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Republic Bancorp(RBCAA) - 2024 Q4 - Annual Report
RBCAARepublic Bancorp(RBCAA)2025-03-06 19:21

Financial Overview - As of December 31, 2024, Republic Bancorp, Inc. had total assets of 6.8billion,totaldepositsof6.8 billion, total deposits of 5.2 billion, and total stockholders' equity of 992million[19].RepublicBancorp,Inc.ranksasthesecondlargestKentuckybasedfinancialholdingcompanybasedontotalassetsasofDecember31,2024[19].AsofDecember31,2024,theBankemployed989fulltimeequivalentemployees,withafocusonemployeeretentionandwellbeing[78].TheCompanyreportedaTotalRiskBasedCapitalratioof16.98992 million[19]. - Republic Bancorp, Inc. ranks as the second largest Kentucky-based financial holding company based on total assets as of December 31, 2024[19]. - As of December 31, 2024, the Bank employed 989 full-time equivalent employees, with a focus on employee retention and well-being[78]. - The Company reported a Total Risk-Based Capital ratio of 16.98%, up from 16.10% in 2023[137]. - The Common Equity Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital ratio for Republic Bancorp, Inc. increased to 15.73% in 2024 from 14.85% in 2023[137]. - Republic Bank & Trust Company maintained a Tier 1 leverage capital ratio of 13.29% in 2024, compared to 13.25% in 2023[137]. - The Company and the Bank are categorized as well-capitalized under Basel III regulations, meeting all required capital ratios[136]. Banking Operations - The company operates 47 full-service banking centers, primarily located in Kentucky, with a significant presence in Metropolitan Louisville[18][21]. - The Traditional Banking segment now includes mortgage banking results, which were previously reported separately, reflecting a strategic reclassification[23]. - The bank's commercial lending activities focus on C&I lending and CRE lending, with targeted credit sizes typically between 1 million and 35million[33][35].ThebankisanSBAPreferredLendingPartner,allowingittoexpeditetheunderwritingandapprovalofSBAloans,generallyupto35 million[33][35]. - The bank is an SBA Preferred Lending Partner, allowing it to expedite the underwriting and approval of SBA loans, generally up to 3 million[41]. - The bank's CRE Division, launched in 2022, focuses on large CRE projects typically ranging from 5millionto5 million to 25 million[36]. - The bank's lending activities include construction loans for both residential and commercial properties, with a focus on established builders with solid financial records[42][44]. - The Bank's Private Banking division provides financial products and services tailored to high-net-worth individuals, leveraging the extensive experience of its Private Banking officers[50]. - The Core Bank provides short-term, revolving credit facilities to mortgage bankers, with individual advances expected to remain on the warehouse line for an average of 15 to 30 days[56]. Loan and Credit Products - In 2023, the bank sold 67millionofcorrespondentloansthatwerepreviouslyclassifiedasheldforinvestment,completingthesaleinthesecondquarterof2024[25].TheRepublicCreditSolutions(RCS)segmentoffersunsecured,smalldollarconsumerloans,withasignificantportionofclientsconsideredsubprimeornearprimeborrowers[74].TheBankoffersRCSinstallmentloanswithtermsrangingfrom12to60months,withallloanbalancescarriedas"heldforsale"onthebalancesheet,intendedtobesoldwithinsixteendaysoforigination[81].TheBankoriginateshealthcarereceivablesproductsacrosstheU.S.,retaining10067 million of correspondent loans that were previously classified as held for investment, completing the sale in the second quarter of 2024[25]. - The Republic Credit Solutions (RCS) segment offers unsecured, small dollar consumer loans, with a significant portion of clients considered subprime or near-prime borrowers[74]. - The Bank offers RCS installment loans with terms ranging from 12 to 60 months, with all loan balances carried as "held for sale" on the balance sheet, intended to be sold within sixteen days of origination[81]. - The Bank originates healthcare-receivables products across the U.S., retaining 100% of receivables in some programs, while others are sold within one month of origination[81]. - The ERA loan product, introduced in December 2022, allows taxpayers to borrow funds as an advance of a portion of their tax refund, with a maximum advance amount of 6,500[60]. Regulatory Environment - The Company is subject to extensive federal and state banking laws and regulations, which primarily protect clients and depositors rather than stockholders[93]. - The Dodd-Frank Act and EGRRCPA provide certain exemptions