Federal regulations promulgated by the Bank's primary federal regulator, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (the "OCC"), provide for the classification of loans and other assets such as debt and equity securities. The loan classification and risk rating definitions for the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiary, MetaBank (the "Bank"), are generally as follows:

Pass- A pass asset is of sufficient quality in terms of repayment, collateral and management to preclude a special mention or an adverse rating.

Watch- A watch asset is generally credit performing well under current terms and conditions but with identifiable weakness meriting additional scrutiny and corrective measures. Watch is not a regulatory classification but can be used to designate assets that are exhibiting one or more weaknesses that deserve management’s attention. These assets are of better quality than special mention assets.

Special Mention- Special mention assets are credits with potential weaknesses deserving management’s close attention and if left uncorrected, may result in deterioration of the repayment prospects for the asset. Special mention assets are not adversely classified and do not expose an institution to sufficient risk to warrant adverse classification. Special mention is a temporary status with aggressive credit management required to garner adequate progress and move to watch or higher.

Substandard- A substandard asset is inadequately protected by the net worth and/or repayment ability or by a weak collateral position. Assets so classified have well-defined weaknesses creating a distinct possibility that the Bank will sustain some loss if the weaknesses are not corrected. Loss potential does not have to exist for an asset to be classified as substandard.

Doubtful- A doubtful asset has weaknesses similar to those classified substandard, with the degree of weakness causing the likely loss of some principal in any reasonable collection effort. Due to pending factors the asset’s classification as loss is not yet appropriate.

Loss- A loss asset is considered uncollectible and of such little value that the asset’s continuance on the Company's balance sheet is no longer warranted. This classification does not necessarily mean an asset has no recovery or salvage value leaving room for future collection efforts.

General allowances represent loss allowances which have been established to recognize the inherent risk associated with lending activities, but which, unlike specific allowances, have not been allocated to particular problem assets. When assets are classified as “loss,” the Company is required either to establish a specific allowance for losses equal to 100% of that portion of the asset so classified or to charge-off such amount. The Company's determinations as to the classification of its assets and the amount of its valuation allowances are subject to review by its regulatory authorities, which may order the establishment of additional general or specific loss allowances.

The Company recognizes that concentrations of credit may naturally occur and may take the form of a large volume of related loans to an individual, a specific industry, or a geographic location. Credit concentration is a direct, indirect, or contingent obligation that has a common bond where the aggregate exposure equals or exceeds a certain percentage of the Company’s Tier 1 Capital plus the Allowance for Loan Losses.

The asset classification of loans at December 31, 2017 and September 30, 2017 were as follows:



December 31, 2017	1-4 Family Real Estate		Commercial and Multi-Family Real Estate		Agricultural Real Estate		Consumer		Commercial Operating		Agricultural Operating		CML Insurance Premium Finance		Total
	(Dollars in Thousands)
Pass	$	203,035	$	643,393	$	28,794	$	274,783	$	56,245	$	14,304	$	235,671	$	1,456,225
Watch	608		10,145		—		102		271		13		—		11,139
Special Mention	245		199		2,939		—		—		—		—		3,383
Substandard	79		292		29,570		96		—		10,379		—		40,416
Doubtful	—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
	$	203,967	$	654,029	$	61,303	$	274,981	$	56,516	$	24,696	$	235,671	$	1,511,163



September 30, 2017	1-4 Family Real Estate		Commercial and Multi-Family Real Estate		Agricultural Real Estate		Consumer		Commercial Operating		Agricultural Operating		Premium Finance		Total
	(Dollars in Thousands)
Pass	$	195,838	$	574,730	$	27,376	$	163,004	$	35,759	$	18,394	$	250,459	$	1,265,560
Watch	525		10,200		2,006		—		—		4,541		—		17,272
Special Mention	247		201		2,939		—		—		—		—		3,387
Substandard	96		379		29,479		—		—		10,659		—		40,613
Doubtful	—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
	$	196,706	$	585,510	$	61,800	$	163,004	$	35,759	$	33,594	$	250,459	$	1,326,832

One-to-Four Family Residential Mortgage Lending. One-to-four family residential mortgage loan originations are generated by the Company’s marketing efforts, its present customers, walk-in customers and referrals. The Company offers fixed-rate and adjustable rate mortgage (“ARM”) loans for both permanent structures and those under construction. The Company’s one-to-four family residential mortgage originations are secured primarily by properties located in its primary market area and surrounding areas.

