Item 1. Business
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
Overview
Heritage Financial Corporation is a bank holding company that was incorporated in the State of Washington in August 1997. We are primarily engaged in the business of planning, directing, and coordinating the business activities of our wholly owned subsidiary and single reportable segment, Heritage Bank.
Heritage Bank is headquartered in Olympia, Washington and conducts business from its 49 branch offices located primarily along the I-5 corridor in western Washington and the greater Portland, Oregon area. We additionally have offices located in central Washington, primarily in Yakima County. The deposits of the Bank are insured by the FDIC.
During the last two years, the Company consolidated 13 branches to create a more efficient branch footprint, reducing the branch count to 49 at December 31, 2021 from 62 at December 31, 2019. The Bank integrated these locations into other branches within its network. These actions were the result of the Bank’s increased focus on balancing physical locations and digital banking channels, driven by increased customer usage of online and mobile banking and a commitment to improve digital banking technology.
Our business consists primarily of commercial lending and deposit relationships with small and medium sized businesses and their owners in our market areas and attracting deposits from the general public. We also make real estate construction and land development loans, consumer loans and residential real estate loans for sale or investment purposes on residential properties located primarily in our market.
General Development of Business
During the last two years, the Bank participated in the SBA's PPP in accordance with the CARES Act and CA Act. The CARES Act initially amended the SBA’s loan program, in which the Bank participates, to create a guaranteed, unsecured loan program, the PPP, to fund payroll and operational costs of eligible businesses, organizations and self-employed persons during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Through the conclusion of the program on May 31, 2021, the Bank had funded 7,184 SBA PPP loans totaling $1.28 billion with an average loan size of $178,000. As of December 31, 2021, total funded SBA PPP loans decreased to $145.8 million, net of unamortized net deferred fees of $4.9 million, due primarily to principal and interest forgiveness payments from the SBA as the Bank began accepting and processing the forgiveness applications during the three months ended December 31, 2020. During the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, SBA PPP loans provided an additional $32.1 million and $19.5 million, respectively, of interest and fee income on loans.
A combination of new deposit relationships obtained in conjunction with the SBA PPP lending process and existing customers maintaining higher cash balances due to the COVID-19 Pandemic also caused a material impact to our deposit balances, which increased $1.80 billion, or 39.2%, to $6.38 billion at December 31, 2021 from $4.58 billion at December 31, 2019 and cash balances, which increased $1.49 billion, or 654.0%, to $1.72 billion at December 31, 2021 from $228.6 million at December 31, 2019, which was before the start of the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Business Strategy
Our business strategy is to be a commercial community bank, seeking deposits from our communities and making loans to customers with local ties to our markets. We believe we have an innovative team providing financial services and focusing on the success of our customers. We are committed to being the leading commercial community bank in the Pacific Northwest by continuously improving customer satisfaction, employee empowerment, community investment and shareholder value. Our commitment defines our relationships, sets expectations for our actions and directs decision-making in these four fundamental areas. We will seek to achieve our business goals through the following strategies:
Expand geographically as opportunities present themselves. We are committed to continuing the controlled expansion of our franchise through strategic acquisitions designed to increase our market share and enhance franchise value. We believe that consolidation across the community bank landscape will continue to take place and further believe that, with our capital and liquidity positions, our approach to credit management, and our extensive acquisition experience, we are well-positioned to take advantage of acquisitions or other business opportunities in our market areas. In markets where we wish to enter or expand our business, we will also consider opening de novo branches. In the past, we have successfully integrated acquired institutions and opened de novo branches. We will continue to be disciplined and opportunistic as it pertains to future acquisitions and de novo branching, focusing on the Pacific Northwest markets we know and understand.
Focus on asset quality. A strong credit culture is a high priority for us. We have a well-developed credit approval structure that has enabled us to maintain a standard of asset quality that we believe has moderate risk while at the same time allowing us to achieve our lending objectives. We will continue to focus on loan types and markets that we know well and where
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we have a historical record of success. We focus on loan relationships that are well-diversified in both size and industry types. With respect to commercial business lending, which is our predominant lending activity, we view ourselves as cash-flow lenders obtaining additional support from realistic collateral values, personal guarantees and other secondary sources of repayment. We have a problem loan resolution process that is focused on quick detection and implementing feasible solutions and subject our loans to periodic internal loan reviews.
Maintain a strong balance sheet. In addition to our focus on underwriting, we believe the strength of our balance sheet provides us with the flexibility to manage through a variety of scenarios including additional growth-related activities. Our liquidity position was also strong, with $1.72 billion in cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2021. As of December 31, 2021, the regulatory capital ratios of the Bank were well in excess of the levels required for “well-capitalized” status, and our consolidated common equity tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets, leverage capital, Tier 1 risk-based capital, and total risk-based capital ratios were 13.5%, 8.7%, 13.9% and 14.8%, respectively.
