the United States economy weakens, our growth and 
profitability from our lending, deposit and investment operations could be constrained. Uncertainty about the federal 
fiscal policymaking process, the medium- and long-term fiscal outlook of the federal government, and future tax rates is 
a concern for businesses, consumers and investors in the United States. In addition, economic conditions in foreign 
countries and weakening global trade due to increased anti-globalization sentiment and recent tariff activity could affect 
the stability of global financial markets, which could hinder the economic growth of the United States. There are also 
remaining concerns about the potential ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on international trade (including 
supply chains and export levels), travel, and employee productivity and other economic activities. Weak economic 
conditions are characterized by deflation, fluctuations in debt and equity capital markets, a lack of liquidity or depressed 
prices in the secondary market for loans, increased delinquencies on mortgage, consumer and commercial loans, 
residential and commercial real estate price declines and lower home sales and commercial activity. Further, a general 
economic slowdown could decrease the value of our AUA and AUM resulting in clients potentially seeking alternative 
investment opportunities with other providers, which could result in lower fee income. All of these factors are 
detrimental to our business, and the interplay between these factors can be complex and unpredictable. Adverse 
economic conditions and government policy responses to such conditions could have a material adverse effect on our 
business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects. 

The financial markets and the global economy may also be adversely affected by the current or anticipated 

impact of military conflict, including the current conflict between Russia and Ukraine, which is increasing volatility in 
commodity and energy prices, creating supply chain issues and causing instability in financial markets. Sanctions 
imposed by the United States and other countries in response to such conflict could further adversely impact the 
financial markets and the global economy, and any economic countermeasures by the affected countries or others could 
exacerbate market and economic instability. The specific consequences of the conflict in Ukraine on our business is 
difficult to predict at this time, but in addition to inflationary pressures affecting our operations and those of our 
customers and borrowers, we may also experience an increase in cyberattacks against us, our customers and borrowers, 
service providers and other third parties. 

We depend on the accuracy and completeness of information about clients and counterparties. 

In deciding whether to extend credit or enter into other transactions, and in evaluating and monitoring our loan 

portfolio on an ongoing basis, we may rely on information furnished by or on behalf of clients and counterparties, 
including financial statements, credit reports and other financial information. We may also rely on representations of 
those clients or counterparties or of other third parties, such as independent auditors, as to the accuracy and completeness 
of that information. Reliance on inaccurate, incomplete, fraudulent or misleading financial statements, credit reports or 
other financial or business information, or the failure to receive such information on a timely basis, could result in loan 
losses, reputational damage or other effects that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, 
results of operations and growth prospects. 

40 

New lines of business, products, product enhancements or services may subject us to additional risks. 

From time to time, we may implement new lines of business or offer new products and product enhancements 

as well as new services within our existing lines of business. There are substantial risks and uncertainties associated with 
these efforts, particularly in instances in which the markets are not fully developed. In implementing, developing or 
marketing new lines of business, products, product enhancements or services, we may invest significant time and 
resources, although we may not assign the appropriate level of resources or expertise necessary to make these new lines 
of business, products, product enhancements or services successful or to realize their expected benefits. Further, initial 
timetables for the introduction and development of new lines of business, products, product enhancements or services 
may not be achieved, and price and profitability targets may not prove feasible. 

External factors, such as compliance with regulations, competitive alternatives and shifting market preferences, 

may also affect the successful implementation of a new line of business or offerings of new products, product 
enhancements or services. Further, any new line of business, product, product enhancement or service or system 
conversion could have a significant impact on the effectiveness of our system of internal controls. Failure to successfully 
manage these risks in the development and implementation of new lines of business or offerings of new products, 
product enhancements or services could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of 
operations and growth prospects. 

We face intense competition from other banks and financial services companies that could hurt our business. 

We operate in the highly competitive financial services industry and face significant competition for clients 

from financial institutions located both within and beyond our market areas. Overall, we compete with national 
commercial banks, regional banks, private banks, mortgage companies, online lenders, savings banks, credit unions, 
non-bank financial services companies, other financial institutions, including investment advisory and wealth 
management firms, financial technology companies and securities brokerage firms, operating within or near the areas we 
serve. Many of our non-bank competitors are not subject to the same extensive regulations that govern our activities and 
may have greater flexibility in competing for business. The financial services industry could become even more 
competitive as a result of legislative, regulatory and technological changes and continued consolidation. 

While we do not offer products relating to digital assets, including cryptocurrencies, stablecoins and other 

similar assets, there has been a significant increase in digital asset adoption globally over the past several years. Certain 
characteristics of digital asset transactions, such as the speed with which such transactions can be conducted, the ability 
to transact without the involvement of regulated intermediaries, the ability to engage in transactions across multiple 
jurisdictions, and the anonymous nature of the transactions, are appealing to certain consumers notwithstanding the 
various risks posed by such transactions. Accordingly, digital asset service providers—which, at present are not subject 
to the same degree of scrutiny and oversight as banking organizations and other financial institutions—are becoming 
active competitors to more traditional financial institutions. 

The process of eliminating banks as intermediaries, known as “disintermediation,” could result in the loss of fee 

income, as well as the loss of customer deposits and the related income generated from deposits. The loss of these 
revenue streams and the lower cost deposits as a source of funds could have a material adverse effect on our business, 
financial condition and results of operations. Potential partnerships with digital asset companies, moreover, could also 
entail significant investment. 

In our banking business, we may not be able to compete successfully with other financial institutions in our 

markets, particularly with larger financial institutions that have significantly greater resources than us, and we may have 
to pay higher interest rates to attract deposits, accept lower yields to attract loans and pay higher wages for new 
employees, resulting in lower net interest margins and reduced profitability. In addition, increased lending activity of 
competing banks has also led to increased competitive pressures on loan rates and terms for high-quality credits. 

Competition in the retirement and benefit services and wealth management businesses is especially strong in 

our geographic market areas because there are numerous well-established, well-resourced, well-capitalized, and 
successful investment management, wealth advisory and wealth management and trust firms in these areas. In addition, 

41 

the record-keeping and administration industry is dominated by a small number of larger institutions that may charge 
fees that are lower than we charge for similar services. Our ability to successfully attract and retain retirement and 
benefit services and wealth management clients is dependent upon our ability to compete with competitors’ investment, 
advisory, fiduciary and recordkeeping products and services, levels of investment performance and marketing and 
distribution capabilities. If we are unable to compete effectively with other banking or other financial services 
businesses, we could find it more difficult to attract new and retain existing clients and our noninterest income could 
decline, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and growth 
prospects. 

We originate, sell and service residential mortgage loans. Our mortgage business faces vigorous competition 

from banks and other financial institutions, including larger financial institutions and independent mortgage companies. 
Our mortgage business competes on a number of factors including customer service, quality, range of products and 
services offered, price, reputation, interest rates, closing process and duration, and loan origination fees. The ability to 
attract and retain skilled mortgage origination professionals is critical to our mortgage origination business. Changes in 
interest rates and pricing decisions by our loan competitors affect demand for our residential mortgage loan products, the 
revenue realized on the sale of loans and revenues received from servicing such loans for others, ultimately reducing our 
noninterest income. In addition, if we are unable to attract and retain enough skilled employees, our mortgage 
origination volume may decline. 

Our business and operations may be adversely affected in numerous and complex ways by external business 
disruptors in the financial services industry. 

The financial services industry is undergoing rapid change, as technology enables traditional banks to compete 

in new ways and non-traditional entrants to compete in certain segments of the banking market, in some cases with 
reduced regulation. As client preferences and expectations continue to evolve, technology has lowered barriers to entry 
and made it possible for banks to expand their geographic reach by providing services over the internet and for non-
banks to offer products and services traditionally provided by banks, such as automatic transfer and automatic payment 
systems, online lending and low-cost investment advisory services. New entrants may use new technologies, advanced 
data and analytic tools, lower cost to serve, reduced regulatory burden or faster processes to challenge traditional banks. 
For example, new business models have been observed in retail payments, consumer and commercial lending, foreign 
exchange and low-cost investment advisory services. While we closely monitor business disruptors and seek to adapt to 
changing technologies, matching the pace of innovation exhibited by new and differently situated competitors may 
require us and policy-makers to adapt at a greater pace. Because the financial services industry is experiencing rapid 
changes in technology, our future success will depend in part on our ability to address our clients’ needs by using 
technology. Client loyalty can be influenced by a competitor’s new products, especially offerings that could provide cost 
savings or a higher return to the client. 

The investment management contracts we have with our clients are terminable without cause and on relatively short 
notice by our clients, which makes us vulnerable to short-term declines in the performance of the securities under our 
management. 

Like most investment advisory and wealth management businesses, the investment advisory contracts we have 

with our clients are typically terminable by the client without cause upon less than 30 days’ notice. As a result, even 
short-term declines in the performance of the securities we manage, which can result from factors outside our control, 
such as adverse changes in market or economic conditions or the poor performance of some of the investments we have 
recommended to our clients, could lead some of our clients to move assets under our management to other asset classes 
such as broad index funds or treasury securities, or to investment advisors which have investment product offerings or 
investment strategies different than ours. Therefore, our operating results are heavily dependent on the financial 
performance of our investment portfolios and the investment strategies we employ in our investment advisory businesses 
and even short-term declines in the performance of the investment portfolios we manage for our clients, whatever the 
cause, could result in a decline in AUM and a corresponding decline in investment management fees, which would 
adversely affect our results of operations. 

42 

Severe weather, natural disasters, pandemics, acts of war or terrorism or other adverse external events could 
significantly impact our business. 

Severe weather, natural disasters, widespread disease or pandemics, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, acts of 
war or terrorism or other adverse external events could have a significant impact on our ability to conduct business. In 
addition, such events could affect the stability of our deposit base, impair the ability of borrowers to repay outstanding 
loans, impair the value of collateral securing loans, cause significant property damage, result in loss of revenue or cause 
us to incur additional expenses. The occurrence of any of these events in the future could have a material adverse effect 
on our business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects. 

Our wealth management business is dependent on asset managers to produce investment returns and financial 
advisors to solicit and retain clients, and the loss of a key asset manager or financial advisor could adversely affect 
our wealth management business. 

We rely on our asset managers to produce investment returns and financial advisors to advise clients of our 

wealth management business. We believe that investment performance is an important factor for the growth of our 
AUM. Poor investment performance could impair our revenues and growth because existing clients might withdraw 
funds in favor of better performing products, which would result in lower investment management fees, or our ability to 
attract funds from existing and new clients might diminish. 

The market for asset managers and financial advisors is extremely competitive and is increasingly characterized 

by frequent movement of these types of employees among different firms. In addition, our asset managers and financial 
advisors often have regular direct contact with our clients, which can lead to a strong client relationship based on the 
client’s trust in that individual manager or advisor. The loss of a key asset manager or financial advisor could jeopardize 
our relationships with our clients and lead to the loss of client accounts. Losses of such accounts could have a material 
adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects. 

We may be adversely affected by the soundness of certain securities brokerage firms. 

Our client investment accounts are maintained under custodial arrangements with large, well established 

securities brokerage firms or bank institutions that provide custodial services, either directly or through arrangements 
made by us with those firms. As a result, the performance of, or even rumors or questions about the integrity or 
performance of, any of those firms could adversely affect the confidence of our clients in the services provided by those 
firms or otherwise adversely impact their custodial holdings. Such an occurrence could negatively impact our ability to 
retain existing or attract new clients and, as a result, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial 
condition, results of operations and growth prospects. 

Liquidity and Funding Risks 

Liquidity risks could affect our operations and jeopardize our business, financial condition, results of operations and 
growth prospects. 

Liquidity is essential to our business. Liquidity risk is the risk that we will not be able to meet our obligations, 
including financial commitments, as they come due and is inherent in our operations. An inability to raise funds through 
deposits, borrowings, the sale of loans or investment securities, and from other sources could have a substantial negative 
effect on our liquidity. 

Our most important source of funds consists of our client deposits, which can decrease for a variety of reasons, 

including when clients perceive alternative investments, such as bonds, treasuries or stocks, as providing a better 
risk/return tradeoff. As a result of the current rising interest rate environment, total deposits declined in 2022, as 
customers deployed liquidity and sought higher yielding alternative investments, including higher rate deposit accounts 
offered by larger competitors. We expect this trend to continue in 2023 with additional rate increases expected to be 
made by the Federal Reserve. Our future growth will largely depend on our ability to maintain and grow a strong deposit 
base and our ability to retain our largest retirement and benefit services and wealth management clients, many of whom 

43 

are also depositors. If clients, including our retirement and benefit services and wealth management clients, move money 
out of bank deposits and into other investments, we could lose a relatively low-cost source of funds, which would require 
us to seek other funding alternatives, including increasing our dependence on wholesale funding sources, in order to 
continue to grow, thereby increasing our funding costs and reducing our net interest income and net income. 

Additionally, we access collateralized public funds, which are bank deposits of state and local municipalities. 

These deposits are required to be secured by certain investment grade securities to ensure repayment, which reduces 
standby liquidity by restricting the potential liquidity of the pledged collateral. As of December 31, 2022, we had 
pledged $260.7 million of investment securities for this purpose, which represented approximately 25.1% of our total 
securities portfolio. If we are unable to pledge sufficient collateral to secure public funding, we may lose access to this 
source of liquidity that we have historically relied upon. In addition, the availability of and fluctuations in these funds 
depends on the individual municipality’s fiscal policies and cash flow needs.  

Other primary sources of funds consist of cash from operations, investment security maturities and sales and 

proceeds from the issuance and sale of our equity and debt securities to investors. Additional liquidity is provided by the 
ability to borrow from the Federal Reserve and the FHLB. We may also borrow from third-party lenders from time to 
time. Our access to funding sources in amounts adequate to finance or capitalize our activities or on terms that are 
acceptable to us could be impaired by factors that affect us directly or the financial services industry or economy in 
general, such as disruptions in the financial markets or negative views and expectations about the prospects for the 
financial services industry. Economic conditions and a loss of confidence in financial institutions may increase our cost 
of funding and limit access to certain customary sources of capital, including inter-bank borrowings, repurchase 
agreements and borrowings from the discount window of the Federal Reserve. There is also the potential risk that 
collateral calls with respect to our repurchase agreements could reduce our available liquidity. At December 31, 2022, 
our borrowed funds increased to $378.1 million, compared to zero at December 31, 2021. The increase included $225.0 
million in FHLB advances and $153.1 million in federal funds purchased. As a result, our cost of funds increased and in 
2022, as compared to 2021.  

Any decline in available funding could adversely impact our ability to continue to implement our strategic plan, 
including originating loans and investing in securities, or to fulfill obligations such as paying our expenses, repaying our 
borrowings or meeting deposit withdrawal demands, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, 
financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects. 

We may not be able to maintain a strong core deposit base or other low-cost funding sources. 

We depend primarily on core deposits from our clients, which consist of noninterest bearing deposits, interest 

bearing checking accounts, certificates of deposit less than $250,000 and money market savings accounts, as our primary 
source of funding for our lending activities. Our future growth will largely depend on our ability to maintain and grow 
this strong, core deposit base and our ability to retain our retirement and benefit and wealth management clients, many of 
whom are also depositors. Deposit and account balances can decrease when clients perceive alternative investments, 
such as the stock market or real estate, as providing a better risk/return tradeoff. If clients, including our retirement and 
benefit and wealth management clients, move money out of bank deposits or money market accounts and into 
investments (or similar deposit products at other institutions that may provide a higher rate of return), we could lose a 
relatively low-cost source of funds, increasing our funding costs and reducing our net interest income and net income. 

We supplement our core deposit funding with non-core, short-term funding sources, including FHLB advances 

and fed funds purchased. As of December 31, 2022, we had $225.0 million FHLB advances and $153.1 million of fed 
funds purchased from the FHLB. Our maximum borrowing capacity from the FHLB is based on the amount of mortgage 
and commercial loans we can pledge. As of December 31, 2022, our advances from the FHLB were collateralized by 
$855.9 million of real estate loans. If we are unable to pledge sufficient collateral to secure funding from the FHLB, we 
may lose access to this source of liquidity. If we are unable to access any of these types of funding sources or if our costs 
related to them increases, our liquidity and ability to support demand for loans could be materially adversely affected.  

44 

Our high concentration of large depositors may increase our liquidity risk. 

We have developed relationships with certain individuals and businesses that have resulted in a concentration of 
large deposits from a small number of clients. As of December 31, 2022, our 10 largest depositor relationships accounted 
for approximately 10.1% of our total deposits. This high concentration of depositors presents a risk to our liquidity if one 
or more of them decides to change its relationship with us and to withdraw all or a significant portion of their accounts. 
If such an event occurs, we may need to seek out alternative sources of funding that may not be on the same terms as the 
deposits being replaced, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of 
operations and growth prospects.  

Our liquidity is largely dependent on dividends from the Bank. 

The Company is a legal entity separate and distinct from the Bank. A substantial portion of our cash flow, 
including cash flow to pay principal and interest on our debt, comes from dividends the Company receives from the 
Bank. Various federal and state laws and regulations limit the amount of dividends that the Bank may pay to the 
Company. As of December 31, 2022, the Bank had the capacity to pay the Company a dividend of up to $99.4 million 
without the need to obtain prior regulatory approval. Also, the Company’s right to participate in a distribution of assets 
upon a subsidiary’s liquidation or reorganization is subject to the prior claims of the subsidiary’s creditors. In the event 
the Bank is unable to pay dividends to us, we may not be able to service our debt, which could have a material adverse 
effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects. 

We may need to raise additional capital in the future, and if we fail to maintain sufficient capital, whether due to 
losses, an inability to raise additional capital or otherwise, our business, financial condition, results of operations and 
growth prospects, as well as our ability to maintain regulatory compliance, would be adversely affected. 

We face significant capital and other regulatory requirements as a financial institution. We may need to raise 

additional capital in the future to provide us with sufficient capital resources and liquidity to meet our commitments and 
business needs, which could include the possibility of financing acquisitions. We do not have any current plans, 
arrangements or understandings to make any additional acquisitions. In addition, our Company, on a consolidated basis, 
and the Bank, on a stand-alone basis, must meet certain regulatory capital requirements and maintain sufficient liquidity. 
Regulatory capital requirements could increase from current levels, which could require us to raise additional capital or 
contract our operations. Our ability to raise additional capital depends on conditions in the capital markets, economic 
conditions and a number of other factors, including investor perceptions regarding the banking industry, market 
conditions and governmental activities, our credit ratings, our ability to maintain a listing on Nasdaq and our financial 
condition and performance. In particular, if we need to raise additional capital in the current interest rate environment, 
we believe the pricing and other terms investors may require in such an offering may not be attractive to us. If we fail to 
maintain an investment grade credit rating, it may adversely impact our ability to raise capital or incur additional debt. 
Accordingly, we cannot assure you that we will be able to raise additional capital if needed or on terms acceptable to us. 
If we fail to maintain capital to meet regulatory requirements, our business, financial condition, results of operations and 
growth prospects would be materially and adversely affected. 

We may be adversely affected by changes in the actual or perceived soundness or condition of other financial 
institutions. 

Financial services institutions that deal with each other are interconnected as a result of trading, investment, 
liquidity management, clearing, counterparty and other relationships. Concerns about, or a default by, one institution 
could lead to significant liquidity problems and losses or defaults by other institutions, as the commercial and financial 
soundness of many financial institutions is closely related as a result of these credit, trading, clearing and other 
relationships. Even the perceived lack of creditworthiness of, or questions about, a counterparty may lead to market-wide 
liquidity problems and losses or defaults by various institutions. This systemic risk may adversely affect financial 
intermediaries with which we interact on a daily basis or key funding providers such as the FHLB, any of which could 
have a material adverse effect on our access to liquidity or otherwise have a material adverse effect on our business, 
financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects. 

45 

We receive substantial deposits and AUM as a result of referrals by professionals, such as attorneys, accountants, and 
doctors, and such referrals are dependent upon the continued positive interaction with and financial health of those 
referral sources. 

Many of our deposit clients and clients of our wealth management business are individuals involved in 
professional vocations, such as lawyers, accountants, and doctors. These clients are a significant source of referrals for 
new clients in both the deposit and wealth management areas. If we fail to adequately serve these professional clients 
with our deposit services, lending, wealth management products and other services, this source of referrals may 
diminish, which could have a negative impact on our financial results. Further, if the economy in the geographic areas 
that we serve is negatively impacted, the amount of deposits and services that these professional individuals will utilize 
and the number of referrals that they will make may decrease, which may have a material adverse effect on our business, 
financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects.  

Legal, Accounting and Compliance Risks 

Our risk management framework may not be effective in mitigating risks or losses to us. 

Our risk management framework is comprised of various processes, systems and strategies, and is designed to 

manage the types of risk to which we are subject, including, among others, credit, market, liquidity, interest rate and 
compliance. Our framework also includes financial or other modeling methodologies that involve management 
assumptions and judgment. Our risk management framework may not be effective under all circumstances and it may 
not adequately mitigate any risk or loss to us. If our framework is not effective, we could suffer unexpected losses and 
our business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects could be materially and adversely affected. 
We may also be subject to potentially adverse regulatory consequences. 

Our accounting estimates and risk management processes and controls rely on analytical and forecasting techniques 
and models and assumptions, which may not accurately predict future events. 

Our accounting policies and methods are fundamental to the way we record and report our financial condition 
and results of operations. Our management must exercise judgment in selecting and applying many of these accounting 
policies and methods so they comply with GAAP and reflect management’s judgment of the most appropriate manner to 
report our financial condition and results of operations. In some cases, management must select the accounting policy or 
method to apply from two or more alternatives, any of which may be reasonable under the circumstances, yet which may 
result in our reporting materially different results than would have been reported under a different alternative. 

Certain accounting policies are critical to presenting our financial condition and results of operations. They 
require management to make difficult, subjective or complex judgments about matters that are uncertain. Materially 
different amounts could be reported under different conditions or using different assumptions or estimates. If our 
underlying assumptions or estimates prove to be incorrect, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, 
financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects. 

Our risk management processes, internal controls, disclosure controls and corporate governance policies and 
procedures are based in part on certain assumptions and can provide only reasonable (not absolute) assurances that the 
objectives of the system are met. Any failure or circumvention of our controls, processes and procedures or failure to 
comply with regulations related to controls, processes and procedures could necessitate changes in those controls, 
processes and procedures, which may increase our compliance costs, divert management attention from our business or 
subject us to regulatory actions and increased regulatory scrutiny. Any of these could have a material adverse effect on 
our business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects. 

Changes in accounting policies or standards could materially impact our financial statements. 

From time to time, the FASB or the SEC, may change the financial accounting and reporting standards that 
govern the preparation of our financial statements. Such changes may result in us being subject to new or changing 
accounting and reporting standards. In addition, the bodies that interpret the accounting standards (such as banking 

46 

regulators or outside auditors) may change their interpretations or positions on how these standards should be applied. In 
addition, trends in financial and business reporting, including environmental social and governance (ESG) related 
disclosures, could require us to incur additional reporting expense. These changes may be beyond our control, can be 
hard to predict and can materially impact how we record and report our financial condition and results of operations. In 
some cases, we could be required to apply a new or revised standard retroactively, or apply an existing standard 
differently, in each case resulting in our needing to revise or restate prior period financial statements. 

The obligations associated with being a public company require significant resources and management attention, 
which divert time and attention from our business operations. 

As a public company, we are subject to the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act and the Sarbanes-Oxley 

Act of 2002, or the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. The Exchange Act requires that we file annual, quarterly and current reports 
with respect to our business and financial condition with the SEC. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires, among other things, 
that we establish and maintain effective internal controls and procedures for financial reporting. Compliance with these 
reporting requirements and other rules of the SEC could increase our legal and financial compliance costs and make 
some activities more time consuming and costly, which could negatively affect our efficiency ratio. Further, the need to 
maintain the corporate infrastructure demanded of a public company may divert management’s attention from 
implementing our strategic plan, which could prevent us from successfully implementing our growth initiatives and 
improving our business, results of operations and financial condition. 

As an emerging growth company as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012, or the JOBS 
Act, we are taking advantage of certain temporary exemptions from various reporting requirements, including reduced 
disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in our periodic reports and proxy statements and an exemption 
from the requirement to obtain an attestation from our auditors on management’s assessment of our internal control over 
financial reporting. When these exemptions cease to apply, we expect to incur additional expenses and devote increased 
management effort toward ensuring compliance with them. 

The financial reporting resources we have put in place may not be sufficient to ensure the accuracy of the additional 
information we are required to disclose as a publicly listed company. 

As a public company, we are subject to heightened financial reporting standards under GAAP and SEC rules, 

including more extensive levels of disclosure. Complying with these standards required enhancements to the design and 
operation of our internal control over financial reporting as well as additional financial reporting and accounting staff 
with appropriate training and experience in GAAP and SEC rules and regulations. 

If we are unable to meet the demands required of us as a public company, including the requirements of the 

Sarbanes-Oxley Act, we may be unable to report our financial results accurately, or report them within the timeframes 
required by law or stock exchange regulations. Failure to comply with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, when and as applicable, 
could also potentially subject us to sanctions or investigations by the SEC or other regulatory authorities. If material 
weaknesses or other deficiencies occur, our ability to report our financial results accurately and timely could be 
impaired, which could result in late filings of our annual and quarterly reports under the Exchange Act, restatements of 
our consolidated financial statements, a decline in our stock price, suspension or delisting of our common stock from the 
Nasdaq Capital Market, and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of 
operations and growth prospects. Even if we are able to report our financial statements accurately and in a timely 
manner, any disclosure of material weaknesses in our future filings with the SEC could cause our reputation to be 
harmed and our stock price to decline significantly. 

We did not engage our independent registered public accounting firm to perform an audit of our internal control 

over financial reporting under the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, or PCAOB, as of any 
balance sheet date reported in our financial statements as of December 31, 2022. Had our independent registered public 
accounting firm performed an audit of our internal control over financial reporting under the standards of PCAOB, 
material weaknesses may have been identified. The JOBS Act provides that, so long as we qualify as an emerging 
growth company, we will be exempt from the provisions of Section 404(b) of Sarbanes-Oxley, which would require that 
our independent registered public accounting firm provide an attestation report on the effectiveness of our internal 

47 

control over financial reporting under the standards of PCAOB. We may take advantage of this exemption so long as we 
qualify as an emerging growth company. 

The recent change in our independent registered public accounting firm could materially impact our financial 
statements. 

On December 1, 2022, the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company approved the dismissal 

of CliftonLarsonAllen LLP (“CLA”), as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm because CLA 
indicated that it would not stand for reappointment following completion of the audit of the Company’s consolidated 
financial statements for the year-ending December 31, 2022. On December 1, 2022, the Audit Committee approved the 
appointment of RSM, LLP (“RSM”) to serve as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the 
year ending December 31, 2023. RSM’s future audits of the Company’s financial statements may identify errors or 
omissions in our historical financial statements that were not previously identified and that could require us to restate 
previously issued financial statements or materially impact how we report our financial condition and results of 
operations going forward. If we have to restate any historical financial statements it could have a material adverse effect 
on our financial condition and results of operations.  

Litigation and regulatory actions, including possible enforcement actions, could subject us to significant fines, 
penalties, judgments or other requirements resulting in increased expenses or restrictions on our business activities. 

Our business is subject to increased litigation and regulatory risks because of a number of factors, including the 
highly regulated nature of the financial services industry and the focus of state and federal prosecutors on banks and the 
financial services industry generally. This focus has only intensified since the financial crisis, with regulators and 
prosecutors focusing on a variety of financial institution practices and requirements, including foreclosure practices, 
compliance with applicable consumer protection laws, classification of “held for sale” assets and compliance with anti-
money laundering statutes, the Bank Secrecy Act and sanctions administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of 
the U.S. Department of the Treasury, or U.S. Treasury. 

In the normal course of business, from time to time, we have in the past and may in the future be named as a 

defendant in various legal actions, including arbitrations, class actions and other litigation, arising in connection with our 
current or prior business activities. Legal actions could include claims for substantial compensatory or punitive damages 
or claims for indeterminate amounts of damages. We may also, from time to time, be the subject of subpoenas, requests 
for information, reviews, investigations and proceedings (both formal and informal) by governmental agencies regarding 
our current or prior business activities. Any such legal or regulatory actions may subject us to substantial compensatory 
or punitive damages, significant fines, penalties, obligations to change our business practices or other requirements 
resulting in increased expenses, diminished income and damage to our reputation. Our involvement in any such matters, 
whether tangential or otherwise and even if the matters are ultimately determined in our favor, could also cause 
significant harm to our reputation and divert management attention from the operation of our business. Further, any 
settlement, consent order or adverse judgment in connection with any formal or informal proceeding or investigation by 
government agencies may result in litigation, investigations or proceedings as other litigants and government agencies 
begin independent reviews of the same activities. As a result, the outcome of legal and regulatory actions could have a 
material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects. 

Moreover, U.S. authorities have been increasingly focused on “conduct risk,” a term that is used to describe the 

risks associated with behavior by employees and agents, including third-party vendors, that could harm clients, 
consumers, investors or the markets, such as failures to safeguard consumers’ and investors’ personal information, 
failures to identify and manage conflicts of interest and improperly creating, selling and marketing products and 
services. In addition to increasing compliance risks, this focus on conduct risk could lead to more regulatory or other 
enforcement proceedings and litigation, including for practices which historically were acceptable but are now receiving 
greater scrutiny. Further, while we take numerous steps to prevent and detect conduct by employees and agents that 
could potentially harm clients, investors or the markets, such behavior may not always be deterred or prevented. Banking 
regulators have also focused on the overall culture of financial services firms. In addition to regulatory restrictions or 
structural changes that could result from perceived deficiencies in our culture, such focus could also lead to additional 
regulatory proceedings. 

48 

If the goodwill that we recorded in connection with our recent acquisitions becomes impaired, it could have a 
negative impact on our financial condition and results of operations. 

As of December 31, 2022, we had goodwill of $47.1 million, or 13.2% of our total stockholders’ equity. The 

excess purchase consideration over the fair value of net assets from acquisitions, or goodwill, is evaluated for 
impairment at least annually and on an interim basis if an event or circumstance indicates that it is more likely than not 
that an impairment has occurred. In testing for impairment, we conduct a qualitative assessment, and we also estimate 
the fair value of net assets based on analyses of our market value, discounted cash flows and peer values. Consequently, 
the determination of the fair value of goodwill is sensitive to market-based economics and other key assumptions. 
Variability in market conditions or in key assumptions could result in impairment of goodwill, which is recorded as a 
non-cash adjustment to income. An impairment of goodwill could have a material adverse effect on our business, 
financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects.  

We are subject to extensive regulation, and the regulatory framework that applies to us, together with any future 
legislative or regulatory changes, may significantly affect our operations. 

The banking industry is extensively regulated and supervised under both federal and state laws and regulations 

that are intended primarily for the protection of depositors, clients, federal deposit insurance funds and the banking 
system as a whole, not for the protection of our stockholders. Our Company is subject to supervision and regulation by 
the Federal Reserve, and the Bank is subject to supervision and regulation by the OCC and the FDIC. The laws and 
regulations applicable to us govern a variety of matters, including permissible types, amounts and terms of loans and 
investments we may make, the maximum interest rate that may be charged, the amount of reserves we must hold against 
deposits we take, the types of deposits we may accept, maintenance of adequate capital and liquidity, changes in the 
control of us and our Bank, restrictions on dividends and establishment of new offices. We must obtain approval from 
our regulators before engaging in certain activities, and there is the risk that such approvals may not be obtained, either 
in a timely manner or at all. Our regulators also have the ability to compel us to take certain actions, or restrict us from 
taking certain actions entirely, such as actions that our regulators deem to constitute an unsafe or unsound banking 
practice. Our failure to comply with any applicable laws or regulations, or regulatory policies and interpretations of such 
laws and regulations, could result in sanctions by regulatory agencies, civil money penalties or damage to our reputation, 
all of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and growth 
prospects. 

Since the financial crisis, federal and state banking laws and regulations, as well as interpretations and 
implementations of these laws and regulations, have undergone substantial review and change. In particular, the Dodd-
Frank Act drastically revised the laws and regulations under which we operate. As an institution with less than 
$10 billion in assets, certain elements of the Dodd-Frank Act have not been applied to us and provisions of the 
Regulatory Relief Act are intended to result in meaningful regulatory relief for community banks and their holding 
companies. While we endeavor to maintain safe banking practices and controls beyond the regulatory requirements 
applicable to us, our internal controls may not match those of larger banking institutions that are subject to increased 
regulatory oversight. 

Financial institutions generally have also been subjected to increased scrutiny from regulatory authorities. This 

increased regulatory burden has resulted, and may continue to result in, increased costs of doing business, and may in the 
future, result in decreased revenues and net income, reduce our ability to compete effectively, to attract and retain 
clients, or make it less attractive for us to continue providing certain products and services. Any changes in federal and 
state laws and regulations, as well as the interpretation and implementation of such laws and regulations, could affect us 
in substantial and unpredictable ways, including those listed above or other ways that could have a material adverse 
effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects. For example, in December 2019, 
the U.S. Congress enacted the Setting Every Community up for Retirement Enhancement, or SECURE Act. The 
SECURE Act made significant changes to provisions of existing law governing retirement plans and IRAs. Many of the 
provisions of the SECURE Act were effective on January 1, 2020, while other provisions are effective on later dates, 
including some that are not effective until action is taken to modify underlying retirement plan documents. In addition, 
in December 2022, the U.S. Congress enacted the SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022, or SECURE 2.0, which built some of the 
provisions of the SECURE Act and made additional significant changes to provisions of existing law governing 

49 

retirement plans and IRAs. Many of the provisions of SECURE 2.0 were effective immediately upon passage of 
SECURE 2.0 while other provisions are effective on later dates. Some of the changes in law made by the SECURE Act 
and SECURE 2.0 are complex and unclear in application. We cannot predict what impact the SECURE Act or SECURE 
2.0 will ultimately have on our business. In addition, political developments, including changes in law introduced by the 
Biden administration in the United States in 2021 and 2022 add uncertainty to the implementation, scope and timing of 
regulatory reforms. 

Our retirement and benefit services and wealth management businesses are highly regulated, and the regulators have 
the ability to limit or restrict our activities and impose fines or suspensions on the conduct of our business. 

Our retirement and benefit services and wealth management businesses are highly regulated, primarily at the 

federal level. The failure of any of our businesses that provide investment management or wealth management and trust 
services to comply with applicable laws or regulations could result in fines, suspensions of individual employees or other 
sanctions. We are also subject to the provisions and regulations of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 
1974, or ERISA, to the extent that we act as a “fiduciary” under ERISA with respect to certain of our clients. ERISA and 
the applicable provisions of the federal tax laws impose a number of duties on persons who are fiduciaries under ERISA 
and prohibit certain transactions involving the assets of each ERISA plan which is a client, as well as certain transactions 
by the fiduciaries (and certain other related parties) to such plans. Changes in these laws or regulations could have a 
material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects. 

We may be subject to claims and litigation relating to our fiduciary responsibilities. 

Some of the services we provide, such as trust and investment services, require us to act as fiduciaries for our 

clients and others. From time to time, third parties or government agencies make claims and take legal action against us 
pertaining to the performance of our fiduciary responsibilities. If these claims and legal actions are not resolved in a 
manner favorable to us, we may be exposed to significant financial liability or our reputation could be damaged. Either 
of these results may adversely impact demand for our products and services or otherwise have a material adverse effect 
on our business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects. 

Changes in tax laws and regulations, or changes in the interpretation of existing tax laws and regulations, may have 
a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects. 

We operate in an environment that imposes income taxes on our operations at both the federal and state levels 
to varying degrees. We engage in certain strategies to minimize the impact of these taxes. Consequently, any change in 
tax laws or regulations, or new interpretation of an existing law or regulation, could significantly alter the effectiveness 
of these strategies. 

The net deferred tax asset reported on our balance sheet generally represents the tax benefit of future deductions 

from taxable income for items that have already been recognized for financial reporting purposes. The bulk of these 
deferred tax assets consists of deferred loan loss deductions and deferred compensation deductions. The net deferred tax 
asset is measured by applying currently-enacted income tax rates to the accounting period during which the tax benefit is 
expected to be realized. As of December 31, 2022, our net deferred tax asset was $42.4 million. 

There is uncertainty surrounding potential legal, regulatory and policy changes by the Biden Administration in the 
United States that may directly affect financial institutions and the global economy. 

Changes in federal policy and at regulatory agencies occur over time through policy and personnel changes 

following elections, which lead to changes involving the level of oversight and focus on the financial services industry. 
The nature, timing and economic and political effects of potential changes to the current legal and regulatory framework 
affecting financial institutions remain highly uncertain. Uncertainty surrounding future changes may adversely affect our 
operating environment and therefore our business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects. 

50 

We are subject to stringent capital requirements. 

Banking institutions are required to hold more capital as a percentage of assets than most industries. In the wake 

of the global financial crisis, our capital requirements increased, both in the amount of capital we must hold and in the 
quality of the capital to absorb losses. Holding high amounts of capital compresses our earnings and constrains growth. 
In addition, the failure to meet applicable regulatory capital requirements could result in one or more of our regulators 
placing limitations or conditions on our activities, including our growth initiatives, or restricting the commencement of 
new activities, and could affect client and investor confidence, our costs of funds and FDIC insurance costs and our 
ability to make acquisitions and result in a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of 
operations and growth prospects. 

Federal regulators periodically examine our business, and we may be required to remediate adverse examination 
findings. 

The Federal Reserve and the OCC periodically examine us, including our operations and our compliance with 
laws and regulations. If, as a result of an examination, a banking agency were to determine that our financial condition, 
capital resources, asset quality, asset concentrations, earnings prospects, management, liquidity, sensitivity to market risk 
or other aspects of any of our operations had become unsatisfactory, or that we were in violation of any law or 
regulation, they may take a number of different remedial actions as they deem appropriate. These actions include the 
power to enjoin “unsafe or unsound” practices, to require affirmative action to correct any conditions resulting from any 
violation or practice, to issue an administrative order that can be judicially enforced, to direct an increase in our capital, 
to restrict our growth, to assess civil money penalties, to fine or remove officers and directors and, if it is concluded that 
such conditions cannot be corrected or there is an imminent risk of loss to depositors, to terminate our deposit insurance 
and place us into receivership or conservatorship. Any regulatory action against us could have a material adverse effect 
on our business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects. 

We are subject to numerous laws designed to protect consumers, including the Community Reinvestment Act and fair 
lending laws, and failure to comply with these laws could lead to a wide variety of sanctions. 