The Company originates one-to-four family residential mortgage loans with terms up to a maximum of 30 years and with loan-to-value ratios up to 100% of the lesser of the appraised value of the security property or the contract price. The Company generally requires that private mortgage insurance be obtained in an amount sufficient to reduce the Company’s exposure to at or below the 80% loan‑to‑value level. Residential loans generally do not include prepayment penalties. Due to consumer demand, the Company offers fixed-rate mortgage loans with terms up to 30 years, most of which conform to secondary market standards, such as Fannie Mae, Ginnie Mae, and Freddie Mac standards. The Company typically holds all fixed-rate mortgage loans and does not engage in secondary market sales. Interest rates charged on these fixed-rate loans are competitively priced according to market conditions.

The Company also currently offers five- and ten-year ARM loans. These loans have a fixed-rate for the stated period and, thereafter, adjust annually. These loans generally provide for an annual cap of up to 200 basis points and a lifetime cap of 600 basis points over the initial rate. As a consequence of using an initial fixed-rate and caps, the interest rates on these loans may not be as rate sensitive as the Company’s cost of funds. The Company’s ARMs do not permit negative amortization of principal and are not convertible into fixed-rate loans. The Company’s delinquency experience on its ARM loans has generally been similar to its experience on fixed-rate residential loans. The current low mortgage interest rate environment makes ARM loans relatively unattractive and very few are currently being originated.

In underwriting one-to-four family residential real estate loans, the Company evaluates both the borrower’s ability to make monthly payments and the value of the property securing the loan. Properties securing real estate loans made by the Company are appraised by independent appraisers approved by the Board of Directors of the Company. The Company generally requires borrowers to obtain an attorney’s title opinion or title insurance, and fire and property insurance (including flood insurance, if necessary) in an amount not less than the amount of the loan. Real estate loans originated by the Company generally contain a “due on sale” clause allowing the Company to declare the unpaid principal balance due and payable upon the sale of the security property. The Company has not engaged in sub-prime residential mortgage originations.

Commercial and Multi-Family Real Estate Lending. The Company engages in commercial and multi-family real estate lending in its primary market area and surrounding areas and, in order to supplement its loan portfolio, has purchased whole loan and participation interests in loans from other financial institutions. The purchased loans and loan participation interests are generally secured by properties primarily located in the Midwest.

The Company’s commercial and multi-family real estate loan portfolio is secured primarily by apartment buildings, office buildings and hotels. Commercial and multi-family real estate loans generally are underwritten with terms not exceeding 20 years, have loan-to-value ratios of up to 80% of the appraised value of the security property, and are typically secured by guarantees of the borrowers. The Company has a variety of rate adjustment features and other terms in its commercial and multi-family real estate loan portfolio. Commercial and multi-family real estate loans provide for a margin over a number of different indices. In underwriting these loans, the Company analyzes the financial condition of the borrower, the borrower’s credit history, and the reliability and predictability of the cash flow generated by the property securing the loan. Appraisals on properties securing commercial real estate loans originated by the Company are performed by independent appraisers.

Commercial and multi-family real estate loans generally present a higher level of risk than loans secured by one-to-four family residences. This greater risk is due to several factors, including the concentration of principal in a limited number of loans and borrowers, the effect of general economic conditions on income producing properties and the increased difficulty of evaluating and monitoring these types of loans. Furthermore, the repayment of loans secured by commercial and multi-family real estate is typically dependent upon the successful operation of the related real estate project. If the cash flow from the project is reduced (for example, if leases are not obtained or renewed, or a bankruptcy court modifies a lease term, or a major tenant is unable to fulfill its lease obligations), the borrower’s ability to repay the loan may be impaired.

Agricultural Lending. The Company originates loans to finance the purchase of farmland, livestock, farm machinery and equipment, seed, fertilizer and other farm-related products. Agricultural operating loans are originated at either an adjustable or fixed rate of interest for up to a one year term or, in the case of livestock, upon sale. Such loans provide for payments of principal and interest at least annually or a lump sum payment upon maturity if the original term is less than one year. Loans secured by agricultural machinery are generally originated as fixed-rate loans with terms of up to seven years.

Agricultural real estate loans are frequently originated with adjustable rates of interest. Generally, such loans provide for a fixed rate of interest for the first five to ten years, after which the loan will balloon or the interest rate will adjust annually. These loans generally amortize over a period of 20 to 25 years. Fixed-rate agricultural real estate loans generally have terms up to ten years. Agricultural real estate loans are generally limited to 75% of the value of the property securing the loan.

