Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2022

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Note 1 – Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Description of Business. Pacific Premier Bancorp, Inc., a Delaware corporation organized in 1997 (the “Corporation”), is a California-based bank holding company that owns 100% of the capital stock of Pacific Premier Bank, a California-chartered commercial bank (the “Bank,” and together with the Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries, the “Company”), the Corporation’s principal operating subsidiary. The Bank was incorporated and commenced operations in 1983.

The principal business of the Company is attracting deposits from the general public and investing those deposits, together with funds generated from operations and borrowings, primarily in business loans and commercial real estate loans. At December 31, 2022, the Company had 59 full-service depository branches located in the Western Region of the U.S. in major metropolitan markets in Arizona, California, Nevada, and Washington. The Company also offers IRA custodial and maintenance services through its Pacific Premier Trust division, which serves as a custodian for self-directed IRAs as well as certain accounts that do not qualify as IRAs pursuant to the Internal Revenue Code. Account owners use the funds for self-directed investments in various alternative asset classes. Additionally, the Company provides commercial escrow and exchange services through its Commerce Escrow division, which facilitates commercial escrow services and tax-deferred commercial real estate exchanges under Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Internal Revenue Code”). The Company is subject to the regulations of certain governmental agencies, and undergoes periodic examinations by those regulatory authorities.

Principles of Consolidation. The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of the Corporation and its wholly-owned subsidiary the Bank. The Company is organized and operates as a single reporting segment, principally engaged in the commercial banking business. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

The Company consolidates voting entities in which the Company has control through voting interests or entities through which the Company has a controlling financial interest in a variable interest entity (“VIE”). The Company evaluates its interests in these entities to determine whether they meet the definition of a VIE and whether the Company is required to consolidate these entities. A VIE is consolidated by its primary beneficiary, which is the party that has both (i) the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the VIE and (ii) a variable interest that could potentially be significant to the VIE. To determine whether or not a variable interest the Company holds could potentially be significant to the VIE, the Company considers both qualitative and quantitative factors regarding the nature, size, and form of the Company's involvement with the VIE. See Note 10 – Variable Interest Entities for additional information.

Basis of Financial Statement Presentation. The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. (“GAAP”).

Use of Estimates. The preparation of Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, as well as the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results may differ from those estimates, and those estimates may change as new information is obtained.

The following discussion provides a summary of the Company’s significant accounting policies:

Cash and Cash Equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, cash balances due from banks, and federal funds sold. Interest-bearing deposits with financial institutions primarily represent cash held at the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco. The Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (“Federal Reserve”) has cash reserve requirements for depository institutions based on the amount of deposits held. At December 31, 2022, the Bank had no required balance by the Federal Reserve. The Company maintains amounts due from banks that exceed federally insured limits. The Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts.

Securities. The Company has established written guidelines and objectives for its investing activities. At the time of purchase, management designates the security as either held-to-maturity or available-for-sale, or held for trading based on the Company’s investment objectives, operational needs, and intent. Investments are monitored to ensure that those activities are consistent with the established guidelines and objectives.

Securities Held-to-Maturity (“HTM”). Investments in debt securities that management has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are reported at cost and adjusted for periodic principal payments and the amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts, which are recognized in interest income using the interest method over the period of time remaining to investment’s maturity.

The Company accounts for transfers of debt securities from the available-for-sale classification to the held-to-maturity classification at fair value on the date of transfer. Any associated unrealized gains or losses on such securities as of the date of transfer become part of the security’s amortized cost and are subsequently amortized or accreted into interest income over the remaining life of the security using the interest method. In addition, the related unrealized gains and losses included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) on the date of transfer are also subsequently amortized or accreted into interest income over the remaining life of the security using the interest method.

Securities Available-for-Sale (“AFS”). Investments in debt securities that management has no immediate plan to sell, but which may be sold in the future, are carried at fair value. Premiums and discounts are amortized using the interest method over the remaining period to the first call date for premiums or contractual maturity for discounts and, in the case of mortgage-backed securities, the estimated average life, which can fluctuate based on the anticipated prepayments on the underlying collateral of the securities. Unrealized holding gains and losses, net of tax, are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Realized gains and losses on the sales of securities are determined using the specific identification method, recorded on a trade date basis based on the amortized cost basis of the specific security and are included in noninterest income as net gain (loss) on investment securities.

Allowance for Credit Losses (“ACL”) on Investment Securities. The ACL on investment securities is determined for both the HTM and AFS classifications of the investment portfolio in accordance with ASC 326 on a quarterly basis. The ACL for HTM investment securities is recorded at the time of purchase or acquisition, representing the Company’s best estimate of current expected credit losses (“CECL”) as of the date for the consolidated statements of financial condition. The ACL for HTM investment securities is determined on a collective basis, based on shared risk characteristics, and is determined at the individual security level when the Company deems a security to no longer possess shared risk characteristics. For investment securities where the Company has reason to believe the credit loss exposure is remote, a zero credit loss assumption is applied. Such investment securities typically consist of those guaranteed by the U.S. government or other government enterprises, where there is an explicit or implicit guarantee by the U.S. government, that are highly rated by rating agencies, and historically have had no credit loss experience.