The CRA requires the Bank, consistent with safe and sound operations, to ascertain and meet the credit needs of 

its entire community, including low and moderate-income areas. Our failure to comply with the CRA could, among 
other things, result in the denial or delay of certain corporate applications filed by us, including applications for branch 
openings or relocations and applications to acquire, merge or consolidate with another banking institution or holding 
company. In addition, the CRA, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, the Fair Housing Act and other fair lending laws and 
regulations prohibit discriminatory lending practices by financial institutions. The U.S. Department of Justice, federal 
banking agencies and other federal agencies are responsible for enforcing these laws and regulations. A successful 
challenge to an institution’s compliance with fair lending laws and regulations could result in a wide variety of sanctions, 
including damages and civil money penalties, injunctive relief, restrictions on mergers and acquisitions activity, 
restrictions on expansion and restrictions on entering new business lines. Private parties may also challenge an 
institution’s performance under fair lending laws in private class action litigation. In addition, new regulations, increased 
regulatory reviews or changes in the structure of the secondary mortgage markets which we utilize to sell mortgage loans 
may be introduced and may increase costs and make it more difficult to operate a residential mortgage origination 
business. Any of the actions described above could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, 
results of operations and growth prospects. 

Noncompliance with the Bank Secrecy Act and other anti-money laundering statutes and regulations could result in 
fines or sanctions against us. 

The Bank Secrecy Act, the USA Patriot Act and other laws and regulations require financial institutions, among 

other duties, to institute and maintain effective anti-money laundering programs and to file reports such as suspicious 
activity and currency transaction reports. We are required to comply with these and other anti-money laundering 
requirements. The federal banking agencies and Financial Crimes Enforcement Network are authorized to impose 
significant civil money penalties for violations of those requirements and have recently engaged in coordinated 
enforcement efforts against banks and other financial services providers with the U.S. Department of Justice, Drug 

51 

Enforcement Administration and IRS. We are also subject to increased scrutiny of compliance with the rules enforced by 
the Office of Foreign Assets Control. If our policies, procedures and systems are deemed deficient or the policies, 
procedures and systems of any financial institution we acquire in the future are deemed deficient, we would be subject to 
liability, including fines and regulatory actions, which may include restrictions on our ability to pay dividends and the 
necessity to obtain regulatory approvals to proceed with certain aspects of our business plan, including any acquisitions. 

Failure to maintain and implement adequate programs to combat money laundering and terrorist financing 

could also have serious reputational consequences for us. Any of these results could have a material adverse effect on 
our business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects. 

Regulations relating to privacy, information security and data protection could increase our costs, affect or limit how 
we collect and use personal information and adversely affect our business opportunities. 

We are subject to various privacy, information security and data protection laws, including requirements 
concerning security breach notification, and we could be negatively affected by these laws. For example, our business is 
subject to the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act which, among other things (i) imposes certain limitations on our ability to share 
nonpublic personal information about our clients with nonaffiliated third parties, (ii) requires that we provide certain 
disclosures to clients about our information collection, sharing and security practices and afford clients the right to “opt 
out” of any information sharing by us with nonaffiliated third parties (with certain exceptions) and (iii) requires that we 
develop, implement and maintain a written comprehensive information security program containing appropriate 
safeguards based on our size and complexity, the nature and scope of our activities and the sensitivity of client 
information we process, as well as plans for responding to data security breaches. Various state and federal banking 
regulators and states have also enacted data security breach notification requirements with varying levels of individual, 
consumer, regulatory or law enforcement notification in certain circumstances in the event of a security breach. 
Moreover, legislators and regulators in the United States are increasingly adopting or revising privacy, information 
security and data protection laws that potentially could have a significant impact on our current and planned privacy, 
data protection and information security-related practices, our collection, use, sharing, retention and safeguarding of 
consumer or employee information and some of our current or planned business activities. This could also increase our 
costs of compliance and business operations and could reduce income from certain business initiatives. This includes 
increased privacy-related enforcement activity at the federal level, by the Federal Trade Commission and the CFPB, as 
well as at the state level, such as with regard to mobile applications. 

Compliance with current or future privacy, data protection and information security laws (including those 

regarding security breach notification) affecting client or employee data to which we are subject could result in higher 
compliance and technology costs and could restrict our ability to provide certain products and services, which could 
have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects. Our 
failure to comply with privacy, data protection and information security laws could result in potentially significant 
regulatory or governmental investigations or actions, litigation, fines, sanctions and damage to our reputation, which 
could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects. 

The Federal Reserve may require us to commit capital resources to support the Bank. 

As a matter of policy, the Federal Reserve expects a financial holding company to act as a source of financial 

and managerial strength to a subsidiary bank and to commit resources to support such subsidiary bank. The Dodd-Frank 
Act codified the Federal Reserve’s policy on serving as a source of financial strength. Under the “source of strength” 
doctrine, the Federal Reserve may require a bank holding company to make capital injections into a troubled subsidiary 
bank and may charge the bank holding company with engaging in unsafe and unsound practices for failure to commit 
resources to a subsidiary bank. A capital injection may be required at times when the holding company may not have the 
resources to provide it and therefore may be required to borrow the funds or raise capital. Any loans by a holding 
company to its subsidiary bank are subordinate in right of payment to deposits and to certain other indebtedness of such 
subsidiary bank. In the event of a bank holding company’s bankruptcy, the bankruptcy trustee will assume any 
commitment by the holding company to a federal bank regulatory agency to maintain the capital of a subsidiary bank. 
Moreover, bankruptcy law provides that claims based on any such commitment will be entitled to a priority of payment 
over the claims of the institution’s general unsecured creditors, including the holders of its note obligations. Thus, any 

52 

borrowing that must be done by our Company to make a required capital injection becomes more difficult and expensive 
and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects. 

New and future rulemaking by the CFPB and other regulators, as well as enforcement of existing consumer 
protection laws, may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and 
growth prospects. 

The CFPB has the authority to implement and enforce a variety of existing federal consumer protection statutes 

and to issue new regulations but, with respect to institutions of our size, does not have primary examination and 
enforcement authority with respect to such laws and regulations. The authority to examine depository institutions with 
$10.0 billion or less in assets, like us, for compliance with federal consumer laws remains largely with our primary 
federal regulator, the OCC. However, the CFPB may participate in examinations of smaller institutions on a “sampling 
basis” and may refer potential enforcement actions against such institutions to their primary regulators. In some cases, 
regulators such as the Federal Trade Commission and the Department of Justice also retain certain rulemaking or 
enforcement authority, and we also remain subject to certain state consumer protection laws. As an independent bureau 
within the Federal Reserve, the CFPB may impose requirements more severe than the previous bank regulatory agencies. 
The CFPB has placed significant emphasis on consumer complaint management and has established a public consumer 
complaint database to encourage consumers to file complaints they may have against financial institutions. We are 
expected to monitor and respond to these complaints, including those that we deem frivolous, and doing so may require 
management to reallocate resources away from more profitable endeavors. 

The level of our commercial real estate portfolio may subject us to heightened regulatory scrutiny. 

The federal banking regulators have issued the Concentrations in Commercial Real Estate Lending, Sound Risk 

Management Practices guidance, or CRE Guidance, which provides supervisory criteria, including the following 
numerical indicators, to assist bank examiners in identifying banks with potentially significant commercial real estate 
loan concentrations that may warrant greater supervisory scrutiny: (i) commercial real estate loans exceeding 300% of 
capital and increasing 50% or more in the preceding three years; or (ii) construction and land development loans 
exceeding 100% of capital. The CRE Guidance does not limit the Bank’s levels of commercial real estate lending 
activities, but rather, guides institutions in developing risk management practices and levels of capital that are 
commensurate with the level and nature of their commercial real estate concentrations. On December 18, 2015, the 
federal banking agencies issued a statement to reinforce prudent risk-management practices related to CRE lending, 
having observed substantial growth in many CRE asset and lending markets, increased competitive pressures, rising 
CRE concentrations in banks, and an easing of CRE underwriting standards. The federal bank agencies reminded FDIC-
insured institutions to maintain underwriting discipline and exercise prudent risk-management practices to identify, 
measure, monitor, and manage the risks arising from CRE lending. In addition, FDIC-insured institutions must maintain 
capital commensurate with the level and nature of their CRE concentration risk. 

As of December 31, 2022, the Bank did not exceed these guidelines. 

We are an emerging growth company within the meaning of the Securities Act and because we have decided to take 
advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting and other requirements applicable to emerging growth 
companies, our common stock could be less attractive to investors. 

For as long as we remain an emerging growth company, as defined in the JOBS Act, we will have the option to 

take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting and other requirements that are applicable to other public 
companies that are not emerging growth companies, including not being required to comply with the auditor attestation 
requirements of Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, being permitted to have an extended transition period for 
adopting any new or revised accounting standards that may be issued by the FASB or the SEC, reduced disclosure 
obligations regarding executive compensation and exemptions from the requirements of holding a nonbinding advisory 
vote on executive compensation and stockholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved. 
We have elected to, and expect to continue to, take advantage of certain of these and other exemptions until we are no 
longer an emerging growth company. We will remain an emerging growth company until the earliest of (i) the end of the 
fiscal year during which we have total annual gross revenues of $1.235 billion or more, (ii) the end of the fiscal year 

53 

following the fifth anniversary of the date of the first sale of common equity securities under our registration statement 
on Form S-1, which was declared effective by the SEC on September 12, 2019, (iii) the date on which we have, during 
the previous three-year period, issued more than $1.0 billion in non-convertible debt and (iv) the end of the first fiscal 
year in which (A) the market value of our equity securities that are held by non-affiliates exceeds $700 million as of 
June 30 of that year, (B) we have been a public reporting company under the Exchange Act for at least twelve calendar 
months and (C) we have filed at least one annual report on Form 10-K. 

Because we have elected to use the extended transition period for complying with new or revised accounting 
standards for an emerging growth company, our financial statements may not be comparable to companies that 
comply with these accounting standards as of the public company effective dates. 

We have elected to use the extended transition period for complying with new or revised accounting standards 

under Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act. This election allows us to delay the adoption of new or revised 
accounting standards that have different effective dates for public and private companies until those standards apply to 
private companies. As a result of this election, our financial statements may not be comparable to companies that comply 
with these accounting standards as of the public company effective dates. Because our financial statements may not be 
comparable to companies that comply with public company effective dates, investors may have difficulty evaluating or 
comparing our business, financial results or prospects in comparison to other public companies, which may have a 
negative impact on the value and liquidity of our common stock. We cannot predict if investors will find our common 
stock less attractive because we plan to rely on this exemption. If some investors find our common stock less attractive 
as a result, there may be a less active trading market for our common stock and our stock price may be more volatile. 

Certain banking laws and certain provisions of our certificate of incorporation and bylaws may have an anti-takeover 
effect. 

Provisions of federal banking laws, including regulatory approval requirements, could make it difficult for a 

third party to acquire us, even if doing so would be perceived to be beneficial to our stockholders. In general, 
acquisitions of 10% or more of any class of voting stock of a bank holding company or depository institution generally 
creates a rebuttable presumption that the acquirer “controls” the bank holding company or depository institution. Also, a 
bank holding company must obtain the prior approval of the Federal Reserve before, among other things, acquiring 
direct or indirect ownership or control of more than 5% of the voting shares of any bank, including the Bank. 

There are also provisions in our certificate of incorporation and bylaws that could have the effect of delaying, 
deferring or discouraging another party from acquiring control of us, even if such acquisition would be viewed by our 
stockholders to be in their best interests. These include supermajority stockholder voting thresholds and requirements 
relating to stockholder meetings and nominations or proposals. We are also subject to a statutory antitakeover provision 
included in the DGCL. In addition, our board of directors is authorized under our certificate of incorporation to issue 
shares of preferred stock, and determine the rights, terms conditions and privileges of such preferred stock, without 
stockholder approval. These provisions may effectively inhibit a non-negotiated merger or other business combination, 
which, in turn, could have a material adverse effect on the market price of our common stock. 

Our certificate of incorporation has an exclusive forum provision, which could limit a stockholder’s ability to obtain 
a favorable judicial forum for disputes with us or our directors, officers or other employees. 

Our certificate of incorporation has an exclusive forum provision providing that the Court of Chancery of the 

State of Delaware will be the sole and exclusive forum for: (i) any derivative action or proceeding brought on our behalf; 
(ii) any action asserting a claim of breach of fiduciary duty by any of our directors, officers, employees or agents; 
(iii) any action asserting a claim arising pursuant to the DGCL, our certificate of incorporation or our bylaws; or (iv) any 
action asserting a claim that is governed by the internal affairs doctrine. However, Section 27 of the Exchange Act 
creates exclusive federal jurisdiction over all suits brought to enforce any duty or liability created by the Exchange Act 
or the rules and regulations thereunder. As a result, the exclusive forum provision will not apply to suits brought to 
enforce any duty or liability created by the Exchange Act or any other claim for which the federal courts have exclusive 
jurisdiction. In addition, Section 22 of the Securities Act creates concurrent jurisdiction for federal and state courts over 
all suits brought to enforce any duty or liability created by the Securities Act or the rules and regulations thereunder. As 

54 

a result, there is uncertainty as to whether a court would enforce such a provision, and our stockholders will not be 
deemed to have waived our compliance with the federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder. 

Our stockholders approved this provision at our annual stockholders’ meeting held on May 13, 2014. Any 

person purchasing or otherwise acquiring any interest in any shares of our capital stock shall be deemed to have notice of 
and to have consented to this provision of our certificate of incorporation. The exclusive forum provision, if enforced, 
may limit a stockholder’s ability to bring a claim in a judicial forum that it finds favorable for disputes with us or our 
directors, officers or other employees, which may discourage such lawsuits. Alternatively, if a court were to find the 
exclusive forum provision to be inapplicable or unenforceable in an action, we may incur additional costs associated 
with resolving such action in other jurisdictions, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial 
condition, results of operations and growth prospects. 

The California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018 or other such laws could result in increased operating expenses as well 
as additional exposure to the risk of litigation by or on behalf of customers. 

In June of 2018, the Governor of California signed into law The California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018, or 

the CCPA. This new law became effective on January 1, 2020 and provides consumers with expansive rights and control 
over their personal information, which is obtained by or shared with “covered businesses,” including for-profit 
businesses that conduct business in California and meet certain revenue or data collection thresholds. The CCPA will 
give consumers the right to request disclosure of information collected about them and whether that information has 
been sold or shared with others, the right to request deletion of personal information subject to certain exceptions, the 
right to opt out of the sale of the consumer’s personal information, and the right not to be discriminated against because 
of choices regarding the consumer’s personal information. 

The CCPA provides for certain monetary penalties and for its enforcement by the California Attorney General 

or consumers whose rights under the law are not observed. It also provides for damages as well as injunctive or 
declaratory relief if there has been unauthorized access, theft, or disclosure of personal information due to failure to 
implement reasonable security procedures. We have not yet determined the potential impact of the CCPA on our 
business, but it could result in increased operating expenses as well as additional exposure to the risk of litigation by or 
on behalf of consumers. It is also possible that other states where we have customers could enact similar laws. 

Climate change and related legislative and regulatory initiatives may result in operational changes and expenditures 
that could significantly impact our business.  

The current and anticipated effects of climate change are creating an increasing level of concern for the state of 
the global environment. As a result, political and social attention to the issue of climate change has increased. In recent 
years, governments across the world have entered into international agreements to attempt to reduce global temperatures, 
in part by limiting greenhouse gas emissions. The U.S. Congress, state legislatures and federal and state regulatory 
agencies have continued to propose and advance numerous legislative and regulatory initiatives seeking to mitigate the 
effects of climate change. These agreements and measures may result in the imposition of taxes and fees, the required 
purchase of emission credits, and the implementation of significant operational changes, each of which may require us to 
expend significant capital and incur compliance, operating, maintenance, and remediation costs. Consumers and 
businesses may also change their behavior on their own as a result of these concerns. The impact on our customers will 
likely vary depending on their specific attributes, including reliance on, or role in, carbon intensive activities. Our efforts 
to take these risks into account in making lending and other decisions, including by increasing our business with climate-
friendly companies, may not be effective in protecting us from the negative impact of new laws and regulations or 
changes in consumer or business behavior. 

Given the lack of empirical data on the credit and other financial risks posed by climate change, it is difficult to 
predict how climate change may impact our financial condition and operations; however, as a banking organization, the 
physical effects of climate change may present certain unique risks. For example, weather disasters, shifts in local 
climates, and other disruptions related to climate change may adversely affect the value of real properties securing our 
loans, which could diminish the value of our loan portfolio. Such events may also cause reductions in regional and local 

55 

economic activity that may have an adverse effect on our customers, which could limit our ability to raise and invest 
capital in these areas and communities. 

ITEM 1.B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS 

None. 

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES 

Our corporate headquarters are located at 401 Demers Avenue, Grand Forks, North Dakota 58201. In addition 

to our corporate headquarters, which includes a full service banking office, we operate two other full-service banking 
office located in Grand Forks, North Dakota, three full-service banking offices located in Fargo and West Fargo, North 
Dakota, one full-service banking office located in Northwood, North Dakota, six full-service banking offices located in 
the Twin Cities MSA, two full-service banking office located in the Phoenix MSA and one full-service banking office 
located in Mesa, Arizona. We offer retirement and benefits, wealth management and mortgage products and services at 
all of our full-service banking offices. In addition, we operate one retirement and benefits services office in Minnesota, 
one in Colorado and one in Michigan. We monitor client behavior and interactions with our banking and other offices, 
and in recent periods, we have shifted financial resources away from physical locations to technology solutions, as client 
demands continue to change. We have remodeled several locations to utilize our spaces in a more efficient manner. As 
of December 31, 2022, 7 of our office properties were owned and 11 of our office properties were leased. 

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS 

Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries is a party, and no property of these entities is subject, to any 

material pending legal proceedings, other than ordinary routine litigation incidental to the Bank’s business. The 
Company does not know of any proceeding contemplated by a governmental authority against the Company or any of its 
subsidiaries. 

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES 

Not applicable. 

ITEM 5.  MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER 
MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES 

Market Information 

Our common stock trades on the Nasdaq Stock Market, or Nasdaq, under the symbol “ALRS”.  

Shareholders 

As of February 28, 2023, the Company had 246 holders of record of the Company’s common stock and an 

estimated 1,373 additional beneficial holders of the Company’s common stock whose stock was held in street name by 
brokerages or fiduciaries. 

56 

 
Stock Repurchase Plans 

The following table presents information related to repurchases of our common stock for each calendar month 

in the fourth quarter of 2022. 

(dollars in thousands, except per share data) 
October 1-31, 2022 
November 1-30, 2022 
December 1-31, 2022 
Total 

Total Number 
of Shares 
Purchased (1) 

Average 
Price Paid 
per Share 

— $
—
—
— $

—
—
—
—

  Maximum Number of

Total Number of 
Shares Purchased as  
Part of Publicly 

Shares that May 
Yet be Purchased 
      Announced Plans        Under the Plan (2) 
770,000
770,000
770,000
770,000

 —   
 —   
 —   
 —   

(1) 

(2) 

Shares repurchased by the Company represent shares surrendered by employees to the Company to pay withholding taxes on the vesting of 
restricted stock awards. 
On February 18, 2021, the Board of Directors of the Company approved a stock repurchase program, or the Program, which authorizes the 
Company to repurchase up to 770,000 shares of its common stock, subject to certain limitations and conditions. The Program was effective 
immediately and will continue for a period of 36 months, until February 18, 2024. The Program does not obligate the Company to 
repurchase any shares of its common stock and there is no assurance that the Company will do so.  

Performance Graph 

The following graph compares the percentage change in the cumulative stockholder return of the Company’s 

common stock during the period from the date of our initial public offering and listing on Nasdaq through December 31, 
2022, with the cumulative return of the Nasdaq Composite Index and the total return of the SNL-U.S. Banks, Midwest 
Region Index. This comparison assumes $100.00 was invested on September 13, 2019, the date of our initial public 
offering, and the comparison groups and assumes the reinvestment of all cash dividends prior to any tax effect and 
retention of all stock dividends. 

57 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
     
 
 
 
 
Total Return Performance

e
u
l
a
V
x
e
d
n
I

 $200.00

 $190.00

 $180.00

 $170.00

 $160.00

 $150.00

 $140.00

 $130.00

 $120.00

 $110.00

 $100.00

 $90.00

09/13/2019

12/31/2019

12/31/2020
Period Ending

12/31/2021

12/31/2022

Alerus Financial Corporation

Nasdaq Composite Index

S&P U.S. Banks - Midwest Region Index

Alerus Financial Corporation 
Nasdaq Composite Index 
S&P U.S. Banks - Midwest Region Index 

$

$

100.00
100.00
100.00

$

105.21
109.73
107.90

129.70   $ 
157.62  
91.77  

September 13, December 31,  December 31, 
2019 

2019 

2020 

  December 31,  December 31, 

2021 
 141.67  $
 191.34 
 122.56 

2022 

116.32
131.19
105.77

The banks in the custom peer group, SNL-U.S. Banks, Midwest Region Index, include all major exchange 

(NYSE, NYSE American, NASDAQ) banks in SNL’s coverage universe headquartered in Iowa, Indiana, Illinois, 
Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin. 

Dividend Policy 

It has been our policy to pay quarterly dividends to holders of our common stock and we currently intend to 

maintain or increase our current dividend levels in future quarters. Our dividend policy and practice may change in the 
future, however, and our board of directors may change or eliminate the payment of future dividends at its discretion, 
without notice to our stockholders. Any future determination to pay dividends to holders of our common stock will 
depend on our results of operations, financial condition, economic conditions, capital requirements, banking regulations, 
contractual restrictions and any other factors that our board of directors may deem relevant. 

Dividend Restrictions 

As a Delaware corporation, we are subject to certain restrictions on dividends under the DGCL. In general, a 
Delaware corporation may only pay dividends either out of surplus (as defined and computed in accordance with the 
provisions of the DGCL) or out of the current or the immediately preceding year’s net profits. Surplus is defined as the 

58 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
    
    
    
    
 
 
 
 
excess, if any, at any given time, of the total assets of a corporation over its total liabilities and statutory capital. The 
value of a corporation’s assets can be measured in a number of ways and may not necessarily equal their book value. 

In the first quarter of 2021, we issued subordinated debt to the Bank of North Dakota pursuant to a 
Subordinated Note Purchase Agreement, dated March 30, 2021 (the “Note Purchase Agreement”). Under the terms of 
the Subordinated Note Purchase Agreement, if an event of default has occurred (as defined in the Subordinated Note 
Purchase Agreement), we cannot, subject to certain exceptions outlined in the Note Purchase Agreement, pay any 
dividends to our stockholders until such event of default or failure to comply with said covenants is cured, without the 
prior written consent of the Bank of North Dakota. 

Under the terms of our junior subordinated debentures issued to our two statutory trusts, we are not permitted to 

pay dividends on our capital stock if an event of default occurs under the terms of the debentures, we are otherwise in 
default with respect to our payment obligations or we have elected to defer interest payments on the debentures. 

In addition, we are subject to certain restrictions on the payment of cash dividends as a result of banking laws, 
regulations and policies. See “SUPERVISION AND REGULATION—Supervision and Regulation of the Company—
Dividend Payments.” Because we are a holding company and do not engage directly in business activities of a material 
nature, our ability to pay dividends to our stockholders depends, in large part, upon our receipt of dividends from the 
Bank, which is also subject to numerous limitations on the payment of dividends under federal banking laws, regulations 
and policies. See “SUPERVISION AND REGULATION—Supervision and Regulation of the Bank—Dividend 
Payments.” 

Use of Proceeds 

None. 

ITEM 6. [RESERVED] 

ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS 
OF OPERATIONS 

The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in 
conjunction with the “Selected Financial Data” and our audited consolidated financial statements and related notes 
included elsewhere in this report. In addition to historical information, this discussion and analysis contains 
forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Certain risks, uncertainties and other 
factors, including but not limited to those set forth under “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements,” 
“Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this report, may cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the 
forward-looking statements. We assume no obligation to update any of these forward-looking statements. 

Overview 

We are a diversified financial services company headquartered in Grand Forks, North Dakota. Through our 
subsidiary, Alerus Financial, National Association, we provide innovative and comprehensive financial solutions to 
businesses and consumers through four distinct business lines—banking, retirement and benefit services, wealth 
management and mortgage. These solutions are delivered through a relationship-oriented primary point of contact along 
with responsive and client-friendly technology. 

Our primary banking market areas are the states of North Dakota, Minnesota, specifically, the Twin Cities 

MSA, and Arizona, specifically, the Phoenix MSA. In addition to our offices located in our banking markets, our 
retirement and benefit services business administers plans in all 50 states through offices located in Michigan, Minnesota 
and Colorado. 

59 

 
 
Our business model produces strong financial performance and a diversified revenue stream, which has helped 

us establish a brand and culture yielding both a loyal client base and passionate and dedicated employees. We believe 
our client-first and advice-based philosophy, diversified business model and history of high performance and growth 
distinguishes us from other financial service providers. We generate a majority of our overall revenue from noninterest 
income, which is driven primarily by our retirement and benefit services, wealth management and mortgage business 
lines. The remainder of our revenue consists of net interest income, which we derive from offering our traditional 
banking products and services. 

As of December 31, 2022, we had $3.8 billion of total assets, $2.4 billion of total loans, $2.9 billion of total 

deposits, $356.9 million of stockholders’ equity, $32.1 billion of AUA/AUM in our retirement and benefit services 
segment, and $3.6 billion of AUA/AUM in our wealth management segment. For the year ended December 31, 2022, we 
had $812.3 billion of mortgage originations. 

Net Interest Income 

Net interest income represents interest income less interest expense. We generate interest income on 
interest-earning assets, primarily loans and available-for-sale securities. We incur interest expense on interest-bearing 
liabilities, primarily interest-bearing deposits and borrowings. To evaluate net interest income, we measure and monitor: 
(i) yields on loans, available-for-sale securities and other interest-earning assets; (ii) the costs of deposits and other 
funding sources; (iii) the rates incurred on borrowings and other interest-bearing liabilities; and (iv) the regulatory risk 
weighting associated with the assets. Interest income is primarily impacted by loan growth and loan repayments, along 
with changes in interest rates on the loans. Interest expense is primarily impacted by changes in deposit balances along 
with the volume and type of interest-bearing liabilities. Net interest income is primarily impacted by changes in market 
interest rates, the slope of the yield curve, and interest we earn on interest-earning assets or pay on interest-bearing 
liabilities. 

Noninterest Income 

Noninterest income primarily consists of the following: 

•  Our retirement and benefit services business, which includes retirement plan administration, retirement 
plan investment advisory, HSA, ESOP, and other benefit services, is our Company’s largest source of 
noninterest income. Over half of our retirement and benefit services fees are transaction or participant-
based fees and are impacted by the number of plans and participants. The remainder of noninterest income 
is based on the market value of the related AUA and AUM and impacted by the level of contributions, 
withdrawals, new business, lost business and fluctuation in market values. 

•  Wealth management includes personal trust, investment and brokerage services. Our Company earns trust, 
investment, and IRA fees from managing assets, including corporate trusts, personal trusts, and separately 
managed accounts. Trust and investment management fees are primarily based on a tiered scale relative to 
the market value of the AUM. Trust and investment management fees are primarily impacted by rates 
charged and increases and decreases in AUM. AUM is primarily impacted by opening and closing of client 
advisory and trust accounts, contributions and withdrawals, and the fluctuation in market values. 

•  Mortgage noninterest income consists of gains on originating and selling mortgages and origination fees. 

Mortgage gains are primarily impacted by the level of originations, amount of loans sold, the type of loans 
sold and market conditions. 

•  Service charges on deposit accounts are comprised of income generated through deposit account related 

service charges such as: electronic transfer fees, treasury management fees, bill pay fees, and other banking 
fees. Banking fees are primarily impacted by the level of business activities and cash movement activities 
of our clients. 

60 

•  Other noninterest income consists of debit card interchange income, income earned on the growth of the 

cash surrender value of life insurance policies we hold on to certain key employees, loan servicing income 
net of the related amortization, and any other income which does not fit within one of the specific 
noninterest income lines described above. Other noninterest income is generally impacted by business 
activities and level of transactions. 

Noninterest Expense 

Noninterest expense is comprised primarily of the following: 

•  Compensation and employee taxes and benefits—include all forms of personnel related expenses including 
salary, commissions, incentive compensation, payroll related taxes, stock-based compensation, benefit 
plans, health insurance, 401(k) plan match costs, ESOP and other benefit related expenses. Compensation 
and employee benefit costs are primarily impacted by changes in headcount and fluctuations in benefits 
costs. 

•  Occupancy and equipment—costs related to owning and leasing our office space, depreciation charges for 

the furniture, fixtures and equipment, amortization of leasehold improvements, utilities and other 
occupancy-related expenses. Occupancy and equipment costs are primarily impacted by the number and 
size of the locations we occupy. 

•  Business services, software and technology—costs related to contracts with core system and third-party 
data processing providers, software and information technology services to support office activities and 
internal networks. We believe our technology spending enhances the efficiency of our employees and 
enables us to provide outstanding service to our clients. Technology and information system costs are 
primarily impacted by the number of locations we occupy, the number of employees, clients and volume of 
transactions we have and the level of service we require from our third-party technology vendors. 

• 

Intangible amortization expense is the result of acquisitions of fee income and banking companies. 
Identified intangible assets with definite lives consist of client relationship intangibles and are amortized on 
a straight-line basis over the period representing the estimated remaining lives of the assets. The amount of 
expense is impacted by the timing of acquisitions and the estimated remaining lives of the assets. 

•  Professional fees and assessments—costs related to legal, accounting, tax, consulting, personnel recruiting, 
directors fees, insurance and other outsourcing arrangements. Professional services costs are primarily 
impacted by corporate activities requiring specialized services. FDIC insurance expense is also included in 
this line and represents the assessments that we pay to the FDIC for deposit insurance. 

•  Other operational expenses—includes costs related to marketing, donations, promotions, and expenses 

associated with office supplies, postage, travel expenses, meals and entertainment, dues and memberships, 
costs to maintain or prepare other real estate owned, or OREO, for sale, and other general corporate 
expenses that do not fit within one of the specific noninterest expense lines described above. Other 
operational expenses are generally impacted by our business activities and needs. 

Operating Segments 

We measure the overall profitability of business operations based on income before income tax. We allocate 

costs to our segments, which consist primarily of compensation and overhead expense directly attributable to the 
products and services within banking, retirement and benefit services, wealth management, and mortgage. We measure 
the profitability of each segment based on the direct allocations of expense as we believe it better approximates the 
contribution generated by our reportable operating segments. All indirect overhead allocations and income tax expense is 
allocated to corporate administration. A description of each segment is provided in Note 22 (Segment Reporting) of the 
Company’s audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this report. 

61 

Critical Accounting Policies 

As a result of the complex and dynamic nature of our business, management must exercise judgment in 

selecting and applying the most appropriate accounting policies for its various areas of operations. The policy decision 
process not only ensures compliance with current GAAP, but also reflects management’s discretion with regard to 
choosing the most suitable methodology for reporting our financial performance. It is management’s opinion that the 
accounting estimates covering certain aspects of the business have more significance than others due to the relative 
importance of those areas to overall performance, or the level of subjectivity in the selection process. These estimates 
affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as well as disclosures of revenues and expenses during the reporting 
period. Actual results could differ from these estimates. The most critical of the accounting policies are discussed below. 

Investment securities—Investment securities can be classified as trading, available-for-sale, held-to-maturity 

and equity. The appropriate classification is based partially on our ability to hold the securities to maturity and largely on 
management’s intentions with respect to either holding or selling the securities. The classification of investment 
securities is significant since it directly impacts the accounting for unrealized gains and losses on securities. Unrealized 
gains and losses on available-for-sale securities are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income or loss, as a 
separate component of stockholders’ equity, and do not affect earnings until realized. The fair values of investment 
securities are generally determined by reference to quoted market prices, where available. If quoted market prices are not 
available, fair values are based on quoted market prices of comparable instruments, or a discounted cash flow model 
using market estimates of interest rates and volatility. Investment securities with significant declines in fair value are 
evaluated to determine whether they should be considered other-than-temporarily impaired. An unrealized loss is 
generally deemed to be other-than-temporary and a credit loss is deemed to exist if the present value of the expected 
future cash flows is less than the amortized cost basis of the debt security. The credit loss component of an 
other-than-temporary impairment write-down is recorded in current earnings, while the remaining portion of the 
impairment loss is recognized in other comprehensive income (loss), provided we do not intend to sell the underlying 
debt security, and it is not likely that we will be required to sell the debt security prior to recovery of the full value of its 
amortized cost basis. 

Allowance for loan losses—The allowance for loan losses reflects management’s best estimate of probable 

loan losses in our loan portfolio. Determination of the allowance for loan losses is inherently subjective. It requires 
significant estimates, including the amounts and timing of expected future cash flows on impaired loans, appraisal values 
of underlying collateral for collateralized loans, and the amount of estimated losses on pools of homogeneous loans 
which is based on historical loss experience, adjusted for consideration of economic trends, collateral values, trends in 
past due loans and other factors, all of which may be susceptible to significant change. 

Intangible assets—As a result of acquisitions, we carry goodwill and identifiable intangible assets. Goodwill 

represents the cost of acquired companies in excess of the fair value of net assets at the acquisition date. Goodwill is 
evaluated at least annually or when business conditions suggest impairment may have occurred. Should impairment 
occur, goodwill will be reduced to its revised carrying value through a charge to earnings. Core deposits and other 
identifiable intangible assets are amortized to expense over their estimated useful lives. The determination of whether or 
not impairment exists is based upon discounted cash flow modeling techniques that require management to make 
estimates regarding the amount and timing of expected future cash flows. It also requires them to select a discount rate 
that reflects the current return requirements of the market in relation to present risk-free interest rates, required equity 
market premiums, and company-specific performance and risk metrics, all of which are susceptible to change based on 
changes in economic and market conditions and other factors. Future events or changes in the estimates used to 
determine the carrying value of goodwill and identifiable intangible assets could have a material impact on our results of 
operations. 

Income taxes—Income tax expense or benefit is the total of the current year income tax due or refundable and 
the change in deferred tax assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are the expected future tax amounts for 
the temporary differences between carrying amounts and tax bases of assets and liabilities, computed using enacted tax 
rates. A valuation allowance, if needed, reduces deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized. A tax position 
is recognized as a benefit only if it is “more likely than not” that the tax position would be sustained in a tax 
examination, with a tax examination being presumed to occur. The amount recognized is the largest amount of tax 

62 

benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized on examination. For tax positions not meeting the “more likely 
than not” test, no tax benefit is recorded. Interest and penalties related to income tax matters are recognized in income 
tax expense. 

Fair value measurements—Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset, or paid to transfer a 
liability, in the principal or most advantageous market for an asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market 
participants at the measurement date. The degree of management judgment involved in determining the fair value of a 
financial instrument is dependent upon the availability of quoted market prices, or observable market inputs. For 
financial instruments that are traded actively and have quoted market prices or observable market inputs, there is 
minimal subjectivity involved in measuring fair value. However, when quoted market prices or observable market inputs 
are not fully available, significant management judgement may be necessary to estimate fair value. In developing our fair 
value measurements, we maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs.  

Financial assets that are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis include investment securities available-for-

sale and derivative financial instruments. As of December 31, 2022, and 2021, $723.7 million or 19.1% and $857.0 
million, or 25.3%, respectively, of our total assets consisted of financial assets recorded at fair value on a recurring basis 
and most of these financial assets consisted of available-for-sale investment securities. The fair value of financial assets 
on a recurring basis are classified in either Levels 1 or 2 of the fair value hierarchy. Financial liabilities that are recorded 
at fair value on a recurring basis are comprised of derivative financial instruments. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, 
$6.3 million and $1.4 million, respectively representing less than 1% of our total liabilities in those years were classified 
as Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. As of December 31, 2022, we had no fair value assets or liabilities classified in 
Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. 

A further discussion regarding the fair value of assets and liabilities, and the classification of Level 1, 2, and 3 

hierarchies, is disclosed in Note 28 (Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities) of the Company’s audited consolidated 
financial statements included elsewhere in this report. 

A summary of the accounting policies used by management is disclosed in Note 1 (Significant Accounting 

Policies) of the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this report. 

Selected Financial Data 

The following consolidated selected financial data is derived from the Company’s audited consolidated 

financial statements as of and for the five years ended December 31, 2022. 

63 

The consolidated selected financial data presented below contains financial measures that are not presented in 

accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States and have not been audited. See “Non-
GAAP to GAAP Reconciliations and Calculation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below. 

