Public companies are required to disclose risks that can affect the business and impact the stock. These disclosures are known as “Risk Factors”. Companies disclose these risks in their yearly (Form 10-K), quarterly earnings (Form 10-Q), or “foreign private issuer” reports (Form 20-F). Risk factors show the challenges a company faces. Investors can consider the worst-case scenarios before making an investment. TipRanks’ Risk Analysis categorizes risks based on proprietary classification algorithms and machine learning.

Independent Bank disclosed 15 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Independent Bank reported the most risks in the “Finance & Corporate” category.

Risk Overview Q3, 2024

Risk Distribution

40% Finance & Corporate

27% Ability to Sell

13% Tech & Innovation

7% Legal & Regulatory

7% Production

7% Macro & Political

Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy

This chart displays the stock's most recent risk distribution according to category. TipRanks has identified 6 major categories: Finance & corporate, legal & regulatory, macro & political, production, tech & innovation, and ability to sell.

Risk Change Over Time

S&P500 Average

Sector Average

Risks removed

Risks added

Risks changed

Independent Bank Risk Factors

New Risk (0)

Risk Changed (0)

Risk Removed (0)

No changes from previous report

The chart shows the number of risks a company has disclosed. You can compare this to the sector average or S&P 500 average.

The quarters shown in the chart are according to the calendar year (January to December). Businesses set their own financial calendar, known as a fiscal year. For example, Walmart ends their financial year at the end of January to accommodate the holiday season.

Risk Highlights Q3, 2024

Main Risk Category

Finance & Corporate

With 6 Risks

Finance & Corporate

With 6 Risks

Number of Disclosed Risks

No changes from last report

S&P 500 Average: 31

No changes from last report

S&P 500 Average: 31

Recent Changes

0Risks added

0Risks removed

0Risks changed

Since Sep 2024

0Risks added

0Risks removed

0Risks changed

Since Sep 2024

Number of Risk Changed

No changes from last report

S&P 500 Average: 1

No changes from last report

S&P 500 Average: 1

See the risk highlights of Independent Bank in the last period.

Risk Word Cloud

The most common phrases about risk factors from the most recent report. Larger texts indicate more widely used phrases.

Risk Factors Full Breakdown - Total Risks 15

Finance & Corporate

Total Risks: 6/15 (40%)Below Sector Average

Accounting & Financial Operations2 | 13.3%

Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 1

Our failure to appropriately apply certain critical accounting policies could result in our misstatement of our financial results and condition.

Accounting policies and processes are fundamental to how we record and report our financial condition and results of operations. We must exercise judgment in selecting and applying many of these accounting policies and processes so they comply with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"). In some cases, we must select the accounting policy or method to apply from two or more alternatives, any of which may be reasonable under the circumstances, yet may result in our reporting materially different results than would have been reported under a different alternative. We have identified certain accounting policies as being critical because they require us 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. We have established detailed policies and control procedures that are intended to ensure these critical accounting estimates and judgments are subject to internal controls and applied consistently. In addition, the policies and procedures are intended to ensure that the process for changing methodologies occurs in an appropriate manner. Because of the uncertainty surrounding management's judgments and the estimates pertaining to these matters, we cannot guarantee that we will not be required to adjust accounting policies or restate prior period financial statements. See note #1, "Accounting Policies" in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in our annual report, to be delivered to shareholders in connection with the April 23, 2024 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (filed as exhibit 13 to this report on Form 10-K).

Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 2

Our parent company must rely on dividends or returns of capital from our bank for most of its cash flow.

Our parent company is a separate and distinct legal entity from our bank. Generally, our parent company receives substantially all of its cash flow from dividends or returns of capital from our subsidiary bank. These dividends or returns of capital are the principal source of funds to pay our parent company's operating expenses and for cash dividends on our common stock. Various federal and/or state laws and regulations limit the amount of dividends that the bank may pay to the parent company.

Debt & Financing3 | 20.0%

Debt & Financing - Risk 1

Our mortgage-banking revenues are susceptible to substantial variations, due in part to factors we do not control, such as market interest rates.

A portion of our revenues are derived from net gains on mortgage loans. These net gains primarily depend on the volume of loans we sell, which in turn depends on our ability to originate real estate mortgage loans and the demand for fixed-rate obligations and other loans that are outside of our established interest-rate risk parameters. Net gains on mortgage loans are also dependent upon economic and competitive factors as well as our ability to effectively manage exposure to changes in interest rates. Consequently, they can often be a volatile part of our overall revenues. We realized net gains of $7.4 million on mortgage loans during 2023 compared to $6.4 million during 2022 and $35.9 million during 2021.