For AFS investment securities, the Company performs a qualitative evaluation for securities in an unrealized loss position to determine if, for those investments in an unrealized loss position, the decline in fair value is credit related or non-credit related. In determining whether a security’s decline in fair value is credit related, the Company considers a number of factors including, but not limited to: (i) the extent to which the fair value of the investment is less than its amortized cost; (ii) the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer; (iii) downgrades in credit ratings; (iv) payment structure of the security, (v) the ability of the issuer of the security to make scheduled principal and interest payments, and (vi) general market conditions which reflect prospects for the economy as a whole, including interest rates and sector credit spreads. If it is determined that the unrealized loss, or a portion thereof, is credit related, the Company records the amount of credit loss through a charge to provision for credit losses in current period earnings. However, the amount of credit loss recorded in current period earnings is limited to the amount of the total unrealized loss on the security, which is measured as the amount by which the security’s fair value is below its amortized cost. If it is likely the Company will be required to sell the security in an unrealized loss position, the total amount of the loss is recognized in current period earnings. Unrealized losses deemed non-credit related are recorded, net of tax, in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).

The Company determines the amount of expected credit losses on AFS and HTM securities through a discounted cash flow approach, using the security’s effective interest rate. The Company’s discounted cash flow approach incorporates assumptions about the collectability of future cash flows. The amount of credit loss is measured as the amount by which the security’s amortized cost exceeds the present value of expected future cash flows. Credit losses on available-for-sale securities are measured on an individual basis. The Company does not measure credit losses on an investment’s accrued interest receivable, but rather promptly reverses from current period earnings the amount of accrued interest that is no longer deemed collectable. Accrued interest receivable for investment securities is included in accrued interest receivable balances in the consolidated statements of financial condition.

Equity Investments. Equity investments that have readily determinable fair values are carried at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in current period earnings as a component of noninterest income. Equity investments that do not have readily determinable fair values are carried at cost, adjusted for any observable price changes in orderly transactions for identical or similar investments of the same issuer. Such investments are also recorded net of any previously recognized impairment. The Company also evaluates equity investments that do not have a readily determinable fair value to ascertain whether they qualify for a practical expedient to measure the investment based on its net asset value (“NAV”). The Company applies this practical expedient, where applicable, on an investment-by-investment basis. Dividends received on equity securities are included in interest income on investment securities and other interest earning assets in the consolidated statements of income.

The Company applies the equity method of accounting to investments in the equity of certain entities where it is deemed to have the ability to exercise significant influence over the entity, but does not control the entity, such as when its ownership interest is between 20% and 50%. Further, the Company also applies the equity method of accounting to equity investments it makes in limited partnerships and limited liability companies when its ownership interest in such entities exceeds 3-5% or when the Company has the ability to exercise significant influence over the entity. Such investments typically reflect equity interests in various partnerships that make investments qualifying for credit under the Community Reinvestment Act (“CRA”). The Company records its share of the operating results associated with equity method investments, based on the most recent information available from the investee, in other noninterest income in the consolidated statements of income.

Federal Home Loan Bank Stock. The Bank is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) System. Members are required to own a certain amount of stock based on the level of borrowings and other factors, and may invest in additional amounts. Ownership of FHLB stock is restricted to member banks and is not actively traded on an exchange. FHLB stock is carried at cost and periodically evaluated for impairment based on ultimate recovery of par value. Both cash and stock dividends are recorded as a component of interest income.

Federal Reserve Bank Stock. The Bank is a member of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco (the “FRB”). Ownership of FRB stock is restricted to member banks and is not traded on an exchange. FRB stock is carried at cost, classified as a restricted security, and periodically evaluated for impairment based on ultimate recovery of par value. Both cash and stock dividends are recorded as a component of interest income.

Loans Held for Sale. Loans for which the Company does not have the intent or ability to hold for the foreseeable future are designated as held for sale at their origination or when the determination is made to sell the loan. Such loans are recorded at the lower of cost or fair value. Gains or losses are recognized upon the sale of the loans on a specific identification basis. Origination fees and costs are deferred until the time of sale and are included in the determination of the gain or loss on the sale of the loan.

Loan Servicing Assets. Servicing assets are related to U.S. Small Business Administration (“SBA”) loans sold and are recognized at the time of sale when servicing is retained with the income statement effect recorded in gains on sales of SBA loans. Servicing assets are initially recorded at fair value based on the present value of the contractually specified servicing fee, net of estimated servicing costs, over the estimated life of the loan. The Company’s servicing costs approximates the industry average servicing costs of approximately 40 basis points. The servicing assets are subsequently amortized into noninterest income in proportion to, and over the period of, the estimated future net servicing income of the underlying loans. The Company periodically evaluates servicing assets for impairment based upon the fair value of the assets as compared to their carrying amount.