Agricultural lending affords the Company the opportunity to earn yields higher than those obtainable on one-to-four family residential lending, but involves a greater degree of risk than one-to-four family residential mortgage loans because of the typically larger loan amount. In addition, payments on loans are dependent on the successful operation or management of the farm property securing the loan or for which an operating loan is utilized. The success of the loan may also be affected by many factors outside the control of the borrower.

Weather presents one of the greatest risks as hail, drought, floods, or other conditions can severely limit crop yields and thus impair loan repayments and the value of the underlying collateral. This risk can be reduced by the farmer with a variety of insurance coverages which can help to ensure loan repayment. Government support programs and the Company generally require that farmers procure crop insurance coverage. Grain and livestock prices also present a risk as prices may decline prior to sale, resulting in a failure to cover production costs. These risks may be reduced by the farmer with the use of futures contracts or options to mitigate price risk. The Company frequently requires borrowers to use futures contracts or options to reduce price risk and help ensure loan repayment. Another risk is the uncertainty of government programs and other regulations. During periods of low commodity prices, the income from government programs can be a significant source of cash for the borrower to make loan payments, and if these programs are discontinued or significantly changed, cash flow problems or defaults could result. Finally, many farms are dependent on a limited number of key individuals whose injury or death may result in an inability to successfully operate the farm.

Consumer Lending. The Bank originates a variety of secured consumer loans, including home equity, home improvement, automobile and boat loans and loans secured by savings deposits. In addition, the Bank offers other secured and unsecured consumer loans and currently originates most of its community banking consumer loans in its primary market areas and surrounding areas. In addition, the Bank’s consumer lending portfolio includes two purchased student loan portfolios, the most recent purchased on October 11, 2017, along with consumer lending products offered through its payments segment.

The Bank's community banking consumer loan portfolio consists primarily of home equity loans and lines of credit. Substantially all of the Bank's home equity loans and lines of credit are secured by second mortgages on principal residences. The Bank will lend amounts which, together with all prior liens, may be up to 90% of the appraised value of the property securing the loan. Home equity loans and lines of credit generally have maximum terms of five years.

The Bank primarily originates automobile loans on a direct basis to the borrower, as opposed to indirect loans, which are made when the Bank purchases loan contracts, often at a discount, from automobile dealers which have extended credit to their customers. The Bank’s automobile loans typically are originated at fixed interest rates with terms of up to 60 months for new and used vehicles. Loans secured by automobiles are generally originated for up to 80% of the N.A.D.A. book value of the automobile securing the loan.

Consumer loan terms vary according to the type and value of collateral, length of contract and creditworthiness of the borrower. The underwriting standards employed by the Bank for consumer loans include an application, a determination of the applicant’s payment history on other debts and an assessment of ability to meet existing obligations and payments on the proposed loan. Although creditworthiness of the applicant is a primary consideration, the underwriting process also may include a comparison of the value of the security, if any, in relation to the proposed loan amount.

Consumer loans may entail greater credit risk than residential mortgage loans, particularly in the case of consumer loans which are unsecured or are secured by rapidly depreciable assets, such as automobiles or recreational equipment. In such cases, any repossessed collateral for a defaulted consumer loan may not provide an adequate source of repayment of the outstanding loan balance as a result of the greater likelihood of damage, loss or depreciation. In addition, consumer loan collections are dependent on the borrower’s continuing financial stability, and thus more likely to be affected by adverse personal circumstances. Furthermore, the application of various federal and state laws, including bankruptcy and insolvency laws, may limit the amount which can be recovered on such loans.

On October 11, 2017, the Company completed the purchase of a $73.0 million, seasoned, floating rate, private student loan portfolio. All loans are indexed to one-month LIBOR. The portfolio is serviced by ReliaMax Lending Services LLC and insured by ReliaMax Surety Company. This portfolio purchase builds on the Company's existing student loan platform.

The Bank’s student loan portfolio that was purchased during the first quarter of fiscal year 2017 is a seasoned portfolio that is also serviced by ReliaMax Lending Services, LLC and insured by ReliaMax Surety Company. All loans in this portfolio are floating rate and indexed to the three-month LIBOR plus various margins.

Through its Payments segment, the Bank strives to offer consumers innovative payment products, including credit products. Most credit products have fallen into the category of portfolio lending. The Payments segment, including Specialty Consumer Services ("SCS"), continues its development of new alternative portfolio lending products primarily to serve its customer base and to provide innovative lending solutions to the unbanked and under-banked segment.