Debt & Financing - Risk 2

We have credit risk in our securities portfolio.

We maintain diversified securities portfolios, which include obligations of the Treasury and government-sponsored agencies as well as securities issued by states and political subdivisions, mortgage-backed securities, corporate securities and asset-backed securities. We seek to limit credit losses in our securities portfolios by principally purchasing highly rated securities (generally rated "AA" or higher by a major debt rating agency) and by conducting due diligence on the issuer. However, gross unrealized losses on securities available for sale and securities held to maturity in our portfolio totaled approximately $65.2 million and $55.9 million, respectively as of December 31, 2023 (compared to approximately $87.3 million and $62.6, respectively as of December 31, 2022). We believe these unrealized losses are temporary in nature and are expected to be recovered within a reasonable time period as we believe we have the ability to hold the securities to maturity or until such time as the unrealized losses reverse. We evaluate securities available for sale for other impairment related to credit at least quarterly and more frequently when economic or market concerns warrant such evaluation. Those evaluations may result in a provision for credit losses recorded in our earnings. We measure expected credit losses on securities held to maturity ("HTM") on a collective basis by major security type with each type sharing similar risk characteristics, and we consider historical credit loss information. We may, in the future, experience losses in our securities portfolios which may result in credit losses that could materially adversely affect our results of operations.

Debt & Financing - Risk 3

We have credit risk inherent in our loan portfolios, and our allowance for credit losses may not be sufficient to cover actual credit losses.

Our loan customers may not repay their loans according to their respective terms, and the collateral securing the payment of these loans may be insufficient to cover any losses we may incur. We make various assumptions and judgments about the collectability of our loan portfolio, including the creditworthiness of our borrowers and the value of the real estate and other assets serving as collateral for the repayment of many of our loans. Non-performing loans amounted to $5.2 million and $3.7 million at December 31, 2023, and December 31, 2022, respectively. Our allowance for credit losses coverage ratio of non-performing loans was 1,044.69% and 1,409.16% at December 31, 2023, and December 31, 2022, respectively. The decrease in this coverage ratio in 2023 was primarily due to an increase in non-performing loans that was partially offset by an increase in the allowance for credit losses. In determining the size of the allowance for credit losses, we rely on our experience and our evaluation of current economic conditions. If our assumptions or judgments prove to be incorrect, our current allowance for credit losses may not be sufficient to cover certain credit losses inherent in our loan portfolio, and adjustments may be necessary to account for different economic conditions or adverse developments in our loan portfolio. Material additions to our allowance for credit losses would adversely impact our operating results. In addition, federal and state regulators periodically review our allowance for credit losses and may require us to increase our provision for credit losses or recognize additional loan charge-offs, notwithstanding any internal analysis that has been performed. Any increase in our allowance for credit losses or loan charge-offs required by these regulatory agencies could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

Corporate Activity and Growth1 | 6.7%

Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 1

Any future strategic acquisitions or divestitures may present additional risks to our business and operations.

Difficulties in capitalizing on the opportunities presented by a future acquisition may prevent us from fully achieving the expected benefits from the acquisition or may cause the achievement of such expectations to take longer to realize than expected. Further, the assimilation of the acquired entity's customers and markets could result in higher than expected deposit attrition, loss of key employees, disruption of our businesses or the businesses of the acquired entity or otherwise adversely affect our ability to maintain relationships with customers and employees or achieve the anticipated benefits of the acquisition. These matters could have an adverse effect on us for an undetermined period. We will be subject to similar risks and difficulties in connection with any future decisions to downsize, sell or close units or otherwise change our business mix.

Ability to Sell

Total Risks: 4/15 (27%)Above Sector Average

Competition1 | 6.7%

Competition - Risk 1

Competitive product and pricing pressures among financial institutions within our markets may change.

We operate in a very competitive environment, which is characterized by competition from a number of other financial institutions in each market in which we operate. We compete with large national and regional financial institutions and with smaller financial institutions, including credit unions, in terms of products and pricing. We also compete with fintech companies, securities brokerage firms, insurance companies, and other non-depository institutions with respect to some of the products and services we offer. If we are unable to compete effectively in products and pricing in our markets, business could decline, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Demand1 | 6.7%

Demand - Risk 1

Declines in the businesses or industries of our customers could cause increased credit losses, which could adversely affect us.

