Ever since the Lincoln administration signed national bank charter No. 24 in 1863, weve drawn on our financial strength to serve customers. This has been especially evident in times of need, such as during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our response has included a $20 million premium pay program for our employees, numerous product modifications and 100,000+ PPP loans for our customers, and $30 million in expedited charitable contributions for our communities. As a result, were proud to have been named the most essential bank amid the pandemic in a ranking by The Harris Poll.

We also recognize that this past year has fundamentally changed banking by accelerating the shift to digital products and services. Were positioned well for this future, having launched new tools like the U.S. Bank Smart Assistant to complement our 26-state branch footprint.