The Company typically sells the guaranteed portion of SBA loans and retains the unguaranteed portion (“retained interest”). A portion of the premium on sale of SBA loans is recognized as gain on sale of loans at the time of the sale by allocating the carrying amount between the asset sold and the retained interest, based on their relative fair values. The remaining portion of the premium is recorded as a discount on the retained interest and is amortized over the remaining life of the loan as an adjustment to yield. The retained interest, net of any discount, are included in loans held for investment—net of allowance for credit losses in the accompanying consolidated statements of financial condition.

Loans Held for Investment. Loans held for investment are loans the Company has the ability and intent to hold for the foreseeable future, or until their maturity. These loans are carried at amortized cost, net of discounts and premiums on acquired and purchased loans, and net deferred loan origination fees and costs. Purchase discounts and premiums and net deferred loan origination fees and costs on loans are accreted or amortized in interest income as an adjustment of yield, using the interest method, over the expected life of the loans. Amortization of deferred loan fees and costs are discontinued for loans that are placed on nonaccrual. Any remaining discounts, premiums, deferred fees or costs, and prepayment fees associated with loan payoffs prior to contractual maturity are included in interest income in the period of payoff. Loan commitment fees received to originate or purchase a loan are deferred and, if the commitment is exercised, recognized over the life of the loan using the interest method as an adjustment of yield or, if the commitment expires unexercised, recognized as income upon expiration of the commitment.

The Company accrues interest on loans using the interest method and only if deemed collectible. Loans for which the accrual of interest has been discontinued are designated as nonaccrual loans. The accrual of interest on loans is discontinued when principal or interest is past due 90 days based on contractual terms of the loan or when, in the opinion of management, there is reasonable doubt as to the collection of principal and/or interest. When loans are placed on nonaccrual status, all previously accrued and uncollected interest is promptly reversed against current period interest income, and as such an ACL for accrued interest receivable is not established. Interest income generally is not recognized on nonaccrual loans unless the likelihood of further loss is remote. Interest payments received on nonaccrual loans are applied as a reduction to the loan principal balance. Interest accruals are resumed on such loans only when they are brought current with respect to interest and principal and when, in the judgment of management, the loans are deemed to be fully collectible as to all principal and interest.

Allowance for Credit Losses on Loans. The Company accounts for credit losses on loans in accordance with ASC 326, which requires the Company to record an estimate of expected lifetime credit losses for loans at the time of origination or acquisition. The ACL is maintained at a level deemed appropriate by management to provide for expected credit losses in the portfolio as of the date of the consolidated statements of financial condition. Estimating expected credit losses requires management to use relevant forward-looking information, including the use of reasonable and supportable forecasts. The measurement of the ACL is performed by collectively evaluating loans with similar risk characteristics. The Company measures the ACL on commercial real estate loans and commercial loans using a discounted cash flow approach, and a historical loss rate methodology is used to determine the ACL on retail loans. The Company’s discounted cash flow methodology incorporates a probability of default (“PD”) and loss given default (“LGD”) model, whereby PDs and LGDs are forecasted using economic scenarios over reasonable and supportable period to generate estimates for cash flows expected to be collected over the estimated life of a loan. Estimates of future expected cash flows ultimately reflect assumptions made concerning net credit losses over the life of a loan. The use of reasonable and supportable forecasts requires significant judgment, such as selecting forecast scenarios and related scenario-weighting, as well as determining the appropriate length of the forecast horizon. Management leverages economic projections from a reputable and independent third party to inform and provide its reasonable and supportable economic forecasts. Other internal and external indicators of economic forecasts may also be considered by management when developing the forecast metrics.

The Company’s ACL model forecasts PD and LGD over a two-year time horizon, which the Company believes is a reasonable and supportable period. PD and LGD forecasts are derived using economic forecast scenarios. Beyond the two-year forecast time horizon, the Company’s ACL model reverts to historical long-term average loss rates over a period of three years. The duration of the forecast horizon, the period over which forecasts revert to long-term averages, the economic forecasts that management utilizes, as well as additional internal and external indicators of economic forecasts that management considers, may change over time depending on the nature and composition of our loan portfolio. Changes in economic forecasts, in conjunction with changes in loan specific attributes, impact a loan’s PD and LGD, which can drive changes in the determination of the ACL.

Expectations of future cash flows are discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate. The resulting ACL for term loans represents the amount by which the loan’s amortized cost exceeds the net present value of a loan’s discounted cash flows. The ACL for credit facilities is determined by discounting estimates for cash flows not expected to be collected. The ACL is recorded through a charge to provision for credit losses and is reduced by charge-offs, net of recoveries on loans previously charged-off. It is the Company’s policy to charge-off loan balances at the time they have been deemed uncollectible.