Our business customer base consists, in part, of customers in businesses and industries that are sensitive to global economic conditions and supply chain factors, including businesses that operate within the automotive, real estate, retail, commercial and industrial (C&I), hotel, entertainment, and food service industries. Any decline in any of these industries or business sectors could cause increased credit losses, which in turn could adversely affect us.

Sales & Marketing2 | 13.3%

Sales & Marketing - Risk 1

Our ability to maintain and expand customer relationships may differ from expectations.

The financial services industry is very competitive. We not only vie for business opportunities with new customers, but also compete to maintain and expand the relationships we have with our existing customers. While we believe that we can continue to grow many of these relationships, we will continue to experience pressures to maintain these relationships as our competitors attempt to capture our customers, particularly as financial products and services similar to those we offer become more widely available and accessible via the internet and other technology. Failure to create new customer relationships and to maintain and expand existing customer relationships to the extent anticipated may adversely impact our earnings.

Sales & Marketing - Risk 2

Changes in customer behavior may adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We use a variety of methods to anticipate customer behavior as a part of our strategic planning and to meet certain regulatory requirements. Individual, economic, political, industry-specific conditions and other factors outside of our control, such as fuel prices, energy costs, real estate values or other factors that affect customer income levels, could alter predicted customer borrowing, repayment, investment and deposit practices. Such a change in these practices could materially adversely affect our ability to anticipate business needs and meet regulatory requirements. Further, difficult economic conditions may negatively affect consumer confidence levels. A decrease in consumer confidence levels would likely aggravate the adverse effects of these difficult market conditions on us, our customers and others in the financial institutions industry.

Tech & Innovation

Total Risks: 2/15 (13%)Above Sector Average

Innovation / R&D2 | 13.3%

Innovation / R&D - Risk 1

We may not be able to utilize technology to efficiently and effectively develop, market, and deliver new products and services to our customers.

The financial services industry experiences rapid technological change with regular introductions of new technology-driven products and services. The efficient and effective utilization of technology enables financial institutions to better serve customers and to reduce costs. Our future success depends, in part, upon our ability to address the needs of our customers by using technology to market and deliver products and services that will satisfy customer demands, meet regulatory requirements, and create additional efficiencies in our operations. We may not be able to effectively develop or offer new technology-driven products and services or be successful in marketing or supporting these products and services to our customers, which could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations.

Innovation / R&D - Risk 2

The introduction, implementation, withdrawal, success and timing of business initiatives and strategies may be less successful or may be different than anticipated, which could adversely affect our business.

We make certain projections and develop plans and strategies for our banking and financial products. If we do not accurately determine demand for or changes in our banking and financial product needs, it could result in us incurring significant expenses without the anticipated increases in revenue, which could result in a material adverse effect on our business.

Legal & Regulatory

Total Risks: 1/15 (7%)Below Sector Average

Regulation1 | 6.7%

Regulation - Risk 1

Compliance with capital requirements may adversely affect us.

The capital requirements applicable to banks and bank holding companies have been substantially revised in recent years. These more stringent capital requirements, and any other new regulations, could adversely affect our ability to pay dividends in the future, or could require us to reduce business levels or to raise capital, including in ways that may adversely affect our results of operations or financial condition and/or existing shareholders. Maintaining higher levels of capital may reduce our profitability and otherwise adversely affect our business, financial condition, or results of operations.

Production

Total Risks: 1/15 (7%)Below Sector Average

Employment / Personnel1 | 6.7%

Employment / Personnel - Risk 1

Our ability to retain key officers and employees may change.

Our future operating results depend substantially upon the continued service of our executive officers and key personnel. Our future operating results also depend in significant part upon our ability to attract and retain qualified management, financial, technical, marketing, sales and support personnel. Competition for qualified personnel is intense, and we cannot ensure success in attracting or retaining qualified personnel. There may be only a limited number of persons with the requisite skills to serve in these positions, and it may be increasingly difficult for us to hire personnel over time. Further, our ability to retain key officers and employees may be impacted by legislation and regulation affecting the financial services industry. Our business, financial condition or results of operations could be materially adversely affected by the loss of any key employees, or our inability to attract and retain skilled employees.

Macro & Political

Total Risks: 1/15 (7%)Below Sector Average

Natural and Human Disruptions1 | 6.7%

Natural and Human Disruptions - Risk 1

Catastrophic events, including, but not limited to, hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, fires, floods, and pandemic outbreaks may adversely affect the general economy, financial and capital markets, specific industries, and us.