Focused deposit growth. Our strategic focus is to continuously grow deposits with emphasis on total relationship banking with our business and retail customers. We continue to seek to increase our market share in the communities we serve by providing exceptional customer service, focusing on relationship development with local businesses and strategic branch expansion. Our primary focus is to maintain a high level of non-maturity deposits to internally fund our loan growth with a low reliance on maturity (certificate) deposits. At December 31, 2021, our non-maturity deposits were 94.6% of our total deposits. Our technology-based products, including online personal financial management, business cash management and business remote deposit products enable us to compete effectively with banks of all sizes. Our retail and commercial management teams are well-seasoned and have strong ties to the communities we serve with a strong focus on relationship building and customer service.
Emphasize business relationships with a focus on commercial lending . We will continue to market primarily commercial business loans and the deposit balances that accompany these relationships. Our seasoned lending staff has extensive knowledge and can add value through a focused advisory role that we believe strengthens our customer relationships and develops loyalty. We currently have and will seek to maintain a diversified portfolio of lending relationships without significant concentrations in any industry.
Recruit and retain highly competent personnel to execute our strategies. Our compensation and staff development programs are aligned with our strategies to grow our loans and non-maturity deposits while maintaining our focus on asset quality. Our incentive systems are designed to achieve balanced, high quality asset growth while maintaining appropriate mechanisms to reduce or eliminate incentive payments when appropriate. Our equity compensation programs and retirement benefits are designed to build and encourage employee ownership at all levels of the Company and we align employee performance objectives with corporate growth strategies and shareholder value. We have a strong corporate culture, which is supported by our commitment to internal development and promotion from within as well as the retention of management and officers in key roles.
There have been no material changes to our business strategy during the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, except for our participation in the SBA's PPP.
History
The Bank was established in 1927 as a federally-chartered mutual savings bank. In 1992, the Bank converted to a state-chartered mutual savings bank under the name Heritage Savings Bank. Through the mutual holding company reorganization of the Bank and the subsequent conversion of the mutual holding company, the Bank became a stock savings bank and a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company effective August 1997. Effective September 1, 2004, Heritage Savings Bank switched its charter from a state-chartered savings bank to a state-chartered commercial bank and changed its legal name from Heritage Savings Bank to Heritage Bank. The following table lists major combinations completed by the Company:
Type of Combination Date of Combination Acquired Holding Company Name Acquired Bank Name Total Assets Acquired
(in millions)
Purchase June 1998 North Pacific Bancorporation North Pacific Bank $ 85
Purchase March 1999 Washington Independent Bancshares, Inc. Central Valley Bank 61
Purchase June 2006 Western Washington Bancorporation Washington State Bank, N.A. 57
FDIC Assisted August 2010 n/a Cowlitz Bank 345
FDIC Assisted November 2010 n/a Pierce Commercial Bank 211
Purchase January 2013 n/a Northwest Commercial Bank 65
Purchase July 2013 Valley Community Bancshares, Inc. Valley Bank 237
Merger May 2014 Washington Banking Company Whidbey Island Bank 1,657
Purchase January 2018 Puget Sound Bancorp, Inc. Puget Sound Bank 571
Purchase July 2018 Premier Commercial Bancorp Premier Community Bank 387
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Description of Business
Retail Banking
We offer a full range of products and services to customers for personal and business banking needs designed to attract both short-term and long-term deposits. Deposits are our primary source of funds. Our personal and business banking customers have the option of selecting from a variety of accounts. The major categories of deposit accounts that we offer are described below. These accounts, with the exception of noninterest demand accounts, generally earn interest at rates established by management based on competitive market factors and management’s desire to increase or decrease certain types or maturities of deposits.
Noninterest Demand Deposits. Deposits are noninterest bearing and may be charged service fees based on activity and balances.
Interest Bearing Demand Deposits. Deposits are interest bearing and may be charged service fees based on activity and balances. Interest bearing demand deposits pay interest, but require a higher minimum balance to avoid service charges.
Money Market Accounts. Deposits pay an interest rate that is tiered depending on the balance maintained in the account. Minimum opening balances vary.
Savings Accounts. Deposits are interest bearing provided that a minimum balance is maintained to avoid service charges.
Certificate of Deposit Accounts. Deposits require a minimum deposit of $2,500 and have maturities ranging from three months to five years. Jumbo certificate of deposit accounts are offered in amounts of $100,000 or more for terms of seven days to one year.
Our personal checking accounts feature an array of benefits and options, including online banking, online statements, mobile banking with mobile deposit, VISA debit cards and access to more than 37,000 surcharge free Automated Teller Machines through the MoneyPass network.
We also offer investment advice through a Wealth Management department that provides objective advice from trusted advisers.
Lending Activities
Our lending activities are conducted through the Bank. While our focus is on commercial business lending, we also originate consumer loans, real estate construction and land development loans and residential real estate loans. Our loans are originated under policies that are reviewed and approved annually by our Board of Directors. In addition, we have established internal lending guidelines that are updated as needed. These policies and guidelines address underwriting standards, structure and rate considerations, and compliance with laws, regulations and internal lending limits. We conduct post-approval reviews on selected loans and routinely perform internal loan reviews of our loan portfolio to confirm credit quality, proper documentation and compliance with laws and regulations. Loan repayments are considered one of the primary sources of funding for the Bank.