The Company’s ACL model also includes adjustments for qualitative factors, where appropriate, since historical information (such as historical net losses and economic cycles) may not always provide a sufficient basis for determining future expected credit losses. Qualitative adjustments may be related to and include, but not limited to factors such as: (i) management’s assessment of economic forecasts used in the model and how those forecasts align with management’s overall evaluation of current and expected economic conditions, (ii) organization specific risks such as credit concentrations, collateral specific risks, regulatory risks, and external factors that may ultimately impact credit quality, (iii) potential model limitations such as limitations identified through backtesting, and other limitations associated with factors such as underwriting changes, acquisition of new portfolios and changes in portfolio segmentation, and (iv) management’s overall assessment of the adequacy of the ACL, including an assessment of model data inputs used to determine the ACL.

The Company has a credit portfolio review process designed to detect problem loans. Problem loans are typically those of a substandard or worse internal credit risk grade, and may consist of loans on nonaccrual status, troubled debt restructurings (“TDRs”), loans where the likelihood of foreclosure on underlying collateral has increased, collateral dependent loans and other loans where concern or doubt over the ultimate collectability of all contractual amounts due has become elevated. Such loans, which have exhibited a deterioration in credit quality may, in the opinion of management, be deemed to no longer possess risk characteristics similar to other loans in the loan portfolio, and as such may require individual evaluation to determine an appropriate ACL for the loan. When a loan is individually evaluated, the Company typically measures the expected credit loss for the loan based on a discounted cash flow approach, unless the loan has been deemed collateral dependent. Collateral dependent loans are loans where the repayment of the loan is expected to come from the operation of and/or eventual liquidation of the underlying collateral. The ACL for collateral dependent loans is determined using estimates for the fair value of the underlying collateral, less costs to sell.

Although management uses the best information available to derive estimates necessary to measure an appropriate level of the ACL, future adjustments to the ACL may be necessary due to economic, operating, regulatory, and other conditions that may extend beyond the Company’s control. Additionally, various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the Company’s ACL and credit review process and may require changes to the ACL.

Please also see Note 5 – Allowance for Credit Losses for additional discussion concerning the Company’s ACL methodology, including discussion concerning economic forecasts used in the determination of the ACL.

The Company has segmented the loan portfolio according to loans that share similar attributes and risk characteristics. Each segment possesses varying degrees of risk based on, among other things, the type of loan, the type of collateral, and the sensitivity of the borrower or industry to changes in external factors such as economic conditions. These segment groupings are: investor loans secured by real estate, business loans secured by real estate, commercial loans, and retail loans. Within each segment grouping there are various classes of loans as disclosed below. The Company determines the ACL for loans based on this more detailed loan segmentation and classification.

At December 31, 2022, the Company had the following segments and classes of loans:

Investor Loans Secured by Real Estate:

•Commercial real estate (“CRE”) non-owner-occupied - CRE non-owner-occupied includes loans for which the Company holds real property as collateral, but where the borrower does not occupy the underlying property. The primary risks associated with these loans include the borrower’s inability to pay, material decreases in the value of the real estate that is being held as collateral, significant increases in interest rates, changes in market rents, and vacancy of the underlying property, any of which may make the real estate loan unprofitable to the borrower. Real estate loans may be more adversely affected by conditions in the real estate markets or in the general economy.

•Multifamily - Multifamily loans are secured by multi-unit (5 or more units) residential real properties. Payments on multifamily loans are dependent on the successful operation or management of the properties, and repayment of these loans may be subject to adverse conditions in the real estate market or the economy.

•Construction and land - We originate loans for the construction of one-to-four family and multifamily residences and CRE properties in our primary market area. We concentrate our efforts on single homes and small infill projects in established neighborhoods where there is not abundant land available for development. Construction loans are considered to have higher risks due to construction completion and timing risk, and the ultimate repayment being sensitive to interest rate changes, government regulation of real property, and the availability of long-term financing. Additionally, economic conditions may impact the Company’s ability to recover its investment in construction loans, as adverse economic conditions may negatively impact the real estate market, which could affect the borrower’s ability to complete and sell the project. Additionally, the fair value of the underlying collateral may fluctuate as market conditions change. We occasionally originate land loans located predominantly in California for the purpose of facilitating the ultimate construction of a home or commercial building. The primary risks include the borrower’s inability to pay and the inability of the Company to recover its investment due to a decline in the fair value of the underlying collateral.

Business Loans Secured by Real Estate:

•Commercial real estate owner-occupied - CRE owner-occupied includes loans for which the Company holds real property as collateral and where the underlying property is occupied by the borrower, such as with a place of business. These loans are primarily underwritten based on the cash flows of the business and secondarily on the real estate. The primary risks associated with CRE owner-occupied loans include the borrower’s inability to pay, material decreases in the value of the real estate that is being held as collateral, and significant increases in interest rates, which may make the real estate loan unprofitable to the borrower. Real estate loans may be more adversely affected by conditions in the real estate markets or in the general economy.