for the Company and Bank, including limitations on interchange fees and regulatory capital requirements[101]. - The Company must obtain prior approval from the FRB for significant transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, which may affect its strategic planning[103]. - The Company and Bank must maintain well-capitalized and well-managed status to retain FHC status, which allows for a broader range of financial activities[107]. - The Bank is subject to federal laws designed to counter money laundering and terrorist financing, including the BSA and the Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2020[119]. - The Bank received an "Outstanding" CRA Performance Evaluation in March 2024, indicating strong compliance with community reinvestment obligations[124]. - The Bank's compliance with consumer protection laws is overseen by the CFPB, which regulates unfair, deceptive, or abusive acts in consumer financial services[122]. Market and Competitive Landscape - The Company faces intense competition from various financial institutions, including local and regional banks, credit unions, and fintech companies, impacting its ability to attract deposits and originate loans[84]. - The small-dollar consumer loan industry is highly competitive, with competitors including payday lenders and fintech companies, which may lead to challenges in retaining clients[91]. - The Bank emphasizes personalized service and local management philosophy to enhance its competitive edge in the market[85]. Financial Risks and Challenges - The Bank's earnings are significantly influenced by the difference between interest earned on loans and investments and interest paid on deposits[146]. - Fluctuations in interest rates could materially affect the Bank's profitability and net interest margin due to the sensitivity of its assets and liabilities[159]. - Approximately 37% of the Bank's total deposits as of December 31, 2024, were uninsured, which may expose the Bank to enhanced liquidity and earnings risks during financial distress[163]. - The Bank's reliance on large deposit relationships could increase funding costs if significant balances are withdrawn, potentially leading to higher overall operational costs[162]. - Mortgage interest rates remained elevated throughout 2024, leading to low mortgage refinance activity and continued low Warehouse demand, which may further decrease earnings in 2025[166]. - The Bank's ability to attract depositors may be limited during periods of market distress, impacting its net interest margin negatively[165]. - The Bank's credit risk associated with Refund Anticipation Loans (RAs) could materially impact financial condition if a significant portion of RAs cannot be collected[168]. - The Allowance for Credit Losses (ACLL) may be insufficient to cover actual loan losses, which could lead to increased provisions and negatively affect financial results[178]. - The Bank's operational risks are heightened by reliance on third-party data, and any failure in these systems could materially impact earnings[186]. - The Bank retains 100% of the balances it originates on certain credit products if it exits those product lines, increasing credit risk significantly[190]. - The Bank's revenue generation from mortgage loan sales is highly dependent on programs administered by Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, which could materially affect its financial position if changes occur[191]. - Any significant reduction in the operation of Freddie Mac or Fannie Mae would likely prevent the Bank from originating and selling most of its mortgage loans, adversely impacting its business[192]. - A decrease in client deposits due to perceived superior returns from alternative investments could increase the Bank's funding costs and negatively impact its operations[193]. - Prepayment of loans by clients could reduce the Bank's interest income, adversely affecting its financial condition[194]. - The Company is exposed to credit risk from transactions with various financial institutions, which could materially affect its financial condition if defaults occur[195]. - The Company relies on key management personnel, and the loss of these individuals could adversely affect its growth and operational prospects[196]. - Regulatory compliance failures could lead to significant penalties and adversely affect the Bank's earnings, particularly concerning its RPG products[205]. - The Company is significantly impacted by regulatory policies that could negatively affect its liquidity position and earnings, influencing its cost of funds and net interest margin[210].