We have significant operations and a significant customer base in Michigan where natural and other disasters may occur, such as tornadoes and floods. These types of natural catastrophic events at times have disrupted the local economy, our business, and our customers and have posed physical risks to our property. In addition, catastrophic events occurring in other regions of the world may have an impact on our customers and in turn, on us. A significant catastrophic event could materially adversely affect our operating results.

See a full breakdown of risk according to category and subcategory. The list starts with the category with the most risk. Click on subcategories to read relevant extracts from the most recent report.

FAQ

What are “Risk Factors”?

Risk factors are any situations or occurrences that could make investing in a company risky.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) requires that publicly traded companies disclose their most significant risk factors. This is so that potential investors can consider any risks before they make an investment.

They also offer companies protection, as a company can use risk factors as liability protection. This could happen if a company underperforms and investors take legal action as a result.

It is worth noting that smaller companies, that is those with a public float of under $75 million on the last business day, do not have to include risk factors in their 10-K and 10-Q forms, although some may choose to do so.

How do companies disclose their risk factors?

Publicly traded companies initially disclose their risk factors to the SEC through their S-1 filings as part of the IPO process.

Additionally, companies must provide a complete list of risk factors in their Annual Reports (Form 10-K) or (Form 20-F) for “foreign private issuers”.

Quarterly Reports also include a section on risk factors (Form 10-Q) where companies are only required to update any changes since the previous report.

According to the SEC, risk factors should be reported concisely, logically and in “plain English” so investors can understand them.

How can I use TipRanks risk factors in my stock research?

Use the Risk Factors tab to get data about the risk factors of any company in which you are considering investing.

You can easily see the most significant risks a company is facing. Additionally, you can find out which risk factors a company has added, removed or adjusted since its previous disclosure. You can also see how a company’s risk factors compare to others in its sector.

Without reading company reports or participating in conference calls, you would most likely not have access to this sort of information, which is usually not included in press releases or other public announcements.

A simplified analysis of risk factors is unique to TipRanks.

What are all the risk factor categories?

TipRanks has identified 6 major categories of risk factors and a number of subcategories for each. You can see how these categories are broken down in the list below.

1. Financial & Corporate

Accounting & Financial Operations - risks related to accounting loss, value of intangible assets, financial statements, value of intangible assets, financial reporting, estimates, guidance, company profitability, dividends, fluctuating results.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights – risks related to things that impact share prices and the rights of shareholders, including analyst ratings, major shareholder activity, trade volatility, liquidity of shares, anti-takeover provisions, international listing, dual listing.
Debt & Financing – risks related to debt, funding, financing and interest rates, financial investments.
Corporate Activity and Growth – risks related to restructuring, M&As, joint ventures, execution of corporate strategy, strategic alliances.

2. Legal & Regulatory

Litigation and Legal Liabilities – risks related to litigation/ lawsuits against the company.
Regulation – risks related to compliance, GDPR, and new legislation.
Environmental / Social – risks related to environmental regulation and to data privacy.
Taxation & Government Incentives – risks related to taxation and changes in government incentives.

3. Production

Costs – risks related to costs of production including commodity prices, future contracts, inventory.
Supply Chain – risks related to the company’s suppliers.
Manufacturing – risks related to the company’s manufacturing process including product quality and product recalls.
Human Capital – risks related to recruitment, training and retention of key employees, employee relationships & unions labor disputes, pension, and post retirement benefits, medical, health and welfare benefits, employee misconduct, employee litigation.

4. Technology & Innovation

Innovation / R&D – risks related to innovation and new product development.
Technology – risks related to the company’s reliance on technology.
Cyber Security – risks related to securing the company’s digital assets and from cyber attacks.
Trade Secrets & Patents – risks related to the company’s ability to protect its intellectual property and to infringement claims against the company as well as piracy and unlicensed copying.

5. Ability to Sell

Demand – risks related to the demand of the company’s goods and services including seasonality, reliance on key customers.
Competition – risks related to the company’s competition including substitutes.
Sales & Marketing – risks related to sales, marketing, and distribution channels, pricing, and market penetration.
Brand & Reputation – risks related to the company’s brand and reputation.

6. Macro & Political

Economy & Political Environment – risks related to changes in economic and political conditions.
Natural and Human Disruptions – risks related to catastrophes, floods, storms, terror, earthquakes, coronavirus pandemic/COVID-19.
International Operations – risks related to the global nature of the company.
Capital Markets – risks related to exchange rates and trade, cryptocurrency.

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