•Franchise secured by real estate - Franchise real estate secured loans are business loans secured by real property occupied by franchised restaurants, generally quick service restaurants. These loans are primarily underwritten based on the cash flows of the business and secondarily on the real estate. Risks associated with these loans include material decreases in the value of real estate being held as collateral, and the borrower’s inability to pay as a result of increases in interest rates or decreases in cash flow from the underlying business.

•Small Business Administration - We are approved to originate loans under the SBA’s Preferred Lenders Program (“PLP”). The PLP lending status affords us a higher level of delegated credit autonomy, translating to a significantly shorter turnaround time from application to funding, which is critical to our marketing efforts. We originate loans nationwide under the SBA’s 7(a), SBA Express, International Trade and 504(a) loan programs, in conformity with SBA underwriting and documentation standards. SBA loans are similar to commercial business loans, but have additional credit enhancement provided by the U.S. government. The Company originates SBA loans with the intent to sell the guaranteed portion into the secondary market on a quarterly basis. Certain loans classified as SBA are secured by commercial real estate property. SBA loans secured by hotels are included in the segment investor loans secured by real estate, and SBA loans secured by all other forms of real estate are included in the business loans secured by real estate segment. All other SBA loans are included in the commercial loans segment below, and are secured by business assets.

Commercial Loans:

•Commercial and industrial (including franchise commercial loans) (“C&I”) - C&I loans are loans that are secured by business assets including inventory, receivables, and machinery and equipment. Loan types include revolving lines of credit, term loans, seasonal loans, and loans secured by liquid collateral such as cash deposits or marketable securities. Franchise credit facilities not secured by real estate and Homeowners’ Association (“HOA”) credit facilities are included in C&I loans. We also issue letters of credit on behalf of our customers. Risk associated with C&I loans arises primarily due to the difference between expected and actual cash flows of the borrowers. In addition, the recoverability of the Company’s investment in these loans is also dependent on other factors primarily dictated by the type of collateral securing these loans, and occasionally upon other borrower assets and guarantor assets. The fair value of the collateral securing these loans may fluctuate as market conditions change. In the case of loans secured by accounts receivable, the recovery of the Company’s investment is dependent upon the borrower’s ability to collect amounts due from its customers.

Retail Loans:

•One-to-four family - Although we do not originate first lien single family loans, we have acquired them through bank acquisitions. We originate home equity lines of credit loans to consumers within our market area. The primary risks of one-to-four family loans include the borrower’s inability to pay, material decreases in the value of the real estate that is being held as collateral, and significant increases in interest rates, which may make loans unprofitable to the borrower.

•Consumer loans - In addition to consumer loans acquired through our various bank acquisitions, we originate a limited number of consumer loans, generally to banking clients. Our consumer loans consist primarily of small balance personal unsecured loans and savings account secured loans. Risk arises with these loans in the borrower’s inability to pay and decreases in the fair value of the underlying collateral.

Troubled Debt Restructurings. Infrequently, the Company modifies certain loans when a borrower is experiencing financial difficulty. These modifications are made to alleviate temporary impairments in the borrower’s financial condition and/or constraints on the borrower’s ability to repay the loan, and to minimize potential losses to the Company. Modifications may include changes in the amortization terms of the loan, reductions in interest rates, acceptance of interest-only payments, and, in very few cases, reductions to the outstanding loan balance. Such loans are typically placed on nonaccrual status and are returned to accrual status when all contractual amounts past due have been brought current, and the borrower’s performance under the modified terms of the loan agreement and the ultimate collectability of all contractual amounts due under the modified terms is no longer in doubt. The Company typically measures the ACL for TDRs on an individual basis when the loans are deemed to no longer share similar risk characteristics with other loans in the portfolio. The determination of the ACL for TDRs is based on a discounted cash flow approach for those measured both collectively and individually, unless the loan is deemed collateral dependent, which requires measurement of the ACL based on the fair value of the collateral less estimated costs to sell.

Acquired Loans. When the Company acquires loans through purchase or a business combination, an assessment is first performed to determine if such loans have experienced more than insignificant deterioration in credit quality since their origination and thus should be classified as purchased credit deteriorated (“PCD”) loans or otherwise classified as non-PCD loans. All acquired loans are recorded at their fair value on the date of acquisition. Any resulting discount or premium recorded on acquired loans is accreted or amortized into interest income over the remaining life of the loans using the interest method. Additionally, upon the purchase or acquisition of non-PCD loans, the Company measures and records an ACL based on the Company’s methodology for determining the ACL. The ACL for non-PCD loans is recorded through a charge to the provision for credit losses in the period in which the loans were purchased or acquired.

Unlike non-PCD loans, the initial ACL for PCD loans is established through an adjustment to the acquired loan balance and not through a charge to the provision for credit losses. As with non-PCD loans, the ACL for PCD loans is determined with the use of the Company’s ACL methodology. Characteristics of PCD loans include: delinquency, downgrade in credit quality since origination, loans on nonaccrual status, and/or other factors the Company may become aware of through its initial analysis of acquired loans that may indicate there has been more than insignificant deterioration in credit quality since a loan’s origination. Subsequent to acquisition, the ACL for both non-PCD and PCD loans is measured with the use of the Company’s ACL methodology in the same manner as all other loans.