Commercial Business Lending
At December 31, 2021 we had $3.19 billion, or 83.7% of our loans receivable, in commercial business loans. We offer different types of commercial business loans, including lines of credit, term equipment financing and term owner-occupied and non-owner occupied commercial real estate loans. We also originate loans that are guaranteed by the U.S. SBA, for which the Bank is a “preferred lender”, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation. Before extending credit to a business, we review and analyze the borrower’s management ability, financial history, including cash flow of the borrower and all guarantors, and the liquidation value of the collateral. Emphasis is placed on having a comprehensive understanding of the borrower’s global cash flow and performing necessary financial due diligence.
We originate commercial real estate loans within our primary market areas with a preference for loans secured by owner-occupied properties. Our underwriting standards require that non-owner occupied and owner-occupied commercial real estate loans not exceed 75% and 80%, respectively, of the lower of appraised value at origination or cost of the underlying collateral. Cash flow debt coverage covenant requirements typically range from 1.15 times to 1.25 times, depending on the type of property. Actual debt service coverage is usually higher than required covenant thresholds, as loan sizing requires sensitized coverage using an "underwriting" interest rate that is higher than the note rate.
Commercial real estate loans typically involve a greater degree of risk than residential real estate loans. Payments on loans secured by commercial real estate properties are dependent on successful operation and management of the properties and repayment of these loans may be affected by adverse conditions in the real estate market or the economy. We seek to minimize these risks by determining the financial condition of the borrower and any tenants, the quality and value of the collateral, and the management of the property securing the loan. We also generally obtain personal guarantees from the owners of the collateral after a thorough review of personal financial statements. In addition, we review a majority of the individual loans within our commercial real estate loan portfolio annually for various performance related criteria and stress-test loans for potential changes in interest rates, occupancy and collateral values.
See also Item 1A. Risk Factors—Our loan portfolio is concentrated in loans with a higher risk of loss.
The Bank may enter into non-hedging interest rate swap contracts with commercial customers to accommodate their business needs. For additional information, see Note (8) Derivative Financial Instruments of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8. Financial Statements And Supplementary Data.
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Residential Real Estate Loans, Originations and Sales
At December 31, 2021, residential real estate loans totaled $164.6 million, or 4.3% of our loans receivable. The majority of our residential real estate loans are secured by single-family residences located in our primary market areas. Our underwriting standards require that residential real estate loans generally are owner-occupied and do not exceed 80% of the lower of appraised value at origination or cost of the underlying collateral. Terms typically range from 15 to 30 years. As part of our asset/liability management strategy, we also sell originated residential real estate loans in the secondary market with no recourse and servicing released.
Real Estate Construction and Land Development
At December 31, 2021, we had $226.9 million, or 5.9% of our loans receivable, in real estate construction and land development loans, including residential construction loans and commercial and multifamily construction loans.
We originate residential construction loans for the construction of single-family custom homes (where the home owner is the borrower). We also provide financing to builders for the construction of pre-sold homes and speculative residential property. Because of the higher risks present in the residential construction industry, our lending to builders is limited to those who have demonstrated a favorable record of performance and who are building in markets that management understands. We further endeavor to limit our construction lending risk through adherence to strict underwriting guidelines and procedures. Speculative construction loans are short term in nature and have a variable rate of interest. We require builders to have tangible equity in each construction project; have prompt and thorough documentation of all draw requests; and we inspect the project prior to paying any draw requests.
Commercial and multifamily construction loans also have a higher risk because of the construction element and lease-up, if not pre-leased. As a result, this type of construction loan is made only to strong borrowers with sufficient equity into the project and additional resources they can draw on if needed. The Bank performs due diligence to gain comfort that the experience of the general contractor is sufficient to finish the project on budget and on time. Project feasibility is also important and our lenders ensure the project is economically viable. Commercial and multifamily construction loans are monitored through cost reviews, regulatory-compliant appraisals, sufficient equity, engineering inspections and controlled disbursements.
See also Item 1A. Risk Factors—Our loan portfolio is concentrated in loans with a higher risk of loss.
Consumer
At December 31, 2021, we had $232.5 million, or 6.1% of our loans receivable, in consumer loans. We originate consumer loans and lines of credit that are both secured and unsecured.
During the three months ended March 31, 2020, we ceased indirect auto loan originations, which are classified as consumer loans within loans receivable. These indirect consumer loans are secured by new and used automobile and recreational vehicles and were originated indirectly by established and well-known dealers located in our market areas. In addition, the indirect loans purchased were made to only prime borrowers. At December 31, 2021, we had $117.3 million, or 3.1% of our loans receivable, in indirect auto loans remaining, which is a decrease of 58.7% from $284.0 million as of December 31, 2019, which approximates the balance of indirect auto loans before the runoff of this portfolio started. The majority of our remaining consumer loans are for relatively small amounts disbursed among many individual borrowers.
