Credit quality

Criticized assets are on the rise, especially in commercial portfolios, and may be the forerunner of a wave of loan losses later this year or next year unless economic conditions strengthen.

More than a third fear the fallout from the coronavirus pandemic could drag into 2022 or later, and they are most worried about commercial real estate loans, according to a Promontory Interfinancial Network survey.

Community bank earnings are usually easy to understand, but loan deferrals and modifications as well as the complexities of the Paycheck Protection Program are skewing financial statements.

Current economic conditions will have "a continued adverse effect on our businesses” if they persist or worsen, Bank of America warns.

In what was a challenging quarter for the industry, the company reported strong loan growth and a wider margin. Continued momentum will depend on government stimulus, the reopening of New York City and borrowers' ability to make payments after their deferral periods end.

The Ohio company, which has beefed up its loan-loss reserves, raised the possibility of more sales of oil and gas credits and talked up strong retail segments such as its marine and RV loans.

CEO Greg Carmichael says the Cincinnati company has cut expenses but will proceed with branch openings in the Southeast and investments in its commercial loan and mortgage origination platforms to lay the groundwork for post-pandemic growth.

Other regionals set more aside for loan losses than the Cleveland bank did in the second quarter, and its ratio of reserves to total loans is slightly lower, too. But Key executives say the portfolio is balanced and holding up well despite the pandemic’s economic toll.

The Georgia company warned that outstanding loans could fall and deferrals will likely rise as its home state and Florida grapple with the pandemic.

Loans to retailers and hotels are at the highest risk of default, the Salt Lake City company said in its second-quarter earnings presentation.