(dollars and shares in thousands, except per share data)    
Selected Income Statement Data 

2022 

As of and for the year ended December 31, 
2020 

2019 

2021 

Net interest income 
Provision for loan losses 
Noninterest income 
Noninterest expense 

Income before income taxes 

Income tax expense 

Net income 

Per Common Share Data 

Earnings - basic 
Earnings - diluted 
Dividends declared 
Tangible book value per common share (1) 
Average shares outstanding - basic 
Average shares outstanding - diluted 

Selected Performance Ratios 
Return on average total assets 
Return on average common equity 
Return on average tangible common equity (1) 
Noninterest income as a % of revenue 
Net interest margin (taxable-equivalent basis) 
Efficiency ratio (1) 
Dividend payout ratio 
Average equity to average assets 

Selected Balance Sheet Data - Period Ending 

Loans (2) 
Allowance for loan losses 
Investment securities 
Assets 
Deposits (3) 
Long-term debt 
Total stockholders’ equity (4) 

Asset Quality Ratios 

Net charge-offs/(recoveries) to average loans 
Nonperforming loans to total loans 
Nonperforming assets to total assets 
Allowance for loan losses to total loans 
Allowance for loan losses to nonperforming 
loans 

Other Data 

Retirement and benefit services assets under 
administration/management 
Wealth management assets under 
administration/management 
Mortgage originations 

$

$

$
$
$
$

$

$

$
$
$
$

99,729
—
111,223
158,770
52,182
12,177
40,005

2.12
2.10
0.70
14.37
18,640
18,884

1.14 %
11.55 %
15.09 %
52.72 %
3.04 %
72.86 %
33.33 %
9.89 %

$

$

$
$
$
$

87,099
(3,500)
147,387
168,909
69,077
16,396
52,681

3.02
2.97
0.63
17.87
17,189
17,486

1.66 %
15.22 %
18.89 %
62.86 %
2.90 %
70.02 %
21.21 %
10.89 %

$

$

$
$
$
$

83,846
10,900
149,371
163,799
58,518
13,843
44,675

2.57
2.52
0.60
16.00
17,106
17,438

1.61 %   
14.40 %  
17.74 %  
64.05 %  
3.22 %  
68.40 %  
23.81 %  
11.18 %  

 74,551   $
 7,312  
 114,194  
 142,537  
 38,896  
 9,356  
 29,540   $

 1.96   $
 1.91   $
 0.57   $
 14.08   $
 14,736  
 15,093  

 1.34 %   
 12.78 %  
 17.46 %  
 60.50 %  
 3.65 %  
 73.22 %  
 29.84 %  
 10.45 %  

2018 

75,224  
8,610  
102,749  
136,325  
33,038  
7,172  
25,866  

1.88
1.84
0.53
10.68
13,763
14,063

1.21 %
13.81 %
21.02 %
57.73 %
3.84 %
73.80 %
28.82 %
8.80 %

$ 2,443,994
(31,146)
1,039,226
3,779,637
2,915,484
58,843
356,872

$ 1,758,020
(31,572)
1,205,710
3,392,691
2,920,551
58,933
359,403

$ 1,979,375
(34,246)
592,342
3,013,771
2,571,993
58,735
330,163

$  1,721,279   $ 1,701,850
(22,174)
254,878
2,179,070
1,775,096
58,824
196,954

 (23,924) 
 313,158  
 2,356,878  
 1,971,316  
 58,769  
 285,728  

0.02 %
0.16 %
0.10 %
1.27 %

(0.04)%
0.12 %
0.09 %
1.80 %

0.03 %  
0.26 %  
0.17 %  
1.73 %  

 0.33 %  
 0.45 %  
 0.33 %  
 1.39 %  

0.18 %
0.41 %
0.33 %
1.30 %

820.93 %

1,437.05 %

674.13 %  

 305.66 %  

318.45 %

$ 32,122,520

$ 36,732,938

$ 34,199,954

$ 31,904,648   $ 27,812,149

$ 3,582,648
812,314
$

$ 4,039,931
$ 1,836,064

$ 3,338,594
$ 1,778,977

$  3,103,056   $ 2,626,815
779,708
$

 946,441   $

(1) 

(2) 
(3) 
(4) 

Represents a Non-GAAP financial measure. See “Non-GAAP to GAAP Reconciliations and Calculation of Non-GAAP Financial 
Measures.” 
Excludes loans held for branch sale at 2018. 
Excludes deposits held for sale at 2018. 
Includes ESOP-owned shares. 

64 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
   
     
     
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-GAAP to GAAP Reconciliations and Calculation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures 

In addition to the results presented in accordance with GAAP, we routinely supplement our evaluation with an 

analysis of certain non-GAAP financial measures. These non-GAAP financial measures include the ratio of tangible 
common equity to tangible assets, tangible common equity per share, return on average tangible common equity, net 
interest margin (tax-equivalent), and the efficiency ratio. Management uses these non-GAAP financial measures in its 
analysis of its performance, and believes financial analysts and others frequently use these measures, and other similar 
measures, to evaluate capital adequacy. Management calculates: (i) tangible common equity as total common 
stockholders’ equity, less goodwill and other intangible assets; (ii) tangible common equity per share as tangible 
common equity divided by shares of common stock outstanding; (iii) tangible assets as total assets, less goodwill and 
other intangible assets; (iv) return on average tangible common equity as net income adjusted for intangible amortization 
net of tax, divided by average tangible common equity; (v) net interest margin (tax-equivalent) as net interest income 
plus a tax-equivalent adjustment, divided by average earning assets; and (vi) efficiency ratio as noninterest expense less 
intangible amortization expense, divided by net interest income plus noninterest income plus a tax-equivalent 
adjustment. 

The following tables present these non-GAAP financial measures along with the most directly comparable 

financial measures calculated in accordance with GAAP for the periods indicated. 

  December 31, 
2022 

  December 31, 
2021 

  December 31, 
2020 

  December 31, 
2019 

  December 31,    
2018 

Tangible common equity to tangible assets 

Total common stockholders’ equity 
Less: Goodwill 
Less: Other intangible assets 

Tangible common equity (a) 

Total assets 
Less: Goodwill 
Less: Other intangible assets 

Tangible assets (b) 

Tangible common equity to tangible assets 
(a)/(b) 

Tangible book value per common share 

Total common stockholders’ equity 
Less: Goodwill 
Less: Other intangible assets 

Tangible common equity (c) 

Total common shares issued and outstanding (d) 
Tangible book value per common share (c)/(d)

$

$

$

356,872
47,087
22,455
287,330
3,779,637
47,087
22,455
3,710,095

$

359,403
31,490
20,250
307,663
3,392,691
31,490
20,250
3,340,951

$

330,163
30,201
25,919
274,043
3,013,771
30,201
25,919
2,957,651

$ 

 285,728   $
 27,329  
 18,391  
 240,008  
 2,356,878  
 27,329  
 18,391  
 2,311,158  

196,954
27,329
22,473
147,152
2,179,070
27,329
22,473
2,129,268

7.74 %

9.21 %

9.27 %  

 10.38 % 

6.91 %

356,872
47,087
22,455
287,330
19,992
14.37

$

$

359,403
31,490
20,250
307,663
17,213
17.87

$

$

330,163
30,201
25,919
274,043
17,125
16.00

$ 

$ 

 285,728   $
 27,329  
 18,391  
 240,008  
 17,050  
 14.08   $

196,954
27,329
22,473
147,152
13,775
10.68

65 

 
 
 
 
 
 
  
    
    
     
     
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31,  December 31,  December 31,  December 31,   December 31, 
2020 

2018 

2019 

2022 

2021 

Return on average tangible common equity 

Net income 
Add: Intangible amortization expense (net of tax)
Net income, excluding intangible amortization 
(e) 

Average total equity 
Less: Average goodwill 
Less: Average other intangible assets (net of tax) 

Average tangible common equity (f) 

Return on average tangible common equity 
(e)/(f) 
Efficiency ratio 

Noninterest expense 
Less: Intangible amortization expense 
Adjusted noninterest expense (i) 

Net interest income 
Noninterest income 
Tax-equivalent adjustment 

Total tax-equivalent revenue (j) 

Efficiency ratio (i)/(j) 

Results of Operations 

$

40,005
3,756

$

52,681
3,460

$

44,675
3,129

$ 

 29,540   $
 3,224  

25,866
3,664

43,761
346,355
39,415
17,018
289,922

56,141
346,059
30,385
18,548
297,126

47,804
310,208
27,439
13,309
269,460

 32,764  
 231,084  
 27,329  
 16,101  
 187,654  

29,530
187,341
27,329
19,522
140,490

15.09 %

18.89 %

17.74 %  

 17.46 % 

21.02 %

$

158,770
4,754
154,016
99,729
111,223
429
211,381

$

$

168,909
4,380
164,529
87,099
147,387
492
234,978

$

$

163,799
3,961
159,838
83,846
149,371
455
233,672

$ 

$ 

 142,537   $
 4,081  
 138,456  
 74,551   $
 114,194  
 347  
 189,092  

136,325
4,638
131,687
75,224
102,749
462
178,435

72.86 %

70.02 %

68.40 %  

 73.22 % 

73.80 %

The following discussion describes the consolidated operations and financial condition of the Company and the 

Bank. Results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2022 are compared to the results for the year ended 
December 31, 2021, and the consolidated financial condition of the Company as of December 31, 2022 is compared to 
December 31, 2021. Results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to results for the year ended 
December 31, 2020, can be found in Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results 
of Operations of the Company’s 2021 annual report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 11, 2022. 

Summary 

Net income for the year ended December 31, 2022, was $40.0 million, a decrease of $12.7 million, or 24.1%, 

compared to $52.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. Diluted earnings per common share were $2.10 in 
2022, compared to $2.97 in 2021. Return on average total assets was 1.14% in 2022, compared to 1.66% for 2021. The 
decrease in net income was primarily driven by a $36.2 million decrease in noninterest income, partially offset by a 
$12.6 million increase in net interest income and a $10.1 million decrease in noninterest expense. Noninterest income 
decreased primarily due to a $31.6 million decrease in mortgage banking revenue, attributable to a decrease in mortgage 
originations. The increase in net interest income was primarily due to a $22.9 million increase in interest income, driven 
by a $11.8 million increase in interest income received from loans. The decrease in noninterest expense was primarily 
due to a $12.7 million decrease in compensation expense, driven by a decrease in mortgage incentives associated with 
the decrease in mortgage originations. 

Net Interest Income—With Nontaxable Income Converted to Fully Taxable Equivalent, or FTE 

Net interest income totaled $99.7 million in 2022, an increase of $12.6 million, or 14.5%, from 2021. Net 
interest margin increased 14 basis points to 3.04%, in 2022, from the 2.90% reported in 2021. The increase in net interest 
margin was primarily a result of a $22.9 million increase in interest income earned on interest earning assets, partially 
offset by a $10.3 million increase in interest expense paid on interest-bearing liabilities. The increase in interest earning 
assets was primarily driven by a $12.4 million increase in the interest income earned from loans due to a rising interest 
rate environment resulting from the Federal Reserve Bank raising short-term rates. Additionally, the average balance of 
total loans increased $200.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to the year ended December 31, 
2021, primarily driven by an increase in organic loan growth as well as loans acquired from Metro Phoenix Bank. The 
interest expense paid on interest-bearing liabilities increased primarily due to a 26 basis point increase in the rate paid on 

66 

 
 
 
 
 
 
  
    
    
     
     
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
interest-bearing deposits and a 284 basis point increase in the rate paid on fed funds purchased and short-term 
borrowings. The increase in interest expense paid on deposits was primarily due to deposit rate increases in a response to 
a highly competitive deposit environment. Additionally we saw a $63.3 million increase in the average balance of fed 
funds purchased and short-term borrowings as loan growth outpaced deposit growth in 2022. 

The following table sets forth information related to our average balance sheet, average yields on assets, and 

average rates of liabilities for the periods indicated. We derived these yields by dividing income or expense by the 
average balance of the corresponding assets or liabilities. We derived average balances from the daily balances 
throughout the periods indicated. Average loan balances include loans that have been placed on nonaccrual, while 
interest previously accrued on these loans is reversed against interest income. In these tables, adjustments are made to 
the yields on tax-exempt assets in order to present tax-exempt income and fully taxable income on a comparable basis. 

(dollars in thousands) 
Interest Earning Assets 
Interest-bearing deposits with banks 
Investment securities (1) 
Fed funds sold 
Loans held for sale 
Loans 

Commercial: 

Commercial and industrial 
Real estate construction 
Commercial real estate 
Total commercial 

Consumer 

Residential real estate first mortgage 
Residential real estate junior lien 
Other revolving and installment 

Total consumer 
Total loans (1) 

Federal Reserve/FHLB Stock 
Total interest earning assets 
Noninterest earning assets 

Total assets 

Interest-Bearing Liabilities 
Interest-bearing demand deposits 
Money market and savings deposits 
Time deposits  
Fed funds purchased 
Short-term borrowings 
Long-term debt 

2022 

Year ended December 31,  
2021 

2020 

Average 
Balance 

Interest 
Income/ 
Expense 

    Average    
  Yield/   
  Rate 

Average 
Balance 

Interest 
Income/ 
Expense 

    Average      
  Yield/   
  Rate 

Average 
Balance 

Interest 
Income/ 
Expense 

    Average 
  Yield/   
  Rate 

  $

 58,149
   1,135,426
 7,313
 24,497

$

586
24,333
192
855

1.01 % $ 222,916
864,273
2.14 %
—
2.63 %
65,968
3.49 %

$

322
14,172
—
1,494

0.14 %  
1.64 %  
— %  
2.26 %  

 162,616    $
664
 425,219       8,999
—
 79,201       1,948

 —     

0.41 %
2.12 %
— %
2.46 %

 507,040
 63,296
 713,102
   1,283,438

 587,443
 136,483
 52,071
 775,997
   2,059,435
 13,824
   3,298,644
 202,011
  $ 3,500,655

  $  692,287
   1,113,426
 221,997
 63,296
 89,932
 58,864
   2,239,802

26,004
3,300
29,632
58,936

20,573
7,222
2,525
30,320
89,256
784
116,006

579,002
5.13 %
41,751
5.21 %
4.16 %
571,326
4.59 % 1,192,079

477,621
3.50 %
131,412
5.29 %
57,574
4.85 %
3.91 %
666,607
4.33 % 1,858,686
5.67 %
6,329
3.52 % 3,018,172
160,648
$ 3,178,820

28,445
1,712
21,523
51,680

16,575
6,093
2,537
25,205
76,885
276
93,149

 687,266       31,600
4.91 %  
 32,804       1,488
4.10 %  
3.77 %  
 523,219       21,884
4.34 %    1,243,289       54,972

 463,174       18,391
3.47 %  
 159,844       7,696
4.64 %  
 79,238       3,621
4.41 %  
3.78 %  
 702,256       29,708
4.14 %    1,945,545       84,680
4.36 %  
266
3.09 %    2,618,427       96,557

 5,846      

 156,713     
   $ 2,775,140      

$

1,516
6,090
1,563
1,554
2,785
2,340
15,848

0.22 % $ 697,276
0.55 % 1,023,677
215,624
0.70 %
2.46 %
3
—
3.10 %
3.98 %
50,759
0.71 % 1,987,339

$

987
1,500
1,174
—
—
1,897
5,558

0.14 % $  551,861    $ 1,624
 920,072       4,863
0.15 %   
 203,413       2,356
0.54 %  
—
 80      
— %  
— %  
—
 —      
3.74 %  
 58,742       3,413
0.28 %    1,734,168       12,256

4.60 %
4.54 %
4.18 %
4.42 %

3.97 %
4.81 %
4.57 %
4.23 %
4.35 %
4.55 %
3.69 %

0.29 %
0.53 %
1.16 %
— %
— %
5.81 %
0.71 %

Total interest-bearing liabilities  
Noninterest-Bearing Liabilities and 
Stockholders' Equity 
Noninterest-bearing deposits 
Other noninterest-bearing liabilities 
Stockholders’ equity 

 851,821
 62,677
 346,355
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity    $ 3,500,655

784,998
60,424
346,059
$ 3,178,820

 673,676      
 57,088      
 310,208      
   $ 2,775,140      

Net interest income  
Net interest rate spread  
Net interest margin on FTE basis (1) 

   $ 100,158

  $ 87,591

    $ 84,301

2.81 %
3.04 %

2.81 %  
2.90 %  

2.98 %
3.22 %

(1) 

Fully tax-equivalent adjustment was calculated utilizing a marginal income tax rate of 21.0% . 

67 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
 
   
   
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
  
 
 
 
 
     
    
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
      
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
 
      
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
      
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
      
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
      
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
      
 
 
Rate/Volume Analysis 

The table below presents the effect of volume and rate changes on interest income and expense for the periods 

indicated. Changes in volume are changes in the average balance multiplied by the previous year’s average rate. Changes 
in rate are changes in the average rate multiplied by the average balance from the previous year. The net changes 
attributable to the combined impact of both rate and volume have been allocated proportionately to the changes due to 
volume and the changes due to rate. 

Year ended December 31, 2022 
Compared with 
Year ended December 31, 2021 
Change due to: 

Interest 
    Variance 

Year ended December 31, 2021 
Compared with 
Year ended December 31, 2020 
Change due to: 

Interest 
    Variance 

     Volume 

Rate 

    Volume 

Rate 

  $

$

(231)
4,447
(937)

495
5,714
298

$

264
10,161
(639)

$

247   $ 

9,308  
(326) 

(4,980) 
406  
2,011  
(2,563) 

574  
(1,368) 
(990) 
(1,784) 
(4,347) 
 22  
4,904  

(2,441)
1,588
8,109
7,256

3,998
1,129
(12)
5,115
12,371
508
22,665

529
4,590
389
1,554
443
7,505
$ 15,160

422  
549  
142  
 —  
(464) 
649  
4,255   $ 

$

 (589)
 (4,135)
 (128)

(342)
5,173
(454)

 1,825
 (182)
 (2,372)
 (729)

 (2,390)
 (235)
 (94)
 (2,719)
 (3,448)
 (12)
 (8,312)

 (1,059)
 (3,912)
 (1,324)
 —
 (1,052)
 (7,347)
 (965)

(3,155)
224
(361)
(3,292)

(1,816)
(1,603)
(1,084)
(4,503)
(7,795)
10
(3,408)

(637)
(3,363)
(1,182)
—
(1,516)
(6,698)
3,290

$

(3,533)
883
5,345
2,695

3,811
235
(243)
3,803
6,498
327
10,104

(7)
135
34
—
303
465
9,639

1,092
705
2,764
4,561

187
894
231
1,312
5,873
181
12,561

536
4,455
355
1,554
140
7,040
5,521

$

  $

(tax-equivalent basis, dollars in thousands) 
Interest earning assets 

Interest-bearing deposits with banks 
Investment securities 
Loans held for sale 
Loans 

Commercial: 

Commercial and industrial 
Real estate construction 
Commercial real estate 
Total commercial 

Consumer 

Residential real estate first mortgage 
Residential real estate junior lien 
Other revolving and installment 

Total consumer 
Total loans 
Federal Reserve/FHLB Stock 
Total interest income 
Interest-bearing liabilities 

Interest-bearing demand deposits 
Money market and savings deposits 
Time deposits 
Short-term borrowings 
Long-term debt 

Total interest expense 

Change in net interest income 

Provision for Loan Losses 

There was no provision for loan losses for the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to a $3.5 million 

reversal of provision for loan losses for the year ended December 31, 2021. Although management saw increases in loan 
volume, based on the reduction of previous adjustments for pandemic related qualitative factors, management concluded 
there was no need for additional provisions in 2022. 

The provision for loan losses on off-balance sheet items, a component of “other expense” in our Consolidated 

Statements of Income, reflects management’s assessment of the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses on 
lending-related commitments. See “Financial Condition—Allowance for Loan Losses.” 

68 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
   
     
  
 
 
 
  
   
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
   
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
  
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
   
  
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
   
  
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
Noninterest Income 

The following table presents noninterest income for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 

(dollars in thousands) 
Retirement and benefit services 
Wealth management 
Mortgage banking 
Service charges on deposit accounts 
Net gains (losses) on investment 
securities 
Other 

Total noninterest income 

2022 
  $  67,135  
 20,870  
 16,921  
 1,434  

2021 
$ 71,709
21,052
48,502
1,395

      $ Change     % Change 

2021 

Year ended December 31,  

$ (4,574)
(182)
(31,581)
39

(6.4)%   $ 71,709
21,052
(0.9)%  
48,502
(65.1)%  
1,395
2.8 %  

2020 
$  60,956  
 17,451  
 61,641  
 1,409  

$  10,753
 3,601
   (13,139)
 (14)

      $ Change    % Change

 —  
 4,863  
  $ 111,223  

125
4,604
$ 147,387

(125)
259
$ (36,164)

(100.0)%  
5.6 %  

125
4,604
(24.5)%   $ 147,387

 2,737  
 5,177  
$ 149,371  

 (2,612)
 (573)
$  (1,984)

17.6 %
20.6 %
(21.3)%
(1.0)%

(95.4)%
(11.1)%
(1.3)%

Noninterest income as a % of revenue 

 52.7 %  

62.9 %  

62.9 %  

 64.1 %   

Total noninterest income decreased $36.2 million, or 24.5%, to $111.2 million in 2022, from $147.4 million for 

2021. The decrease in noninterest income was primarily driven by decreases of $31.6 million in mortgage banking 
revenue and $4.6 million in retirement and benefit services revenue. Mortgage banking revenue decreased primarily as a 
result of a $1.0 billion, or 55.8%, decrease in mortgage originations, partially offset by a 47 basis point increase in the 
gain on sale margin. Retirement and benefit services revenue decreased primarily due to a $4.1 million decrease in asset-
based fees, as assets under administration/management decreased $4.6 million from 2021. 

Noninterest income as a percent of total operating revenue, which consists of net interest income plus 

noninterest income, was 52.7% in 2022, down from 62.9% the prior year. The decrease in 2022 was due to a 24.5% 
decrease in noninterest income, partially offset by a 14.5% increase in net interest income. 

Noninterest Expense 

The following table presents noninterest expense for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020. 

(dollars in thousands) 
Compensation 
Employee taxes and benefits 
Occupancy and equipment expense 
Business services, software and 
technology expense 
Intangible amortization expense 
Professional fees and assessments 
Marketing and business development 
Supplies and postage 
Travel 
Mortgage and lending expenses 
Other 

Total noninterest expense 

2022 

2021

    $ Change    % Change

2021

2020 

     $ Change    % Change

Year ended December 31,

  $  80,656    $ 93,386
22,033
8,148

 21,915   
 7,605   

$ (12,730)
(118)
(543)

(13.6)%  $ 93,386
22,033
8,148

(0.5)%  
(6.7)%  

$  89,206    $
 20,050   
 10,058   

 4,180
 1,983
 (1,910)

 19,487   
 4,754   
 8,367   
 3,254   
 2,440   
 1,182     
 2,183   
 6,927   

20,486
4,380
6,292
3,182
2,361

442  

(999)
374
2,075
72
79
740
(2,067)
2,978
$ (10,139)

20,486
4,380
6,292
3,182
2,361

(4.9)%  
8.5 %  
33.0 %  
2.3 %  
3.3 %  
167.4 %  
(48.6)%  
4,250
3,949
75.4 %  
(6.0)%  $ 168,909

442   

 19,135   
 3,961   
 4,834   
 3,133   
 2,174   

 359       

 5,707   
 5,182   
$ 163,799    $

 1,351
 419
 1,458
 49
 187
 83
 (1,457)
 (1,233)
 5,110

4,250
3,949
  $  158,770    $ 168,909

4.7 %
9.9 %
(19.0)%

7.1 %
10.6 %
30.2 %
1.6 %
8.6 %
23.1 %
(25.5)%
(23.8)%
3.1 %

Total noninterest expense decreased $10.1 million, or 6.0%, to $158.8 million for the year ended 

December 31, 2022, from $168.9 million for 2021. The decrease in noninterest expense was primarily driven by a $12.7 
million decrease in compensation expense, $2.1 million in mortgage and lending expenses, and a $999 thousand 
decrease in business services, software and technology expense, partially offset by increases of $3.0 million in other 
noninterest expense and $2.1 million in professional fees and assessments expenses. The decreases in compensation 
expense and mortgage and lending expenses were primarily driven by a decrease in mortgage incentives associated with 
the $1.0 billion, or 55.8%, decrease in mortgage originations. Business services, software and technology expense 
decreased primarily due to the timing of contract renewals. The increase in other noninterest expense was primarily due 
to a $1.1 million increase in charge-offs, a result of our payroll services divestiture. Professional fees and assessments 
expense increased due to merger related expenses associated with the acquisition of Metro Phoenix Bank. 

69 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
     
 
     
 
  
  
 
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
    
   
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
Income Taxes 

For the year ended December 31, 2022, we recognized income tax expense of $12.2 million on $52.2 million of 

pre-tax income resulting in an effective tax rate of 23.3%, a modest change as compared to the same period in 2021, in 
which we recognized an income tax expense of $16.4 million on $69.1 million of pre-tax income, resulting in an 
effective tax rate of 23.7%. 

Segment Reporting 

We determine reportable segments based on the significance of the services offered, the significance of those 

services to our financial condition and operating results, and our regular review of the operating results of those services. 
We have four operating segments—banking, retirement and benefit services, wealth management, and mortgage. These 
segments are components for which financial information is prepared and evaluated regularly by management in 
deciding how to allocate resources and assess performance. 

The selected financial information presented for each segment sets forth net interest income, provision for loan 
losses, noninterest income, and direct noninterest expense before indirect overhead allocations. Corporate administration 
includes the indirect overhead and is set forth in the table below along with income tax expense and the consolidated net 
income. The segment net income before taxes represents direct revenue and expense before indirect allocations and 
income taxes. Certain reclassification adjustments have been made between corporate administration and the various 
lines of business for consistency in presentation. 

For additional financial information on our segments see Note 22 (Segment Reporting) of the Company’s 

audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this report. 

Banking 

The banking segment offers a complete line of loan, deposit, cash management, and treasury services through 
16 offices in North Dakota, Minnesota, and Arizona. These products and services are supported through various digital 
applications. The majority of our assets and liabilities are on the banking segment balance sheet. 

The banking segment reported net income before taxes and indirect allocations of $39.3 million for the year 

ended December 31, 2022, a decrease of $12.3 million compared to 2021. The decrease was primarily driven by a $22.1 
million increase in noninterest expense, partially offset by a $13.2 million increase in net interest income. 

Retirement and Benefit Services 

Retirement and benefit services provides the following services nationally: recordkeeping and administration 

services to qualified retirement plans; ESOP trustee, recordkeeping and administration; investment fiduciary services to 
retirement plans; HSA, flex spending account, and government health insurance program recordkeeping and 
administration services to employers. The division services approximately 8,100 retirement plans and more than 384,800 
plan participants. In addition, the division employs approximately 213 professionals, and operates within our banking 
markets as well as Lansing, Michigan, and Littleton, Colorado. 

The retirement and benefit services segment reported net income before taxes and indirect allocations of $40.9 

million for the year ended December 31, 2022, an increase of $9.4 million from $31.5 million for 2021. Revenue of 
$67.1 million, comprised of $23.8 million in asset-based revenue and $43.4 million in participant and transaction 
revenues, decreased $4.6 million or 6.4% primarily due to a $4.6 billion, or 12.6%, decrease in assets under 
administration/management. 

70 

The following table presents changes in the combined AUA and AUM for our retirement and benefit services 

segment for the periods presented. 

(dollars in thousands) 
AUA & AUM balance beginning of period 

Acquired assets 
Inflows (1) 
Outflows (2) 
Market impact (3) 

AUA & AUM balance end of period 
Yield (4) 

2022 
$ 36,732,938
—
5,735,604
(7,512,492)
(2,833,530)
$ 32,122,520

Year ended  
December 31,  
2021 
$ 34,199,954  
 —  
 5,589,925  
   (6,010,136) 
 2,953,195  
$ 36,732,938  

2020 
$ 31,904,648
1,258,382
4,829,449
(6,828,573)
3,036,048
$ 34,199,954

0.20 %    

 0.20 %   

0.18 %

(1) 
(2) 
(3) 
(4) 

Inflows include new account assets, contributions, dividends and interest. 
Outflows include closed account assets, withdrawals and client fees. 
Market impact reflects gains and losses on portfolio investments. 
Retirement and benefit services noninterest income divided by simple average ending balances. 

AUA and AUM for the retirement and benefit services segment was $32.1 billion at December 31, 2022, a 

decrease of $4.6 billion, or 12.6%, compared to the total at December 31, 2021. The decrease was primarily driven by a 
decrease of $2.8 billion in market impact, driven by lower bond and equity markets, as well as outflows outpacing 
inflows by $1.8 billion.  

Wealth Management 

The wealth management division provides advisory and planning services, investment management, and trust 

and fiduciary services to clients across our Company’s footprint. 

Wealth management reported net income before taxes and indirect allocations of $14.9 million for the year 

ended December 31, 2022, an increase of $2.7 million, or 22.2%, from 2021. Noninterest expense decreased $2.9 
million, or 32.6%, as compared to 2021, primarily due to a decrease of allocated expenses. 

71 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
     
     
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The following table presents changes in the wealth management combined AUA and AUM, disaggregated by 

product, for the periods presented. 

(dollars in thousands) 
Dimension balance beginning of period 

Inflows (1) 
Outflows (2) 
Market impact (3) 

Dimension balance end of period 

Yield (4)(6) 

Blue Print balance beginning of period 

Inflows (1) 
Outflows (2) 
Market impact (3) 

Blue Print balance end of period 

Yield (4)(6) 

Trust balance beginning of period 

Inflows (1) 
Outflows (2) 
Market impact (3) 

Trust balance end of period 

Yield (4)(6) 

Total Wealth Management balance beginning of period

Inflows (1) 
Outflows (2) 
Market impact (3) 

Total Wealth Management balance end of period (5)

Yield (4)(6) 

2022 
2,214,346
1,263,252
(1,326,374)
(253,464)
1,897,760

0.48 %  

716,312
143,355
(115,458)
(108,542)
635,667

0.98 %  

279,584
73,446
(84,668)
(16,203)
252,159

0.70 %  

3,210,242
1,480,053
(1,526,500)
(378,209)
2,785,586

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

Year ended  
December 31,  
2021 
1,754,647  
 881,980  
 (623,324) 
 201,043  
2,214,346  

$ 

$ 
 0.51 %    
$ 

 569,936  
 162,537  
 (89,829) 
 73,668  
 716,312  

$ 
 0.97 %    
$ 

 253,470  
 259,790  
 (244,642) 
 10,966  
 279,584  

2,578,053  
1,304,307  
 (957,795) 
 285,677  
3,210,242  

$ 
 0.64 %    
$ 

$ 

2020 
1,652,454
402,787
(539,485)
238,891
1,754,647

0.49 %  

469,937
131,436
(83,142)
51,705
569,936

0.92 %  

290,677
194,897
(251,542)
19,438
253,470

0.57 %  

2,413,068
729,120
(874,169)
310,034
2,578,053

0.61 %  

 0.62 %   

0.59 %  

(1) 
(2) 
(3) 
(4) 
(5) 

(6) 

Inflows include new account assets, contributions, dividends and interest. 
Outflows include closed account assets, withdrawals and client fees. 
Market impact reflects gains and losses on portfolio investments. 
Wealth management noninterest income divided by simple average ending balances. 
Total wealth management does not include brokerage assets of $797.1 million, $829.7 million, and $760.5 million for the years ended 
December 31, 2022 and 2021, and 2020, respectively. 
Yield does not include brokerage revenue of $2.6 million, $3.1 million, and $2.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, 
and 2020, respectively. 

AUA and AUM for the wealth management segment was $2.8 billion, excluding $797.1 million of brokerage 
assets, at December 31, 2022, a decrease of $424.7 million, or 13.2%, compared to the total at December 31, 2021. The 
decrease was driven by a $378.2 million decrease in market impact. Additionally, there was a $46.4 million decrease as 
outflows outpaced inflows in 2022, driven by lower bond and equity markets.  

Mortgage 

The mortgage division offers first and second mortgage loans through a centralized mortgage unit in 

Minneapolis, Minnesota as well as through the banking office locations. 

Mortgage reported net income before taxes and indirect allocations of $210 thousand for the year ended 

December 31, 2022, a decrease of $13.1 million, or 98.4%, from the $13.3 million reported in 2021. Mortgage 
noninterest income for 2022 of $48.5 million decreased $31.6 million, or 65.1%, from 2021. The decrease was primarily 
driven by a decrease in mortgage originations, partially offset by a $6.5 million increase in the change in fair value of the 
secondary market derivatives and a modest 41 basis point increase in the gain on sale margin. 

72 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
     
     
     
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
Financial Condition 

Overview 

Total assets were $3.8 billion at December 31, 2022, an increase of $386.9 million, or 11.4%, compared to 
$3.4 billion at December 31, 2021. The increase in total assets was primarily due to an increase of $686.0 million in 
loans held for investment, partially offset by decreases of $184.1 million in cash and cash equivalents and $166.5 million 
in investment securities. 

Investment Securities 

The following table presents the carrying amount of our investment securities portfolio at the dates indicated: 

(dollars in thousands) 
Available-for-sale 

U.S. Treasury and agencies 
Obligations of state and political agencies 
Mortgage backed securities 

  $

Residential agency 
Commercial 

Asset backed securities 
Corporate bonds 

Total available-for-sale investment securities   

Held-to-maturity 

Obligations of state and political agencies 
Mortgage backed securities 

Residential agency 
Total held-to-maturity investment securities 

Total investment securities 

December 31, 2022 

December 31, 2021 

December 31, 2020 

Percent 
of 
     Portfolio      

Balance 

Percent 
of 

Percent 
of 

Balance 

     Portfolio       Balance 

     Portfolio  

3,520
—

587,679
63,558
34
62,533
717,324

0.3 %  $
— %  

5,103
—

0.4 %  $ 
 — %   

 5,907
 153,773

56.6 %  
6.1 %  
— %  
6.0 %  
69.0 %  

707,157
90,913
54
50,422
853,649

58.7 %   
7.5 %   
 — %   
4.2 %   

 306,719
 94,978
 115
 30,850
70.8 %      592,342

1.0 %
26.0 %

51.8 %
16.0 %
— %
5.2 %
100.0 %

137,787

13.3 %  

144,543

12.0 %   

 —

— %

184,115
321,902
  $ 1,039,226

17.7 %
31.0 %  

207,518
352,061
100.0 %  $ 1,205,710

17.2 %   
29.2 %   

 —
 —
100.0 %  $   592,342

— %
— %
100.0 %

The composition of our investment securities portfolio reflects our investment strategy of maintaining an 

appropriate level of liquidity for normal operations while providing an additional source of revenue. The investment 
portfolio also provides a balance to interest rate risk and credit risk in other categories of the balance sheet, while 
providing a vehicle for the investment of available funds, furnishing liquidity, and supplying securities to pledge as 
collateral. In the second quarter of 2021, we transferred our portfolio of obligations of state and political agencies from 
available-for-sale to held-to-maturity to protect capital and reduce volatility in other comprehensive income due to 
market value changes. 

At December 31, 2022, total investment securities were $1.0 billion compared to $1.2 billion at 

December 31, 2021. Investment securities as a percentage of total assets were 27.5% and 35.5%, as of 
December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively. The decrease in investment securities was primarily due to a 
$120.3 million increase in unrealized losses on our available-for-sale investment securities, a result of the rising interest 
rate environment. Securities with a carrying value of $260.7 million were pledged at December 31, 2022, to secure 
public deposits and for other purposes required or permitted by law. 

The net pre-tax unrealized market value loss on the available-for-sale investment portfolio as of 

December 31, 2022 was $132.2 million, as compared to a $6.6 million loss as of December 31, 2021. The increase is a 
result of the interest rate environment. 

The investment portfolio is composed of U.S. Treasury debentures, U.S. Agency mortgage-backed 
pass-throughs, U.S. Agency, Commercial Mortgage Obligations, or CMOs, Corporate bonds and Municipal bonds. 

73 

 
 
 
 
 
 
    
     
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
As of December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021 the Company held 85 tax-exempt state and local municipal 

securities totaling $40.9 million and held 94 tax-exempt state and local municipal securities totaling $49.4 million, 
respectively. Other than the aforementioned investments, at December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, there were no 
holdings of securities of any one issuer, other than the U.S. Government and its agencies, in an amount greater than 10% 
of stockholders’ equity. 

As of December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, all of the available-for-sale debt securities in an unrealized 

loss position were investment grade. For the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, we evaluated all of our debt 
securities for credit impairment and determined there were no credit losses evident and we did not record any 
other-than-temporary impairment. Furthermore, we do not intend to sell and it is more likely than not that we will not be 
required to sell these debt securities before the anticipated recovery of the amortized cost basis. 

Periodic reviews are conducted to identify and evaluate each investment that has an unrealized loss for 

other-than-temporary impairment. An unrealized loss exists when the current estimated fair value of an individual 
security is less than its amortized cost basis. Unrealized losses that are determined to be temporary in nature are 
recorded, net of tax, in accumulated other comprehensive income for available-for-sale securities. 

The investment securities presented in the following table are reported at fair value and by contractual maturity 

as of December 31, 2022. Actual timing may differ from contractual maturities if borrowers have the right to call or 
prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. Additionally, the mortgage backed securities 
receive monthly principal payments, which are not reflected below. The yields below are calculated on a tax equivalent 
basis. 

One year or less 

      Fair 
  Value 

     Average    
Yield 

One to five years 
Fair 
Value 

    Average    
Yield 

Five to ten years 
Fair 
Value 

    Average      
Yield 

After ten years 
Fair 
Value 

    Average   
Yield 

Maturity as of December 31, 2022 

  $ 

 —   

— %  $

—

— %  $

1,301

4.10 %  $ 

 2,219

3.67 %

 4   
 —   
 —   
 —   

3.34 %  

3,420
— %   16,443
—
— %  
—
— %  

2.36 %  
2.77 %  
— %  
— %  

8,059
7,792
12
62,533

2.60 %     576,196
 39,323
2.82 %    
 22
5.47 %    
 —
3.86 %    

1.82 %
2.50 %
5.15 %
— %

 4   

3.34 %   19,863

2.70 %  

79,697

3.64 %     617,760

1.87 %

 6,522  

1.26 %   37,146

1.13 %  

59,138

1.90 %   

 17,245

2.21 %

 —   

— %  

—

— %  

—

 — %     150,861

2.18 %

 6,522  
  $   6,526  

1.26 %   37,146
1.26 %  $ 57,009

1.13 %  
59,138
1.68 %  $ 138,835

1.90 %     168,106
2.89 %  $  785,866

2.19 %
1.94 %

(dollars in thousands) 
Available-for-sale 

U.S. Treasury and agencies 
Mortgage backed securities 

Residential agency 
Commercial 

Asset backed securities 
Corporate bonds 

Total available-for-sale 
investment securities 

Held-to-maturity 

Obligations of state and 
political agencies 
Mortgage backed securities 

Residential agency 
Total held-to-maturity 
investment securities 

Total investment securities 

Loans 

The loan portfolio represents a broad range of borrowers comprised of commercial and industrial, commercial 

real estate, residential real estate, and consumer financing loans. 

Commercial and industrial loans include financing for commercial purposes in various lines of businesses, 

including manufacturing, service industry and professional service areas. Commercial and industrial loans are generally 
secured with the assets of the company and/or the personal guarantee of the business owners. 

74 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
    
    
 
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
  
    
 
 
 
   
  
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
    
 
 
 
   
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
Commercial real estate loans consist of term loans secured by a mortgage lien on the real property, such as 

office and industrial buildings, retail shopping centers and apartment buildings, as well as commercial real estate 
construction loans that are offered to builders and developers. 

Residential real estate loans represent loans to consumers for the purchase or refinance of a residence. These 
loans are generally financed over a 15- to 30-year term and, in most cases, are extended to borrowers to finance their 
primary residence with both fixed-rate and adjustable-rate terms. Real estate construction loans are also offered to 
consumers who wish to build their own homes and are often structured to be converted to permanent loans at the end of 
the construction phase, which is typically twelve months. Residential real estate loans also include home equity loans 
and lines of credit that are secured by a first- or second-lien on the borrower’s residence. Home equity lines of credit 
consist mainly of revolving lines of credit secured by residential real estate. 