Supervision and Regulation
We are subject to extensive legislation, regulation, and supervision under federal law and the law of Washington State, which are both primarily intended to protect depositors and the FDIC, and not shareholders. Additionally, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is responsible for the implementation of the federal financial consumer protection and fair lending laws and regulations and has authority to impose new requirements.
Any change in applicable laws, regulations, or regulatory policies may have a material effect on our business, operations, and prospects. We cannot predict the nature or the extent of the effects on our business and earnings that any fiscal or monetary policies or new Federal or State legislation may have in the future.
The following is a summary discussion of certain laws and regulations applicable to the Company and the Bank which is qualified in its entirety by reference to the actual laws and regulations.
Heritage Financial Corporation
As a bank holding company registered with the Federal Reserve, we are subject to comprehensive regulation and supervision by the Federal Reserve under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended, and the regulations of the Federal Reserve. This regulation and supervision is generally intended to ensure that we limit our activities to those allowed by law and that we operate in a safe and sound manner without endangering the financial health of the Bank. We are required to file annual and periodic reports with the Federal Reserve and provide additional information as the Federal Reserve may require. The Federal Reserve may examine us, and any of our subsidiaries, and assess us for the cost of such examination.
The Federal Reserve has extensive enforcement authority over bank holding companies, including, among other things, the ability to assess civil money penalties, to issue cease and desist or removal orders, or require that a holding company divest subsidiaries (including its bank subsidiary). In general, enforcement actions may be initiated for violations of laws and regulations and unsafe or unsound practices. The Company is also required to file certain reports with, and otherwise comply with, the rules and regulations of the SEC. The Federal Reserve may also order termination of non-banking activities by non-banking subsidiaries of bank holding companies, or divestiture of ownership and control of a non-banking subsidiary by a bank holding company. Some violations may also result in criminal penalties.
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Federal Reserve policy provides that a bank holding company is required to serve as a source of financial and managerial strength to its subsidiary banks and may not conduct its operations in an unsafe or unsound manner. A bank holding company’s failure to meet its obligation to serve as a source of strength by providing financial assistance to a subsidiary bank in financial distress is generally considered by the Federal Reserve to be an unsafe and unsound banking practice or a violation of the Federal Reserve’s regulations or both.
As a bank holding company, we are required to obtain the prior approval of the Federal Reserve to acquire all, or substantially all, of the assets of any other bank or bank holding company. Prior Federal Reserve approval is required for any bank holding company to acquire direct or indirect ownership or control of any voting securities of any bank or bank holding company if, after such acquisition, the acquiring bank holding company would, directly or indirectly, own or control more than 5% of any class of voting shares of the bank or bank holding company. In addition to the approval of the Federal Reserve, prior approval may for such acquisitions also be necessary from other agencies including the DFI and agencies that regulate the target.
Under the prompt corrective action provisions of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, a bank holding company with an undercapitalized subsidiary bank must guarantee, within limitations, the capital restoration plan that is required to be implemented for its undercapitalized subsidiary bank. If an undercapitalized subsidiary bank fails to file an acceptable capital restoration plan or fails to implement an accepted plan, the Federal Reserve may, among other restrictions, prohibit the bank holding company or its undercapitalized subsidiary bank from paying any dividend or making any other form of capital distribution without the prior approval of the Federal Reserve. Federal Reserve policy also provides that a bank holding company may pay cash dividends only to the extent that the company’s net income for the past year is sufficient to cover both the cash dividend and a rate of earnings retention that is consistent with the company’s capital needs, asset quality and overall financial condition.
Bank regulations also require bank holding companies and banks to maintain minimum capital ratios and capital conservation buffer. For additional information, see “Capital Adequacy” below. In addition, under Washington corporate law, a company generally may not pay dividends if, after that payment, the company would not be able to pay its liabilities as they become due in the usual course of business or its total assets would be less than its total liabilities.
Any subsidiaries which we may control are considered “affiliates” of the Company within the meaning of the Federal Reserve Act, and transactions between affiliates are subject to numerous restrictions. With some exceptions, we and our subsidiaries are prohibited from tying the provision of various products or services, such as extensions of credit, to other products or services offered by us, or our affiliates.
Heritage Bank
The Bank is a Washington state-chartered commercial bank, the deposits of which are insured by the FDIC, and is subject to regulation by the FDIC and the DFI.
Applicable Federal and State statutes and regulations which govern a bank’s operations relate to minimum capital requirements, required reserves against deposits, investments, loans, legal lending limits, mergers and consolidation, borrowings, issuance of securities, payment of dividends, establishment of branches, privacy, anti-money laundering and other aspects of its operations, among other things. The DFI and the FDIC also have authority to prohibit banks under their supervision from engaging in what they consider to be unsafe and unsound practices.
The Bank is required to file periodic reports with the FDIC and is subject to periodic examinations and evaluations by the FDIC and the DFI. Based upon these evaluations, the regulators may revalue the assets of an institution and require that it establish specific reserves to compensate for the differences between the determined value and the book value of such assets. These examinations must be conducted at least every 12 months.
The Bank pays dividends to the Company. The FDIC and the DFI also have the general authority to restrict capital distributions by the Bank, including dividends paid by the Bank to the Company. Such restrictions are generally tied to the Bank’s capital levels after giving effect to such distributions.