Loan Commitments and Related Financial Instruments. Financial instruments include off-balance sheet credit instruments, such as commitments to make loans and commercial letters of credit, issued to meet customer financing needs. The face amount for these items represents the exposure to loss, before considering customer collateral or ability to repay. Such financial instruments are recognized in the Consolidated Financial Statements when they are funded.

Other Real Estate Owned. Real estate properties acquired through, or in lieu of, loan foreclosure are recorded at fair value, less cost to sell, with any excess of the loan’s amortized cost balance over the fair value of the property recorded as a charge against the ACL. The Company obtains an appraisal and/or market valuation on all other real estate owned at the time of possession. After foreclosure, valuations are periodically performed by management. Any subsequent declines in fair value are recorded as a charge to non-interest expense in current period earnings with a corresponding write-down to the asset. All legal fees and direct costs, including foreclosure and other related costs, are expensed as incurred.

Premises and Equipment. Premises and equipment, including leasehold improvements, are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization are computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which range from twenty years for buildings, seven years for furniture, fixtures and equipment, and three years for computer and telecommunication equipment. The cost of leasehold improvements is amortized using the straight-line method over the shorter of the estimated useful life of the asset or the term of the related leases.

The Company periodically evaluates the recoverability of long-lived assets, such as premises and equipment, to ensure the carrying value has not been impaired. Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell.

Bank Owned Life Insurance (“BOLI”). BOLI assets are life insurance policies on certain current and former officers, directors and employees for which the Bank is the beneficiary under each policy. BOLI is accounted for using the cash surrender value method and is recorded at its realizable value as an asset in the consolidated statements of financial condition. Changes in the cash surrender value of BOLI and the death benefits of an insured individual covered by these policies, after distribution to the insured’s beneficiaries, if any, are recorded as tax-exempt noninterest income in the consolidated statements of income.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. Goodwill assets originate from business combinations where the Company has acquired other financial institutions, and is determined as the excess of the fair value of the consideration transferred, plus the fair value of any noncontrolling interests in the acquiree, over the fair value of the net assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date. Goodwill and intangible assets that are determined to have indefinite useful lives are not amortized, but tested for impairment at least annually or more frequently if events and circumstances lead management to believe the value of those assets may be impaired. Impairment testing is performed at the reporting unit level, which is considered the Company level, as management has identified the Company is its sole reporting unit as of December 31, 2022.

Management’s assessment of goodwill is performed in accordance with ASC 350-20, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other - Goodwill, which allows the Company to first perform a qualitative assessment of goodwill to determine if it is more likely than not the fair value of the Company’s equity is below its carrying value. However, GAAP also allows the Company, at its option, to unconditionally forego the qualitative assessment and proceed directly to a quantitative assessment. When performing a qualitative assessment of goodwill, should the results of such analysis indicate it is more likely than not the fair value of the Company’s equity is below its carrying value, the Company then performs the quantitative assessment of goodwill to determine the fair value of the Company and compares the results of that assessment to the carrying value of the Company. If the fair value of the Company is below its carrying value, the Company would then recognize the amount of impairment as the amount by which the Company’s carrying value exceeds its fair value. Impairment losses are recorded as a charge to noninterest expense.

The Company’s annual impairment test of goodwill is performed in the fourth quarter. The Company performed a qualitative assessment of goodwill in the fourth quarter of 2022, the results of which indicated the value of goodwill assets could be supported and were not impaired. As of December 31, 2022, goodwill is the only intangible asset with an indefinite life recorded in the Company’s consolidated statements of financial condition.

Other intangible assets include core deposit and customer relationship intangibles arising from the acquisition of other financial institutions and are amortized on a basis reflecting the pattern in which the economic benefits of the intangible asset are expected to be consumed or otherwise used up, or on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives, which ranges from six to eleven years. GAAP requires intangible assets other than goodwill to be tested for impairment when events and circumstances change, indicating that their carrying value may not be recoverable. For intangible assets other than goodwill, the Company first performs a qualitative assessment to determine if the carrying value of such assets may not be recoverable. A quantitative assessment is followed to determine the amount of impairment in the event the carrying value of such assets are deemed not recoverable. Impairment is measured as the amount by which their carrying value exceeds their estimated fair value. The Company tests intangible assets for impairment in the fourth quarter of each year, including the fourth quarter of 2022; the results of which indicated the value of intangible assets could be supported and were not impaired.

Derivatives as Part of Designated Accounting Hedges. The Company applies hedge accounting to certain derivative instruments used for risk management purposes, primarily interest rate risk. To qualify for hedge accounting, a derivative instrument must be highly effective at reducing the risk associated with the hedged exposure, and the hedging relationship must be formally documented at its inception. The Company uses regression analysis to assess the effectiveness of each hedging relationship, unless the hedge qualifies for other methods of assessing effectiveness (e.g., shortcut or critical terms match), both at inception and throughout the life of the hedge transaction.