The Payments segment also provides short-term consumer refund advance loans. Taxpayers are underwritten to determine eligibility for the unsecured loans, which are, by design, interest and fee-free to the consumer. Due to the nature of consumer advance loans, it typically takes no more than three e-file cycles (the period of time between scheduled IRS payments) from when the return is accepted by the IRS to collect from the borrower. In the event of default, the Bank has no recourse against the tax consumer. Generally, when the refund advance loan becomes delinquent for 180 days or more, or when collection of principal becomes doubtful, the Company will charge off the loan balance.

Commercial Operating Lending. The Company also originates commercial operating loans. Most of the Company’s commercial operating loans have been extended to finance local and regional businesses and include short-term loans to finance machinery and equipment purchases, inventory and accounts receivable. Commercial loans also may involve the extension of revolving credit for a combination of equipment acquisitions and working capital in expanding companies. The Company also extends short-term commercial Electronic Return Originator ("ERO") advance loans through its Payments segment as described in more detail below.

The maximum term for loans extended on machinery and equipment is based on the projected useful life of such machinery and equipment. Generally, the maximum term on non-mortgage lines of credit is one year. The loan-to-value ratio on such loans and lines of credit generally may not exceed 80% of the value of the collateral securing the loan. ERO loans are not collateralized. The Company’s commercial operating lending policy includes credit file documentation and analysis of the borrower’s character, capacity to repay the loan, the adequacy of the borrower’s capital and collateral as well as an evaluation of conditions affecting the borrower. Analysis of the borrower’s past, present and future cash flows is also an important aspect of the Company’s credit analysis. As described further below, such loans are believed to carry higher credit risk than more traditional lending activities.

Unlike residential mortgage loans, which generally are made on the basis of the borrower’s ability to make repayment from his or her employment and other income and which are secured by real property whose value tends to be more easily ascertainable, commercial operating loans typically are made on the basis of the borrower’s ability to make repayment from the cash flow of the borrower’s business. As a result, the availability of funds for the repayment of commercial operating loans may be substantially dependent on the success of the business itself (which, in turn, is likely to be dependent upon the general economic environment). The Company’s commercial operating loans are usually, but not always, secured by business assets and personal guarantees. However, the collateral securing the loans may depreciate over time, may be difficult to appraise and may fluctuate in value based on the success of the business.

Through its Payments segment, the Company also provides short-term ERO advance loans on a nation-wide basis. These loans are typically utilized to purchase tax preparation software and to prepare tax offices for the upcoming tax season. EROs go through an underwriting process to determine eligibility for the unsecured advances. Collection on ERO advances begins once the ERO begins to process refund transfers. Generally, when the ERO advance loan becomes delinquent for 120 days or more, or when collection of principal becomes doubtful, the Company will charge off the loan balance.

Commercial Insurance Premium Finance Lending. Through its AFS/IBEX division, the Bank provides short-term and primarily collateralized financing to facilitate the commercial customers’ purchase of insurance for various forms of risk otherwise known as commercial insurance premium financing. This includes, but is not limited to, policies for commercial property, casualty and liability risk. The AFS/IBEX division markets itself to the insurance community as a competitive option based on service, reputation, competitive terms, cost and ease of operation.

Commercial insurance premium financing is the business of extending credit to a policyholder to pay for insurance premiums when the insurance carrier requires payment in full at inception of coverage. Premiums are advanced either directly to the insurance carrier or through an intermediary/broker and repaid by the policyholder with interest during the policy term. The policyholder generally makes a 20% to 25% down payment to the insurance broker and finances the remainder over nine to ten months on average. The down payment is set such that if the policy is canceled, the unearned premium is typically sufficient to cover the loan balance and accrued interest.

Due to the nature of collateral for commercial insurance premium finance receivables, it customarily takes 60-210 days to convert the collateral into cash. In the event of default, AFS/IBEX, by statute and contract, has the power to cancel the insurance policy and establish a first position lien on the unearned portion of the premium from the insurance carrier. In the event of cancellation, the cash returned in payment of the unearned premium by the insurer has typically been sufficient to cover the receivable balance, the interest and other charges due. Due to notification requirements and processing time by most insurance carriers, many receivables will become delinquent beyond 90 days while the insurer is processing the return of the unearned premium. Generally, when a loan becomes delinquent for 210 days or more, or when collection of principal or interest becomes doubtful, the Company will charge off the loan balance and any remaining interest and fees after applying any collection from the insurance company.