Capital Adequacy
The Federal Reserve and FDIC have issued substantially similar risk-based and leverage capital regulations applicable to bank holding companies and banks, respectively. In addition, these regulatory agencies may from time to time require that a bank holding company or bank maintain capital above the minimum levels, based on its financial condition or actual or anticipated growth. These regulations implement the regulatory capital reforms required by the Dodd-Frank Act and the Basel III requirements, a comprehensive capital framework and rules for U.S. banking organizations approved by the Federal Reserve Board and the FDIC in 2013.
Under these capital regulations, the minimum capital ratios are: (1) a common equity Tier 1 capital ratio of 4.5% of risk-weighted assets; (2) a leverage ratio (the ratio of Tier 1 capital to average total adjusted assets) of 4.0%; (3) a Tier 1 capital ratio of 6.0% of risk-weighted assets; and (4) a total capital ratio of 8.0% of risk-weighted assets. Common equity Tier 1 generally consists of common stock; retained earnings; AOCI unless an institution elects to exclude AOCI from regulatory capital; and certain minority interests; all subject to applicable regulatory adjustments and deductions. Tier 1 capital generally consists of common equity Tier 1 and noncumulative perpetual preferred stock. Tier 2 capital generally consists of other preferred stock and subordinated debt meeting certain conditions plus an amount of the allowance for credit losses up to 1.25% of risk-weighted assets. Total capital is the sum of Tier 1 and Tier 2 capital.
In addition to the minimum common equity Tier 1, Tier 1, leverage ratio and total capital ratios, the Company and the Bank must maintain a capital conservation buffer consisting of additional common equity Tier 1 capital greater than 2.5% above
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the required minimum risk-based capital levels in order to avoid limitations on paying dividends, repurchasing shares, and paying discretionary bonuses. To be considered "well capitalized," a bank holding company must have, on a consolidated basis, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 6.0% or greater and a total risk-based capital ratio of 10.0% or greater and must not be subject to an individual order, directive or agreement under which the Federal Reserve requires it to maintain a specific capital level. To be considered “well capitalized,” a depository institution must have a common equity Tier 1 capital ratio of at least 6.5%, a leverage ratio of at least 5%, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of at least 8%, a total risk-based capital ratio of at least 10% and not be subject to an individualized order, directive or agreement under which its primary federal banking regulator requires it to maintain a specific capital level.
The Company’s and the Bank's required and actual capital levels as of December 31, 2021 are listed in Note (21) Regulatory Capital Requirements of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8. Financial Statements And Supplementary Data.
Prompt Corrective Action
Federal statutes establish a supervisory framework for FDIC-insured institutions based on five capital categories: well capitalized, adequately capitalized, undercapitalized, significantly undercapitalized and critically undercapitalized. An institution’s category depends upon where its capital levels are in relation to relevant capital measures. The well capitalized category is described in the Capital Adequacy section above. An institution that is not well capitalized is subject to certain restrictions on brokered deposits, including restrictions on the rates it can offer on its deposits. To be considered adequately capitalized, an institution must have the minimum capital ratios described in the Capital Adequacy section above. Any institution which is neither well capitalized nor adequately capitalized is considered undercapitalized.
Undercapitalized institutions are subject to certain prompt corrective action requirements, regulatory controls and restrictions which become more extensive as an institution becomes more severely undercapitalized. Failure by a bank to comply with applicable capital requirements would result in progressively more severe restrictions on its activities and lead to enforcement actions, including, but not limited to, the issuance of a capital directive to ensure the maintenance of required capital levels and, ultimately, the appointment of the FDIC as receiver or conservator. Banking regulators will take prompt corrective action with respect to depository institutions that do not meet minimum capital requirements. Additionally, approval of any regulatory application filed for their review may be dependent on compliance with capital requirements.
As of December 31, 2021, the Company and the Bank met all minimum capital requirements and the most recent regulatory notifications categorized the Bank as well capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. See Note (21) Regulatory Capital Requirements of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8. Financial Statements And Supplementary Data.
Classification of Loans
Federal regulations require the Bank to periodically evaluate the risks inherent in its loan portfolio. In addition, the DFI and the FDIC have the authority to identify adversely classified loans and, if appropriate, require them to be reclassified. There are three types of classified loans: Substandard, Doubtful, and Loss. Substandard loans have one or more defined weaknesses and are characterized by the distinct possibility that the institution will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected. Doubtful loans have the weaknesses of Substandard loans, with additional characteristics that the weaknesses make collection or liquidation in full on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions, and values questionable. There is a high probability of some loss in loans classified as Doubtful. A loan classified as Loss is considered uncollectible and of such little value that continuance as a loan of the institution is not warranted. If a loan or a portion of the loan is classified as Loss, the institution must charge-off this amount.