Consumer loans include loans made to individuals not secured by real estate, including loans secured by 

automobiles or watercraft, and personal unsecured loans. 

Loans outstanding, by type, as of the dates presented are as follows: 

December 31, 2022 

December 31, 2021 

December 31, 2020 

December 31, 2019 

December 31, 2018 

  Percent of  
  Portfolio  

Balance 

  Percent of 
  Portfolio  

Balance 

  Percent of 
  Portfolio  

Balance 

  Percent of  
  Portfolio  

Balance 

  Percent of 
  Portfolio

Balance 

(dollars in thousands) 
Commercial 
Commercial and industrial (1)   $  583,876  
Real estate construction 
 97,810  
Commercial real estate 
 881,670  
Total commercial 
   1,563,356  
Consumer 
Residential real estate first 
mortgage 
Residential real estate junior 
lien 
Other revolving and 
installment 
Total consumer 
Total loans 

 50,608  
 880,638  
  $ 2,443,994  

 150,479  

 679,551  

 23.9 %  $  436,761
40,619
 4.0 %   
 36.0 %   
 598,893
 63.9 %     1,076,273

24.8 %  $ 691,858
44,451
2.3 %  
34.1 %  
563,007
61.2 %   1,299,316

35.0 %  $ 479,144
26,378
2.2 %  
28.5 %  
494,703
65.7 %   1,000,225

 27.8 %  $ 
 1.5 %   
 28.8 %   
 58.1 %    

 510,706
 18,965
 439,963
 969,634

30.0 %  
1.1 %  
25.9 %  
57.0 %  

 27.8 %   

 510,716

29.1 %  

463,370

23.4 %  

457,155

 26.6 %   

 448,143

26.3 %  

 6.2 %   

 125,668

7.1 %  

143,416

7.2 %  

177,373

 10.3 %   

 188,855

11.1 %  

 2.1 %   
 36.1 %   

45,363
 681,747
 100.0 %  $ 1,758,020

2.6 %  
38.8 %  

73,273
680,059
100.0 %  $ 1,979,375

3.7 %  
34.3 %  

86,526
721,054
100.0 %  $ 1,721,279

 5.0 %   
 41.9 %   

 95,218
 732,216
 100.0 %  $  1,701,850

5.6 %  
43.0 %  
100.0 %  

(1) 

Includes PPP loans of $737 thousand as of December 31, 2022 and $33.6 million as of December 31, 2021. 

Total loans outstanding were $2.4 billion as of December 31, 2022, an increase of $686.0 million, or 39.0%, 
from December 31, 2021. The increase in total loans was primarily due to increases of $415.6 million in organic loan 
growth and $270.4 million in loans acquired from Metro Phoenix Bank. Excluding loans acquired from Metro Phoenix 
Bank, the increases in organic loan growth included increases of $154.5 million in commercial real estate, $149.2 
million in residential real estate first mortgages and $50.5 million in commercial and industrial loans. Excluding PPP 
loans and loans acquired from Metro Phoenix Bank, commercial and industrial loans increased $83.4 million. 

Our loan portfolio is highly diversified. As of December 31, 2022, approximately 23.9% of loans outstanding 

were commercial and industrial, while 36.0% of loans outstanding were commercial real estate, and 34.0% of loans 
outstanding were residential real estate. The commercial lending portfolio is also broadly diversified by industry type as 
demonstrated by the following distributions at December 31, 2022: real estate (39%), retail trade (8%), accommodation 
and food services (6%), wholesale trade (5%), manufacturing (5%), healthcare (4%), finance & 
insurance (4%),construction (3%), professional services (3%), agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting (3%), 
management of companies (2%), transportation (2%), and educational services (1%). A variety of other industries with 
less than a 1% share of the total portfolio comprise the remaining 15%. The loan portfolio is also diversified by market 
distribution with 49.1% of the portfolio in the Twin Cities MSA, 31.1% in the eastern North Dakota cities of Grand 
Forks and Fargo, 17.4% in the Phoenix MSA and 2.4% in our national market, as of December 31, 2022. 

We originate both fixed and adjustable rate residential real estate loans conforming to the underwriting 

guidelines of the Federal National Mortgage Association or the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, as well as 
home equity loans and lines of credit that are secured by first or junior liens. Most of our fixed rate residential loans, 

75 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
     
       
        
     
     
    
    
     
        
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
along with some of our adjustable rate mortgages are sold to other financial institutions with which we have established 
a correspondent lending relationship. 

Our consumer mortgage loans have minimal direct exposure to subprime mortgages as the loans are 
underwritten to conform to secondary market standards. Volume in this portion of the loan portfolio increased over the 
last few years due to low long-term interest rates and comparatively stable real estate valuations in our primary markets. 
As of December 31, 2022, our consumer mortgage portfolio was $830.0 million which was a $193.6 million, or 30.4%, 
increase from $636.4 million as of December 31, 2021. Market interest rates, expected duration, and our overall interest 
rate sensitivity profile continue to be the most significant factors in determining whether we choose to retain versus sell 
portions of new consumer mortgage originations. 

The combined total of general-purpose business lending to commercial, industrial, non-profit and municipal 
customers, mortgages on commercial property and dealer floor plan financing is characterized as commercial lending 
activity. As of December 31, 2022, the commercial loan portfolio was $1.6 billion, an increase of $487.1 million, or 
45.3%, from $1.1 billion as of December 31, 2021. The increase was primarily due to a $57.2 million increase in real 
estate construction loans, attributable to the acquisition of Metro Phoenix Bank as well as an increase in organic loan 
growth due to our expanded commercial lending team. Highly competitive conditions continue to prevail in the small 
and middle market commercial segments in which we primarily operate. We maintain a commitment to generating 
growth in our business portfolio in a manner that adheres to our twin goals of maintaining strong asset quality and 
producing profitable margins. We continue to invest in additional personnel, technology, and business development 
resources to further strengthen our capabilities in this important product category. 

Consistent with regulatory guidance urging banks to work with borrowers during this unprecedented situation, 

the Company offered a payment deferral program for its lending clients that have been adversely affected by COVID-19. 
These deferrals were generally no more than 90 days in duration. As of December 31, 2022, only one loan with an 
outstanding principal balance of $268 thousand remains on deferral. In accordance with the Interagency Statement on 
Loan Modifications and Reporting for Financial Institutions as issued on April 7, 2020, these short-term deferrals were 
not considered TDRs. See “Note 6 Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses” to the consolidated financial statements for 
additional information regarding TDRs. 

76 

The following table shows the maturities and sensitivity to interest rates for the loan portfolio as of 

December 31, 2022: 

  One year   but within  

After one

December 31, 2022 
After five 
but within 
     five years     fifteen years  fifteen years    

After 

(dollars in thousands) 
Commercial 
Commercial and industrial 
Real estate construction 
Commercial real estate 
Total commercial 

Consumer 
Residential real estate first mortgage 
Residential real estate junior lien 
Other revolving and installment 

Total consumer 
Total loans 

Loans with fixed interest rates:  

Commercial 
Commercial and industrial 
Real estate construction 
Commercial real estate 
Total commercial 

Consumer 
Residential real estate first mortgage 
Residential real estate junior lien 
Other revolving and installment

Total consumer 

Total loans with fixed interest rates 

Loans with floating interest rates:  

Commercial 
Commercial and industrial 
Real estate construction 
Commercial real estate 
Total commercial 

Consumer 
Residential real estate first mortgage 
Residential real estate junior lien 
Other revolving and installment

Total consumer 

Total loans with floating interest rates 

or less 

$ 167,942
49,014
24,414
241,370

7,948
9,577
10,264
27,789
$ 269,159

$ 12,758
16,306
19,547
48,611

3,420
2,102
3,319
8,841
$ 57,452

$ 155,184
32,708
4,867
192,759

4,528
7,475
6,945
18,948
$ 211,707

$ 168,860  $ 
9,494 
467,281 
645,635 

 — $

 1,826
 62,146
 63,972

Total 

583,876
97,810
881,670
1,563,356

54,110 
33,896 
2,399 
90,405 

    591,418
 81,670
 —
    673,088
$ 736,040  $  737,060

679,551
150,479
50,608
880,638
$ 2,443,994

$

77,922  $ 
5,839 
284,629 
368,390 

 — $
 —
 17,799
 17,799

296,034
39,645
560,712
896,391

41,805 
13,193 
2,399 
57,397 

    385,434
 5,406
 —
    390,840
$ 425,787  $  408,639

451,521
26,584
29,383
507,488
$ 1,403,879

$

90,938  $ 
3,655 
182,652 
277,245 

 — $

 1,826
 44,347
 46,173

287,842
58,165
320,958
666,965

12,305 
20,703 
 — 
33,008 

    205,984
 76,264
 —
    282,248
$ 310,253  $  328,421

228,030
123,895
21,225
373,150
$ 1,040,115

$ 247,074
37,476
327,829
612,379

26,075
25,336
37,945
89,356
$ 701,735

$ 205,354
17,500
238,737
461,591

20,862
5,883
23,665
50,410
$ 512,001

$ 41,720
19,976
89,092
150,788

5,213
19,453
14,280
38,946
$ 189,734

The expected life of our loan portfolio will differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the 

right to curtail or prepay their loans with or without penalties. Consequently, the table above includes information 
limited to contractual maturities of the underlying loans. 

Asset Quality 

Our strategy for credit risk management includes well-defined, centralized credit policies; uniform underwriting 

criteria; and ongoing risk monitoring and review processes for all commercial and consumer credit exposures. The 
strategy also emphasizes diversification on a geographic, industry, and client level; regular credit examinations; and 
management reviews of loans experiencing deterioration of credit quality. We strive to identify potential problem loans 
early, take necessary charge-offs promptly, and maintain adequate reserve levels for probable loan losses inherent in the 
portfolio. Management performs ongoing, internal reviews of any problem credits and continually assesses the adequacy 
of the allowance. We utilize an internal lending division, Special Credit Services, to develop and implement strategies 
for the management of individual nonperforming loans. 

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Nonperforming assets consist of loans 90 days or more past due, nonaccrual loans, foreclosed assets and other 

real estate owned. We do not consider performing troubled debt restructurings, or TDRs, to be nonperforming assets, but 
they are included as part of impaired assets. The level of nonaccrual loans is an important element in assessing asset 
quality. Loans are classified as nonaccrual when principal or interest is in default for 90 days or more, unless in the 
opinion of management, the loan is well secured and in the process of collection. Exclusive of any delinquency, a loan 
will be placed in nonaccrual when there is deterioration in the financial condition of the borrower and full payment of 
principal and interest is not expected. 

A loan is categorized as a TDR if a concession is granted, such as to provide for the reduction of either interest 
or principal due to deterioration in the financial condition of the borrower. Typical concessions include reduction of the 
interest rate on the loan to a rate considered lower than market and other modification of terms including forgiveness of 
a portion of the loan balance, extension of the maturity date, and/or modifications from principal and interest payments 
to interest-only payments for a certain period. Loans are not classified as TDRs when the modification is short-term or 
results in only an insignificant delay or shortfall in the payments to be received. See “Note 6 Loans and Allowance for 
Loan Losses” to the consolidated financial statements for additional information regarding TDRs. 

Credit Quality Indicators 

Loans are categorized into risk categories based on relevant information about the ability of borrowers to 

service their debt such as: current financial information, historical payment experience, credit documentation, public 
information, and current economic trends, among other factors. A risk rating is assigned to all commercial loans, except 
pools of homogeneous loans. We periodically perform detailed internal and external reviews of risk rated loans over a 
certain threshold to identify credit risks and to assess the overall collectability of the portfolio. During the internal 
reviews, management monitors and analyzes the financial condition of borrowers and guarantors, trends in the industries 
in which the borrowers operate, and the estimated fair values of collateral securing the loans. These credit quality 
indicators are used to assign a risk rating to each individual loan. The following definitions are used for risk ratings: 

Pass. Higher quality loans that do not fit any of the other categories described below. This category includes 

loans risk rated with the following ratings: minimal credit risk, modest credit risk, average credit risk, acceptable credit 
risk, acceptable with risk and management attention. 

Special Mention. Loans classified as special mention have a potential weakness that deserves management’s 

close attention. If left uncorrected, these potential weaknesses may result in deterioration of the repayment prospects for 
the loan or of the institution’s credit position. 

Substandard. Loans classified as substandard are inadequately protected by the current net worth and paying 

capacity of the obligor or of the collateral pledged, if any. Loans so classified have a well-defined weakness or 
weaknesses that jeopardize the liquidation of the debt. They are characterized by the distinct possibility that the 
institution will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected. 

Doubtful. Loans classified as doubtful have all 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 currently existing facts, 
conditions, and values, highly questionable and improbable. 

78 

Criticized loans represent loans that are categorized as special mention, substandard, and doubtful. The 

following table presents criticized loans by type as of December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020: 

(dollars in thousands) 
Commercial 

Commercial and industrial 
Real estate construction 
Commercial real estate 
Total commercial 

Consumer 

Residential real estate first mortgage 
Residential real estate junior lien 
Other revolving and installment

Total consumer 
Total loans 

Criticized loans as a percent of total loans 

  December 31,  

December 31,    December 31,  

2022 

2021 

2020 

$

$

$

25,182
262
8,400
33,844

808
632
1
1,441
35,285

$
1.44 %  

 6,526   $
 —  
 13,602  
 20,128  

 341  
 770  
 —  
 1,111  
 21,239   $
 1.21 %  

22,256
—
29,274
51,530

2,149
2,955
37
5,141
56,671

2.86 %

The following table presents information regarding nonperforming assets as of the dates presented: 

  December 31,   December 31,   December 31, 
2021 

2022 

2020 

December 31, 
2019 

  December 31,  
2018 

(dollars in thousands) 
Nonaccrual loans (1) 
Accruing loans 90+ days past due 

Total nonperforming loans 
OREO and repossessed assets 
Total nonperforming assets 
Total restructured accruing loans 

  $

$

3,794
—
3,794
30
3,824
151

$

2,076
121
2,197
885
3,082
676

$ 

5,050
30
5,080
63
5,143
3,427

Total nonperforming assets and restructured 
accruing loans 

  $

Nonperforming loans to total loans 
Nonperforming assets to total assets 
Allowance for loan losses to nonperforming loans  

3,975
$
0.16 %  
0.10 %
821 %

$

3,758
0.12 %  
0.09 %
1,437 %

8,570
$ 
0.26 %    
0.17 %   
674 %   

 7,379    $
 448   
 7,827  
 8  
 7,835  
 957  

 8,792  

$
 0.45 %  
 0.33 % 
 306 % 

6,963
—
6,963
204
7,167
823

7,990

0.41 %
0.34 %
318 %

(1) 

Nonaccrual loans included nonperforming TDRs of $0.8 million, $0.7 million, $0.0 million, $0.0 million, and $0.2 million at the respective 
dates indicated above. 

The allowance for loan losses to nonperforming loans ratio decreased 616 basis points from 

December 31, 2022. The decrease was primarily the result of a decrease in the allowance for loan losses, due to no 
provision expense for the year ended December 31, 2022 and $3.5 million of provision reversal in 2021. 

Interest income lost on nonaccrual loans approximated $155 thousand, $183 thousand, and $545 thousand for 

the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020. There was no interest income included in net income related to 
nonaccrual loans for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020. 

Allowance for Loan Losses 

The allowance for loan losses is maintained at a level management believes is sufficient to absorb incurred 
losses in the loan portfolio given the conditions at the time. Management determines the adequacy of the allowance 
based on periodic evaluations of the loan portfolio and other factors. These evaluations are inherently subjective as they 
require management to make material estimates, all of which may be susceptible to significant change. The allowance is 
increased by provisions charged to expense and decreased by actual charge-offs, net of recoveries. 

The allowance for loan losses represents management’s assessment of probable credit losses inherent in the 

loan portfolio. The allowance for loan losses consists of specific components, based on individual evaluation of certain 
loans, and general components for homogeneous pools of loans with similar risk characteristics. 

79 

 
 
 
 
 
 
    
     
     
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
     
     
     
     
    
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Impaired loans include loans placed on nonaccrual status and TDRs. Loans are considered impaired when, 

based on current information and events, it is probable that all amounts due, in accordance with the original contractual 
terms of the loan agreement, will not be collected. When determining if all amounts due in accordance with the original 
contractual terms of the loan agreement will be collected, the borrower’s overall financial condition, resources and 
payment record, support from guarantors, and the realizable value of any collateral, are taken into consideration. Loans 
that experience insignificant payment delays and payment shortfalls generally are not classified as impaired. 
Management determines the significance of payment delays and payment shortfalls on a case-by-case basis, taking into 
consideration all of the circumstances surrounding the loan and the borrower, including the length of the delay, the 
reasons for the delay, the borrower’s prior payment record, and the amount of the shortfall in relation to the principal and 
interest owed. 

All impaired loans are individually evaluated for impairment. If a loan is impaired, a portion of the allowance is 
allocated so that the loan is reported, net, at the discounted expected future cash flows or at the fair value of collateral if 
repayment is collateral dependent. 

The allowance for non-impaired loans is based on historical losses adjusted for current qualitative factors. The 
historical loss experience is determined by portfolio segment and is based on the actual loss history over the most recent 
five years. This actual loss experience is adjusted for economic factors based on the risks present for each portfolio 
segment. These economic factors include consideration of the following: levels of and trends in delinquencies and 
impaired loans; levels of and trends in charge-offs and recoveries; trends in volume and terms of loans; effects of any 
changes in risk selection and underwriting standards; other changes in lending policies, procedures, and practices; 
experience, ability, and depth of lending management and other relevant staff; national and local economic trends and 
conditions; industry conditions; and effects of changes in credit concentrations. These factors are inherently subjective 
and are driven by the repayment risk associated with each portfolio segment. These portfolio segments include 
commercial and industrial, real estate construction, commercial real estate, residential real estate first mortgage, 
residential real estate junior liens, and other revolving and installment. 

In the ordinary course of business, we enter into commitments to extend credit, including commitments under 
credit arrangements, commercial letters of credit, and standby letters of credit. Such financial instruments are recorded 
when they are funded. A reserve for unfunded commitments is established using historical loss data and utilization 
assumptions. This reserve is located under accrued expenses and other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. 
The expense for provision for unfunded commitments was $1.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared 
to $159 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2021. 

80 

The following table presents, by loan type, the changes in the allowance for loan losses for the periods 

presented: 

(dollars in thousands) 
Balance—beginning of period 
Commercial loan charge-offs 
Commercial and Industrial 
Real estate construction 
Commercial real estate 

Total commercial loan charge-offs 

Consumer loan charge-offs 

Residential real estate first mortgage 
Residential real estate junior lien 
Other revolving and installment

Total consumer loan charge-offs 

Total loan charge-offs 
Commercial loan recoveries 
Commercial and Industrial 
Real estate construction 
Commercial real estate 

Total commercial recoveries

Consumer loan recoveries 

Residential real estate first mortgage 
Residential real estate junior lien 
Other revolving and installment

Total consumer loan recoveries 

Total loan recoveries 
Net loan charge-offs (recoveries) 
Commercial loan provision 
Commercial and Industrial 
Real estate construction 
Commercial real estate 

Total commercial loan provision 

Consumer loan provision 

Residential real estate first mortgage 
Residential real estate junior lien 
Other revolving and installment

Total consumer loan provision 

Unallocated provision expense 
Total loan loss provision 
Balance—end of period 
Total loans 
Average total loans 
Allowance for loan losses to total loans 
Net charge-offs/(recoveries) to average total loans 
(annualized) 

2022 
31,572

$

2021 
34,246

$

Year ended  
December 31,  
2020 
23,924

$

2019 
 22,174   $

2018 
16,564

$

(1,396)
—
—
(1,396)

—
—
(153)
(153)
(1,549)

461
76
134
671

—
282
170
452
1,123
426

1,168
587
178
1,933

(1,230)
—
(536)
(1,766)

—
—
(156)
(156)
(1,922)

1,660
—
822
2,482

—
123
143
266
2,748
(826)

(1,710)
125
(2,015)
(3,600)

(4,249)

—  

(865)
(5,114)

—  
(12)
(242)
(254)
(5,368)

4,352

—  
97
4,449

5
207
129
341
4,790
578

(2,168)
355
8,185
6,372

 (6,540) 
 (1) 
 —  
 (6,541) 

 —  
 (465) 
 (572) 
 (1,037) 
 (7,578) 

 1,470  
 3  
 150  
 1,623  

 —  
 232  
 161  
 393  
 2,016  
 5,562  

 5,213  
 51  
 259  
 5,523  

(3,123)
(60)
(600)
(3,783)

(29)
(133)
(308)
(470)
(4,253)

750
2
81
833

—
207
213
420
1,253
3,000

6,911
(35)
1,889
8,765

(763)
(288)
30
(1,021)
(912)
—
$
31,146
$ 2,443,994
2,059,435

758
(201)
(259)
298
(198)
(3,500)
$
31,572
$ 1,758,020
1,858,686

4,321
507
514
5,342
(814)
10,900
$
34,246
$ 1,979,375
1,945,545

 292  
 99  
 383  
 774  
 1,015  
 7,312  
 23,924   $

(226)
(171)
(24)
(421)
266
8,610
$
22,174
$ 1,721,279   $ 1,701,850
  1,677,884
   1,706,979  

1.27 %  

1.80 %

1.73 %  

 1.39 %  

1.30 %  

0.02 %  

(0.04)%

0.03 %  

 0.33 %  

0.18 %  

The allowance for loan losses was $31.1 million at December 31, 2022, compared to $31.6 million at 

December 31, 2021. The $426 thousand decrease in the allowance for loan losses was due to $426 thousand in net 
charge-offs and no provisions for loan losses in 2022. The ratio of nonperforming loans to total loans at 
December 31, 2022 was 0.16%, compared to 0.12% at December 31, 2021.  

81 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
     
    
     
     
     
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The following table presents the allocation of the allowance for loan losses as of the dates presented. 

December 31, 2022 

December 31, 2021 

December 31, 2020 

December 31, 2019 

December 31, 2018 

Allocated 

Percentage  
of loans to  

Allocated 

Percentage  
of loans to  

Allocated 

Percentage  
of loans to  

Allocated 

Percentage  
of loans to   

Allocated 

Percentage  
of loans to  

      Allowance        total loans       Allowance       total loans      Allowance       total loans      Allowance       total loans       Allowance       total loans     

(dollars in thousands) 
Commercial and 
industrial 
Real estate construction   
Commercial real estate 
Residential real estate 
first mortgage 
Residential real estate 
junior lien 
Other revolving and 
installment 
Unallocated 
Total loans 

  $ 

  $ 

 9,158  
 1,446  
 12,688  

 23.9 % $ 
 4.0 %  
 36.0 %  

 8,925
 783
 12,376

24.8 % $
2.3 %
34.1 %

10,205
658
14,105

35.0 % $
2.2 %
28.5 %

12,270
303
6,688

 27.8 %  $ 
 1.5 %   
 28.8 %   

 12,127
 250
 6,279

30.0 %
1.1 %
25.9 %

 5,769  

 27.8 %  

 6,532

29.1 %

5,774

23.4 %

1,448

 26.6 %   

 1,156

26.3 %

 1,289  

 6.2 %  

 1,295

7.1 %

1,373

7.2 %

671

 10.3 %   

 805

11.1 %

 528  
 268  
 31,146  

 2.1 %  
 — %  
 100.0 % $ 

 481
 1,180
 31,572

2.6 %
— %
100.0 % $

753
1,378
34,246

3.7 %
— %
100.0 % $

352
2,192
23,924

 5.0 %   
 — %   
 100.0 %  $ 

 380
 1,177
 22,174

5.6 %
— %
100.0 %

The decrease in the allocation of allowance for loan losses was primarily driven by a $584 thousand, or 49.5% 
decrease in the unallocated allowance balance, a result of a reduction of previous adjustments for COVID-19 pandemic 
related qualitative factors. 

Deposits 

Total deposits were $2.9 billion as of December 31, 2022, a decrease of $5.1 million, or 0.2%, from 

December 31, 2021. Interest-bearing deposits increased $72.8 million while noninterest-bearing deposits decreased 
$77.9 million. In the third quarter of 2022, we acquired $353.7 million in deposits from our acquisition of Metro Phoenix 
Bank. Excluding deposits acquired from Metro Phoenix Bank, deposits decreased $358.8 million, or 12.3%, from 
December 31, 2021. The decrease consisted primarily of declines of $184.7 million in interest-bearing deposits and 
$174.0 million in noninterest-bearing deposits. Interest-bearing deposits decreased primarily due to a $84.9 million 
decrease in money market savings accounts, and a $69.0 million decrease in time deposits. Noninterest-bearing deposits 
decreased primarily due to a $68.3 million decrease in synergistic deposits. Synergistic deposits, which include deposits 
from our retirement and benefit services and wealth management segments as well as HSA deposits, increased $22.6 
million from December 31, 2021, primarily due to increases in synergistic deposits from our wealth management 
division. 

Interest-bearing deposit costs were 0.45% and 0.19% for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, 
respectively. The increase in interest-bearing deposit costs were the result of a rising interest rate environment in 
response to a highly competitive deposit environment. 

We compete for local deposits by offering products with competitive rates and rely on the deposit portfolio to 

fund loans and other asset growth. Management understands the importance of core deposits as a stable source of 
funding and may periodically implement various deposit promotion strategies to encourage core deposit growth. For 
periods of rising interest rates, management has modeled the aggregate yields for non-maturity deposits and time 
deposits to increase at a slower pace than the increase in underlying market rates, which results in net interest margin 
expansion and projections of an increase in net interest income. The mix of average deposits has been changing 
throughout the last several years. The weighting of core funds (noninterest checking, interest checking, savings, and 
money market accounts) has increased, while time deposits’ weighting has decreased. This change in deposit mix 
reflects our focus on expanding core account relationships and customers’ preference for unrestricted accounts in the low 
interest rate environment. 

82 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The following table details the average balance and rate of our deposit portfolio by category for the periods 

indicated. 

(dollars in thousands) 
Noninterest-bearing demand 
Interest-bearing demand 
Money market and savings 
Time deposits 

Total deposits 

Year ended 
December 31, 2022 

Year ended 
December 31, 2021 

Year ended  
December 31, 2020 

Average 
      Balance 
  $  851,821
692,287
   1,113,426
221,997
  $  2,879,531

Average   

     Rate 

— % $

Average 
Balance 
784,998
0.22 %
697,276
0.55 % 1,023,677
215,624
0.70 %
0.32 %  $ 2,721,575

Average   

     Rate 

Average 
Balance 
 673,676 
— %  $ 
 551,861 
0.14 %   
 920,072 
0.15 %   
 203,413 
0.54 %   
0.13 %  $  2,349,022 

Average   
Rate 

— %
0.29 %
0.53 %
1.16 %
0.38 %

The following table shows the contractual maturity of uninsured time deposits, including certificate of deposits 

and IRA deposits of $250 thousand and over, that were outstanding as of the date presented. 

(dollars in thousands) 
Maturing in: 

3 months or less 
3 months to 6 months 
6 months to 1 year 
1 year or greater 

Total 

  December 31, 

2022 

  $

  $

17,701
21,292
4,611
7,479
51,083

The Company’s total uninsured deposits, which are amounts of deposit accounts that exceed the FDIC 
insurance limit, currently $250,000, were approximately $1.8 billion and $1.9 billion at December 31, 2022 and 2021, 
respectively. These amounts were estimated based on the same methodologies and assumptions used for regulatory 
reporting purposes. 

Borrowings and Subordinated Debt 

We utilize both short-term and long-term borrowings as part of our asset/liability management and funding 
strategies. Short-term borrowings consist of FHLB advances and federal funds purchased. We had $378.1 million in 
short-term borrowings outstanding at December 31, 2022. We had no short-term borrowings outstanding at 
December 31, 2021.  

FHLB advances were secured by specific investment securities and real estate loans with a carrying amount of 

approximately $909.8 million and $677.7 million at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. 

Long-term debt is utilized to fund longer term assets and as a source of regulatory capital. In the first quarter of 

2021, we redeemed our previously issued subordinated debt with a rate of 5.75% and issued new subordinated debt to 
the Bank of North Dakota. At December 31, 2022, we had $50.0 million of one outstanding 3.50% Fixed Rate 
Subordinated Note due 2031, or the Subordinated Note. The Subordinated Note currently bears interest at a fixed rate of 
3.50% per year, payable annually through March 31, 2026. At the fifth anniversary of the issuance date of the 
Subordinated Note the interest rate will reset to a fixed interest rate equal to FHLB rate, plus 2.0%, with a minimum 
annual fixed rate of not less than 3.5%. The Subordinated Note matures on March 30, 2031, and we have the option to 
redeem or prepay any or all of the Subordinated Note without premium or penalty any time after March 31, 2026, or at 
any time in the event of certain changes that affect the deductibility of interest for tax purposes or the treatment of the 
notes as Tier 2 Capital.  

Junior subordinated debentures issued to capital trusts that issued trust preferred securities were $8.8 million as 
of December 31, 2022, compared to $8.7 million as of December 31, 2021. The increase was due to purchase accounting 

83 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
     
    
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
amortization on the junior subordinated notes assumed in the Beacon Bank acquisition in 2016. See Note 14 (Long-Term 
Debt) of the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this report. 

Selected financial information pertaining to the components of our borrowings and subordinated debt as of the 

dates indicated is as follows: 

(dollars in thousands) 
Fed funds purchased 
FHLB Short-term advances 
Subordinated notes 
Junior subordinated debentures 
Finance lease liability 

Total borrowed funds 

Capital Resources 

December 31, 2022 

December 31, 2021 

December 31, 2020 

Percent of  

Percent of  

     Balance 
   $ 153,080
225,000
50,000
8,843
—
  $ 436,923

     Portfolio      Balance 
—
35.0 % $
—
51.6 %
50,000
11.4 %
8,730
2.0 %
203
— %
100.0 % $ 58,933

     Portfolio        Balance 
 — 
— % $ 
 — 
— %  
 49,688 
84.9 %   
 8,617 
14.8 %   
 430 
0.3 %  
100.0 % $   58,735 

Percent of  
     Portfolio     
— %
— %
84.6 %
14.7 %
0.7 %
100.0 %

The following table summarizes the changes in our stockholders’ equity for the periods indicated. 

(dollars in thousands) 
Beginning balance 
Net income 
Other comprehensive income (loss) 
Common stock repurchased 
Common stock issued 
Common stock dividends 
Stock‑based compensation expense 

Ending balance 

For the years ended December 31, 
2020 
2021 
2022 
$ 285,728
44,675
8,702
(482)
—
(10,387)
1,927
$ 330,163

$ 359,403   $   330,163
 52,681
 (14,893)
 (712)
 —
 (10,931)
 3,095
$ 356,872   $   359,403

40,005  
(94,386)  
(738)  
63,830  
(13,146)  
1,904  

Total stockholders’ equity was $356.9 million at December 31, 2022, a decrease of $2.5 million, or 0.7%, 

compared to $359.4 million at December 31, 2021. The decrease was primarily due to $94.4 million in other 
comprehensive loss and $13.1 million in common stock dividends. The decrease in other comprehensive loss was due to 
rising interest rates, which resulted in a lower fair value of our available-for-sale investment securities. This decrease 
was partially offset by $40.0 million of net income and a $63.8 million common stock issuance in connection with the 
acquisition of Metro Phoenix Bank. 

We strive to maintain an adequate capital base to support our activities in a safe and sound manner while at the 

same time attempting to maximize stockholder value. Capital adequacy is assessed against the risk inherent in our 
balance sheet, recognizing that unexpected loss is the common denominator of risk and that common equity has the 
greatest capacity to absorb unexpected loss. 

We are subject to various regulatory capital requirements both at the Company and at the Bank level. Failure to 

meet minimum capital requirements could result in certain mandatory and possible additional discretionary actions by 
regulators that, if undertaken, could have an adverse material effect on our financial statements. Under capital adequacy 
guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, specific capital guidelines must be met that 
involve quantitative measures of assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance sheet items as calculated under regulatory 
accounting policies. We have consistently maintained regulatory capital ratios at or above the well-capitalized standards. 

At December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020, we met all capital adequacy requirements to which we were subject. 

84 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
     
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
The table below sets forth the capital ratios for the Company and the Bank as of the dates indicated. See 

Note 26 (Regulatory Matters) for additional disclosures.  

Capital Ratios 
Alerus Financial Corporation Consolidated 
Common equity tier 1 capital to risk weighted assets
Tier 1 capital to risk weighted assets 
Total capital to risk weighted assets 
Tier 1 capital to average assets 
Tangible common equity to tangible assets (1) 

Alerus Financial, National Association 
Common equity tier 1 capital to risk weighted assets
Tier 1 capital to risk weighted assets 
Total capital to risk weighted assets 
Tier 1 capital to average assets 

December 31,    
2022 

December 31,   
2021 

 13.39 % 
 13.69 % 
 16.48 % 
 11.25 % 
 7.74 % 

 12.76 % 
 12.76 % 
 13.83 % 
 10.48 % 

14.65 %
15.06 %
18.64 %
9.79 %
9.21 %

13.87 %
13.87 %
15.12 %
9.01 %

(1) 

Represents a non-GAAP financial measure. See “Non-GAAP to GAAP Reconciliations and Calculation of Non-GAAP Financial 
Measures.” 

Contractual Obligations and Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements 

In the normal course of business, we enter into various transactions to meet the financing needs of clients, 

which, in accordance with GAAP, are not included in the consolidated balance sheets. These transactions include 
commitments to extend credit, standby letters of credit, and commercial letters of credit, which involve, to varying 
degrees, elements of credit risk and interest rate risk in excess of the amounts recognized in the consolidated balance 
sheets. Most of these commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon. All off-balance sheet commitments 
are included in the determination of the amount of risk-based capital that the Company and the Bank are required to 
hold. 

Our exposure to credit loss in the event of non-performance by the other party to the financial instrument for 

commitments to extend credit, standby letters of credit, and commercial letters of credit is represented by the contractual 
or notional amount of those instruments. We decrease our exposure to losses under these commitments by subjecting 
them to credit approval and monitoring procedures. We assess the credit risk associated with certain commitments to 
extend credit and establishes a liability for probable credit losses. 

Further information related to financial instruments can be found in Note 15 (Financial Instruments with Off-

Balance Sheet Risk) in the notes to the consolidated financial statements found elsewhere in this report. 

Liquidity 

Liquidity management is the process by which we manage the flow of funds necessary to meet our financial 
commitments on a timely basis and at a reasonable cost and to take advantage of earnings enhancement opportunities. 
These financial commitments include withdrawals by depositors, credit commitments to borrowers, expenses of our 
operations, and capital expenditures. Liquidity is monitored and closely managed by our asset and liability committee, or 
ALCO, a group of senior officers from the finance, enterprise risk management, deposit, investment, treasury, and 
lending areas. It is ALCO’s responsibility to ensure we have the necessary level of funds available for normal operations 
as well as maintain a contingency funding policy to ensure that potential liquidity stress events are planned for, quickly 
identified, and management has plans in place to respond. ALCO has created policies which establish limits and require 
measurements to monitor liquidity trends, including modeling and management reporting that identifies the amounts and 
costs of all available funding sources. 

85 

 
 
 
 
 
     
     
     
    
 
 
  
  
 
At December 31, 2022, we had on balance sheet liquidity of $778.9 billion, compared to $1.1 billion at 
December 31, 2021 and $511.1 million at December 31, 2020. On balance sheet liquidity includes cash and cash 
equivalents, federal funds sold, unencumbered securities available-for-sale and over collateralized securities pledging 
positions available-for-sale. 

The Bank is a member of the FHLB, which provides short- and long-term funding to its members through 

advances collateralized by real estate-related assets and other select collateral, most typically in the form of debt 
securities. The actual borrowing capacity is contingent on the amount of collateral available to be pledged to the FHLB. 
As of December 31, 2022, we had $909.8 million of collateral pledged to the FHLB. Based on this collateral we are 
eligible to borrow up to $909.8 million and had $531.6 million available capacity as of December 31, 2022. In addition, 
we can borrow up to $102.0 million through unsecured lines of credit we have established with four other banks. 

In addition, because the Bank is “well capitalized,” we can accept wholesale deposits up to 20.0% of total assets 

based on current policy limits. Management believed that we had adequate resources to fund all of our commitments as 
of December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021. 

Our primary sources of liquidity include liquid assets, as well as unencumbered securities that can be used to 

collateralize additional funding. At December 31, 2022, we had $58.2 million of cash and cash equivalents of which 
$24.9 million were interest-bearing deposits held at the Federal Reserve, FHLB and other correspondent banks. 

Though remote, the possibility of a funding crisis exists at all financial institutions. Accordingly, management 
has addressed this issue by formulating a liquidity contingency plan, which has been reviewed and approved by both the 
Bank’s board of directors and the ALCO. The plan addresses the actions that we would take in response to both a short-
term and long-term funding crisis. 

A short-term funding crisis would most likely result from a shock to the financial system, either internal or 
external, which disrupts orderly short-term funding operations. Such a crisis would likely be temporary in nature and 
would not involve a change in credit ratings. A long-term funding crisis would most likely be the result of both external 
and internal factors and would most likely result in drastic credit deterioration. Management believes that both potential 
circumstances have been fully addressed through detailed action plans and the establishment of trigger points for 
monitoring such events. 

Recent Developments 

Shareholder Dividend 

On February 21, 2023, the Board of Directors of the Company declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.18 per 

common share. This dividend is payable on April 14, 2023, to stockholders of record on March 15, 2023. 

ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK 

Market risk is the risk of loss arising from adverse changes in the fair value of financial instruments due to 

changes in interest rates. Interest-rate risk is the risk to earnings and equity value arising from changes in market interest 
rates and arises in the normal course of business to the extent that there is a divergence between the amount of 
interest-earning assets and the amount of interest-bearing liabilities that are prepaid/withdrawn, re-price, or mature in 
specified periods. We seek to achieve consistent growth in net interest income and equity while managing volatility 
arising from shifts in market interest rates. Our Asset and Liability Committee, or ALCO, oversees market risk 
management, monitoring risk measures, limits, and policy guidelines for managing the amount of interest rate risk and 
its effect on net interest income and capital. The Bank’s board of directors approves policy limits with respect to interest 
rate risk. 

86 

Interest Rate Risk 

Interest rate risk management is an active process that encompasses monitoring loan and deposit flows 

complemented by investment and funding activities. The objectives of interest rate risk management are to control 
exposure of net interest income changes associated with interest rate movements and to achieve sustainable growth in net 
interest income. Effective interest rate risk management begins with understanding the dynamic characteristics of assets 
and liabilities and determining the appropriate interest rate risk position given business activities, management 
objectives, market expectations and ALCO policy limits and guidelines. 