The Company has derivative instruments designated as part of fair value accounting hedges. These derivatives consist of pay-fixed, receive-floating interest rate swaps, and were entered into to hedge changes in the fair value of fixed-rate assets for specific risks, such as interest rate risk resulting from changes in a benchmark interest rate. In a qualifying fair value hedge, the Company records periodic changes in the fair value of the derivative instrument in current period earnings. Simultaneously, periodic changes in the fair value of the hedged risk are also recorded in current period earnings. Together, these periodic changes in the fair value of the derivative instrument and the fair value of the hedged risk are included in the same line item of the statements of income associated with the hedged item (i.e. interest income), and largely offset each other. Interest accruals on both the derivative instrument and the hedged item are also recorded in the same line item, which effectively converts the designated fixed-rate assets to floating-rate assets. The Company structures these interest rate swaps to match the critical terms of the hedged items (i.e. fixed-rate loans), thereby maximizing the economic and accounting effectiveness of the hedging relationships and resulting in the expectation that the hedging relationship will be highly effective. If a fair value hedging relationship ceases to qualify for hedge accounting, hedge accounting is discontinued and future changes in the fair value of the derivative instrument are recognized in current period earnings, until the derivative is settled with the counterparty. In addition, all remaining basis adjustments resulting from periodic changes in the fair value of the hedged risk, previously recorded as a component of the carrying amount of the hedged item, are amortized or accreted into interest income using the interest method over the remaining life of the hedged item.

Business Combinations. The Company accounts for business combinations under the acquisition method of accounting. Upon obtaining control of the acquired entity, the Company records all identifiable assets and liabilities at their estimated fair values. Goodwill is recorded when the consideration paid for an acquired entity exceeds the estimated fair value of the net assets acquired. Changes to the acquisition date fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed may be made as adjustments to goodwill over a one year measurement period following the date of acquisition. Such adjustments are attributable to additional information obtained related to fair value estimates of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Costs associated with business combinations are reflected as a component of noninterest expense.

Subordinated Debentures. Long-term borrowings are carried at cost, adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts, which are recognized in interest expense using the interest method. Debt issuance costs are included in the carrying value of associated borrowings and are subsequently recognized in interest expense using the interest method over the life of the borrowing.

Leases. The Company accounts for its leases in accordance with ASC 842 - Leases, which requires the Company to record liabilities for future lease obligations as well as assets representing the right to use the underlying leased asset. Leases with a term of 12 months or less are accounted for using straight-line expense recognition with no right-of-use asset being recorded for such leases. Other than short-term leases, the Company classifies its leases as either finance leases or operating leases. Leases are classified as finance leases when any of the following are met: (a) the lease transfers ownership of the underlying asset to the lessee by the end of the lease term, (b) the lease contains an option to purchase the underlying asset that the lessee is reasonably certain to exercise, (c) the term of the lease represents a major part of the remaining life of the underlying asset, (d) the present value of the future lease payments equals or exceeds substantially all of the fair value of the underlying asset, or (e) the underling leased asset is expected to have no alternative use to the lessor at the end of the lease term due to its specialized nature. When the Company’s assessment of a lease does not meet the foregoing criteria, and the term of the lease is in excess of 12 months, the lease is classified as an operating lease.

Liabilities to make lease payments and right-of-use assets are determined based on the total future contractual rents for each lease, discounted at the rate implicit in the lease or at the Company’s estimated incremental borrowing rate if the rate is not implicit in the lease. The Company measures future contractual rents based on the minimum payments specified in the lease agreement, giving consideration for periodic contractual rent increases, which may be based on an escalation rate or a specified index. When future rent payments are based on an index, the Company uses the index rate observed at the time of lease commencement to measure future lease payments. Liabilities to make future lease payments on operating leases are reduced by periodic contractual lease payments net of periodic interest accretion on the lease liability. Right-of-use assets for operating leases are amortized over the term of the lease by amounts that represent the difference between periodic straight-line lease expense and periodic interest accretion on the related liability to make lease payments. Expense recognition for operating leases is recorded on a straight-line basis. As of December 31, 2022, all of the Company’s leases were classified as either operating leases or short-term leases.

From time to time the Company leases portions of the space it leases to other parties through sublease transactions. Income received from these transactions is recorded on a straight-line basis over the term of the sublease.