Deposit Insurance and Other FDIC Programs
The deposits of the Bank are insured up to $250,000 per separately insured category by the Deposit Insurance Fund, which is administered by the FDIC. The FDIC is an independent federal agency that insures the deposits, up to applicable limits, of depository institutions. As insurer of the Bank's deposits, the FDIC has supervisory and enforcement authority over the Bank and this insurance is backed by the full faith and credit of the United States government. As insurer, the FDIC imposes deposit insurance assessments and is authorized to conduct examinations of and to require reporting by institutions insured by the FDIC. It also may prohibit any FDIC-insured institution from engaging in any activity determined by regulation or order to pose a serious risk to the institution and the Deposit Insurance Fund. The FDIC also has the authority to initiate enforcement actions and may terminate the deposit insurance if it determines that an institution has engaged in unsafe or unsound practices or is in an unsafe or unsound condition.
Deposit insurance assessments are based on the average consolidated total assets less tangible equity capital of a financial institution. In addition, the Dodd-Frank Act set the minimum designated reserve ratio of the Deposit Insurance Fund at 1.35%, required the FDIC to set a target for the ratio each year, and eliminated the requirement that the FDIC pay dividends to insured depository institutions when the ratio exceeds certain thresholds. The FDIC set the target ratio at 2.0% and adopted a plan to achieve that target ratio. Currently, total base assessment rates range from 1.5 to 40 basis points on an annualized basis, subject to certain adjustments. Under current regulations, the ranges of assessment rates are scheduled to decrease as the ratio increases in increments above 2.0%. No institution may pay a dividend if it is in default on its deposit insurance assessment.
The FDIC announced that the Deposit Insurance Fund ratio surpassed 1.35% as of September 30, 2018 which triggered two changes under the regulations: surcharges on large banks (total consolidated assets of $10 billion or more) ended and small banks (total consolidated assets of less than $10 billion, which includes the Bank) were awarded assessment credits for the portion of their assessments that contributed to the growth in the Reserve Ratio from 1.15% to 1.35% to be applied when
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the reserve ratio is at least 1.35%. The Bank was awarded $1.2 million in small bank assessment credits of which $518,000 and $726,000 was applied against quarterly FDIC assessments during the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
Other Regulatory Developments
The following summarizes some of the significant federal legislation affecting banking in recent years.
Economic Growth Act. In May 2018 the Economic Growth Act was enacted to modify or remove certain financial reform rules and regulations, including some of those implemented under the Dodd-Frank Act. While the Economic Growth Act maintains most of the regulatory structure established by the Dodd-Frank Act, it amends certain aspects of the regulatory framework for small depository institutions with assets of less than $10 billion and for large banks with assets of more than $50 billion.
The Economic Growth Act, among other matters, expands the definition of qualified mortgages which may be held by a financial institution and includes regulatory relief for community banks regarding regulatory examination cycles, call reports, the Volcker Rule (proprietary trading prohibitions), mortgage disclosures, risk weights for certain high-risk commercial real estate loans and simplifies the regulatory capital rules for financial institutions and their holding companies with total consolidated assets of less than $10 billion by instructing the federal banking regulators to establish a Community Bank Leverage Ratio, which became effective January 1, 2020. The new ratio is an optional framework that is designed to reduce regulatory burden by removing the requirements for calculating and reporting risk-based capital ratios for qualifying community banking organizations that opt into the framework starting in the first quarter of 2020. Qualifying community banking organizations that elect to use the Community Bank Leverage Ratio framework and that maintain a leverage ratio of greater than nine percent are considered to have satisfied the risk-based and leverage capital requirements in the agencies’ generally applicable capital rule. Additionally, such insured depository institutions are considered to have met the well-capitalized ratio requirements for purposes of section 38 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act. The leverage ratio required for purposes of the new framework is calculated as Tier 1 capital divided by average total consolidated assets, consistent with how banking organizations calculate their leverage ratio under the current rules. As of December 31, 2021, the Company and the Bank had not elected to be subject to the Community Bank Leverage Ratio.
CECL. The FASB issued a new accounting standard the Bank adopted on January 1, 2020. This standard, referred to as CECL, requires FDIC-insured institutions and their holding companies (banking organizations) to recognize credit losses expected over the life of certain financial assets. CECL covers a broader range of assets than the prior method of recognizing credit losses and generally results in earlier recognition of credit losses. Upon adoption of CECL, a banking organization must record a one-time adjustment to its credit loss allowances as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption equal to the difference, if any, between the amount of credit loss allowances under the current methodology and the amount required under CECL. Concurrent with enactment of the CARES Act, federal banking agencies issued an interim final rule that delays the estimated impact on regulatory capital resulting from the adoption of CECL. The interim final rule provides banking organizations that implement CECL before the end of 2020 the option to delay for two years the estimated impact of CECL on regulatory capital relative to regulatory capital determined under the prior incurred loss methodology, followed by a three-year transition period to phase out the aggregate amount of capital benefit provided during the initial two-year delay. The changes in the final rule apply only to those banking organizations that elect the CECL transition relief provided under the rule. The Company and the Bank elected this option.