Past due loans at December 31, 2017 and September 30, 2017 were as follows:



	Accruing and Non-accruing Loans											Nonperforming Loans
December 31, 2017	30-59 Days Past Due		60-89 Days Past Due		> 89 Days Past Due		Total Past Due		Current		Total Loans Receivable	> 89 Days Past Due and Accruing	Non-accrual balance		Total
	(Dollars in Thousands)
1-4 Family Real Estate	$	106	$	—	$	234	$	340	$	203,627	203,967	234	$	—	$	234
Commercial and Multi-Family Real Estate	—		284		—		284		653,745		654,029	—	284		284
Agricultural Real Estate	—		—		27,818		27,818		33,485		61,303	27,818	—		27,818
Consumer	4,192		2,015		1,624		7,831		267,150		274,981	1,624	—		1,624
Commercial Operating	—		—		—		—		56,516		56,516	—	—		—
Agricultural Operating	—		—		—		—		24,696		24,696	—	—		—
CML Insurance Premium Finance	1,594		592		3,194		5,380		230,291		235,671	3,194	—		3,194
Total	$	5,892	$	2,891	$	32,870	$	41,653	$	1,469,510	1,511,163	32,870	$	284	$	33,154



	Accruing and Non-accruing Loans												Nonperforming Loans
September 30, 2017	30-59 Days Past Due		60-89 Days Past Due		> 89 Days Past Due		Total Past Due		Current		Total Loans Receivable		> 89 Days Past Due and Accruing	Non-accrual balance		Total
	(Dollars in Thousands)
1-4 Family Real Estate	$	370	$	79	$	—	$	449	$	196,257	$	196,706	—	$	—	$	—
Commercial and Multi-Family Real Estate	295		—		390		685		584,825		585,510		—	685		685
Agricultural Real Estate	—		—		34,198		34,198		27,602		61,800		34,198	—		34,198
Consumer	2,512		558		1,406		4,476		158,528		163,004		1,406	—		1,406
Commercial Operating	—		—		—		—		35,759		35,759		—	—		—
Agricultural Operating	—		—		97		97		33,497		33,594		97	—		97
CML Insurance Premium Finance	1,509		2,442		1,205		5,156		245,303		250,459		1,205	—		1,205
Total	$	4,686	$	3,079	$	37,296	$	45,061	$	1,281,771	$	1,326,832	36,906	$	685	$	37,591

When analysis of borrower operating results and financial condition indicates that underlying cash flows of the borrower’s business are not adequate to meet its debt service requirements, the loan is evaluated for impairment. Often this is associated with a delay or shortfall in payments of 210 days or more for commercial insurance premium finance loans, 180 days or more for refund advance loans, 120 days or more for ERO advance loans and 90 days or more for other loan categories. As of December 31, 2017, there were no commercial insurance premium finance loans greater than 210 days past due.

Total loans past due decreased $3.4 million to $41.7 million at December 31, 2017 from $45.1 million at September 30, 2017. This decrease was due to a $4.4 million decrease in loans greater than 90 days past due. The primary driver of the decrease in loans greater than 90 days past due included the payoff of a large nonperforming agricultural loan relationship during the first quarter of fiscal 2018.

Impaired loans at December 31, 2017 and September 30, 2017 were as follows:



	Recorded Balance		Unpaid Principal Balance		Specific Allowance
December 31, 2017	(Dollars in Thousands)
Loans without a specific valuation allowance
1-4 Family Real Estate	$	95	$	95	$	—
Commercial and Multi-Family Real Estate	707		707		—
Consumer	61		61		—
Agricultural Operating	1,052		1,052		—
Total	$	1,915	$	1,915	$	—



	Recorded Balance		Unpaid Principal Balance		Specific Allowance
September 30, 2017	(Dollars in Thousands)
Loans without a specific valuation allowance
1-4 Family Real Estate	$	72	$	72	$	—
Commercial and Multi-Family Real Estate	1,109		1,109		—
Total	$	1,181	$	1,181	$	—

The following table provides the average recorded investment in impaired loans for the three month periods ended December 31, 2017 and 2016.



	Three Months Ended December 31,
	2017		2016
	Average Recorded Investment		Average Recorded Investment
	(Dollars in Thousands)
1-4 Family Real Estate	$	80	$	172
Commercial and Multi-Family Real Estate	975		432
Consumer	20		—
Commercial Operating	—		168
Agricultural Operating	351		—
Total	$	1,426	$	772

The Company’s troubled debt restructurings (“TDR”) typically involve forgiving a portion of interest or principal on existing loans or making loans at a rate materially less than current market rates. There were $1.1 million of loans modified in a TDR during the three month period ended December 31, 2017 and no loans modified in a TDR during the three month period ended December 31, 2016. Additionally, there were no TDR loans for which there was a payment default during the three month periods ended December 31, 2017 or 2016 that had been modified during the 12-month period prior to the default.