Interest rate risk can come in a variety of forms, including repricing risk, basis risk, yield curve risk and option 
risk. Repricing risk is the risk of adverse consequences from a change in interest rates that arises because of differences 
in the timing of when those interest rate changes impact our assets and liabilities. Basis risk is the risk of adverse 
consequence resulting from unequal change in the spread between two or more rates for different instruments with the 
same maturity. Yield curve risk is the risk of adverse consequence resulting from unequal changes in the spread between 
two or more rates for different maturities for the same or different instruments. Option risk in financial instruments arises 
from embedded options such as options provided to borrowers to make unscheduled loan prepayments, options provided 
to debt issuers to exercise call options prior to maturity, and depositor options to make withdrawals and early 
redemptions. 

Management regularly reviews our exposure to changes in interest rates. Among the factors considered are 

changes in the mix of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, interest rate spreads and repricing periods. 
ALCO reviews, on at least a quarterly basis, the interest rate risk position. 

The interest-rate risk position is measured and monitored at the Bank using net interest income simulation 

models and economic value of equity sensitivity analysis that capture both short-term and long-term interest-rate risk 
exposure. 

Modeling the sensitivity of net interest income and the economic value of equity to changes in market interest 
rates is highly dependent on numerous assumptions incorporated into the modeling process. The models used for these 
measurements rely on estimates of the potential impact that changes in interest rates may have on the value and 
prepayment speeds on all components of our loan portfolio, investment portfolio, as well as embedded options and cash 
flows of other assets and liabilities. Balance sheet growth assumptions are also included in the simulation modeling 
process. The analysis provides a framework as to what our overall sensitivity position is as of our most recent reported 
position and the impact that potential changes in interest rates may have on net interest income and the economic value 
of our equity. 

Net interest income simulation involves forecasting net interest income under a variety of interest rate scenarios 

including instantaneous shocks. 

The estimated impact on our net interest income in hypothetical rising and declining rate scenarios assuming 

immediate, parallel moves in interest rates, calculated as of December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, are presented in 
the table below.  

December 31, 2022 

December 31, 2021 

+400 basis points 
+300 basis points 
+200 basis points 
+100 basis points 
−100 basis points 
−200 basis points 

12 months  

24 months  

12 months  

     Following       Following        Following        Following   
24 months   
−2.9 %
−2.3 %
−1.8 %
−1.3 %
−15.7 %
N/A %

−25.1 %  
−18.9 %  
−12.7 %  
−6.2 %  
5.2 %  
7.9 %  

−8.2 %  
−6.1 %  
−4.1 %  
−2.0 %  
−10.6 %  
N/A %  

−8.2 %  
−6.4 %  
−4.4 %  
−1.8 %  
0.5 %  
−1.7 %  

The above interest rate simulation suggests that the Company’s balance sheet is liability sensitive, in the short-

term, as of December 31, 2022, demonstrating that an increase in interest rates would have a negative impact on net 

87 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
interest income over the next 12 and 24 months. The balance sheet was more liability sensitive in a rising-rate 
environment as of December 31, 2022 than it was as of December 31, 2021. The increase is primarily related to repricing 
characteristics of our non-maturity deposits portfolio and changes to the interest rate environment. 

Management strategies may impact future reporting periods, as actual results may differ from simulated results 

due to the timing, magnitude, and frequency of interest rate changes, the difference between actual experience, and the 
characteristics assumed, as well as changes in market conditions. Market based prepayment speeds are factored into the 
analysis for loan and securities portfolios. Rate sensitivity for transactional deposit accounts is modeled based on both 
historical experience and external industry studies. 

Management uses economic value of equity sensitivity analysis to understand the impact of interest rate 
changes on long-term cash flows, income, and capital. Economic value of equity is based on discounting the cash flows 
for all balance sheet instruments under different interest rate scenarios. Deposit premiums are based on external industry 
studies and utilizing historical experience. 

The table below presents the change in the economic value of equity as of December 31, 2022 and 

December 31, 2021, assuming immediate parallel shifts in interest rates. 

+400 basis points 
+300 basis points 
+200 basis points 
+100 basis points 
−100 basis points 
−200 basis points 

Operational Risk 

December 31, 
2022 

  December 31,   
2021 

−19.5 %  
−15.3 %  
−10.4 %  
−4.9 %  
 4.0 %  
 5.0 %  

−26.0 %
−16.8 %
−8.2 %
−1.4 %
−31.2 %
N/A %

Operational risk is the risk of loss due to human behavior, inadequate or failed internal systems and controls, 

and external influences such as market conditions, fraudulent activities, disasters, and security risks. Management 
continuously strives to strengthen its system of internal controls, enterprise risk management, operating processes and 
employee awareness to assess the impact on earnings and capital and to improve the oversight of our operational risk. 

Compliance Risk 

Compliance risk represents the risk of regulatory sanctions, reputational impact or financial loss resulting from 

failure to comply with rules and regulations issued by the various banking agencies and standards of good banking 
practice. Activities which may expose us to compliance risk include, but are not limited to, those dealing with the 
prevention of money laundering, privacy and data protection, community reinvestment initiatives, fair lending 
challenges resulting from the expansion of our banking center network, employment and tax matters. 

Strategic and/or Reputation Risk 

Strategic and/or reputation risk represents the risk of loss due to impairment of reputation, failure to fully 

develop and execute business plans, failure to assess current and new opportunities in business, markets and products, 
and any other event not identified in the defined risk types mentioned previously. Mitigation of the various risk elements 
that represent strategic and/or reputation risk is achieved through initiatives to help management better understand and 
report on various risks, including those related to the development of new products and business initiatives. 

88 

 
 
 
 
 
 
     
     
  
 
 
 
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM 

Stockholders and the Board of Directors 
Alerus Financial Corporation 

Opinion on the Financial Statements 
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Alerus Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries (the 
Company) as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, 
changes in stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2022, and 
the  related  notes  (collectively  referred  to  as  the  consolidated  financial  statements).  In  our  opinion,  the  consolidated 
financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2022 
and 2021, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 
2022, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.  

Basis for Opinion 
These  consolidated  financial  statements  are  the  responsibility  of  the  Company’s  management.  Our  responsibility  is  to 
express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered 
with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with 
respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the 
Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB. 

We  conducted  our  audits  in  accordance  with  the  standards  of  the  PCAOB.  Those  standards  require  that  we  plan  and 
perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, 
whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its 
internal control over financial reporting in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. As part of our audits, we are 
required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, but not for the purpose of expressing an 
opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting in accordance with the standards 
of the PCAOB. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. 

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether 
due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a 
test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating 
the  accounting  principles  used  and  significant  estimates  made  by  management,  as  well  as  evaluating  the  overall 
presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. 

/s/ CliftonLarsonAllen LLP 

CliftonLarsonAllen LLP 

Minneapolis, Minnesota 
March 10, 2023 

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2014. 

CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen LLP) is an independent network member of CLA Global. See CLAglobal.com/disclaimer. 

89 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Alerus Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries 

Consolidated Balance Sheets 

(dollars in thousands, except share and per share data) 
Assets 
Cash and cash equivalents 
Investment securities 

Available-for-sale, at fair value 
Held-to-maturity, at carrying value 

Fed funds sold 
Loans held for sale 
Loans 
Allowance for loan losses 

Net loans 

Land, premises and equipment, net 
Operating lease right-of-use assets 
Accrued interest receivable 
Bank-owned life insurance 
Goodwill 
Other intangible assets 
Servicing rights 
Deferred income taxes, net 
Other assets 

Total assets 

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity 
Deposits 

Noninterest-bearing 
Interest-bearing 
Total deposits 
Short-term borrowings 
Long-term debt 
Operating lease liabilities 
Accrued expenses and other liabilities 

Total liabilities 
Stockholders’ equity 

Preferred stock, $1 par value, 2,000,000 shares authorized: 0 issued and outstanding
Common stock, $1 par value, 30,000,000 shares authorized: 19,991,681 and 17,212,588 issued 
and outstanding 
Additional paid-in capital 
Retained earnings 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

Total stockholders’ equity 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity 

      December 31,      December 31, 

2022 
(Audited) 

2021 
(Audited)

$ 

 58,242  

$

242,311

 717,324  
 321,902  
 —  
 9,488  
    2,443,994  
 (31,146) 
    2,412,848  
 17,288  
 5,419  
 12,869  
 33,991  
 47,087  
 22,455  
 2,643  
 42,369  
 75,712  
$  3,779,637  

853,649
352,061
—
46,490
1,758,020
(31,572)
1,726,448
18,370
3,727
8,537
33,156
31,490
20,250
1,880
11,614
42,708
$ 3,392,691

$ 
 860,987  
    2,054,497  
    2,915,484  
 378,080  
 58,843  
 5,902  
 64,456  
    3,422,765  

$

938,840
1,981,711
2,920,551
—
58,933
4,275
49,529
3,033,288

 —  

—

 19,992  
 155,095  
 280,426  
 (98,641) 
 356,872  
$  3,779,637  

17,213
92,878
253,567
(4,255)
359,403
$ 3,392,691

See Accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

90 

 
 
 
 
 
     
    
 
  
  
   
 
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
 
  
   
 
  
  
  
  
  
   
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
Alerus Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries 

Consolidated Statements of Income 

(dollars and shares in thousands, except per share data) 
Interest Income 
Loans, including fees 
Investment securities 

Taxable 
Exempt from federal income taxes 

Other 

Total interest income 

Interest Expense 
Deposits 
Short-term borrowings 
Long-term debt 

Total interest expense 

Net interest income 
Provision for loan losses 

Net interest income after provision for loan losses

Noninterest Income 
Retirement and benefit services 
Wealth management 
Mortgage banking 
Service charges on deposit accounts 
Net gains (losses) on investment securities 
Other 

Total noninterest income 

Noninterest Expense 
Compensation 
Employee taxes and benefits 
Occupancy and equipment expense 
Business services, software and technology expense
Intangible amortization expense 
Professional fees and assessments 
Marketing and business development 
Supplies and postage 
Travel 
Mortgage and lending expenses 
Other 

Total noninterest expense 
Income before income taxes 
Income tax expense 

Net income 

Per Common Share Data 
Basic earnings per common share 
Diluted earnings per common share 
Dividends declared per common share 
Average common shares outstanding 
Diluted average common shares outstanding 

Year ended  
December 31,  
2021 

2020 

2022 

$

89,907

$ 

 78,133  

$

86,425

23,260
848
1,562
115,577

9,169
4,339
2,340
15,848
99,729

—   

99,729

67,135
20,870
16,921
1,434

—   

4,863
111,223

80,656
21,915
7,605
19,487
4,754
8,367
3,254
2,440
1,182
2,183
6,927
158,770
52,182
12,177
40,005

2.12
2.10
0.70
18,640
18,884

$

$
$
$

$ 

$ 
$ 
$ 

 13,001  
 925  
 598  
 92,657  

 3,661  
 —  
 1,897  
 5,558  
 87,099  
 (3,500) 
 90,599  

 71,709  
 21,052  
 48,502  
 1,395  
 125  
 4,604  
 147,387  

 93,386  
 22,033  
 8,148  
 20,486  
 4,380  
 6,292  
 3,182  
 2,361  
 442  
 4,250  
 3,949  
 168,909  
 69,077  
 16,396  
 52,681  

 3.02  
 2.97  
 0.63  
 17,189  
 17,486  

$

$
$
$

7,798
949
930
96,102

8,843
—
3,413
12,256
83,846
10,900
72,946

60,956
17,451
61,641
1,409
2,737
5,177
149,371

89,206
20,050
10,058
19,135
3,961
4,834
3,133
2,174
359
5,707
5,182
163,799
58,518
13,843
44,675

2.57
2.52
0.60
17,106
17,438

See Accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

91 

 
 
 
 
 
 
   
    
    
 
 
 
  
   
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
   
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
   
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
   
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
Alerus Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries 

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income 

(dollars in thousands) 
Net Income 
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax 

2022 

$

40,005

Year ended  
December 31,  
2021 
 52,681  

$ 

2020 

$

44,675

Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities
Accretion of (gains) losses on debt securities reclassified to held-to-maturity
Reclassification adjustment for losses (gains) realized in income

Total other comprehensive income (loss), before tax

Income tax expense (benefit) related to items of other comprehensive income
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax 

Total comprehensive income (loss) 

(125,634)
(382)

—   

(126,016)
(31,630)
(94,386)
(54,381)

$

$ 

 (19,433) 
 (326) 
 (125) 
 (19,884) 
 (4,991) 
 (14,893) 
 37,788  

$

14,355
—
(2,737)
11,618
2,916
8,702
53,377

See Accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

92 

 
 
 
 
 
 
   
    
    
 
  
   
  
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
Alerus Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries 

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity 

(dollars in thousands) 
Balance as of December 31, 2021 
Net income 
Other comprehensive income (loss) 
Common stock repurchased 
Common stock dividends 
Stock issuance from the acquisition of Metro Phoenix 
Bank 
Share‑based compensation expense 
Vesting of restricted stock 
Balance as of December 31, 2022 

(dollars in thousands) 
Balance as of December 31, 2020 
Net income 
Other comprehensive income (loss) 
Common stock repurchased 
Common stock dividends 
Share‑based compensation expense 
Vesting of restricted stock 
Balance as of December 31, 2021 

(dollars in thousands) 
Balance December 31, 2019 
Net income 
Other comprehensive income (loss) 
Common stock repurchased 
Common stock dividends 
Share‑based compensation expense 
Vesting of restricted stock 
Balance as of December 31, 2020 

Year ended December 31, 2022 

Additional   
Paid-in 
Capital 

Retained 
     Earnings 

Accumulated   
Other 

  Comprehensive 
      Income (Loss)     

Common 
Stock 
17,213
—
—
(26)
—

$

92,878
—
—
(712)
—

$ 253,567   $ 
40,005  
—  
—  
(13,146) 

2,681
10
114
19,992

61,149
1,894
(114)
$ 155,095

—  
—  
—  

$ 280,426   $ 

 (4,255)
 — 
 (94,386)
 — 
 — 

 — 
 — 
 — 
 (98,641)

Total 
$ 359,403
40,005
(94,386)
(738)
(13,146)

63,830
1,904
—
$ 356,872

Year ended December 31, 2021 

Additional   
Paid-in 
Capital 

Retained 
     Earnings 

Accumulated   
Other 

  Comprehensive 
      Income (Loss)     

$

$

90,237
—
—
(348)
—
3,086
(97)
92,878

$ 212,163   $ 
52,681  
—  
(346) 
(10,931) 
—  
—  

$ 253,567   $ 

 10,638 
— 
 (14,893)
— 
— 
— 
— 
 (4,255)

Total 
$ 330,163
52,681
(14,893)
(712)
(10,931)
3,095
—
$ 359,403

Common 
Stock 
17,125
—
—
(18)
—
9
97
17,213

$

$

$

$

Year ended December 31, 2020 

Additional   
Paid-in 
Capital 

Retained 
     Earnings 

Accumulated   
Other 

  Comprehensive 
      Income (Loss)     

$

$

88,650
—
—
(249)
—
1,913
(77)
90,237

$ 178,092   $ 
44,675  
—  
(217) 
(10,387) 
—  
—  

$ 212,163   $ 

 1,936 
 — 
 8,702 
 — 
 — 
 — 
 — 
 10,638 

Total 
$ 285,728
44,675
8,702
(482)
(10,387)
1,927
—
$ 330,163

Common 
Stock 
17,050
—
—
(16)
—
14
77
17,125

    $

$

See Accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

93 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
    
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
    
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
Alerus Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows 

(dollars in thousands) 
Operating Activities 
Net income 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided (used) by operating 
activities 

Deferred income taxes 
Provision for loan losses 
Depreciation and amortization 
Amortization and accretion of premiums/discounts on investment securities
Amortization of operating lease right-of-use assets
Stock-based compensation 
Increase in value of bank-owned life insurance 
Realized loss (gain) on sale of fixed assets 
Realized loss (gain) on derivative instruments 
Realized loss (gain) on loans sold 
Realized loss (gain) on sale of foreclosed assets
Realized loss (gain) on sale of investment securities
Realized loss (gain) on servicing rights 
Net change in: 

Loans held for sale 
Accrued interest receivable 
Other assets 
Accrued expenses and other liabilities 

Net cash provided (used) by operating activities

Investing Activities 
Proceeds from sales or calls of investment securities available-for-sale
Proceeds from maturities of investment securities available-for-sale
Purchases of investment securities available-for-sale
Proceeds from sales or calls of investment securities held-to-maturity
Proceeds from maturities of investment securities held-to-maturity
Purchases of investment securities held-to-maturity
Net (increase) decrease in equity securities 
Net (increase) decrease in loans 
Net (increase) decrease in FHLB stock 
Net cash received (paid) for business combinations
Purchases of premises and equipment 
Proceeds from sales of foreclosed assets 

Net cash provided (used) by investing activities

Financing Activities 
Net increase (decrease) in deposits 
Net increase (decrease) in short-term borrowings 
Repayments of long-term debt 
Proceeds from the issuance of subordinated debt 
Cash dividends paid on common stock 
Repurchase of common stock 

Net cash provided (used) by financing activities

Net change in cash and cash equivalents 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period 

Year ended  
December 31,  
2021 

2020 

2022 

$

40,005   $ 

 52,681   $

44,675

913  
—  
8,467  
3,387  
(229)  
1,904  
(835)  
(33)  
2,006  
(11,616)  
71  
—  
(702)  

48,539  
(3,241)  
5,357  
8,973  
102,966  

—  
105,633  
(95,600)  
963  
27,429  
—  
—  
(416,150)  
(15,556)  
101,511  
(1,789)  
937  
(292,622)  

 2,786  
 (3,500) 
 8,868  
 3,744  
 (58) 
 3,095  
 (793) 
 (62) 
 8,459  
 (48,038) 
 (275) 
 (125) 
 (638) 

 123,945  
 1,125  
 (7,247) 
 5,865  
 149,832  

 13,189  
 125,581  
 (571,595) 
 1,772  
 12,545  
 (218,363) 
 —  
 221,006  
 (716) 
 —  
 (1,706) 
 629  
 (417,658) 

(358,752)  
378,080  
(203)  
—  
(12,800)  
(738)  
5,587  
(184,069)  
242,311  
58,242   $ 

 348,558  
 —  
 (49,920) 
 50,000  
 (10,751) 
 (712) 
 337,175  
 69,349  
 172,962  
 242,311   $

$

(4,434)
10,900
8,950
1,760
(25)
1,927
(797)
707
1,927
(57,070)
(28)
(2,737)
936

(18,621)
(2,111)
(2,684)
(5,527)
(22,252)

75,647
69,680
(414,724)
—
—
—
2,808
(259,130)
(10)
(9,279)
(3,811)
429
(538,390)

600,677
—
(210)
—
(10,387)
(482)
589,598
28,956
144,006
172,962

See Accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

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Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures 
Cash paid for: 
Interest 
Income taxes 
Cash and cash equivalents acquired 

Non-cash information 

Loan collateral transferred to foreclosed assets 
Unrealized gain (loss) on investment securities available-for-sale
Accretion of unrealized (gain) loss on investment securities held-to-maturity
Investment securities transferred to held-to-maturity
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating leases 
Acquisitions 

Noncash assets acquired 
Liabilities assumed 
Issuance of common stock for the acquisition of Metro Phoenix Bank 
Net noncash acquired 

Year ended  
December 31,  
2021 

2020 

2022 

$

15,095   $ 
12,531  
101,696  

 4,538   $
 13,124  
 —  

12,641
13,582
513

153  
(94,004)  
(382)  
—  
4,266  

297,745  
(354,358)  
(64,019)  
(120,632)  

 1,176  
 (14,567) 
 (326) 
 149,191  
 267  

 —  
 —  
 —  
 —  

456
8,702
—
—
1,555

14,627
(5,348)
—
9,279

See Accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

95 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
     
    
   
  
   
  
 
   
  
   
 
  
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTE 1 Significant Accounting Policies 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statement 

Alerus Financial Corporation is a financial holding company organized under the laws of Delaware. Alerus 

Financial Corporation and its subsidiaries, or the Company, is a diversified financial services company headquartered in 
Grand Forks, North Dakota. Through its subsidiary, Alerus Financial, National Association, or the Bank, the Company 
provides innovative and comprehensive financial solutions to businesses and consumers through four distinct business 
lines – banking, retirement and benefit services, wealth management, and mortgage. 

The Bank operates under a national charter and provides full banking services. As a national bank, the Bank is 

subject to regulation by the Office of the Comptroller of Currency and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. 

Principles of Consolidation 

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries in which the 

Company has a controlling interest. Significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in 
consolidation. 

In the normal course of business, the Company may enter into a transaction with a variable interest entity, or 

VIE. VIEs are legal entities whose investors lack the ability to make decisions about the entity’s activities, or whose 
equity investors do not have the right to receive the residual returns of the entity. The applicable accounting guidance 
requires the Company to perform ongoing quantitative and qualitative analysis to determine whether it must consolidate 
any VIE. The Company does not have any ownership interest in or exert any control over any VIE, and thus no VIEs are 
included in the consolidated financial statements. 

Use of Estimates 

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally 
accepted in the United States of America, or GAAP, requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect 
the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed from an acquisition 
and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported 
amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. 

Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change in the near term include the valuation 
of investment securities, determination of the allowance for loan losses, valuation of reporting units for the purpose of 
testing goodwill and other intangible assets for impairment, valuation of deferred tax assets, and fair values of financial 
instruments. 

Emerging Growth Company 

The Company qualifies as an “emerging growth company” under the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 

2012, or the JOBS Act, and may take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements that are 
applicable to public companies that are not emerging growth companies, including, but not limited to, not being required 
to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, or the Sarbanes-
Oxley Act, reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in periodic reports and proxy statements, 
and exemptions from the requirements of holding a nonbinding advisory vote on executive compensation and 
shareholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved. In addition, even if the Company 
complies with the greater obligations of public companies that are not emerging growth companies, the Company may 
avail itself of the reduced requirements applicable to emerging growth companies from time to time in the future, so long 
as the Company is an emerging growth company. The Company will continue to be an emerging growth company until 
the earliest to occur of: (1) the end of the fiscal year following the fifth anniversary of the date of the first sale of 
common equity securities under the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, which was declared effective by 
the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, on September 12, 2019; (2) the last day of the fiscal year in 

96 

which the Company has $1.235 billion or more in annual revenues; (3) the date on which the Company is deemed to be a 
“large accelerated filer” under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act; or (4) the date on 
which the Company has, during the previous three-year period, issued publicly or privately, more than $1.0 billion in 
non-convertible debt securities. Management cannot predict if investors will find the Company’s common stock less 
attractive because it will rely on the exemptions available to emerging growth companies. If some investors find the 
Company’s common stock less attractive as a result, there may be a less active trading market for its common stock and 
the Company’s stock price may be more volatile.  

Section 107 of the JOBS Act provides that an emerging growth company can take advantage of the extended 

transition period provided in Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act of 1933 for complying with new or revised 
accounting standards. As an emerging growth company, the Company can delay the adoption of certain accounting 
standards until those standards would otherwise apply to private companies. The Company elected to take advantage of 
the benefits of this extended transition period. 

Concentrations of Credit Risk 

Substantially all of the Company’s lending activities are with clients located within North Dakota, Minnesota, 

and Arizona. At December 31, 2022 and 2021 respectively, 23.9% and 24.8% of the Company’s loan portfolio consisted 
of commercial and industrial loans that were not secured by real estate. The Company does not have any significant loan 
concentrations in any one industry or with any one client. Note 6 (Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses) discusses the 
Company’s loan portfolio. 

The Company invests in a variety of investment securities and does not have any significant concentrations in 

any one industry or to any one issuer. Note 5 (Investment Securities) discusses the Company’s investment securities 
portfolio. 

Cash and Cash Equivalents 

For purposes of the consolidated statements of cash flows, cash and due from banks includes cash and cash 
equivalents, balances due from banks, and federal funds sold, all of which have an original maturity within 90 days. 
Cash flows from loans and deposits are reported net. 

Interest-bearing deposits in banks are carried at cost. 

Investment Securities 

Debt securities are classified as available-for-sale and are carried at estimated fair value with unrealized gains 

and losses reported in other comprehensive income (loss). Realized gains (losses) on investment securities 
available-for-sale are included in net gains (losses) on investment securities and, when applicable, are reported as a 
reclassification adjustment, net of tax, in other comprehensive income. Gains (losses) on sales of investment securities 
are determined using the specific identification method on the trade date. The amortization of premiums and accretion of 
discounts are recognized in interest income using methods approximating the interest method over the period to 
maturity. 

Declines in the estimated fair value of individual available-for-sale investment securities below their cost that 
are other than temporary, result in write-downs of the individual investment securities to their estimated fair value. The 
Company monitors the investment security portfolio for impairment on an individual security basis and has a process in 
place to identify investment securities that could potentially have a credit impairment that is other than temporary. 

This process involves analyzing the length of time and the extent to which the estimated fair value has been less 
than the amortized cost basis, the market liquidity for the security, the financial condition and near-term prospects of the 
issuer, expected cash flows, and the Company’s intent and ability to hold the investment for a period of time sufficient to 
recover the temporary loss. The ability to hold is determined by whether it is more likely than not that the Company will 

97 

be required to sell the security before its anticipated recovery. A decline in value due to a credit event that is considered 
other than temporary is recorded as a loss in noninterest income. 

Certain debt securities that the Company has an intent to hold to maturity are classified as held-to-maturity and 

recorded at amortized cost. Interest earned on held-to-maturity debt securities is included in interest income. 
Amortization or accretion of premiums and discounts is also recognized in interest income using the effective interest 
method over the contractual life of the security and is adjusted to reflect actual prepayments. Transfers of debt securities 
from available-for-sale to held-to-maturity are made at fair value at the date of transfer. Unrealized holding gains and 
losses at the date of transfer are included in other comprehensive income and in the carrying value of held-to-maturity 
security are amortized over the remaining life of the security. 

Nonmarketable Equity Securities 

Nonmarketable equity securities include the Bank’s required investments in the stock of the Federal Home 

Loan Bank of Des Moines, or the FHLB and the Federal Reserve Bank, or the FRB. The Bank is a member of the FHLB 
as well as its regional FRB. Members are required to own a certain amount of stock based of the level of borrowing and 
other factors, and may invest in additional amounts. FHLB stock and FRB stock are carried at cost, classified as other 
assets, and periodically evaluated for impairment based on ultimate recovery of par value. Both cash and stock dividends 
are reported as income. 

Loans Held for Sale/Branch Sale 

Loans originated and intended for sale in the secondary market are carried at the lower of cost or estimated fair 
value in the aggregate. Net unrealized losses are recognized through a valuation allowance by charges to income. Gains 
(losses) on loan sales are recorded in mortgage banking revenue on the consolidated statements of income. 

Loans 

Loans are stated at the amount of unpaid principal, reduced by an allowance for loan losses. Loans that 
management has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future, until maturity or pay-off, generally are reported 
at their outstanding unpaid principal balances adjusted for charge-offs, and the allowance for loan losses. Loan fees 
received that are associated with originating or acquiring certain loans are deferred, net of costs, and amortized over the 
life of the loan as a yield adjustment to interest income. 

The accrual of interest on loans is discontinued at the time the loan is 90 days past due unless the credit is 

well-secured and in process of collection. Consumer loans are typically charged-off no later than 120 days past due. Past 
due status is based on contractual terms of the loan. In all cases, loans are placed on nonaccrual or charged-off at an 
earlier date if collection of principal or interest in considered doubtful. 

All interest accrued but not collected for loans that are placed on nonaccrual or charged-off is reversed against 
interest income. The interest on these loans is accounted for on the cash-basis or cost-recovery method until qualifying 
for return to accrual. Loans are returned to accrual status when all the principal and interest amounts contractually due 
are brought current and future payments are reasonably assured. 

Allowance for Loan Losses 

The allowance for loan losses (allowance) is an estimate of loan losses inherent in the Company’s loan 
portfolio. The allowance is established through a provision for loan losses which is charged to expense. Additions to the 
allowance are expected to maintain the adequacy of the total allowance after loan losses and loan growth. Loan losses 
are charged-off against the allowance when the Company determines the loan balance to be uncollectible. Cash received 
on previously charged-off amounts is recorded as a recovery to the allowance. 

The allowance consists of three primary components, general reserves, specific reserves related to impaired 
loans, and unallocated reserves. The general component covers non-impaired loans and is based on historical losses 

98 

adjusted for current qualitative factors. The historical loss experience is determined by portfolio segment and is based on 
the actual loss history experienced by the Company over the most recent five years. This actual loss experience is 
adjusted for economic factors based on the risks present for each portfolio segment. These economic factors include 
consideration of the following: levels of and trends in delinquencies and impaired loans; levels of and trends in 
charge-offs and recoveries; trends in volume and terms of loans; effects of any changes in risk selection and 
underwriting standards; other changes in lending policies, procedures, and practices; experience, ability, and depth of 
lending management and other relevant staff; national and local economic trends and conditions; uncertainty related to 
the effects of the COVID-19  pandemic; industry conditions; COVID-19 pandemic related modifications; and effects of 
changes in credit concentrations. These factors are inherently subjective and are driven by the repayment risk associated 
with each portfolio segment. 

A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company 
will be unable to collect the scheduled payments of principal or interest when due according to the contractual terms of 
the loan agreement. Loans determined to be impaired are individually evaluated for impairment. When a loan is 
impaired, the Company measures impairment based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the 
original contractual interest rate, except that as a practical expedient, it may measure impairment based on an observable 
market price for the estimated fair value of the collateral if collateral dependent. A loan is collateral dependent if the 
repayment is expected to be provided solely by the underlying collateral. 

Allowance allocations other than general and specific are included in the unallocated portion. While allocations 

are made for loans based upon historical loss analysis, the unallocated portion is designed to cover the uncertainty of 
how current economic conditions and other uncertainties may impact the existing loan portfolio. Factors to consider 
include national and state economic conditions such as unemployment or real estate lending values. The unallocated 
reserve addresses inherent probable losses not included elsewhere in the allowance for loan losses. 

The Company maintains a separate general valuation allowance for each portfolio segment. These portfolio 

segments include commercial and industrial, real estate construction, commercial real estate, residential real estate first 
mortgage, residential real estate junior liens, and other revolving and installment with risk characteristics described as 
follows: 

Commercial and Industrial: Commercial and industrial loans consist of all commercial and industrial loans as 
well as agricultural production and other commercial loans. Commercial and industrial loans generally possess a lower 
inherent risk of loss than real estate portfolio segments as these loans are generally underwritten based on the cash flows 
of the operating business. Repayment is provided by business cash flows and is influenced by economic trends such as 
unemployment rates and other key economic factors. Agricultural loans generally possess a lower inherent risk of loss 
than real estate portfolio segments for the same reasons as commercial and industrial loans. However, they generally 
possess greater volatility of risk due to commodity pricing, which can lead to cash flow and collateral shortfalls. 

Real Estate Construction: Real estate construction loans generally possess a higher inherent risk of loss than 

commercial and retail real estate portfolio segments. Significant inherent risks are project completion, cost overruns, and 
adherence to construction schedule. Additionally, real estate values could significantly impact the credit quality of these 
loans. 

Commercial Real Estate: Commercial real estate loans generally possess a higher inherent risk of loss than 

other real estate portfolio segments, except real estate construction and agricultural land loans. Adverse economic 
developments such as high vacancy rates or decreasing real estate values may impact commercial real estate credit 
quality. Agricultural real estate loans are primarily comprised of loans for the purchase of farmland. Risks associated 
with farmland include volatility of real estate values driven by commodity prices, among other economic trends. 

Residential real estate first and junior liens: The degree of risk in residential mortgage lending depends 

primarily on the loan amount in relation to collateral value, the interest rate, and the borrower’s ability to repay in an 
orderly fashion. These loans generally possess a lower inherent risk of loss than commercial real estate portfolio 
segments. Credit quality is impacted by unemployment rates and other key economic indicators. 

99 

Other Revolving and Installment: The consumer loan portfolio is primarily comprised of homogenous loans. 

Credit quality is impacted by unemployment rates and other key economic indicators. 

Although management believes the allowance to be adequate, actual losses may vary from its estimates. On a 
quarterly basis, management reviews the adequacy of the allowance, including consideration of the relevant risks in the 
portfolio, current economic conditions, and other factors. If the board of directors and management determine that 
changes are warranted based on those reviews, the allowance is adjusted. 

Off-Balance Sheet Credit Related Financial Instruments 

In the ordinary course of business, the Company enters into commitments to extend credit, including 

commitments under credit arrangements, commercial letters of credit, and standby letters of credit. Such financial 
instruments are recorded when they are funded. The Company establishes a reserve for unfunded commitments using 
historical loss data and utilization assumptions. This reserve is located under accrued expenses and other liabilities on 
the Consolidated Balance Sheets. 

Land, Premises and Equipment, Net 

Land is carried at cost. Other premises and equipment are carried at cost net of accumulated depreciation. 

Depreciation is computed on a straight-line method based principally on the estimated useful lives of the assets. 
Maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred while major additions and improvements are capitalized. Gains 
(losses) on dispositions are included in current operations. 

Bank-Owned Life Insurance 

The Company has purchased life insurance policies on certain key executives. Bank-owned life insurance is 

recorded at its cash surrender value, or the amount that can be realized, if lower. 

Goodwill and Other Intangibles, Net 

Goodwill resulting from acquisitions is not amortized, but is tested for impairment annually. As part of its 

testing, the Company first assesses the qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the 
estimated fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If the Company determines the estimated fair 
value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount using these qualitative factors, the Company then compares the 
estimated fair value of the goodwill with its carrying amount, and then measures impairment loss by comparing the 
estimated fair value of goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. 

Significant judgment is applied when goodwill is assessed for impairment. This judgment includes developing 

cash flow projections, selecting appropriate discount rates, identifying relevant market comparables, incorporating 
general economic and market conditions, and selecting an appropriate control premium. At December 31, 2022, the 
Company believes it did not have any indications of potential impairment based on the estimated fair value of the 
reporting units. 

Intangible assets determined to have definite lives are amortized over the remaining useful lives. Intangible and 

other long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events occur, or circumstances indicate that the carrying 
amount may not be recoverable. 

Servicing Rights 

Servicing rights are recognized as separate assets when rights are acquired through the sale of loans. Servicing 

rights are initially recorded at estimated fair value based on assumptions provided by a third-party valuation service. The 
valuation model incorporates assumptions that market participants would use in estimating future net servicing income, 
such as servicing cost per loan, the discount rate, the escrow float rate, an inflation rate, ancillary income, prepayment 
speeds, and default rates and losses. Loan servicing income is recorded on the accrual basis and includes servicing fees 

100 

from investors and certain charges collected from borrowers, such as late payment fees, and is net of estimated fair value 
adjustments to capitalized mortgage servicing rights. Capitalized servicing rights are amortized into noninterest income 
in proportion to, and over the period of, the estimated future servicing income of the underlying loans. 

Servicing rights are evaluated for impairment based upon the estimated fair value of the rights as compared to 
amortized cost. Impairment is determined by stratifying rights by predominant characteristics, such as interest rates and 
terms. Impairment is recognized through a valuation allowance for an individual tranche, to the extent that estimated fair 
value is less than the capitalized amount for the tranche. If the Company later determines that all or a portion of the 
impairment no longer exists for a particular tranche, a reduction of the allowance may be recorded as an increase to 
income. 

Servicing fee income is recorded for fees earned for servicing loans. The fees are based on a 

contractual percentage of the outstanding principal, or a fixed amount per loan, and are recorded as income when earned. 
The amortization of servicing rights is netted against loan servicing fee income. 

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets 

The Company tests long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the 

carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by 
comparing the carrying amount of an asset to the future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the 
asset. 

In the event such an asset is considered impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount 

by which the carrying value of the asset exceeds the estimated fair value of the asset. Assets to be disposed of are 
reported at the lower of the carrying value of estimated fair value less estimated costs to sell. 

Foreclosed Assets 

Assets acquired through loan foreclosure are included in other assets and are initially recorded at estimated fair 
value less estimated selling costs. The estimated fair value of foreclosed assets is evaluated regularly and any decreases 
in value along with holding costs, such as taxes, insurance and utilities, are reported in noninterest expense. 

Transfers of Financial Assets and Participating Interests 

Transfers of financial assets are accounted for as sales when control over assets has been surrendered or in the 

case of loan participation, a portion of the asset has been surrendered and meets the definition of a “participating 
interest.” Control over transferred assets is deemed to be surrendered when 1) the assets have been isolated from the 
Company, 2) the transferee obtains the rights to pledge or exchange the transferred assets, and 3) the Company does not 
maintain effective control over the transferred assets through an agreement to repurchase them before their maturity. 
Should the transfer not meet these three criteria, the transaction is treated as a secured financing. 

Loans serviced for others are not included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Servicing loans for 

others generally consists of collecting mortgage payments, maintaining escrow accounts, disbursing payments to 
investors and collection and foreclosure processing. 

Derivatives and Hedging Activities 

In the ordinary course of business, the Company enters into derivative transactions to manage various risks and 

to accommodate the business requirements of its clients. 

Derivative instruments are reported in other assets or other liabilities at estimated fair value. Changes in a 

derivative’s estimated fair value are recognized currently in earnings unless specific hedge accounting criteria are met. 

101 

Noninterest Income 

Specific guidelines are established for recognition of certain noninterest income components related to the 

Company’s consolidated financial statements. In accordance with Topic 606, revenues are recognized when control of 
promised goods or services is transferred to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects 
to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. To determine revenue recognition for arrangements that the 
Company determines are within the scope of Topic 606, the Company performs the following five steps: (1) identify the 
contract(s) with a customer; (2) identify the performance obligations in the contract; (3) determine the transaction price; 
(4) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and (5) recognize revenue when (or 
as) the Company satisfies a performance obligation. 