See discussion of CECL Adoption in Note (1) Description of Business, Basis of Presentation, Significant Accounting Policies and Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8. Financial Statements And Supplementary Data
Website Access to Company Reports
We post publicly available reports required to be filed with the SEC on our website, www.hf-wa.com, as soon as reasonably practicable after filing such reports. The required reports are available free of charge through our website.
Code of Ethics
We have adopted a Code of Ethics that applies to our principal officers. We have posted the text of our Code of Ethics at www.hf-wa.com in the section titled Overview: Governance Documents. Any waivers of the code of ethics will be publicly disclosed to shareholders.
Competition
We compete for loans and deposits with other commercial banks, credit unions, mortgage bankers, and other providers of financial services, including finance companies, online-only banks, mutual funds, insurance companies, and more recently with financial technology companies that rely on technology to provide financial services. Many of our competitors have substantially greater resources than we do. Particularly in times of high or rising interest rates, we also face significant competition for investors’ funds from short-term money market securities and other corporate and government securities.
We compete for loans principally through the range and quality of the services we provide, interest rates and loan fees, and robust delivery channels for our products and services. We actively solicit deposit-related clients and compete for deposits by offering depositors a variety of savings accounts, checking accounts, cash management and other services.
Human Capital
Demographics
As of December 31, 2021, the Bank employed 727 full-time and 40 part-time employees across Washington and
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Oregon. None of these employees are represented by a collective bargaining agreement. During 2021, we hired 134 regular full-time and part-time employees. Voluntary workforce turnover (rolling 12-month attrition) was 20.76% and our average tenure was 7.6 years. Our workforce was 72% female and 28% male, and women held 70% of the bank’s management roles (including department supervisors and managers, as well as executive leadership). The average tenure of management was 10 years. The ethnicity of our workforce was 77% White, 8% Asian, 6% Hispanic, 4% Two or More Races, 2% Black, and 3% other.
Our Culture and Our People
The Company's success depends on the success of its people. As a result, the Company is focused on enhancing employee empowerment through human capital and talent management. Our strong culture was built upon adherence to a well-defined company mission and values, which aligns employees across all levels of the Company to a common goal and enables them to reach their full potential.
The Company views its employees as our most important assets, which makes training and professional development a worthy investment. We offer an array of learning opportunities through virtual and in-house courses via “Heritage Bank University”, as well as sponsoring courses through external providers, such as Ken Blanchard Company, Washington Bankers Association, Oregon Bankers Association and the Pacific Coast Banking School. We sponsor situational leadership training for leaders that focuses on communication and employee engagement.
The Company strives to maintain an environment of open communication with access to senior management, which includes quarterly all-employee virtual meetings, as well as New Employee Orientation hosted by the Chief Executive Officer. To further enhance our “listening culture” and foster open communications, we utilize a pulse survey platform to provide employees with a chance to share feedback directly with leadership throughout the year, including internal communications and COVID-19 Pandemic-related surveys. Survey results are shared with executive leadership and drive action planning. We also host Celebrate Great, an active internal peer recognition platform, where managers and employees post appreciation and recognition for co-workers and teams. The Company celebrates “Employee Appreciation Days” in the spring and fall which includes prizes, games, employee recognition and in-person events hosted by executive management. During 2021, the Puget Sound Business Journal recognized Heritage Bank as one of the Top 100 Best Workplaces in the Puget Sound.
In addition to vacation and sick leave, all employees receive at least eight hours of paid time each year specifically to use for volunteer activities of their choice in the communities where they live and work.
COVID-19
The COVID-19 Pandemic has presented a unique challenge with regard to maintaining employee safety while continuing successful operations. Currently, a portion of our employees are working remotely, however, substantially all employees are expected to return to their go-forward working environments during the three months ended March 31, 2022. The Company continues to monitor the situation and will continue to implement measures commensurate with guidance issued by the Centers for Disease Control and state/local health authorities.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
We recognize and appreciate the importance of creating an environment in which all employees feel valued, included, and empowered to do their best work. We recognize that each employee's unique experiences, perspectives, and viewpoints add value to our ability to be the leading commercial community bank in the Pacific Northwest.
The Company has a DEI plan, a Diversity Council and a DEI Officer who has been certified by the National Diversity Council. The Company's Diversity Council is made up of a diverse group of employees that acts on behalf of the Company to promote the diversity and inclusion process and works closely with senior leaders to ensure DEI initiatives align with the Company's overall strategic goals and initiatives. Both our Chief Executive Officer and Senior Vice President Chief Human Resources Officer serve as Executive Sponsors to the Company's Diversity Council. The Company's Diversity Council is a critical driver in fostering organizational change, establishing a dedicated focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion priorities. The primary role of the Company's Diversity Council is to connect DEI activities to a broader, business-driven and results-oriented strategy. Executive management and the Company's board of directors have received instructor-led, custom DEI training. In addition, all employees receive ongoing diversity training.
The objectives of the Company's DEI plan include:
• Workforce Diversity : Recruit from a diverse, qualified group of potential applicants to secure a high-performing workforce drawn from all segments of the communities we serve.
• Workplace Inclusion : Promote a culture that encourages collaboration, flexibility and fairness to enable individuals to contribute to their full potential.