The Company only applies the five-step model to contracts when it is probable that the entity will collect the 
consideration it is entitled to in exchange for the goods or services it transfers to the customer. At contract inception, 
once the contract is determined to be within the scope of Topic 606, the Company assesses the goods or services that are 
promised within each contract and identifies those that contain performance obligations and assesses whether each 
promised good or service is distinct. The Company then recognizes as revenue the amount of the transaction price that is 
allocated to the respective performance obligation when (or as) the performance obligation is satisfied. The material 
groups of noninterest income that this methodology is applied to are defined as follows: 

Retirement and benefit services: Retirement and benefit services income is primarily comprised of fees earned 
from the administration of retirement plans, record-keeping, compliance services, health savings accounts, and flexible 
benefit plans. Fees are earned based on a combination of the market value of assets under administration and transaction-
based fees for services provided. Fees that are determined based on the market value of the assets under administration 
are generally billed monthly or quarterly in arrears and recognized monthly as the Company’s performance obligations 
are met. Other transaction-based fees are recognized monthly as the performance obligation is satisfied. 

Wealth management: Wealth management income is earned from a variety of sources including trust 

administration and other related fiduciary services, custody, investment management and advisory services, and 
brokerage. Fees are based on the market value of the assets under management and are generally billed monthly in 
arrears and recognized monthly as the Company’s performance obligations are met. Commissions on transactions are 
recognized on a trade-date basis as the performance obligation is satisfied at the point in time in which the trade is 
processed. Other related services are based on a fixed fee schedule and the revenue is recognized when the services are 
rendered, which is when the Company has satisfied its performance obligation. 

Service charges on deposit accounts: Service charges on deposit accounts primarily consist of account analysis 
fees, monthly maintenance fees, overdraft fees, and other deposit account related fees. Overdraft fees and certain service 
charges are fixed, and the performance obligation is typically satisfied at the time of the related transaction. The 
consideration for analysis fees and monthly maintenance fees are variable as the fee can be reduced if the customer 
meets certain qualifying metrics. The Company’s performance obligations are satisfied at the time of the transaction or 
over the course of a month. 

Other noninterest income: Other noninterest income components include debit card interchange fees, 
bank-owned life insurance income and miscellaneous transactional fees. Income earned from these revenue streams is 
generally recognized concurrently with the satisfaction of the performance obligation. 

Advertising Costs 

Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. 

Tax Credit Investments 

The Company invests in qualified affordable housing projects for the purpose of community reinvestment and 

obtaining tax credits. These investments are included in other assets on the balance sheet, and any unfunded 
commitments in accrued expenses and other liabilities on the balance sheet. The qualified affordable housing projects are 

102 

accounted for under the proportional amortization method. Under the proportional amortization method, the initial cost 
of the investment is recognized over the period that the Company expects to receive the tax credits, with the expense 
included within income tax expense on the consolidated statements of income. Management analyzes these investments 
for potential impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that the carrying 
amount of the investment will not be realized. An impairment loss is measured as the amount by which the carrying 
amount of an investment exceeds its fair value.  

Income Taxes 

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to temporary 

differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax 
basis. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in 
the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets 
and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. A valuation 
allowance would be recognized if it is “more likely than not” that the deferred tax asset would not be realized. 

These calculations are based on many complex factors including estimates of the timing of reversals of 

temporary differences, the interpretation of federal and state income tax laws, and a determination of the differences 
between the tax and the financial reporting basis of assets and liabilities. Actual results could differ significantly from 
the estimates and interpretations used in determining the current and deferred income tax liabilities. 

The Company follows standards related to Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes. These rules establish a 
higher standard for tax benefits to meet before they can be recognized in a Company’s consolidated financial statements. 
The Company can recognize in financial statements the impact of a tax position taken, or expected to be taken, if it is 
more likely than not that the position will be sustained on an audit based on the technical merit of the position. See 
Note 20 (Income Taxes) for additional disclosures. The Company recognizes both interest and penalties as components 
of other operating expenses. 

The amount of the uncertain tax position was not determined to be material. It is not expected that the 
unrecognized tax benefit will be material within the next 12 months. The Company did not incur any interest or penalties 
in 2022, 2021, or 2020. 

The Company files consolidated federal and state income tax returns. The Company is no longer subject to U.S. 

federal or state tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2019. 

Comprehensive Income 

Recognized revenue, expenses, gains, and losses are included in net income. Certain changes in assets and 

liabilities, such as unrealized gains (losses) on investment securities available-for-sale, are reported as a separate 
component of the equity section of the consolidated balance sheets, such items, along with net income, are components 
of comprehensive income. 

Stock Compensation Plans 

Stock compensation accounting guidance requires that the compensation cost relating to share-based payment 

transactions be recognized in financial statements. The cost will be measured based on the grant date estimated fair value 
of the equity or liability instruments issued. The grant date estimated fair value is determined using the closing price of 
the Company’s common stock. The stock compensation accounting guidance requires that compensation cost for all 
stock awards be calculated and recognized over the employee’s service period, generally defined as the vesting period. 
For awards with graded-vesting, compensation cost is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period 
for the entire award. 

103 

Earnings per Share 

Earnings per share are calculated utilizing the two-class method. Basic earnings per share is calculated by 
dividing the sum of distributed earnings to common shareholders and undistributed earnings allocated to common 
shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per share are calculated 
by dividing the sum of distributed earnings to common shareholders and undistributed earnings allocated to common 
shareholders by the weighted-average number of shares adjusted for the dilutive effect of common stock awards. 

NOTE 2 New Accounting Pronouncements 

The following Financial Accounting Standards Board, or FASB, Accounting Standards Updates, or ASUs are 
divided into pronouncements which have been adopted by the Company since January 1, 2022, and those which are not 
yet effective and have been evaluated or are currently being evaluated by management, as of December 31, 2022. 

Adopted Pronouncements 

In May 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-05, Targeted Transition Relief to provide entities with an option 

to irrevocably elect the fair value option applied on an instrument-by-instrument basis for eligible instruments. In 
November 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-10, which amends the effective date of this ASU for certain entities, 
including private companies and smaller reporting companies until after December 15, 2022, including interim periods 
within those fiscal years. The Company adopted this standard during the first quarter of 2022 and the adoption of this 
standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. 

In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740), which simplifies the 

accounting for income taxes by removing certain exceptions to the general principles in Topic 740 by clarifying and 
amending existing guidance. This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years 
beginning after and interim periods within those fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, for public business 
entities. For private companies and smaller reporting companies, this guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim 
periods within those fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021. The Company adopted this standard during the first 
quarter of 2022 and the adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial 
statements. 

Pronouncements Not Yet Effective 

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326): 
Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. This ASU implements a change from the current impaired loss 
model to an expected credit loss model over the life of an instrument, including loans and securities held-to-maturity. 
The expected credit loss model is expected to result in earlier recognition of losses. ASU 2016-13 is effective for fiscal 
years beginning after December 15, 2022, including interim periods with those years. The Company has executed a 
project plan to implement this guidance. The project plan included an assessment of data, development of 
methodologies, model valuation, parallel runs, refining qualitative factors and forecast periods, and evaluation of related 
disclosures. Management is finalizing macroeconomic conditions and forecast assumptions to be used in our CECL 
model, however, we expect an initial increase to the allowance for credit losses, including the increase in reserve for 
unfunded commitments, of approximately $5.0 million - $7.0 million above the existing allowance for loan loss levels. 
The anticipated initial increase to the allowance for credit losses is expected to be substantially attributable to the fair 
value marks on prior acquisitions and the reserve required on unfunded commitments. When finalized, this one-time 
increase will be recorded, net of tax, as an adjustment to beginning retained earnings. 

Internal controls over financial reporting specifically related to CECL are being designed and evaluated, 
however, all internal controls related to CECL implementation are not operational. The Company is in the final stages of 
completing the formal governance and approval process. Ongoing impacts of the CECL methodology will be dependent 
upon changes in economic conditions and forecasts, originated and acquired loan portfolio composition, portfolio 
duration and other factors. 

104 

 
In April 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-04, Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial 
Instruments—Credit Losses, Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging, and Topic 825, Financial Instruments, which affects a 
variety of topics in the Codification and applies to all reporting entities within the scope of the affected accounting 
guidance. This update is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. 

In May 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-05, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326); Targeted 
Transition Relief. This ASU allows entities to irrevocably elect, upon adoption of ASU 2016-13, the fair value option on 
financial instruments that (1) were previously recorded at amortized cost and (2) are within the scope of ASC 326-20 if 
the instruments are eligible for the fair value option under ASC 825-10. The fair value option election does not apply to 
held to maturity debt securities. Entities are required to make this election on an instrument-by-instrument basis. ASU 
2019-05 has the same effective date as ASU 2016-13 (i.e., the first quarter of 2023 for the Company). The Company 
does not expect to elect the fair value option, and therefore, ASU 2019-05 is not expected to impact the Company’s 
consolidated financial statements. 

In March 2022, the FASB issued ASU No. 2022-02, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses Troubled Debt 

Restructurings and Vintage Disclosures. The amendments in this update eliminate the accounting guidance for Troubled 
Debt Restructurings, or TDRs, by creditors in Subtopic 310-40, Receivables – Troubled Debt Restructurings by 
Creditors, while enhancing the disclosure requirements for certain loan refinancings and restructurings by creditors when 
a borrower is experiencing financial difficulty. For public business entities, this amendment also has vintage disclosures 
that require that an entity disclose current-period gross write-offs by year of origination for financing receivables and net 
investments in leases within the scope of Subtopic 326-20 Financial Instruments – Credit Losses – Measured at 
Amortized Cost. For entities that have not yet adopted the amendments in ASU 2016-13, the effective dates for the 
amendments in this update are same as the effective date for ASU 2016-13. As the Company has immaterial TDR loans, 
ASU 2022-02 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. 

In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-03, Codification Improvements to Financial Instruments. This 

ASU represents changes to clarify or improve the Accounting Standards Codification, or ASU, related to seven topics. 
The amendments make the ASC easier to understand and easier to apply by eliminating inconsistencies and providing 
clarifications. Issues 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 are conforming amendments and for public business entities effective upon the 
issuance of the standard. Issues 6 and 7 are amendments that affect the guidance in ASU 2016-13. The Company will 
consider these clarifications and improvements in determining the appropriate adoption of ASU 2016-13. In 
October 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-10, Codification Improvements removing Section A which included 
issues 1-16 because the issues in that section will be addressed in a separate ASU. The Company will not be affected by 
ASU 2020-03 for any remaining sections and will continue to review new standards as they are issued. 

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. These amendments provide temporary optional guidance to ease the 
potential burden in accounting for reference rate reform. The ASU provides optional expedients and exceptions for 
applying GAAP to contract modifications and hedging relationships, subject to meeting certain criteria, that reference 
LIBOR or another reference rate expected to be discontinued. It is intended to help stakeholders during the global 
market-wide reference rate transition period. The guidance is effective for all entities as of March 12, 2020, through 
December 31, 2022. In January 2021, the FASB issue ASU 2021-01. Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848) in response to 
concerns about structural risks in accounting for reference rate reform. The ASU clarifies certain optional expedients and 
exceptions in Topic 848 for contract modifications and hedge accounting apply to derivatives that affected by the 
discontinuing transition. LIBOR is used as an index rate for a portion of the Company’s available-for-sale securities, 
derivative contracts, subordinated notes payable, junior subordinated debentures, and approximately 6.9% of the 
Company’s loans, as of December 31, 2022. 

If reference rates are discontinued, the existing contracts will be modified to replace the discounted rate with a 

replacement rate. For accounting purposes, such contract modifications would have to be evaluated to determine whether 
the modified contract is a new contract or a continuation of an existing contract. If they are considered new contracts, the 
previous contract would be extinguished. Under one of the optional expedients of ASU 2020-04, modifications of 
contracts within the scope of Topic 310, receivables, and 470, Debt, will be accounted for by prospectively adjusting the 
effective interest rates and no such evaluation is required. When elected, the optional expedient for contract 

105 

modifications must be applied consistently for all eligible contracts or eligible transactions. The Company is in the 
process of evaluating the impact of this pronouncement of those financial assets and liabilities where LIBOR is used as 
an index rate. 

In December 2022, the FASB issued ASU 2022-06 Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848) Deferral of the Sunset 
Date of Topic 848. This amendment provides an update to defer the sunset date of Topic 848 from December 31, 2022, 
to December 31, 2024, after which all entities will no longer be permitted to apply the relief in Topic 848. 

NOTE 3 Business Combinations 

On December 18, 2020, the Company acquired Retirement Planning Services, Inc, or RPS, located in Littleton, 

Colorado for a total purchase price of $13.4 million, which included cash consideration of $9.8 million and an earn out 
liability of $3.6 million. As part of the transaction, $11.5 million was allocated to an identified customer intangible and 
$2.9 million to goodwill. The purchase consisted of approximately 1,000 retirement and health benefit administration 
plans, with more than 48,000 plan participants, 300 COBRA clients and 10,000 COBRA members and $1.3 billion in 
assets under administration/management. The purchased assets and assumed liabilities were recorded at their respective 
acquisition date estimate fair values indicated in the following table: 

(dollars in thousands) 
Assets 
Cash and cash equivalents 
Land premises and equipment, net 
Other intangible assets 
Other assets 
Total assets 

Liabilities 
Other liabilities 
Total liabilities 
Excess assets over liabilities 
Cash paid for RPS 

Total goodwill recorded 

As recorded by
RPS 

Fair Value 
Adjustments 

As recorded by
the Company 

$

$

513
16
99
304
932

1,418
1,418
(486)

$

$

 —  
 (16) 
 11,390  
 (38) 
 11,336  

 3,930  
 3,930  
 7,406  

$

$

513
—
11,489
266
12,268

5,348
5,348
6,920
9,792
2,872

On July 1, 2022, the Company acquired MPB BHC, Inc., the bank holding company for Metro Phoenix Bank 

located in Phoenix, Arizona, for a total purchase price of $64.0 million in a stock-for-stock transaction. The primary 
reasons for the acquisition were to expand the Company’s operations in the Phoenix MSA and grow the size of the 
Company’s business. As part of the transaction, $7.6 million was allocated to a customer deposit intangible and $15.1 
million to goodwill. The purchase consisted of $270.4 million in loans and $353.7 million in deposits. The purchased 

106 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
     
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
assets and assumed liabilities were recorded at their respective acquisition date estimate fair values indicated in the 
following table:  

(dollars in thousands) 
Assets 
Cash and cash equivalents 
Fed funds sold 
Core deposit intangible 
Loans 
Accrued interest receivable 
Other assets 
Total assets 

Liabilities 
Deposits 
Other liabilities 

Total liabilities 
Excess assets over liabilities 
Stock issued for MPB 

Total goodwill recorded 

As recorded by 

   Metro Phoenix Bank

   Preliminary Fair Value  As recorded by
     the Company

Adjustments 

$

$

101,819
18,936
—
273,843
1,091
3,342
399,031

354,529
673
355,202
43,829

$

$

 (123)  $
 —  
 7,592  
 (3,440) 
 —  
 188  
 4,217  

 (844) 
 —  
 (844) 
 5,061  

  $

101,696
18,936
7,592
270,403
1,091
3,530
403,248

353,685
673
354,358
48,890
64,019
15,129

NOTE 4 Restrictions on Cash and Due from Banks 

Banking regulators require bank subsidiaries to maintain minimum average reserve balances, either in the form 
of vault cash or reserve balances held with central banks or other financial institutions. There was no amount of required 
reserve balances at December 31, 2022 and 2021. In addition to vault cash, the Company held balances at the Federal 
Reserve Bank and other financial institutions of $28.0 million and $224.4 million at December 31, 2022 and 2021, 
respectively, to meet these requirements. The balances are included in cash and cash equivalents on the Consolidated 
Balance Sheets. 

NOTE 5 Investment Securities 

The following tables present amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses, and fair value of the available-

for-sale investment securities and held-to-maturity investment securities as of December 31, 2022 and 2021: 

(dollars in thousands) 
Available-for-sale 

U.S. Treasury and agencies 
Mortgage backed securities 
Residential agency 
Commercial 

Asset backed securities 
Corporate bonds 

Total available-for-sale investment securities 

Held-to-maturity 

Obligations of state and political agencies 
Mortgage backed securities 
Residential agency 

Total held-to-maturity investment securities 

Total investment securities 

December 31, 2022 

Amortized 
Cost 

  Unrealized 

Gains 

  Unrealized   
Losses 

Fair 
Value 

$

3,518

$

19

$ 

 (17) 

$

3,520

705,845
70,669
34
69,501
849,567

137,787

2
—   
—   
—   
21

 (118,168) 
 (7,111) 
 —  
 (6,968) 
 (132,264) 

587,679
63,558
34
62,533
717,324

—   

 (17,736) 

120,051

184,115
321,902
$ 1,171,469

$

—   
—  
$ 
21

 (33,254) 
 (50,990) 
 (183,254) 

$

150,861
270,912
988,236

107 

 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
(dollars in thousands) 
Available-for-sale 
U.S. Treasury and agencies 
Mortgage backed securities 
Residential agency 
Commercial 

Asset backed securities 
Corporate bonds 

Total available-for-sale investment securities 

Held-to-maturity 

Obligations of state and political agencies 
Mortgage backed securities 

Residential agency 

Total held-to-maturity investment securities 

Total investment securities 

December 31, 2021 

Amortized 
Cost 

  Unrealized 

Gains 

  Unrealized   
Losses 

Fair 
Value 

$

5,028

$

75

$ 

 —  

$

5,103

717,781
88,362
52
49,035
860,258

144,543

1,213
2,674
2
1,398
5,362

1,110

 (11,837) 
 (123) 
 —  
 (11) 
 (11,971) 

707,157
90,913
54
50,422
853,649

 (349) 

145,304

207,518
352,061
$ 1,212,319

$

—  

1,110
6,472

$ 

 (3,145) 
 (3,494) 
 (15,465) 

204,373
349,677
$ 1,203,326

On April 1, 2021, the Company transferred its state and political agencies debt securities portfolio, with a fair 

value of $149.2 million and a net unrealized gain of $1.3 million, from available-for-sale to held-to-maturity. 

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of investment securities at December 31, 2022, by contractual 

maturity are as follows: 

(dollars in thousands) 
Due within one year or less 
Due after one year through five years 
Due after five years through ten years 
Due after 10 years 

Total investment securities 

Held-to-maturity 

Available-for-sale 

Carrying 
Value 

6,554
40,317
69,992
205,039
321,902

$

$

Fair 
Value 

6,522
37,146
59,138
168,106
270,912

$

$

Amortized 
Cost 

$ 

$ 

 4   $

 21,256  
 87,961  
 740,346  
 849,567   $

Fair 
Value 

4
19,863
79,697
617,760
717,324

Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because issuers may have the right to call or prepay 

obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. 

Investment securities with a total carrying value of $260.7 million and $192.8 million, were pledged at 

December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, to secure public deposits and for other purposes required or permitted by 
law. 

Proceeds from the sale of available-for-sale securities for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020 

are displayed in the table below: 

(dollars in thousands) 
Proceeds 
Realized gains 
Realized losses 

2022 

$

Year ended  
December 31,  
2021 

— $ 
—   
—   

 13,189   $
 114  
 —  

2020 

75,647
2,737
—

108 

 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
    
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
    
    
 
Proceeds from the sale or call of held-to-maturity securities for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 

2020 are displayed in the table below: 

(dollars in thousands) 
Proceeds 
Realized gains 
Realized losses 

2022 

$

Year ended  
December 31,  
2021 

963
$ 
—   
—   

 1,772   $
 11  
 —  

2020 

—
—
—

During the year ended December 31, 2022, there were no sales of held-to-maturity securities. During the year 

ended December 31, 2021 the company sold one held-to-maturity security with an amortized cost of $330 thousand. 
Proceeds from the sale totaled $348 thousand, resulting in realized gains of $11 thousand. For this sale of a held-to-
maturity security, the Company received evidence of a significant deterioration of the issuer’s creditworthiness. There 
were no sales of held-to-maturity securities during the year ended December 31, 2020. 

Information pertaining to investment securities with gross unrealized losses that are not deemed to be 
other-than-temporarily impaired at December 31, 2022 and 2021 aggregated by investment category and length of time 
that individual investment securities have been in a continuous loss position, follows: 

(dollars in thousands) 
Available-for-sale  

U.S. Treasury and agencies 
Mortgage backed securities 
Residential agency 
Commercial 

Asset backed securities 
Corporate bonds 

Total available-for-sale investment securities 

Held-to-maturity 

Obligations of state and political agencies 
Mortgage backed securities 
Residential agency 

Total held-to-maturity investment securities 

Total investment securities 

Unrealized

Less than 12 Months 
Fair 
    Value 

    Losses 

December 31, 2022 
Over 12 Months 

Total 

Unrealized
Losses 

Fair 
    Value 

  Unrealized
      Losses 

Fair 
    Value 

$

(17) $

509

$

— $

 —   $ 

 (17) $

509

(10,457)
(4,835)
—
(4,452)
(19,761)

79,693
50,437
32
48,048
178,719

(107,711)
(2,276)
—
(2,516)
(112,503)

507,418  
13,120  
 2  
14,484  
535,024  

    (118,168)
 (7,111)
 —
 (6,968)
   (132,264)

587,111
63,557
34
62,532
713,743

(3,336)

18,788

(14,400)

98,762  

 (17,736)

117,550

(33,254)
(47,654)

150,861
268,411
$ (160,157) $ 784,647   $  (183,254) $ 982,154

 (33,254)
 (50,990)

150,861  
249,623  

—
(3,336)

—
18,788
$ (23,097) $ 197,507

109 

 
 
 
 
 
 
   
    
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
  
 
 
  
  
  
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
(dollars in thousands) 
Available-for-sale  

U.S. Treasury and agencies 
Mortgage backed securities 

Residential agency 
Commercial 

Asset backed securities 
Corporate bonds 

Total available-for-sale investment securities 

Held-to-maturity 

Obligations of state and political agencies 
Mortgage backed securities 
Residential agency 

Total held-to-maturity investment securities 

Total investment securities 

Unrealized

Less than 12 Months 
Fair 
Value 

    Losses 

December 31, 2021 
Over 12 Months 

Total 

Unrealized

    Losses 

Fair 
Value 

  Unrealized
      Losses 

Fair 
Value 

$

— $

— $

— $

 —   $ 

 — $

—

(10,156)
(123)
—
(11)
(10,290)

554,811
17,470
—
5,989
578,270

(1,681)
—
—
—
(1,681)

55,082  
 —  
 2  
 —  
55,084  

    (11,837)
 (123)
 —
 (11)
 (11,971)

609,893
17,470
2
5,989
633,354

(349)

53,210

—

 —  

 (349)

53,210

(3,145)
(3,494)
$ (13,784)

204,373
257,583
$ 835,853

$

—
—

 (3,145)
 (3,494)
(1,681) $ 55,084   $   (15,465)

 —  
 —  

204,373
257,583
$ 890,937

For all of the above investment securities, the unrealized losses were generally due to changes in interest rates 
and unrealized losses are considered to be temporary as the fair value is expected to recover as the securities approach 
maturity. The Company evaluates securities for other-than-temporary impairment, or OTTI, on a quarterly basis, at a 
minimum, and more frequently when economic or market concerns warrant such evaluation. In estimating OTTI losses, 
consideration is given to the severity and duration of the impairment; the financial condition and near-term prospects of 
the issuer, which for debt securities, considers external credit ratings and recent downgrades and the intent and ability of 
the Company to hold the security for a period of time sufficient for a recovery in value. 

For the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company did not believe any OTTI existed and therefore 

did not recognize any OTTI losses on its investment securities.  

As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the carrying value of the Company’s Federal Reserve Bank stock and 

FHLB stock was as follows: 

(dollars in thousands) 
Federal Reserve 
FHLB 

December 31,   
2022 

December 31, 
2021 

$ 

 4,595  
 19,362  

$

2,675
3,806

These securities can only be redeemed or sold at their par value and only to the respective issuing institution or 

to another member institution. Management considers these non-marketable equity securities to be long-term 
investments. Accordingly, when evaluating these securities for impairment, management considers the ultimate 
recoverability of the par value rather than recognizing temporary declines in value. 

Visa Class B Restricted Shares 

In 2008, the Company received Visa Class B restricted shares as part of Visa’s initial public offering. These 
shares are transferable only under limited circumstances until they can be converted into the publicly traded Class A 
common shares. This conversion will not occur until the settlement of certain litigation which will be indemnified by 
Visa members, including the Company. Visa funded an escrow account from its initial public offering to settle these 
litigation claims. Should this escrow account be insufficient to cover these litigation claims, Visa is entitled to fund 
additional amounts to the escrow account by reducing each member bank’s Class B conversion ratio to unrestricted 
Class A shares. As of December 31, 2022, the conversion ratio was 1.5991. Based on the existing transfer restriction and 
the uncertainty of the outcome of the Visa litigation mentioned above, the 6,924 Class B shares (11,702 Class A 
equivalents) that the Company owned as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, were carried at a zero cost basis. 

110 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
  
 
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
     
  
 
NOTE 6 Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses 

The following table presents total loans outstanding, by portfolio segment, as of December 31, 2022 and 2021: 

(dollars in thousands) 
Commercial 

Commercial and industrial (1)
Real estate construction 
Commercial real estate 
Total commercial 

Consumer 

Residential real estate first mortgage 
Residential real estate junior lien 
Other revolving and installment 

Total consumer 
Total loans 

    December 31,     December 31, 

2022 

2021 

  $ 

 583,876  $
 97,810 
 881,670 
    1,563,356 

436,761
40,619
598,893
1,076,273

 679,551 
 150,479 
 50,608 
 880,638 

510,716
125,668
45,363
681,747
  $  2,443,994  $ 1,758,020

(1) 

Includes PPP loans of $737 thousand at December 31, 2022 and $33.6 million at December 31, 2021. 

Total loans include net deferred loan fees and costs of $919 thousand and $231 thousand at December 31, 2022 

and 2021, respectively. Deferred loan fees on PPP loans were zero at December 31, 2022 and $881 thousand at 
December 31, 2021. Unearned discounts associated with the acquisition of Metro Phoenix Bank totaled $7.1 million as 
of December 31, 2022. 

As part of the acquisition of Metro Phoenix Bank, the Company acquired loans that displayed evidence of 

deterioration of credit quality since origination and which was probable that all contractually required payments would 
not be collected. The carrying amounts and contractually required payments of these loans which are included in the loan 
balances above are summarized in the following table: 

(dollars in thousands) 
Real estate construction 
Outstanding balance 
Carrying amount 

Allowance for loan losses 
Carrying amount, net of allowance for loan losses 

Accretable yield, or income expected to be collected, is shown in the table below: 

(dollars in thousands) 
Beginning balance 

New loans purchased 
Accretion of income 

Ending balance 

December 31,  
2022 

For the year ended 
December 31,  
2022 

440
440
262
97
165

—
225
(48)
177

    $ 

  $ 

    $ 

  $ 

Management monitors the credit quality of its loan portfolio on an ongoing basis. Measurement of delinquency 

and past due status are based on the contractual terms of each loan. Past due loans are reviewed regularly to identify 
loans for nonaccrual status. 

111 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
    
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
The following tables present past due aging analysis of total loans outstanding, by portfolio segment, as of 

December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively: 

(dollars in thousands) 
Commercial 

Commercial and industrial 
Real estate construction 
Commercial real estate 
Total commercial 

Consumer 

Residential real estate first mortgage 
Residential real estate junior lien 
Other revolving and installment 

Total consumer 
Total loans 

(dollars in thousands) 
Commercial 

Commercial and industrial 
Real estate construction 
Commercial real estate 
Total commercial 

Consumer 

Residential real estate first mortgage 
Residential real estate junior lien 
Other revolving and installment 

Total consumer 
Total loans 

Accruing 
Current 

30 - 89 Days  
Past Due 

December 31, 2022 
90 Days 
or More 
Past Due 

      Nonaccrual      

Total 
Loans 

$

580,288
97,370
879,830
1,557,488

677,471
149,918
50,360
877,749
$ 2,435,237

$

$

2,426
—
368
2,794

1,545
377
247
2,169
4,963

$

$

—  
—  
—  
—  

—  
—  
—  
—  
—  

$ 

$ 

 1,162  
 440  
 1,472  
 3,074  

 535  
 184  
 1  
 720  
 3,794  

$

583,876
97,810
881,670
1,563,356

679,551
150,479
50,608
880,638
$ 2,443,994

Accruing 
Current 

30 - 89 Days  
Past Due 

December 31, 2021 
90 Days 
or More 
Past Due 

      Nonaccrual      

Total 
Loans 

$

435,135
40,619
598,264
1,074,018

508,925
125,412
45,242
679,579
$ 1,753,597

$

$

168
—
—
168

1,770
167
121
2,058
2,226

$

$

121  
—  
—  
121  

—  
—  
—  
—  
121  

$ 

$ 

 1,337  
 —  
 629  
 1,966  

 21  
 89  
 —  
 110  
 2,076  

$

436,761
40,619
598,893
1,076,273

510,716
125,668
45,363
681,747
$ 1,758,020

The Company’s consumer loan portfolio is primarily comprised of both secured and unsecured loans that are 
relatively small and are evaluated at origination on a centralized basis against standardized underwriting criteria. The 
Company generally does not risk rate consumer loans unless a default event such as bankruptcy or extended 
nonperformance takes place. Credit quality for the consumer loan portfolio is measured by delinquency rates, nonaccrual 
amounts, and actual losses incurred. 

The Company assigns a risk rating to all commercial loans, except pools of homogeneous loans, and 
periodically performs detailed internal and external reviews of risk rated loans over a certain threshold to identify credit 
risks and to assess the overall collectability of the portfolio. These risk ratings are also subject to examination by the 
Company’s regulators. During the internal reviews, management monitors and analyzes the financial condition of 
borrowers and guarantors, trends in the industries in which the borrowers operate, and the estimated fair values of 
collateral securing the loans. These credit quality indicators are used to assign a risk rating to each individual loan. 

The Company’s ratings are aligned to pass and criticized categories. The criticized category includes special 

mention, substandard, and doubtful risk ratings. The risk ratings are defined as follows: 

Pass: A pass loan is a credit with no existing or known potential weaknesses deserving of management’s close 

attention. 

Special Mention: Loans classified as special mention have a potential weakness that deserves management’s 

close attention. If left uncorrected, this potential weakness may result in deterioration of the repayment prospects for the 

112 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
    
    
 
 
   
 
     
 
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
    
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
    
    
 
 
  
  
   
 
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
   
 
  
  
  
  
 
loan or of the Company’s credit position at some future date. Special mention loans are not adversely classified and do 
not expose the Company to sufficient risk to warrant adverse classification. 

Substandard: Loans classified as substandard are not adequately protected by the current net worth and paying 

capacity of the borrower or of the collateral pledged, if any. Loans classified as substandard have a well-defined 
weakness or weaknesses that jeopardize the repayment of the debt. Well-defined weaknesses include a borrower’s lack 
of marketability, inadequate cash flow or collateral support, failure to complete construction on time, or the failure to 
fulfill economic expectations. They are characterized by the distinct possibility that the Company will sustain some loss 
if the deficiencies are not corrected. 

Doubtful: Loans classified as doubtful have all the weaknesses inherent in those classified as substandard, with 
the added characteristic that the weaknesses make collection or repayment in full, on the basis of currently existing facts, 
conditions, and values, highly questionable and improbable. 

Loss: Loans classified as loss are considered uncollectible and charged off immediately. 

The tables below present total loans outstanding, by portfolio segment and risk category, as of 

December 31, 2022 and 2021: 

(dollars in thousands) 
Commercial 

Commercial and industrial 
Real estate construction 
Commercial real estate 
Total commercial 

Consumer 

Residential real estate first mortgage 
Residential real estate junior lien 
Other revolving and installment 

Total consumer 
Total loans 

(dollars in thousands) 
Commercial 

Commercial and industrial 
Real estate construction 
Commercial real estate 
Total commercial 

Consumer 

Residential real estate first mortgage 
Residential real estate junior lien 
Other revolving and installment 

Total consumer 
Total loans 

December 31, 2022 
Criticized 

Pass 

Special 
    Mention 

    Substandard       Doubtful 

Total 

$

558,694
97,548
873,270
1,529,512

678,743
149,847
50,607
879,197
$ 2,408,709

$ 21,969
—
—
21,969

63
—
—
63
$ 22,032

$

$

3,213   $ 
262  
8,400  
11,875  

745  
632  
 1  
1,378  
13,253   $ 

 — 
 — 
 — 
 — 

 — 
 — 
 — 
 — 
 — 

$

583,876
97,810
881,670
1,563,356

679,551
150,479
50,608
880,638
$ 2,443,994

December 31, 2021 
Criticized 

Pass 

Special 
    Mention 

    Substandard       Doubtful 

Total 

$

430,235
40,619
585,291
1,056,145

510,375
124,898
45,363
680,636
$ 1,736,781

$

$

480
—
—
480

—
—
—
—
480

$

$

6,046   $ 
—  
13,602  
19,648  

341  
770  
—  
1,111  
20,759   $ 

 — 
 — 
 — 
 — 

 — 
 — 
 — 
 — 
 — 

$

436,761
40,619
598,893
1,076,273

510,716
125,668
45,363
681,747
$ 1,758,020

The adequacy of the allowance for loan losses is assessed at the end of each quarter. The allowance for loan 

losses includes a specific component related to loans that are individually evaluated for impairment and a general 
component related to loans that are segregated into homogeneous pool and collectively evaluated for impairment. The 
factors applied to these pools are an estimate of probable incurred losses based on management’s evaluation of historical 
net losses from loans with similar characteristics, which are adjusted by management to reflect current events, trends, 
and conditions. The adjustments include consideration of the following: changes in lending policies and procedures, 

113 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
    
 
  
 
  
  
 
 
 
   
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
    
 
  
 
  
  
 
 
 
   
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
economic conditions, nature and volume of the portfolio, experience of lending management, volume and severity of 
past due loans, quality of the loan review system, value of underlying collateral for collateral dependent loans, 
concentrations, and other external factors. 

The following tables present, by loan portfolio segment, a summary of the changes in the allowance for loan 

losses for the three years ending December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020: 

(dollars in thousands) 
Commercial 

Commercial and industrial 
Real estate construction 
Commercial real estate 
Total commercial 

Consumer 

Residential real estate first mortgage 
Residential real estate junior lien 
Other revolving and installment 

Total consumer 

Unallocated 

Total 

(dollars in thousands) 
Commercial 

Commercial and industrial 
Real estate construction 
Commercial real estate 
Total commercial 

Consumer 

Residential real estate first mortgage 
Residential real estate junior lien 
Other revolving and installment 

Total consumer 

Unallocated 

Total 

(dollars in thousands) 
Commercial 

Commercial and industrial 
Real estate construction 
Commercial real estate 
Total commercial 

Consumer 

Residential real estate first mortgage 
Residential real estate junior lien 
Other revolving and installment 

Total consumer 

Unallocated 

Total 

Beginning
     Balance 

$

8,925
783
12,376
22,084

6,532
1,295
481
8,308
1,180
$ 31,572

Beginning
     Balance 

Year ended December 31, 2022 
Loan 

Provision for

Ending 
     Loan Losses      Charge-offs       Recoveries      Balance 

Loan 

$

1,168
587
178
1,933

$

(1,396)  $ 
 —  
 —  
(1,396) 

 461
 76
 134
 671

(763)
(288)
30
(1,021)
(912)

$

— $

 —  
 —  
(153) 
(153) 
 —  
(1,549)  $ 

 —
 282
 170
 452
 —
 1,123

$

9,158
1,446
12,688
23,292

5,769
1,289
528
7,586
268
$ 31,146

Year ended December 31, 2021 
Loan 

Provision for

Ending 
     Loan Losses      Charge-offs       Recoveries      Balance 

Loan 

$ 10,205
658
14,105
24,968

5,774
1,373
753
7,900
1,378
$ 34,246

$

$

(1,710)
125
(2,015)
(3,600)

758
(201)
(259)
298
(198)
(3,500)

$

$

(1,230)  $ 
 —  
(536) 
(1,766) 

 —  
 —  
(156) 
(156) 
 —  
(1,922)  $ 

 1,660
 —
 822
 2,482

 —
 123
 143
 266
 —
 2,748

$

8,925
783
12,376
22,084

6,532
1,295
481
8,308
1,180
$ 31,572

Beginning
     Balance 

Year ended December 31, 2020 
Loan 

Provision for

Ending 
     Loan Losses      Charge-offs       Recoveries      Balance 

Loan 

$ 12,270
303
6,688
19,261

1,448
671
352
2,471
2,192
$ 23,924

$

$

(2,168)
355
8,185
6,372

4,321
507
514
5,342
(814)
10,900

$

$

(4,249)  $ 
 —  
(865) 
(5,114) 

 —  
 (12) 
(242) 
(254) 
 —  
(5,368)  $ 

 4,352
 —
 97
 4,449

 5
 207
 129
 341
 —
 4,790

$ 10,205
658
14,105
24,968

5,774
1,373
753
7,900
1,378
$ 34,246

114 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
  
 
 
  
  
  
 
   
  
 
 
  
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
  
 
 
  
  
  
 
 
   
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
The following tables present the recorded investment in loans and related allowance for the loan losses, by 

portfolio segment, disaggregated on the basis of the Company’s impairment methodology, as of December 31, 2022 and 
2021: 

(dollars in thousands) 
Commercial 

Commercial and industrial 
Real estate construction 
Commercial real estate 
Total commercial 

Consumer 

Residential real estate first mortgage 
Residential real estate junior lien 
Other revolving and installment 

Total consumer 

Unallocated 

Total loans 

(dollars in thousands) 
Commercial 

Commercial and industrial 
Real estate construction 
Commercial real estate 
Total commercial 

Consumer 

Residential real estate first mortgage 
Residential real estate junior lien 
Other revolving and installment 

Total consumer 

Unallocated 

Total loans 

Recorded Investment 
Collectively
     Evaluated     Evaluated 

Individually

Allowance for Loan Losses 

Individually  Collectively

Total 

    Evaluated        Evaluated     Total 

December 31, 2022 

  $

  $

1,313
262
1,472
3,047

535
184
1
720
—
3,767

$

582,563
97,548
880,198
1,560,309

$

583,876
97,810
881,670
1,563,356

$

 275   $ 

 97  
 582  
 954  

 8,883
 1,349
 12,106
 22,338

679,016
150,295
50,607
879,918
—
$ 2,440,227

679,551
150,479
50,608
880,638
—
$ 2,443,994

$

 —  
 —  
 —  
 —  
 —  

 5,769
 1,289
 528
 7,586
 —
 954   $   29,924

$

9,158
1,446
12,688
23,292

5,769
1,289
528
7,586
268
$ 31,146

Recorded Investment 
Collectively
     Evaluated     Evaluated 

Individually

Allowance for Loan Losses 

Individually  Collectively

Total 

    Evaluated        Evaluated     Total 

December 31, 2021 

  $

  $

1,831
—
809
2,640

21
91
—
112
—
2,752

$

434,930
40,619
598,084
1,073,633

$

436,761
40,619
598,893
1,076,273

$

 278   $ 

 —  
 5  
 283  

 8,647
 783
 12,371
 21,801

510,695
125,577
45,363
681,635
—
$ 1,755,268

510,716
125,668
45,363
681,747
—
$ 1,758,020

$

 —  
 —  
 —  
 —  
 —  

 6,532
 1,295
 481
 8,308
 —
 283   $   30,109

$

8,925
783
12,376
22,084

6,532
1,295
481
8,308
1,180
$ 31,572

115 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The tables below summarize key information on impaired loans. These impaired loans may have estimated 

losses which are included in the allowance for loan losses. 

(dollars in thousands) 
Impaired loans with a valuation allowance 

Commercial and industrial 
Real estate construction 
Commercial real estate 
Residential real estate junior lien 
Other revolving and installment

Total impaired loans with a valuation allowance

Impaired loans without a valuation allowance 

Commercial and industrial 
Real estate construction 
Commercial real estate 
Residential real estate first mortgage 
Residential real estate junior lien 
Other revolving and installment

Total impaired loans without a valuation allowance

Total impaired loans 

Commercial and industrial 
Real estate construction 
Commercial real estate 
Residential real estate first mortgage 
Residential real estate junior lien 
Other revolving and installment

Total impaired loans 

December 31, 2022 
Unpaid 

Recorded

Related 
    Investment     Principal     Allowance    Investment     Principal     Allowance

  Recorded   Unpaid 

Related 

December 31, 2021 

$

$

675
262
896
—
—
1,833

638
—
576
535
184
1
1,934

1,313
262
1,472
535
184
1
3,767

$

711
440
900
—
—
2,051

767
—
660
573
218
1
2,219

1,478
440
1,560
573
218
1
$ 4,270

$

$

275
97
582
—
—
954

—
—
—
—
—
—
—

275
97
582
—
—
—
954

$

$

 445   $ 
 —  
 180  
 —  
 —  
 625  

 464
 —
 203
 —
 —
 667

 1,386  
 —  
 629  
 21  
 91  
 —  
 2,127  

 1,575
 —
 684
 24
 120
 —
 2,403

 1,831  
 —  
 809  
 21  
 91  
 —  

 2,039
 —
 887
 24
 120
 —
$  2,752   $   3,070

$

278
—
5
—
—
283

—
—
—
—
—
—
—

278
—
5
—
—
—
283

116 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
      
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
   
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
  
 
The table below presents the average recorded investment in impaired loans and interest income for the 

three years ending December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020: 

2022 

Year Ended December 31,  
2021 

2020 

(dollars in thousands) 
Impaired loans with a valuation allowance 

Commercial and industrial 
Real estate construction 
Commercial real estate 
Residential real estate junior lien 
Other revolving and installment

Total impaired loans with a valuation allowance

Impaired loans without a valuation allowance 

Commercial and industrial 
Real estate construction 
Commercial real estate 
Residential real estate first mortgage 
Residential real estate junior lien 
Other revolving and installment

Total impaired loans without a valuation allowance

Total impaired loans 

Commercial and industrial 
Real estate construction 
Commercial real estate 
Residential real estate first mortgage 
Residential real estate junior lien 
Other revolving and installment

Total impaired loans 

Average 
Recorded  

Interest
    Investment     Income      Investment     Income       Investment     Income

Interest    Recorded  

Interest   Recorded  

Average 

  Average 

$

$

722
442
935
—
—
2,099

707
—
618
575
191
1
2,092

1,429
442
1,553
575
191
1
4,191

$

$

13
—
—
—
—
13

—
—
—
—
—
—
—

13
—
—
—
—
—
13

$

$

1,988
—
672
23
98
1
2,782

2,505
—
859
23
98
1
3,486

$ 

517
—
187
—  
—  
704

 13   $ 
 —  
 7  
 —  
 —  
 20  

 765
—
 3,972
19
28
 4,784

 4,151
—
 1,614
 461
 234
—
 6,460

 20  
 —  
 —  
 —  
 —  
 —  
 20  

 4,916
 33  
—
 —  
 5,586
 7  
 461
 —  
 253
 —  
28
 —  
 40   $   11,244

$ 

$

$

14
—
138
—
—
152

25
—
—
—
3
—
28

39
—
138
—
3
—
180

Loans with a carrying value of $1.5 billion and $1.2 billion were pledged at December 31, 2022 and 2021, 

respectively, to secure FHLB borrowings, public deposits, and for other purposes required or permitted by law. 

Under certain circumstances, the Company will provide borrowers relief through loan restructurings. A 

restructuring of debt constitutes a troubled debt restructuring, or TDR, if the Company, for economic or legal reasons 
related to the borrower’s financial difficulties, grants a concession to the borrower that it would not otherwise consider. 
TDR concessions can include reduction of interest rates, extension of maturity dates, forgiveness of principal or interest 
due, or acceptance of other assets in full or partial satisfaction of the debt. 

During the year December 31, 2022, there were no loans modified as a TDR. 

During the second quarter of 2021, there were three loans modified as TDRs as a result of changing the terms 

allowing for interest rate reductions and an extension of the maturity dates. As of December 31, 2021, the carrying value 
of the restructured loans was $701 thousand. The loans are not currently performing in compliance with the modified 
terms and were placed on nonaccrual. There was no specific reserve for loan losses allocated to the loan modified as a 
TDR.  

Consistent with regulatory guidance urging banks to work with borrowers during the COVID-19 pandemic, the 

Company offered a payment deferral program for its lending clients that were adversely affected by the COVID-19 
pandemic. These deferrals were generally no more than 90 days in duration and were not considered TDRs in 
accordance with the Interagency Statement on Loan Modifications and Reporting for Financial Institutions as issued on 
April 7, 2020.  

For the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company entered into no new modifications and as of 
December 31, 2022, only one loan with a total outstanding principal balance of $268 thousand remained on deferral.  

117 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
      
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As of December 31, 2021, 6 loans with a total outstanding principal balance of $3.3 million had been granted 

second deferrals, 2 loans with a total outstanding principal balance of $72 thousand remained on the first deferral and the 
remaining loans have been returned to a normal payment status.  

As an SBA-Certified Preferred lender, we were delegated the authority as part of the CARES Act to make PPP 

SBA-guaranteed financing available to eligible borrowers. As of December 31, 2021, we had assisted 2,454 new and 
existing clients secure approximately $474.2 million of PPP financing. The SBA pays a processing fee based on the 
balance of the financing outstanding at the time of final disbursement. The processing fees were as follows: five percent 
for loans of not more than $350 thousand, three percent for loans of more than $350 thousand and less than $2 million, 
and one percent for loans of at least $2 million. Net processing fees in the amount of $15.7 million were being deferred 
and recognized as interest income on a level yield method of the life of the represented loans. At December 31, 2022, the 
Company recognized all of the net processing fees. 

The Company does not have material commitments to lend additional funds to borrowers with loans whose 

terms have been modified in TDRs or whose loans are on nonaccrual. 

NOTE 7 Land, Premises and Equipment, Net 

Components of land, premises and equipment at December 31, 2022 and 2021 were as follows: 

(dollars in thousands) 
Land 
Buildings and improvements 
Leasehold improvements 
Furniture, fixtures, and equipment 

Less accumulated depreciation 

Total 

  December 31,  December 31, 

2022 

 4,542  $
 26,625 
 2,657 
 36,013 
 69,837 
 (52,549)
 17,288  $

  $ 

  $ 

2021 

4,542
25,633
2,657
35,063
67,895
(49,525)
18,370

Depreciation expense for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020 amounted to $3.0 million, 

$3.6 million, and $3.9 million, respectively. 

NOTE 8 Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets 

As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, goodwill totaled $47.1 million and $31.5 million, respectively. 

The following table summarizes the carrying amounts of goodwill, by segment, as of December 31, 2022 and 

2021: 

(dollars in thousands) 
Banking (1) 
Retirement and benefit services 

Total goodwill 

  December 31,  December 31, 

2022 
 35,260  $
 11,827 
 47,087  $

2021 

20,131
11,359
31,490

  $ 

  $ 

(1) 

Goodwill increases consisted of the Metro Phoenix Bank acquisition purchase accounting adjustments, where were finalized in the fourth 
quarter of 2022. 

118 

 
 
 
 
 
     
    
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
    
 
 
 
 
The gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization for each type of identifiable intangible asset are as 

follows: 

December 31, 2022 

December 31, 2021 

(dollars in thousands) 
Identifiable customer intangibles 
Core deposit intangible assets 

Total intangible assets 

Gross 
Carrying 
Amount      

$ 41,423
7,592
$ 49,015

Accumulated 
Amortization     Total 
$

(25,927) $ 15,496
6,959
(26,560) $ 22,455

(633)

$

Gross 
Carrying 
Amount       
$ 42,057   $ 

 —  

$ 42,057   $ 

Accumulated 
Amortization     Total 

 (21,807) $ 20,250
—
 (21,807) $ 20,250

 —

Aggregate amortization expense for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020 was $4.8 million, 

$4.4 million, and $4.0 million, respectively. 

Estimated aggregate amortization expense for future years is as follows: 

(dollars in thousands) 
2023 
2024 
2025 
2026 
2027 
Thereafter  
Total  

NOTE 9 Loan Servicing 

Amount 

5,297
5,043
3,904
2,275
2,275
3,661
22,455

$

$

Loans serviced for others are not included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The unpaid 

principal balances of loans serviced for others totaled $357.2 million and $345.8 million at December 31, 2022 and 
2021, respectively. Servicing loans for others generally consists of collecting mortgage payments, maintaining escrow 
accounts, disbursing payments to investors and collection and foreclosure processing. Loan servicing income is recorded 
on an accrual basis and includes servicing fees from investors and certain charges collected from borrowers, such as late 
payment fees, and is net of fair value adjustments to capitalized mortgage servicing rights. 

The following table summarizes the Company’s activity related to servicing rights for the years ended 

December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020: 

(dollars in thousands) 
Balance, beginning of period 
Additions 
Amortization 
(Impairment)/Recovery 

Balance, end of period 

Year ended  
December 31,  
2021 

2022 

$

$

1,880   $ 
622  
(524)  
665  
2,643   $ 

 1,987 
 225 
 (745)
 413 
 1,880 

$

$

2020 

3,845
178
(922)
(1,114)
1,987

The following is a summary of key data and assumptions used in the valuation of servicing rights as of 
December 31, 2022 and 2021. Increases or decreases in any one of these assumptions would result in lower or higher fair 
value measurements. 

(dollars in thousands) 
Fair value of servicing rights 
Weighted-average remaining term, years 
Prepayment speeds 
Discount rate 

    December 31,       December 31,   

2022 

2021 

$ 

$

 2,643  
 20.5  
 6.9 %  
 10.5 %  

1,880
20.3
14.2 %
9.5 %

119 

 
 
 
 
 
    
    
 
 
 
 
 
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
 
 
    
     
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
 
NOTE 10 Leases 

A lease is defined as a contract, or part of a contract, that conveys the right to control the use of identified 

property, plant or equipment for a period of time in exchange for consideration. Substantially all the leases in which the 
Company is the lessee are comprised of real estate property for branches, and office equipment rentals with terms 
extending through 2032. We do not have any material subleased properties. Substantially all of the Company’s leases are 
classified as operating leases. The Company made a policy election to exclude the recognition requirements of Topic 
842 to all leases with original terms of 12 months or less. Instead, the short-term lease payments are recognized in 
income or expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term.  

The following table presents the classification of the Company’s ROU assets and lease liabilities on the 

consolidated financial statements. 

(dollars in thousands) 
Lease Right-of-Use Assets 
Operating lease right-of-use assets 
Finance lease right-of-use assets 
Total lease right-of-use assets 

Lease Liabilities 
Operating lease liabilities 
Finance lease liabilities 
Total lease liabilities 

Classification 
Operating lease right-of-use assets
Land, premises and equipment, net

Operating lease liabilities
Long-term debt

      December 31,         December 31,  

2022 

2021 

$

$

$

$

 5,419  
 —  
 5,419  

 5,902  
 —  
 5,902  

$

$

$

$

3,727
87
3,814

4,275
203
4,478

The calculated amount of the ROU assets and lease liabilities in the table above are impacted by the length of 

the lease term and the discount rates used to calculate the present value of the minimum lease payments. The Company’s 
lease agreements often include one or more options to renew at the Company’s discretion. If at lease inception, the 
Company considers the exercising of a renewal option to be reasonably certain, the Company will include the extended 
term in the calculation of the ROU asset and lease liability. Regarding the discount rate, Topic 842 requires the use of 
the rate implicit in the lease whenever the rate is readily determinable. As this rate is rarely determinable, the Company 
utilizes its incremental borrowing rate at lease inception, on a collateralized basis, over a similar term. For the 
Company’s only finance lease, the Company utilized its incremental borrowing rate at lease inception. 

Weighted-average remaining lease term, years 
Operating leases 
Finance leases 
Weighted-average discount rate 
Operating leases 
Finance leases 

  December 31, 
2022 

  December 31,   
2021 

 5.0  
 —  

 3.1 % 
 — % 

3.4
0.8

2.5 %
7.8 %

As the Company elected, for all classes of underlying assets, not to separate lease and non-lease components 

and instead to account for them as a single lease component, the variable lease cost primarily represents variable 
payments such as common area maintenance utilities. Variable lease cost also includes payments for usage or 
maintenance of those capitalized equipment operating leases. 

120 

 
 
 
 
     
     
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
     
 
 
 
 
 
The following table presents lease costs and other lease information for the years ending December 31, 2022, 

2021 and 2020:  

(dollars in thousands) 
Lease costs 

Operating lease cost 
Variable lease cost 
Short-term lease cost 
Finance lease cost 

Interest on lease liabilities 
Amortization of right-of-use assets 

Sublease income 
Net lease cost 
Other information 

Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities operating cash 
flows from operating leases 

Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities

Year ended  
December 31,  
2021 

2020 

2022 

$

$

$

1,799   $ 
899  
217  

 1,827
 823
 181

 7  
 87  
(238) 
2,771   $ 

 25
 116
 (228)
 2,744

1,706   $ 
4,266  

 1,763
 267

$

$

$
$

2,457
1,170
395

42
116
(228)
3,952

2,432
1,555

Future minimum payments for leases with initial or remaining terms of one year or more as of 

December 31, 2022 are as follows: 

(dollars in thousands) 
Twelve months ended 
2023 
2024 
2025 
2026 
2027 
Thereafter 

Total future minimum lease payments 

Amounts representing interest 

Total operating lease liabilities 

NOTE 11 Other Assets 

Operating 
Leases 

  $

  $

  $

1,987
1,236
1,118
936
385
854
6,516
(614)
5,902

Other assets on the balance sheet consisted of the following balances at December 31, 2022 and 2021: 

(dollars in thousands) 
Federal Reserve Bank stock 
Foreclosed assets 
Prepaid expenses 
Investments in partnerships 
Trust fees accrued/receivable 
Income tax refund receivable 
Federal Home Loan Bank stock 
Derivative instruments 
Tax credit investments 
Other assets 
Total 

  December 31,  December 31, 

2022 

2021 

  $ 

  $ 

 4,595  $
 30 
 6,770 
 14 
 14,684 
 2,856 
 19,362 
 6,333 
 17,642 
 3,426 
 75,712  $

2,675
885
5,325
14
14,680
1,146
3,806
3,382
7,906
2,889
42,708

121 

 
 
 
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
   
  
 
 
  
  
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
    
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
NOTE 12 Deposits 

The components of deposits in the consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2022 and 2021 were as follows: 

(dollars in thousands) 
Noninterest-bearing  
Interest-bearing 

Interest-bearing demand 
Savings accounts 
Money market savings 
Time deposits 

Total interest-bearing 

Total deposits 

  December 31,  December 31, 

2022 
 860,987  $

2021 
938,840

  $ 

 706,275 
 99,882 
    1,035,981 
 212,359 
    2,054,497 

714,669
96,825
937,305
232,912
1,981,711
  $  2,915,484  $ 2,920,551

The aggregate amount of deposit overdrafts included as loans were $202 thousand and $2.9 million at 

December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. 

Certificates of deposit in excess of $250,000 totaled $51.1 million and $91.5 million at December 31, 2022 and 

2021, respectively. 

At December 31, 2022, the scheduled maturities of certificates of deposit were as follows: 

(dollars in thousands) 
2023 
2024 
2025 
2026 
2027 
Thereafter 
Total 

     Amount 
$ 169,062
22,854
4,802
10,663
1,833
3,145
$ 212,359

NOTE 13 Short-Term Borrowings 

Short-term borrowings at December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020 consisted of the following: 

(dollars in thousands) 
Fed funds purchased 

Balance as of end of period 
Average daily balance 
Maximum month-end balance 
Weighted-average rate 

During period 
End of period 
FHLB Short-term advances 

Balance as of end of period 
Average daily balance 
Maximum month-end balance 
Weighted-average rate 

During period 
End of period 

Year ended  
December 31,  
2021 

2020 

2022 

$ 

$ 153,080  
63,296  
251,880  

2.46 %   
4.26 %   

$ 

$ 225,000  
89,932  
225,000  

$

 —  
 3  
 —  

 — %  
 — %

$

 —  
 —  
 —  

3.10 %   
4.31 %   

 — %
 — %

—
80
—

— %
— %

—
—
—

— %
— %

The Company had outstanding credit capacity with the FHLB of $531.6 million and $677.4 million at 
December 31, 2022 and 2021 respectively, secured by pledged loans and investment securities. The Company also had 
$87.0 million of unsecured federal funds agreements with correspondent banks with no outstanding balances at 

122 

 
 
 
 
 
    
   
 
  
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
     
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2022 and 2021. The Company has an unused $15.0 million unsecured line of credit with Bank of North 
Dakota. 

NOTE 14 Long-Term Debt 

Long-term debt at December 31, 2022 and 2021 consisted of the following: 

December 31, 2022 

(dollars in thousands) 
Subordinated notes payable 
Junior subordinated debenture (Trust I) 

Junior subordinated debenture (Trust II) 

Total long-term debt 

Face 
      Value 
  $  50,000

  Carrying  
     Value 

Interest Rate 

$ 50,000   Fixed

4,124

3,537

   6,186
  $  60,310

5,306
$ 58,843

Three-month 
LIBOR + 3.10%
Three-month 
LIBOR + 1.80%

Period End 
Interest 
Rate 

  Maturity  

     Call Date
 3.50 %  3/30/2031 3/31/2026

Date 

 7.82 %  6/26/2033 6/26/2008

 6.57 %  9/15/2036 9/15/2011

(dollars in thousands) 
Subordinated notes payable 
Junior subordinated debenture (Trust I) 

Junior subordinated debenture (Trust II) 

Finance lease liability 

Total long-term debt 

Face 
      Value 
  $ 50,000

  Carrying  
     Value 
$ 50,000

   4,124

3,492

   6,186
   2,700
  $ 63,010

5,238
203
$ 58,933

Fixed
Three-month 
LIBOR + 3.10%
Three-month 
LIBOR + 1.80%
Fixed

December 31, 2021 

Period End  
Interest 

  Maturity   

Interest Rate 

     Rate 

Date 

 3.50 %   3/30/2031

     Call Date
3/31/2026

 3.32 %   6/26/2033

6/26/2008

 2.00 %   9/15/2036
 7.81 %  10/31/2022

9/15/2011
N/A

NOTE 15 Financial Instruments with Off-Balance Sheet Risk 

In the normal course of business, the Company has outstanding commitment and contingent liabilities, such as 

commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit, which are not included in the accompanying consolidated 
financial statements. The Company’s exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to the 
financial instruments for commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit is represented by the contractual or 
notional amount of those instruments. The Company uses the same credit policies in making such commitments as it 
does for instruments that are included in the statements of financial condition. 

At December 31, 2022 and 2021, the following financial instruments whose contract amount represents credit 

risk were approximately as follows: 

(dollars in thousands) 
Commitments to extend credit 
Standby letters of credit 

Total 

December 31,   December 31, 

2022 
 806,431  
 13,089  
 819,520  

$ 

$ 

$

$

2021 
668,115
10,529
678,644

At December 31, 2022 the Company had no outstanding letters of credit with the FHLB. At 

December 31, 2021, the Company had a $150 thousand letter of credit with the FHLB. Bank of North Dakota letters of 
credit are collateralized by loans pledged to the Bank of North Dakota in the amount of $215.5 million and 
$229.7 million at December 31, 2022, and 2021, respectively. The Company had no outstanding letters of credit with the 
Bank of North Dakota at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. 

123 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
    
     
 
 
 
 
 
    
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
     
 
 
 
 
     
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
    
  
 
 
 
Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a client 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 expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total 
commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. The Company evaluates each client’s 
creditworthiness on a case by case basis. The amount of collateral obtained, if deemed necessary by the Company upon 
extension of credit, is based on management’s credit evaluation. Collateral held varies but may include accounts 
receivable, inventory, property and equipment, and income producing commercial properties. 

The Company was not required to perform on any financial guarantees and did not incur any losses on its 

commitments during the past two years. 

NOTE 16 Legal Contingencies 

The Company may be subject to claims and lawsuits which may arise primarily in the ordinary course of 
business. It is the opinion of management that the disposition or ultimate resolution of these claims and lawsuits is 
currently not expected to have a material adverse effect on the financial position of the Company. 

NOTE 17 Share-Based Compensation Plan 

On May 6, 2019, the Company’s stockholders approved the Alerus Financial Corporation 2019 Equity 

Incentive Plan. This plan allows the compensation committee the ability to grant a wide variety of equity awards, 
including stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, and cash incentive awards in 
such forms and amounts as it deems appropriate to accomplish the goals of the plan. Any shares subject to an award that 
is cancelled, forfeited, or expires prior to exercise or realization, either in full or in part, shall again become available for 
issuance under the plan. However, shares subject to an award shall not again be made available for issuance or delivery 
under the plan if such shares are (a) tendered in payment of the exercise price of a stock option, (b) delivered to, or 
withheld by, the Company to satisfy any tax withholding obligation, or (c) covered by a stock-settled stock appreciation 
right or other awards that were not issued upon the settlement of the award. Shares vest, become exercisable and contain 
such other terms and conditions as determined by the compensation committee and set forth in individual agreements 
with the participant receiving the award. The plan authorizes the issuance of up to 1,100,000 shares of common stock. 
As of December 31, 2022, 922,010 shares of common stock are still available for issue under the plan. 

Amounts granted under the plans have been retroactively adjusted for all stock splits effected in the form of 

dividends. Activity in the stock plan for the years ended December 31, 2022, and 2021 was as follows: 

Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Unit Awards

Outstanding at beginning of period 
Granted 
Vested 
Forfeited or cancelled 
Outstanding at end of period 

Year ended December 31,  

2022 
  Weighted- 
     Average Grant  
   Date Fair Value      Awards 

2021 
  Weighted- 
  Average Grant
    Date Fair Value

    Awards 

260,850
102,265
(113,562)
(11,067)
238,486

$

$

21.04  
25.44  
19.25  
23.90  
23.65  

 325,030    $
 66,664   
 (104,119)  
 (26,725)  
 260,850   $

19.48
26.63
20.51
18.03
21.04

Unrecognized compensation expense related to share-based awards was $2.5 million and $2.2 million as of 

December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The expense is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 
2.7 and 2.9 years, as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. 

Compensation expense relating to stock awards under these plans was $1.9 million in 2022, $3.1 million in 

2021, and $1.9 million in 2020. The number of unvested shares outstanding was 128,267 and 140,228 respectively, at 
December 31, 2022 and 2021. The number of unvested units outstanding was 110,219 and 120,622 at 
December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.  

124 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
NOTE 18 Employee Benefits 

The Company maintains two employee retirement plans including the Alerus Financial Corporation Employee 

Stock Ownership Plan, or ESOP, and a defined contribution salary reduction plan, or 401(k) plan. The plans cover 
substantially all full-time employees upon satisfying prescribed eligibility requirements for age and length of service. 
Contributions to the ESOP are determined annually by the Board of Directors, at its discretion, and allocated to 
participants based on a percentage of annual compensation. Shares of the Company stock within the ESOP are 
considered outstanding and dividends on these shares are charged to retained earnings. Under the 401(k) plan, the 
Company contributes 100% of amounts deferred by employees up to 3% of eligible compensation and 50% of amounts 
deferred by employees between 3% and 6% of eligible compensation. Retirement plan contributions are reflected under 
employee benefits in the income statement and for years ending December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020 were as follows: 

(dollars in thousands) 
Salary reduction plan 
ESOP 
Total 

Total ESOP shares outstanding 

NOTE 19 Noninterest Income 

December 31,   December 31,  December 31, 
2021 

2020 

2022 

$

$

3,148   $ 
1,932  
5,080   $ 

 3,123  $
 2,014 
 5,137  $

1,111,424  

    1,207,952 

2,960
2,166
5,126
1,170,611

The following table presents the Company’s noninterest income for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, 

and 2020. 

(dollars in thousands) 
Retirement and benefits 
Wealth management 
Mortgage banking (1) 
Service charges on deposit accounts 
Net gains (losses) on investment securities (1) 
Other 

Interchange fees 
Bank-owned life insurance income (1) 
Misc. transactional fees 
Other noninterest income 

Total noninterest income 

(1) 

Not within the scope of ASC 606. 

Year ended  
December 31,  
2021 
 71,709 
 21,052 
 48,502 
 1,395 
 125 

2022 
67,135   $ 
20,870  
16,921  
1,434  
—  

2,246  
835  
1,429  
353  
111,223   $ 

 2,180 
 793 
 1,218 
 413 
 147,387 

$

$

2020 
60,956
17,451
61,641
1,409
2,737

2,140
797
1,246
994
149,371

$

$

Contract balances: A contract asset balance occurs when an entity performs a service for a customer before the 

customer pays consideration (resulting in a contract receivable) or before payment is due (resulting in a contract asset). 
A contract liability balance is an entity’s obligation to transfer a service to a customer for which the entity has already 
received payment (or payment is due) from the customer. The Company’s noninterest income streams are largely based 
on transactional activity, or standard month-end revenue accruals such as asset management fees based on month-end 
market value. Consideration is often received immediately or shortly after the Company satisfies its performance 
obligation and revenue is recognized. The Company does not typically enter into long-term revenue contracts with 
customers, and therefore, does not experience significant contract balances. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the 
Company did not have any significant contract balances. 

Contract acquisition costs: In connection with the adoption of Topic 606, an entity is required to capitalize, and 

subsequently amortize into expense, certain incremental costs of obtaining a contract with a customer if these costs are 
expected to be recovered. The incremental costs of obtaining a contract are those costs that an entity incurs to obtain a 
contract with a customer that it would not have incurred if the contract had not been obtained (for example, sales 
commission). The Company utilizes the practical expedient which allows entities to immediately expense contract 

125 

 
 
 
 
 
    
    
    
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
     
    
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
acquisition costs when the asset would have resulted from capitalizing these costs would have been amortized in one 
year or less. 

NOTE 20 Income Taxes 

The components of income tax expense (benefit) for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020 were 

as follows: 

(dollars in thousands) 
Federal 
Current 
Deferred 

Federal income tax 

State 
Current 
Deferred 

State income tax 
Total income tax expense 

Year ended  
December 31,  

2022 

2021 

2020 

$

9,005   $
727  
9,732  

 10,731   $
 2,212  
 12,943  

2,298  
147  
2,445  
$ 12,177   $

 2,879  
 574  
 3,453  
 16,396   $

14,541
(3,615)
10,926

3,736
(819)
2,917
13,843

The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and 

deferred tax liabilities at December 31, 2022 and 2021 were as follows: 

(dollars in thousands) 
Deferred Tax Assets 
Allowance for loan losses 
Employee compensation and benefit accruals 
Expense accruals 
Identifiable intangible amortization 
Deferred loan fees 
Net operating loss carry forwards
Nonaccrual loan interest 
Unrealized loss on available‑for‑sale investment securities
Other 

Total deferred tax assets from temporary differences

Deferred Tax Liabilities 
Accumulated depreciation 
Goodwill and intangible amortization 
Servicing assets 
Prepaid expenses 
Other 

Total deferred tax liabilities from temporary differences

Net Deferred Tax Assets 

  December 31,  December 31, 

2022 

2021 

  $ 

  $ 

 7,818  $
 2,455 
 417 
 3,363 
 1,665 
 3 
 74 
 33,056 
 884 
 49,735 

 835 
 5,115 
 663 
 552 
 201 
 7,366 
 42,369  $

7,925
2,762
634
3,341
58
42
86
1,426
518
16,792

918
2,752
451
1,014
43
5,178
11,614

126 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
     
    
    
 
   
 
  
  
   
  
   
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
    
    
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
The reconciliation between applicable income taxes and the amount computed at the applicable statutory 

Federal tax rate for years ending December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020 was as follows: 

2022 
     Percent of 

Year ended December 31,  
2021 
     Percent of 

2020 
      Percent of 

(dollars in thousands) 
Taxes at statutory federal income tax rate 
Tax effect of: 

  Amount   Pretax Income    Amount   Pretax Income   Amount    Pretax Income  
21.0 %
  $ 10,958

21.0 % $ 12,289   

21.0 % $ 14,506

Tax exempt income 
State income taxes, net of federal benefits   
Nondeductible items and other 

Applicable income taxes 

(514)
   2,297
(564)
  $ 12,177

(556)
(1.0)%
2,973
4.4 %
(1.1)%
(527)
23.3 % $ 16,396

 (527)  
(0.8)%   
 2,522   
4.3  
(0.8) 
 (441) 
23.7 % $ 13,843   

(0.9)%
4.3 %
(0.8)%
23.6 %

It is the opinion of management that the Company has no significant uncertain tax positions that would be 

subject to change upon examination. 

NOTE 21 Tax Credit Investments 

The Company invests in qualified affordable housing projects for the purpose of community reinvestment and 

obtaining tax credits. The Company’s tax credit investments are limited to existing lending relationships with well-
known developers and projects within the Company’s market area.  

The following table presents a summary of the Company’s investments in qualified affordable housing projects 

tax credit investments at December 31, 2022: 

(dollars in thousands) 
Investment 
Low income housing tax credit 

Total 

December 31, 2022 
Investment Unfunded Commitment

December 31, 2021 
Investment   Unfunded Commitment

  Accounting Method 
   Proportional amortization $ 17,906    $
$

$ 17,906

15,559    $   7,906     $ 
$   7,906    $ 
15,559

6,999
6,999

For the year ended December 31, 2022, we had $264 thousand of amortization expense and $373 thousand of 

tax benefit recognized for the Company’s qualified affordable housing projects tax credit investments. For the year 
ended December 31, 2021, we had no amortization expense and $8 thousand of tax benefit recognized for the 
Company’s qualified affordable housing projects tax credit investments. 

NOTE 22 Segment Reporting 

The Company determines reportable segments based on the services offered, the significance of the services 
offered, the significance of those services to the Company’s financial statements, and management’s regular review of 
the operating results of those services. The Company operates through four operating segments: Banking, Retirement 
and Benefit Services, Wealth Management, and Mortgage. 

The financial information presented on each segment sets forth net interest income, provision for loan losses, 
direct noninterest income and direct noninterest expense before indirect allocations. Corporate Administration includes 
the indirect overhead expense and is set forth in the table below. The segment net income before taxes represents direct 
revenue and expense before indirect allocations and income taxes. 

127 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
      
   
 
     
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
   
  
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
    
  
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
  
 
 
The following table presents key metrics related to the Company’s segments as of and for the periods presented: 

Year ended December 31, 2022 

Retirement and

Wealth 

Corporate 

(dollars in thousands) 
Net interest income 
Provision for loan losses 
Noninterest income 
Noninterest expense 

Net income before taxes 
Total assets 

Banking 

  $ 

 100,190
—
 6,199
 67,068
  $ 
 39,321
    $ 3,696,676

$

    Benefit Services    Management     Mortgage     Administration     Consolidated
99,729
 (2,340)  $
—
 —  
111,223
 98  
158,770
 40,929  
 (43,171)  $
52,182
 27,488   $ 3,779,637

— $
—
67,135
26,204
40,931
40,821

— $
—
20,870
5,979
14,891
4,032

1,879   $ 
—  
16,921  
18,590  

$
210   $ 
$ 10,620   $ 

$
$

$
$

Year ended December 31, 2021 

Retirement and

Wealth 

Corporate 

(dollars in thousands) 
Net interest income 
Provision for loan losses 
Noninterest income 
Noninterest expense 

Net income before taxes 
Total assets 

(dollars in thousands) 
Net interest income 
Provision for loan losses 
Noninterest income 
Noninterest expense 

Net income before taxes 
Total assets 

Banking 

      Banking 
  $ 

 87,014
 (3,500)
 6,091
 44,989
 51,616
  $ 
     $ 3,254,979

$

    Benefit Services    Management     Mortgage      Administration     Consolidated
87,099
 (1,896)   $
(3,500)
 —  
147,387
 33  
168,909
 37,725  
69,077
 (39,588)   $
 13,402   $ 3,392,691

1,981   $ 
—  
48,502  
37,162  
$ 13,321   $ 
$ 75,713   $ 

— $
—
71,709
40,164
31,545
44,953

— $
—
21,052
8,869
12,183
3,644

$
$

$
$

Year ended December 31, 2020 

Retirement and

Wealth 

Corporate 

      Banking 
 85,167
  $ 
 10,900
 10,017
 46,883
  $ 
 37,401
     $  2,827,792

$

    Benefit Services    Management     Mortgage       Administration     Consolidated
83,846
10,900
149,371
163,799
58,518
$ 3,013,771

2,092   $ 
—  
61,641  
36,323  
$ 27,410   $ 
$ 125,078   $ 

 (3,413) $
 —
 (694)
 37,068
 (41,175) $
 10,134

— $
—
60,956
35,236
25,720
47,758

— $
—
17,451
8,289
9,162
3,009

$
$

$
$

The Banking division offers a complete line of loan, deposit, cash management, and treasury services through 
fourteen offices in North Dakota, Minnesota, and Arizona. These products and services are supported through web and 
mobile based applications. The majority of the Company’s assets and liabilities are in the Banking segments’ balance 
sheet. 

Retirement and Benefit Services 

Retirement and Benefit Services provides the following services nationally: recordkeeping and administration 

services to qualified retirement plans; ESOP trustee, recordkeeping, and administration; investment fiduciary services to 
retirement plans; and health savings account, flex spending account, and COBRA recordkeeping and administration 
services to employers. The division operates within the banking markets as well as in Lansing, Michigan, and Littleton, 
Colorado. 

Wealth Management 

The Wealth Management division provides advisory and planning services, investment management, and trust 

and fiduciary services to clients across the Company’s footprint. 

Mortgage 

The mortgage division offers first and second mortgage loans through the Banking office locations. 

128 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
NOTE 23 Earnings Per Share 

The calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share using the two-class method for the years ending 

December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020 is presented below: 

(dollars and shares in thousands, except per share data) 
Net income 
Dividends and undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities

Net income available to common shareholders 

Weighted-average common shares outstanding for basic earnings per share
Dilutive effect of stock-based awards 

Weighted-average common shares outstanding for diluted earnings per share

Earnings per common share: 

Basic earnings per common share 
Diluted earnings per common share 

NOTE 24 Related Party Transactions 

Year ended  
December 31,  

2022 

40,005   $ 
416  
39,589   $ 
18,640  
244  
18,884  

2021 
 52,681 
 802 
 51,879 
 17,189 
 297 
 17,486 

$

$

2020 
44,675
770
43,905
17,106
332
17,438

2.12   $ 
2.10   $ 

 3.02 
 2.97 

$
$

2.57
2.52

$

$

$
$

In the ordinary course of business, the Bank has extended loans to executive officers, directors, and their 
affiliates (related parties). These loans are made on substantially the same terms and conditions as those prevailing at the 
time for comparable transactions with outsiders and are not considered to involve more than the normal risk of 
collectability. The following table presents the activity associated with loans made between related parties at 
December 31, 2022 and 2021: 

(dollars in thousands) 
Beginning balance 
New loans and advances 
Repayments 
Changes to related parties (1) 

Ending balance 

Year ended December 31, 

2022 

2021 

  $ 

  $ 

 34
 145
 (95)
 46
 130

$

$

254
132
(352)
—
34

(1) 

Represents changes related to directors that were added to the Board during the year. 

Deposits from related parties held by the Bank at December 31, 2022 and 2021, amounted to $587 thousand 

and $3.6 million, respectively. 

NOTE 25 Derivative Instruments 

The Company maintains an overall interest rate risk management strategy that incorporates the use of derivative 

instruments to minimize significant unplanned fluctuations in earnings that are caused by interest rate volatility. The 
Company’s goal is to manage interest rate sensitivity by modifying the repricing or maturity characteristics of certain 
balance sheet assets and liabilities so that the net interest margin is not, on a material basis, adversely affected by 
movements in interest rates. As a result of the interest rate fluctuations, hedged assets and liabilities will appreciate or 
depreciate in market value. The effect of this unrealized appreciation or depreciation will generally be offset by income 
or loss on the derivative instruments that are linked to the hedged assets and liabilities. The Company views this strategy 
as a prudent management of interest rate sensitivity, such that earnings are not exposed to undue risk presented by 
changes in interest rate risks. 

Derivative instruments that are used as part of the Company’s interest rate risk management strategy include 

interest rate swaps, futures contracts, and options contracts with indices that relate to the pricing of specific balance sheet 
assets and liabilities. Interest rate swaps generally involve the exchange of fixed and variable rate interest payments 
between two parties, based on a common notional principal amount and maturity date. 

129 

 
 
 
 
 
 
    
     
 
 
  
  
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate options represent contracts that allow the holder of the option to (1) receive cash or (2) purchase, 
sell, or enter into a financial instrument at a specified price within a specified period of time. Certain of these contracts 
also provide the Company with the right to enter into interest-rate swaps and cap and floor agreements with the writer of 
the option. 

By using derivative instruments, the Company is exposed to credit and market risk. If the counterparty fails to 

perform, credit risk is equal to the extent of the estimated fair value gain in a derivative. When the estimated fair value of 
a derivative contract is positive, this generally indicates that the counterparty owes the Company and therefore, creates a 
repayment risk for the Company. When the estimated fair value of a derivative contract is negative, the Company owes 
the counterparty and, therefore, it has no repayment risk. The Company minimizes the credit (or repayment) risk in 
derivative instruments by entering into transactions with high-quality counterparties that are reviewed periodically by the 
Company’s credit committee. 