• Sustainability: Develop structures and strategies to equip leaders with the ability to manage diversity, be accountable, measure results, refine approaches on the basis of such data and foster a culture of inclusion.
Compensation and Benefits
We provide competitive compensation and benefit programs to aid us in attracting and retaining top talent in the very competitive Puget Sound and Portland, Oregon job markets where many of our offices are located. These programs include annual bonuses, equity, 401(k) Plan with an employer matching contribution, health insurance, transit passes, paid parking, and paid time off.
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Executive Officers
The following table sets forth information with respect to executive officers of the Company at December 31, 2021:
Name Age as of
December 31,
2021 Position Has Served
the Company or Bank Since
Jeffrey J. Deuel 63 Chief Executive Officer of Heritage Financial Corporation and Heritage Bank 2010
Donald J. Hinson 60 Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Heritage Financial Corporation and Heritage Bank 2005
Tony Chalfant 60 Executive Vice President and Chief Credit Officer of Heritage Financial Corporation and Heritage Bank 2018
Bryan McDonald 50 Executive Vice President of Heritage Financial Corporation and President and Chief Operating Officer of Heritage Bank 2014
Cindy Huntley 58 Executive Vice President and Chief Banking Officer of Heritage Bank 1988
The business experience of each executive officer is set forth below.
Jeffrey J. Deuel is the Chief Executive Officer of Heritage Bank and Heritage Financial Corporation. Mr. Deuel was promoted to President and Chief Executive Officer of Heritage Bank and President of Heritage Financial Corporation effective July 2018 and then promoted to Chief Executive Officer of Heritage Financial Corporation effective July 2019. Mr. Deuel was promoted to President and Chief Operating Officer of Heritage Bank and Executive Vice President of Heritage Financial Corporation in September 2012. In November 2010, Mr. Deuel was named Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Heritage Bank and Executive Vice President of the Company. Mr. Deuel joined Heritage Bank in February 2010 as Executive Vice President. Prior to joining Heritage, Mr. Deuel held the position of Executive Vice President Commercial Operations with JPMorgan Chase, formerly Washington Mutual. Prior to joining Washington Mutual, Mr. Deuel was based in Philadelphia where he worked for Bank United, First Union Bank, CoreStates Bank, and First Pennsylvania Bank. During his career Mr. Deuel held a variety of leadership positions in commercial banking including lending, credit administration, portfolio management, retail, corporate strategies, and support services. He earned his Bachelor’s degree at Gettysburg College.
Donald J. Hinson was promoted to Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer in September 2012. From 2007 to 2012, he was Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Hinson joined the Company in 2005 as Vice President and Controller. Prior to that, he served in the banking audit practice of local and national accounting firms of Knight, Vale and Gregory and RSM McGladrey from 1994 to 2005. Mr. Hinson holds a Bachelor's degree in Accounting from Central Washington University and a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Western Washington University.
Tony Chalfant became Executive Vice President and Chief Credit Officer of Heritage Financial Corporation and Heritage Bank in July 2020. Previously, Mr. Chalfant held the title of Senior Vice President and Deputy Chief Credit Officer of Heritage Bank since July 2019. Prior to that, he served as a Regional Credit Officer since January 2018 when Heritage Bank acquired Puget Sound Bank. Mr. Chalfant served as the Chief Credit Officer for Puget Sound Bank for 13 years. Prior to joining Puget Sound Bank, Mr. Chalfant held commercial lending and leadership positions with U.S. Bank for 11 years. Mr. Chalfant started his career with the U.S. Office of Comptroller of the Currency, working there for eight years. Mr. Chalfant obtained his Bachelor's degree in Finance and Economics from Washington State University and is a graduate of the Pacific Coast Banking School.
Bryan McDonald is the President and Chief Operating Officer of Heritage Bank. Mr. McDonald was promoted to Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Heritage Bank effective July 1, 2018 and then promoted to President and Chief Operating Officer of Heritage Bank effective July 1, 2021. Mr. McDonald was promoted to Executive Vice President and Chief Lending Officer as a result of the merger between Heritage Financial and Washington Banking Company effective May 1, 2014. Previously, with Whidbey Island Bank he held the position of President and Chief Executive Officer of Whidbey Island Bank from January 2012 to May 2014. He joined Whidbey Island Bank in 2006 as Commercial Banking Manager and was promoted to Chief Operating Officer in 2010. Mr. McDonald has extensive managerial experience in various sales, credit, operations, commercial banking and residential real estate areas. Before joining the team at Whidbey Island Bank, he was Snohomish and King County Business Group Manager where he was responsible for developing all aspects of Peoples Bank's commercial banking operation in King and Snohomish County.
Cindy Huntley was appointed Executive Vice President and Chief Banking Officer in September of 2019. Cindy has been with Heritage Bank since 1988 and previously served as a Director of Retail Banking since 2006 and a Senior Vice President since 2004. During her tenure with Heritage, Ms. Huntley has held numerous positions including marketing, retail and executive support positions. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Management from the University of Northern Colorado and graduated from the Pacific Coast Banking School.