The Company also maintains a policy of requiring that all derivative contracts be governed by an International 
Swaps and Derivatives Association Master Agreement. Various derivatives, including interest rate, commodity, equity, 
credit, and foreign exchange contracts, are offered to clients but usually offset the exposure from such contracts by 
purchasing other financial contracts. The customer accommodations and any offsetting financial contracts are treated as 
freestanding derivatives. Free-standing derivatives also include derivatives entered into for risk management that do not 
otherwise qualify for hedge accounting, including domestic hedge derivatives. 

The following table presents the total notional or contractual amounts and estimated fair values for derivatives 

not designated as hedging instruments that are recorded on the balance sheet in other assets or other liabilities. Customer 
accommodation, trading, and other free-standing derivatives are recorded on the balance sheet at fair value in trading 
assets or other liabilities at December 31, 2022 and 2021: 

(dollars in thousands) 
Asset Derivatives 
Interest rate swaps 
Interest rate lock commitments 
Forward loan sales commitments 
TBA mortgage backed securities 

Total asset derivatives 

Liability Derivatives 
Interest rate swaps 
TBA mortgage backed securities 

Total liability derivatives 

December 31, 2022 
Fair 
    Value 

December 31, 2021 
Notional 
Fair 
    Amount 
    Amount        Value 

Notional  

   Consolidated Balance Sheet Location
   Other assets
   Other assets
   Other assets
   Other assets

$ 6,277
121
7
—
  $ 6,405

$ 43,430   $  1,366
 1,507
 490
 34
$ 54,243   $  3,397

10,462  
 351  
 —  

$ 44,826
52,316
13,418
97,000
$ 207,560

   Accrued expenses and other liabilities
   Accrued expenses and other liabilities

$ 6,277
26
  $ 6,303

$ 43,430   $  1,368
 —
$ 69,180   $  1,368

25,750  

$ 44,826
—
$ 44,826

The Company has third-party agreements that require a minimum dollar transfer amount upon a margin call. 

This requirement is dependent on certain specified credit measures. The amount of collateral posted with third parties at 
December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, was zero and $19 thousand. The amount of collateral posted with third 
parties is deemed to be sufficient to collateralize both the fair market value change a well as any additional amounts that 
may be required as a result of a change in the specified credit measures. 

The gain (loss) recognized on derivatives instruments for years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020 was 

as follows: 

(dollars in thousands) 
Interest rate swaps 
Interest rate lock commitments 
Forward loan sales commitments 
TBA mortgage backed securities 

Total gain/(loss) from derivative instruments 

  Consolidated Statements 
    of Income Location 
   Other noninterest income 
   Mortgage banking 
   Mortgage banking 
   Mortgage banking 

Year ended  

  December 31,   December 31,   December 31, 

2022 

2021 

2020 

$

$

2    $ 

(1,464) 
(483) 
4,916   
2,971    $ 

$

 1 
 (8,660)
 (2,174)
 5,220 
 (5,613) $

(3)
8,798
2,271
(12,997)
(1,931)

130 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
 
      
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
   
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
    
    
 
 
  
    
 
NOTE 26 Regulatory Matters 

The Bank is subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the federal banking agencies. 

Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory and possibly additional discretionary 
actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the Company’s and the Bank’s 
consolidated financial statements. 

Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require the Company and the Bank 

to maintain minimum amounts and ratios (set forth in the following table) of common equity tier 1, tier 1, and total 
capital (as defined in the regulations) to risk weighted assets (as defined) and of tier 1 capital (as defined) to average 
assets (as defined). Management believes at December 31, 2022 and 2021, each of the Company and the Bank met all of 
the capital adequacy requirements to which it is subject. 

As of December 31, 2022, the most recent notification from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, 

categorized the Bank as well capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. There are no 
conditions or events since the notification that management believe have changed in the Bank’s category. 

Actual capital amounts and ratios for the Company (consolidated) and the Bank at December 31, 2022 and 

2021 are presented in the following table: 

(dollars in thousands) 
Common equity tier 1 capital to risk weighted assets

Consolidated 
Bank 

Tier 1 capital to risk weighted assets 

Consolidated 
Bank 

Total capital to risk weighted assets 

Consolidated 
Bank 

Tier 1 capital to average assets 

Consolidated 
Bank 

(dollars in thousands) 
Common equity tier 1 capital to risk weighted assets

Consolidated 
Bank 

Tier 1 capital to risk weighted assets 

Consolidated 
Bank 

Total capital to risk weighted assets 

Consolidated 
Bank 

Tier 1 capital to average assets 

Consolidated 
Bank 

December 31, 2022 

Requirements 
for Capital  
Adequacy Purposes 

  Minimum to be 
  Well Capitalized 
Under Prompt 
Corrective Action 

Actual 

     Amount 

     Ratio        Amount 

     Ratio        Amount 

     Ratio    

$ 389,335
370,749

13.39 %  $ 130,862
12.76 %   130,791

13.69 %   174,482
12.76 %   174,388

N/A
4.50 %  $ 
4.50 %      188,920
.
6.00 %    
N/A
6.00 %      232,517

N/A
6.50 %

N/A
8.00 %

16.48 %   232,643
13.83 %   232,517

8.00 %    
N/A
8.00 %      290,646

N/A
10.00 %

11.25 %   141,514
10.48 %   141,440

4.00 %    
N/A
4.00 %      176,800

N/A
5.00 %

December 31, 2021 

Requirements 
for Capital  
Adequacy Purposes 

  Minimum to be 
  Well Capitalized 
Under Prompt 
Corrective Action 

Actual 

     Amount 

     Ratio        Amount 

     Ratio        Amount 

     Ratio    

$ 314,628
297,453

14.65 %  $ 96,647
96,538
13.87 %  

15.06 %   128,862
13.87 %   128,718

4.50 %  $ 
N/A
4.50 %      139,444
.
6.00 %    
N/A
6.00 %      171,624

N/A
6.50 %

N/A
8.00 %

18.64 %   171,816
15.12 %   171,624

N/A
8.00 %    
8.00 %      214,530

N/A
10.00 %

9.79 %   132,112
9.01 %   132,039

4.00 %    
N/A
4.00 %      165,049

N/A
5.00 %

398,179
370,749

479,325
401,895

398,179
370,749

323,358
297,453

400,263
324,328

323,358
297,453

131 

 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
    
  
 
 
 
    
  
 
 
 
 
    
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
    
  
 
 
 
 
    
  
 
 
 
 
 
    
  
 
 
 
The Bank is subject to certain restrictions on the amount of dividends that it may pay without prior regulatory 

approval. The Bank normally restricts dividends to a lesser amount. In addition, the Company must adhere to various 
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, or HUD, regulatory guidelines including required minimum 
capital and liquidity to maintain their Federal Housing Administration approval status. Failure to comply with the HUD 
guidelines could result in withdrawal of this certification. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021 the Company was in 
compliance with HUD guidelines. 

NOTE 27 Stock Repurchase Program 

On February 18, 2021, the Board of Directors of the Company approved a stock repurchase program, or the 

Program, which authorizes the Company to repurchase up to 770,000 shares of its common stock subject to certain 
limitations and conditions. The Program was effective immediately and will continue for a period of 36 months, until 
February 18, 2024. The Program does not obligate the Company to repurchase any shares of its common stock and there 
is no assurance that the Company will do so. For the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, there were no shares 
repurchased under the Program. The Company also repurchases shares to pay withholding taxes on the vesting of 
restricted stock awards and units. 

NOTE 28 Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities 

The Company categorizes its assets and liabilities measured at estimated fair value into a three level hierarchy 
based on the priority of the inputs to the valuation technique used to determine estimated fair value. The estimated fair 
value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and 
the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). If the inputs used in the determination of the estimated fair value 
measurement fall within different levels of the hierarchy, the categorization is based on the lowest level input that is 
significant to the estimated fair value measurement. Assets and liabilities valued at estimated fair value are categorized 
based on the following inputs to the valuation techniques as follows: 

Level 1—Inputs that utilize quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or 

liabilities that an entity has the ability to access. 

Level 2—Inputs that include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets and inputs 

that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the 
financial instrument. Estimated fair values for these instruments are estimated using pricing models, quoted 
prices of investment securities with similar characteristics, or discounted cash flows. 

Level 3—Inputs that are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability, which are typically based on an 
entity’s own assumptions, as there is little, if any, related market activity. Subsequent to initial recognition, the 
Company may re-measure the carrying value of assets and liabilities measured on a nonrecurring basis to 
estimated fair value. Adjustments to estimated fair value usually result when certain assets are impaired. Such 
assets are written down from their carrying amounts to their estimated fair value. 

Professional standards allow entities the irrevocable option to elect to measure certain financial instruments and 
other items at estimated fair value for the initial and subsequent measurement on an instrument-by-instrument basis. The 
Company adopted the policy to value certain financial instruments at estimated fair value. The Company has not elected 
to measure any existing financial instruments at estimated fair value; however, it may elect to measure newly acquired 
financial instruments at estimated fair value in the future. 

Recurring Basis 

The Company uses estimated fair value measurements to record estimated fair value adjustments to certain 

assets and liabilities and to determine estimated fair value disclosures. For additional information on how the Company 
measures estimated fair value refer to Note 1 (Significant Accounting Policies). 

132 

The following tables present the balances of the assets and liabilities measured at estimated fair value on a 

recurring basis at December 31, 2022 and 2021: 

(dollars in thousands) 
Available-for-sale  

U.S. treasury and government agencies 
Mortgage backed securities 

Residential agency 
Commercial 

Asset backed securities 
Corporate bonds 

Total available-for-sale investment securities 

Other assets 

Derivatives 
Other liabilities 
Derivatives 

(dollars in thousands) 
Available-for-sale  

U.S. treasury and government agencies 
Mortgage backed securities 

Residential agency 
Commercial 

Asset backed securities 
Corporate bonds 

Total available-for-sale investment securities 

Other assets 

Derivatives 
Other liabilities 
Derivatives 

Level 1 

Level 2 

Level 3 

Total 

December 31, 2022 

— $

3,520   $ 

 — 

$

3,520

—
—
—
—
— $

587,679  
63,558  
34  
62,533  
717,324   $ 

— $

6,405   $ 

— $

6,303   $ 

 — 
 — 
 — 
 — 
 — 

 — 

 — 

587,679
63,558
34
62,533
717,324

6,405

6,303

$

$

$

Level 1 

Level 2 

Level 3 

Total 

December 31, 2021 

— $

5,103   $ 

 — 

$

5,103

—
—
—
—
— $

707,157  
90,913  
54  
50,422  
853,649   $ 

— $

3,397   $ 

— $

1,368   $ 

 — 
 — 
 — 
 — 
 — 

 — 

 — 

707,157
90,913
54
50,422
853,649

3,397

1,368

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

The following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for instruments measured at estimated fair 
value on a recurring basis, as well as the general classification of such instruments pursuant to the valuation hierarchy. 

Investment Securities 

When available, the Company uses quoted market prices to determine the estimated fair value of investment 

securities; such items are classified in Level 1 of the estimated fair value hierarchy. For the Company’s investment 
securities for which quoted prices are not available for identical investment securities in an active market, the Company 
determines estimated fair value utilizing vendors who apply matrix pricing for similar bonds for which no prices are 
observable or may compile prices from various sources. These models are primarily industry-standard models that 
consider various assumptions, including time value, yield curve, volatility factors, prepayment speeds, default rates, loss 
severity, current market, and contractual prices for the underlying financial instruments, as well as other relevant 
economic measures. Substantially all of these assumptions are observable in the marketplace, can be derived from 
observable data, or are supported by observable levels at which transactions are executed in the marketplace. Estimated 
fair values from these models are verified, where possible, against quoted prices for recent trading activity of assets with 
similar characteristics to the security being valued. Such methods are generally classified as Level 2. However, when 
prices from independent sources vary, cannot be obtained, or cannot be corroborated, a security is generally classified as 
Level 3. 

Derivatives 

All of the Company’s derivatives are traded in over-the-counter markets where quoted market prices are not 

readily available. For these derivatives, estimated fair value is measured using internally developed models that use 

133 

 
 
 
 
 
    
    
    
     
    
 
   
  
  
 
 
   
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
   
  
  
 
 
   
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
    
     
    
 
   
  
  
 
 
   
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
   
  
  
 
 
   
  
  
 
 
primarily market observable inputs, such as yield curves and option volatilities, and accordingly, classify as Level 2. 
Examples of Level 2 derivatives are basic interest rate swaps and forward contracts. Any remaining derivative estimated 
fair value measurements using significant assumptions that are unobservable are classified as Level 3. Level 3 
derivatives include interest rate lock commitments written for residential mortgage loans that are held for sale. 

Nonrecurring Basis 

Certain assets are measured at estimated fair value on a nonrecurring basis. These assets are not measured at 

estimated fair value on an ongoing basis; however, they are subject to estimated fair value adjustments in certain 
circumstances, such as when there is evidence of impairment or a change in the amount of previously recognized 
impairment. 

Net impairment losses related to nonrecurring estimated fair value measurements of certain assets for the years 

ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 consisted of the following: 

(dollars in thousands) 
Loans held for sale 
Impaired loans 
Foreclosed assets 
Servicing rights 

(dollars in thousands) 
Loans held for sale 
Impaired loans 
Foreclosed assets 
Servicing rights 

Loans Held for Sale 

$

$

Level 2 

Level 3 

Total 

December 31, 2022 

$

9,488
—
—
—

$ 

—  
2,813  
30  
2,643  

 9,488   $
 2,813  
 30  
 2,643  

Impairment
—
954
—
—

December 31, 2021 

Level 2 

Level 3 

$

46,490
—
—
—

$ 

—  
2,469  
885  
1,880  

Total 
 46,490   $
 2,469  
 885  
 1,880  

Impairment
—
283
—
—

Loans originated and held for sale are carried at the lower of cost or estimated fair value. The Company obtains 

quotes or bids on these loans directly from purchasing financial institutions. Typically, these quotes include a premium 
on the sale and thus these quotes indicate estimated fair value of the held for sale loans is greater than cost. 

Impairment losses for loans held for sale that are carried at the lower of cost or estimated fair value represent 

additional net write-downs during the period to record these loans at the lower of cost or estimated fair value subsequent 
to their initial classification as loans held for sale. 

Impaired Loans 

In accordance with the provisions of the loan impairment guidance, loans for which it is probable that payment 

of interest and principal will not be made in accordance with the contractual terms are measured for impairment. 
Allowable methods for estimating fair value include using the estimated fair value of the collateral for collateral 
dependent loans or, where a loan is determined not to be collateral dependent, using a discounted cash flow method. The 
estimated fair value method requires obtaining a current independent appraisal of the collateral and applying a discount 
factor, if necessary, to the appraised value and including costs to the sell. Because many of these inputs are not 
observable, the measurements are classified as Level 3. 

Foreclosed Assets 

Foreclosed assets are recorded at estimated fair value based on property appraisals, less estimated selling costs, 

at the date of the transfer with any impairment amount charged to the allowance for loan losses. Subsequent to the 
transfer, foreclosed assets are carried at the lower of cost or estimated fair value, less estimated selling costs with 
changes in the estimated fair value or any impairment amount recorded in other noninterest expense. Fair value 

134 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
    
     
    
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
    
     
    
  
  
  
 
measurements may be based upon appraisals, third-party price opinions, or internally developed pricing methods. These 
measurements are classified as Level 3. 

Servicing Rights 

Servicing rights do not trade in an active market with readily observable prices. Accordingly, the estimated fair 

value of servicing rights is determined using a valuation model that calculates the present value of estimated future net 
servicing income. The model incorporates assumptions that market participants use in estimating future net servicing 
income, including estimates of prepayment speeds, discount rate, cost to service, escrow account earnings, contractual 
servicing fee income, ancillary income, and late fees. Servicing rights are carried at lower of cost or market value, and 
therefore can be subject to estimated fair value measurements on a nonrecurring basis. Estimated fair value 
measurements of servicing rights use significant unobservable inputs and accordingly, are classified as Level 3. The 
Company obtains the estimated fair value of servicing rights from an independent third-party pricing service and records 
the unadjusted estimated fair values in the financial statements. 

The valuation techniques and significant unobservable inputs used to measure Level 3 estimated fair values at 

December 31, 2022 and 2021, are as follows: 

(dollars in thousands) 
Asset Type 
Impaired loans 

      Valuation Technique 
Appraisal value 

Foreclosed assets 

Appraisal value 

Servicing rights 

Discounted cash flows 

     Unobservable Input 
Property specific 
adjustment
Property specific 
adjustment
Prepayment speed 
assumptions
Discount rate

(dollars in thousands) 
Asset Type 
Impaired loans 

Foreclosed assets 

Servicing rights 

      Valuation Technique 
Appraisal value 

Appraisal value 

Discounted cash flows 

     Unobservable Input 
Property specific 
adjustment
Property specific 
adjustment
Prepayment speed 
assumptions
Discount rate

December 31, 2022 

Fair Value        Range 

Weighted
      Average    

$

2,813   

N/A  

 30   

N/A  

2,643   

103-137  

 10.5 %  

N/A

N/A

115
10.5 %

December 31, 2021 

Fair Value        Range 

Weighted   
      Average   

$

2,469   

885   

N/A 

N/A 

1,880   

161-327 

 9.5 %  

N/A

N/A

237
9.5 %

Disclosure of estimated fair value information about financial instruments, for which it is practicable to 

estimate that value, is required whether or not recognized in the consolidated balance sheets. In cases in which quoted 
market prices are not available, estimated fair values are based on estimates using present value or other valuation 
techniques. Those techniques are significantly affected by the assumptions used, including the discount rate and estimate 
of future cash flows. In that regard, the derived estimated fair value estimates cannot be substantiated by comparison to 
independent markets and, in many cases could not be realized in immediate settlement of the instruments. Certain 
financial instruments with an estimated fair value that is not practicable to estimate and all non-financial instruments are 
excluded from the disclosure requirements. Accordingly, the aggregate estimated fair value amounts presented do not 
necessarily represent the underlying value of the Company. 

The following disclosures represent financial instruments in which the ending balances at December 31, 2022 

and 2021 are not carried at estimated fair value in their entirety on the consolidated balance sheets. 

135 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
 
  
   
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
 
  
   
    
 
Cash and Due from Banks and Accrued Interest 

The carrying amounts reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheets approximate those assets and liabilities 

estimated fair values. 

Loans 

For variable-rate loans that reprice frequently and with no significant change in credit risk, estimated fair values 
are based on carrying values. The estimated fair values of other loans are estimated using discounted cash flow analysis, 
using interest rates currently being offered for loans with similar terms to borrowers of similar credit quality. 

Bank-Owned Life Insurance 

Bank-owned life insurance is carried at the amount due upon surrender of the policy, which is also the 

estimated fair value. This amount was provided by the insurance companies based on the terms of the underlying 
insurance contract. 

Deposits 

The estimated fair values of demand deposits are, by definition, equal to the amount payable on demand at the 

consolidated balance sheet date. The estimated fair values of fixed-rate certificates of deposit are estimated using a 
discounted cash flow calculation that applies current incremental interest rates being offered on certificates of deposit to 
a schedule of aggregated expected monthly maturities of the outstanding certificates of deposit. 

Short-Term Borrowings and Long-Term Debt 

For variable-rate borrowings that reprice frequently, estimated fair values are based on carrying values. The 

estimated fair value of fixed-rate borrowings is estimated using discounted cash flow analysis, based on the Company’s 
current incremental borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements. 

Off-Balance Sheet Credit-Related Commitments 

Off-balance sheet credit related commitments are generally of short-term nature. The contract amount of such 
commitments approximates their estimated fair value since the commitments are comprised primarily of unfunded loan 
commitments which are generally priced at market at the time of funding. 

136 

The estimated fair values, and related carrying or notional amounts, of the Company’s financial instruments are 

as follows: 

(dollars in thousands) 
Financial Assets 

Cash and cash equivalents 
Investment securities held-to-maturity 
Loans, net 
Accrued interest receivable 
Bank-owned life insurance 

Financial Liabilities 

Noninterest-bearing deposits 
Interest-bearing deposits 
Time deposits 
Short-term borrowings 
Long-term debt 
Accrued interest payable 

(dollars in thousands) 
Financial Assets 

Cash and cash equivalents 
Investment securities held-to-maturity 
Loans, net 
Accrued interest receivable 
Bank-owned life insurance 

Financial Liabilities 

Noninterest-bearing deposits 
Interest-bearing deposits 
Time deposits 
Long-term debt 
Accrued interest payable 

$

$

$

$

Total 

58,242
270,912
2,311,956
12,869
33,991

860,987
1,842,138
208,550
378,080
56,116
2,426

Total 

242,311
349,677
1,760,784
8,537
33,156

938,840
1,748,799
232,970
57,772
1,674

Carrying 
     Amount 

     Level 1 

Estimated Fair Value 
      Level 3 

Level 2 

December 31, 2022 

$

$

58,242
321,902
2,412,848
12,869
33,991

860,987
1,842,138
212,359
378,080
58,843
2,426

$

$

$

58,242
—
—
12,869
—

— $
—
—
378,080
—
2,426

—   $ 

270,912  
—  
—  
33,991  

 — 
 — 
   2,311,956 
 — 
 — 

860,987   $ 

1,842,138  
—  
—  
56,116  
—  

 — 
 — 
 208,550 
 — 
 — 
 — 

Carrying 
     Amount 

     Level 1 

Estimated Fair Value 
      Level 3 

Level 2 

December 31, 2021 

$

$ 242,311
—
—
8,537
—

—   $ 

349,677  
—  
—  
33,156  

 — 
 — 
   1,760,784 
 — 
 — 

$

— $
—
—
—
1,674

938,840   $ 

1,748,799  
—  
57,772  
—  

 — 
 — 
 232,970 
 — 
 — 

$

$

242,311
352,061
1,726,448
8,537
33,156

938,840
1,748,799
232,912
58,933
1,674

137 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
    
 
 
    
 
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
   
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
    
 
 
    
 
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
   
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
NOTE 29 Parent Company Only Financial Statements 

The condensed financial statements of Alerus Financial Corporation (parent company only) are presented 

below. These statements should be read in conjunction with the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 

Alerus Financial Corporation 

Parent Company Condensed Balance Sheets 

(dollars in thousands) 
Assets 
Cash and cash equivalents 
Land, premises and equipment, net 
Investment in subsidiaries 
Deferred income taxes, net 
Other assets 

Total assets 

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity 
Long‑term debt 
Accrued expenses and other liabilities 

Total liabilities 
Stockholders’ equity 

Total stockholders’ equity 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity 

Alerus Financial Corporation 

Parent Company Condensed Statements of Income 

(dollars in thousands) 
Income 
Dividends from subsidiaries 
Other income 

Total operating income 

Expenses 
Income before equity in undistributed income 
Equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries 
Income before income taxes 
Income tax benefit 

Net income 

  December 31,   December 31, 

2022 

2021 

  $ 

  $ 

  $ 

  $ 

 84,017   $
 —  
 338,595  
 904  
 487  
 424,003   $

 58,843   $
 8,288  
 67,131  
 356,872  
 356,872  
 424,003   $

81,753
87
342,538
1,000
655
426,033

58,933
7,697
66,630
359,403
359,403
426,033

Year ended December 31,  
2021 

2020 

2022 

$

$

18,500   $ 
 16  
18,516  
6,583  
11,933  
26,424  
38,357  
1,648  
40,005   $ 

 16,000
 4
 16,004
 5,293
 10,711
 40,642
 51,353
 1,328
 52,681

$

$

16,000
10
16,010
6,057
9,953
33,208
43,161
1,514
44,675

138 

 
 
 
 
 
 
     
    
  
 
    
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
    
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
     
    
    
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
Alerus Financial Corporation 

Parent Company Condensed Statements of Cash Flows 

(dollars in thousands) 
Operating activities 
Net income 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities
Equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries 
Depreciation and amortization 
Stock‑based compensation cost 
Other, net 

Net cash provided by operating activities 

Investing activities 
Investment in bank subsidiary 
Net cash (paid) for business combinations 
Net cash provided by investing activities 

Financing activities 
Cash dividends paid on common stock 
Repurchase of common stock 

Net cash provided by financing activities 

Change in cash and cash equivalents 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period 

NOTE 30 Subsequent Events 

Year ended December 31,  
2021 

2020 

2022 

$

40,005   $ 

 52,681

$

44,675

(26,424)  
87  
1,904  
419  
15,991  

—  
(189)  
(189)  

 (40,642)
 115
 3,095
 1,266
 16,515

 —
 —
 —

(33,208)
116
1,927
413
13,923

—
—
—

(12,800)  
(738)  
(13,538)  
2,264  
81,753  
84,017   $ 

 (10,751)
 (712)
 (11,463)
 5,052
 76,701
 81,753

$

(10,387)
(482)
(10,869)
3,054
73,647
76,701

$

In February 2023, the Company entered into a 3-year pay-fixed receive-variable interest rate swap with a 

notional amount of $200.0 million to manage its exposure to changes in the fair value of certain fixed-rate assets. The 
interest rate swap will mature on February 10, 2026. 

Subsequent events have been evaluated through March 10, 2023, which is the date these financial statements 

were issued. 

139 

 
 
 
 
 
    
     
    
     
 
  
 
    
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
    
  
  
 
  
  
  
    
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND 
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE 

None. 

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures 

The Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have evaluated the effectiveness of the 

design and operation of the Company’s “disclosure controls and procedures” (as that term is defined in 
Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act of 1934, or the Exchange Act) as of December 31, 2022, the end of the 
fiscal year covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and 
Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of December 31, 2022, the Company’s disclosure controls and 
procedures were effective to ensure that the information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports it files or 
submits under the Securities Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods 
specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including 
the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required 
disclosure. 

Evaluation of Internal Control over Financial Reporting 

This annual report does not include an attestation report of the Company’s independent registered public 
accounting firm. As an emerging growth company, management’s report on internal control over financial reporting was 
not subject to attestation by the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm in accordance with the JOBS 
Act. 

Management of the Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over 

financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act. The Company’s internal control 
system is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance to the Company’s management and Board of Directors 
regarding the preparation and fair presentation of published financial statements. 

Internal control over financial reporting of the Company includes those policies and procedures that pertain to 

the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions of the Company; 
provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in 
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being 
made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company; and provide reasonable 
assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Company’s 
assets that could have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. 

Because of inherent limitations in any system of internal control, no matter how well designed, misstatements 

due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected, including the possibility of the circumvention or overriding of 
controls. Accordingly, even effective internal control over financial reporting can provide only reasonable assurance 
with respect to financial statement preparation. Further, because of changes in conditions, internal control effectiveness 
may vary over time. 

Management assessed the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2022. This 

assessment was based on criteria for effective internal control over financial reporting set forth by the Committee of 
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in Internal Control-Integrated Framework in 2013. Based on 
this assessment, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer assert that the Company maintained effective 
internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2022 based on the specified criteria. 

140 

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting 

There has been no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the 
period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially 
affect, the Company’s internal control over financial report. 

ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION 

None. 

ITEM 9C. DISCLOSURE REGARDING FOREIGN JURISDICTIONS THAT PREVENT INSPECTIONS 

None. 

PART III 

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 

Information required by this item is set forth under the headings ‘Proposal 1 – Election of Directors” and 

“Corporate Governance and the Board of Directors” appearing in the Company’s Proxy Statement for the 2022 annual 
meeting of shareholders to be filed with the SEC pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Exchange Act within 120 days of 
the Company’s fiscal year end, December 31, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference. 

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION 

Information required by this item is set forth under the headings “Corporate Governance and the Board of 

Directors – Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation,” “Corporate Governance and the Board of 
Directors – Director Compensation,” and “Executive Compensation” appearing in the Company’s Proxy Statement for 
the 2022 annual meeting of shareholders to be filed with the SEC pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Exchange Act 
within 120 days of the Company’s fiscal year end, December 31, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference. 

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND 
RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS 

Equity Compensation Plans 

The following table discloses the number of outstanding options, warrants and rights granted to participants by 

the Company under our equity compensation plans, as well as the number of securities remaining available for future 
issuance under these plans as of December 31, 2022. The table provides this information separately for equity 
compensation plans that have and have not been approved by security holders. Additional information regarding stock 
incentive plans is presented in Note 17 (Share-Based Compensation Plan) to the Consolidated Financial Statements for 
the year ending December 31, 2022. 

Plan Category 
Equity compensation plans approved by shareholders 
Equity compensation plans not approved by shareholders

Total 

(a) 

(b) 

Number of securities to 
be issued upon exercise 
of outstanding options, 
warrants and rights 
238,486
—
238,486

Weighted-average exercise 
price of outstanding 
options, warrants and 
rights 

$

$

23.65
—
23.65

(c) 
Number of securities remaining 
available for future issuance under 
equity compensation plans 
(excluding securities reflected in 
column (a)) 

1,100,000
—
1,100,000

Other information required pursuant to Item 403 of Regulation S-K can be found under the caption “Security 

Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners” in the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement for the 2022 annual meeting of 

141 

 
 
 
 
   
   
    
 
 
shareholders to be filed with the SEC within 120 days of the Company’s fiscal year end, December 31, 2022, which is 
incorporated herein by reference. 

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR 
INDEPENDENCE 

Information required by this item is set forth under the headings “Certain Relationships and Related Party 

Transactions” and “Corporate Governance and the Board of Directors” appearing in the Company’s Proxy Statement for 
the 2022 annual meeting of shareholders to be filed with the SEC pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Exchange Act 
within 120 days of the Company’s fiscal year end, December 31, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference. 

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES 

Information required by this item is set forth under the heading “Proposal 2 – Ratification of the Appointment 
of CliftonLarsonAllen LLP as our Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” appearing in the Company’s Proxy 
Statement for the 2022 annual meeting of shareholders to be filed with the SEC pursuant to Regulation 14A under the 
Exchange Act within 120 days of the Company’s fiscal year end, December 31, 2022, which is incorporated herein by 
reference. 

142 

 
 
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES 

PART IV 

1.  Financial Statements: The consolidated financial statements that appear in Item 8 of this Form 10-K are 

incorporated herein by reference. 

Report of Independent Registered Accounting Firm (PCAOB ID 655)

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Statements of Income

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

89

90

91

92

93

94

96

2.  Financial Statement Schedules: All schedules are omitted because they are not applicable, not required, or 
because the required information is included in the consolidated financial statements or notes thereto. 

3.  Exhibits. 

Exhibit 
Number 
2.1 

3.1 

3.2 

  Agreement and Plan of Merger by and between Alerus Financial Corporation and MBP BHC, Inc., 
dated December 8, 2021 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2.1 on Form 8-K filed on 
December 8, 2021) 

Description 

  Third Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Alerus Financial Corporation 
(incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 on Form S-1 filed on August 16, 2019) 

  Second Amended and Restated Bylaws of Alerus Financial Corporation (incorporated herein by 

reference to Exhibit 3.2 on Form S-1 filed on August 16, 2019) 

4.1 

  Description of Capital Stock (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 on Form 10-K Filed on 

March 26, 2020) 

4.2 

  Subordinated Note Due March 30, 2021 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 on Form 8-K 

filed on March 30, 2021) 

10.1† 

10.2† 

  Executive Severance Agreement by and between Alerus Financial Corporation and Katie Lorenson, 
dated October 13, 2018 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 on Form S-1 filed on 
August 16, 2019) 

  Executive Severance Agreement by and between Alerus Financial Corporation and Ann McConn, 
dated October 8, 2017 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.5 on Form S-1 filed on 
August 16, 2019) 

143 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Exhibit 
Number 
10.3† 

  Executive Severance Agreement by and between Alerus Financial Corporation and Karin Taylor, 
dated December 10, 2018 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.6 on Form S-1 filed on 
August 16, 2019) 

Description 

10.4† 

  Alerus Financial Corporation 2009 Stock Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.7 on 

Form S-1 filed on August 16, 2019) 

10.5† 

  Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement under the Alerus Financial Corporation 2009 Stock Plan 

(incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.8 on Form S-1 filed on August 16, 2019) 

10.6† 

  Form of Performance-Based Restricted Stock Unit Agreement under the Alerus Financial Corporation 
2009 Stock Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.9 on Form S-1 filed on August 16, 
2019) 

10.7† 

  Alerus Financial Long Term Incentive Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.10 on 

Form S-1 filed on August 16, 2019) 

10.8† 

  Alerus Financial Short Term Incentive Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.11 on 

Form S-1 filed on August 16, 2019) 

10.9† 

  Alerus Financial Corporation Deferred Compensation Plan for Directors (As Restated Effective 

January 1, 2005) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.12 on Form S-1 filed on August 16, 
2019) 

10.10† 

  Alerus Financial Corporation Deferred Compensation Plan for Executives (As Restated Effective 
January 1, 2006) as subsequently amended (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.13 on 
Form S-1 filed on August 16, 2019) 

10.11† 

  Alerus Financial Corporation Employee Stock Ownership Plan (incorporated herein by reference to 

Exhibit 10.14 on Form S-1 filed on August 16, 2019) 

10.12† 

  Third Amendment of Alerus Financial Corporation Employee Stock Ownership Plan (incorporated 

herein by reference to Exhibit 10.14 on Form 10-K filed on March 26, 2020) 

10.13† 

  Alerus Financial Corporation 2019 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 

10.15 on Form S-1 filed on August 16, 2019) 

10.14† 

  Form of Performance-Based Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement under the Alerus Financial 

Corporation 2019 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 on Form 8-K filed 
on February 25, 2020) 

10.15† 

  Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement under the Alerus Financial Corporation 2019 Equity 

Incentive Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.17 on Form 10-K filed on March 26, 
2020) 

10.16† 

  Form of Performance-Based Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement under the Alerus Financial 
Corporation 2019 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 on 
Form 8-K filed on February 25, 2020) 

144 

 
 
 
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Exhibit 
Number 
10.17† 

  Subordinated Note Purchase Agreement by and between Alerus Financial Corporation and the Bank 

of North Dakota, dated March 30, 2021 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 on 
Form 8-K filed on March 30, 2021) 

Description 

10.18† 

  Alerus Financial Corporation Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 

10.1 on From 8-K filed on February 22, 2021) 

10.19† 

  Form of Performance-Based Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement for Senior Executive Officers 

(incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 on Form 8-K filed on February 22, 2021) 

10.20† 

  Form of Performance-Based Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement for Non-Executive Senior 

Officers (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 on Form 8-K filed on February 22, 2021) 

10.21† 

  Form of Time-Based Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement for Senior Executive Officers 
(incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 on Form 8-K filed on February 22, 2021) 

10.22† 

  Form of Time-Based Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement for Non-Executive Senior Officers 

(incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.5 on Form 8-K filed on February 22, 2021) 

10.23† 

10.24† 

10.25† 

10.26† 

10.27† 

  Employment Offer Letter between Alerus Financial Corporation and Alan Villalon, dated January 11, 
2022 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.24 on Form 10-K filed on March 11, 2022) 

  Executive Severance Agreement by and between Alerus Financial Corporation and Alan Villalon, 
dated January 11, 2022 (incorporated herein by reference on Exhibit 10.25 on Form 10-K filed on 
March 11, 2022)  

  Executive Severance Agreement by and between Alerus Financial Corporation and Jim Collins, dated 
June 1, 2022 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 on Form 10-Q filed on August 4, 2022) 

  Executive Severance Agreement by and between Alerus Financial Corporation and Missy Keney, 
dated July 25, 2022 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 on Form 10-Q filed on 
November 3, 2022) 

  Executive Severance Agreement by and between Alerus Financial Corporation and Jon Hendry, dated 
July 25, 2022 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 on Form 10-Q filed on November 3, 
2022) 

16.1† 

  Letter of CliftonLarsonAllen LLP, dated December 6, 2022 (incorporated herein by reference to 

Exhibit 16.1 on Form 8-K filed on December 6, 2022) 

21.1 

  Subsidiaries of Alerus Financial Corporation (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 21.1 on 

23.1 

31.1 

Form S-1 filed on August 16, 2019) 

  Consent of CliftonLarsonAllen LLP 

  Certification of the Chief Executive Officer required by Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange 

Act of 1934, and Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 

31.2 

  Certification of the Chief Financial Officer required by Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act 

of 1934, and Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 

145 

 
 
 
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Exhibit 
Number 
32.1 

  Certification of the Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as Adopted Pursuant 

to Section 906 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002 

Description 

32.2 

  Certification of the Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as Adopted Pursuant 

to Section 906 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002 

† 

Indicates a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement. 

146 

 
 
 
     
 
 
 
 
 
Exhibit 
Number 
101.1 INS 
101.1 SCH 
101.1 CAL 
101.1 DEF 
101.1 LAB 
101.1 PRE 
104 

Description 

iXBRL Instance Document 
iXBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema 
iXBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase 
iXBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase 
iXBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase 
iXBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase 

  Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as inline XBRL and contained in Exhibits 101). 

ITEM 16. – FORM 10-K SUMMARY 

None. 

147 

     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has 

duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf of the undersigned thereunto duly authorized. 

SIGNATURES 

Date: March 10, 2023 

ALERUS FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

By: 
Name:
Title: 

 /s/ Katie A. Lorenson 
 Katie A. Lorenson 
 President and Chief Executive Officer 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the 

following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated. 

Signature 

Title 

Date 

/s/ Katie A. Lorenson 
Katie A. Lorenson 

/s/ Alan A. Villalon 
Alan A. Villalon 

/s/ Jerrod K. Hanson 
Jerrod K. Hanson 

/s/ Daniel E. Coughlin 
Daniel E. Coughlin 

/s/ Kevin D. Lemke 
Kevin D. Lemke 

/s/ Michael S. Mathews 
Michael S. Mathews 

/s/ Randy L. Newman 
Randy L. Newman 

/s/ Galen G. Vetter 
Galen G. Vetter 

/s/ Mary E. Zimmer 
Mary E. Zimmer 

/s/ Janet O. Estep 
Janet O. Estep 

Director, President and Chief Executive 
Officer 
(Principal Executive Officer)  

March 10, 2023 

  Executive Vice President and Chief Financial 

Officer 
(Principal Financial Officer)

March 10, 2023 

Chief Accounting Officer and Senior Vice 
President 
(Principal Accounting Officer)

March 10, 2023 

Director 

March 10, 2023 

Director 

March 10, 2023 

Director 

March 10, 2023 

Director 

March 10, 2023 

Director 

March 10, 2023 

Director 

Director 

March 10, 2023 

March 10, 2023 

148 

 
 
 
 
 
 
    
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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