Revenue Recognition. The Company accounts for certain of its revenue streams deemed to arise from contracts with customers in accordance with ASC 606 - Revenue from Contracts with Customers. Revenue streams within the scope of and accounted for under ASC 606 include: service charges and fees on deposit accounts, debit card interchange fees, custodial account fees, fees from other services the Bank provides its customers, and gains and losses from the sale of other real estate owned and property, premises and equipment. These revenue streams are included in noninterest income in the consolidated statements of income. ASC 606 requires revenue to be recognized when the Company satisfies related performance obligations by transferring to the customer a good or service. The recognition of revenue under ASC 606 requires the Company to first identify the contract with the customer, identify the performance obligations, determine the transaction price, allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations, and finally recognize revenue when the performance obligations have been satisfied and the good or service has been transferred. Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration that Company expects to receive in exchange for the transfer of goods or services to the associated customer. The majority of the Company’s contracts with customers associated with revenue streams that are within the scope of ASC 606 are considered short-term in nature, such as a deposit account agreement, which may be cancelled at any time, or a service provided to a customer at a point in time. Other more significant revenue streams for the Company, such as interest income on loans and investment securities, are specifically excluded from the scope of ASC 606 and are accounted for under other applicable GAAP.

Stock-Based Compensation. The Company issues various forms of stock-based compensation awards annually to officers and directors of the Company, including stock options, restricted stock awards, and restricted stock units. The related compensation costs are based on the grant-date fair value of the awards and are recognized in the income statement over the period they are expected to vest, net of estimates for forfeitures. Estimates for forfeitures are based on the Company’s historical experience for each award type. A Black-Scholes model is utilized to estimate the fair value of stock options on the grant date. The Black-Scholes model uses certain assumptions to determine grant-date fair value such as: expected volatility, expected term of the option, expected risk-free rate of interest, and expected dividend yield on the Corporation’s common stock. The market price of the Corporation’s common stock at the grant date is used for restricted stock awards in determining the grant date fair value for those awards. The Company did not issue any stock option awards during 2022 or 2021.

Restricted stock awards and restricted stock units are granted to employees of the Company, and represent stock-based compensation awards that when ultimately settled, result in the issuance of shares of the Corporation’s common stock to the grantee. As with other stock-based compensation awards, compensation cost for restricted stock awards and restricted stock units is recognized over the period in which the awards are expected to vest. Certain of the Corporation’s restricted stock units contain vesting conditions which are based on pre-determined performance targets. The level at which the associated performance targets are achieved can impact the ultimate settlement of the award with the grantee and thus the level of compensation expense ultimately recognized. Certain of these awards contain a market-based condition whereby the vesting of the award is based on the Company’s performance, such as total shareholder return, relative to its peers over a specified period of time. The grant date fair value of market-based restricted stock units is determined through an independent third party which employs the use of a Monte Carlo simulation. The Monte Carlo simulation estimates grant date fair value using input assumptions similar to those used in the Black-Scholes model, however, it also incorporates into the grant date fair value calculation the probability that the performance targets will be achieved. The grant date fair value of restricted stock units that do not contain a market-based condition for vesting is based on the price of the Corporation’s common stock on the grant date.

Holders of restricted stock awards are entitled to receive cash dividends. Holders of restricted stock units are entitled to receive dividend equivalents during the vesting period commensurate with dividends declared and paid on the Corporation’s common stock. As restricted stock awards contain rights to receive non-forfeitable dividends prior to the awards being vested, such awards are considered participating securities.

Income Taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in the Company’s financial statements or tax returns using the asset liability method. In estimating future tax consequences, all expected future events other than enactments of changes in the tax law or rates are considered. The effect on deferred taxes of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. Deferred tax assets are recognized for temporary differences that will result in deductible amounts in future years and for tax carryforwards if, in the opinion of management, it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will be realized. At December 31, 2022 and 2021, no valuation allowance was deemed necessary against the Company’s deferred tax assets.

A tax position is recognized as a benefit only if it is more likely than not that the tax position would be sustained in a tax examination, with a tax examination being presumed to occur. The amount recognized is the largest amount of tax benefit that management believes is more likely than not to be realized upon examination. The Company recognizes interest and/or penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense.

Earnings per Share. Earnings per share of common stock is calculated on both a basic and diluted basis, based on the weighted average number of common and common equivalent shares outstanding. Basic earnings per share excludes potential dilution from common equivalent shares, such as those associated with stock-based compensation awards, and is computed by dividing net income allocated to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock, such as common equivalent shares associated with stock-based compensation awards, were exercised or converted into common stock that would then share in the net earnings of the Corporation. Potential dilution from common equivalent shares is determined using the treasury stock method, reflecting the potential settlement of stock-based compensation awards resulting in the issuance of additional shares of the Corporation’s common stock. Stock-based compensation awards that would have an anti-dilutive effect have been excluded from the determination of earnings per common share.

Restricted stock awards are deemed participating securities by the Corporation, and therefore the Corporation applies the two-class method when considering these awards in the computation of earnings per common share. Under the two-class method, distributed and undistributed net earnings allocable to participating securities are deducted from net income to determine net income allocable to common shareholders, which is then used in the numerator of both basic and diluted earnings per share calculations. Participating securities are excluded from the denominator of both basic and diluted earnings per common share.

Comprehensive Income. Comprehensive income is reported in addition to net income for all periods presented. Comprehensive income is a more inclusive financial reporting methodology that includes disclosure of other comprehensive income (loss) that historically has not been recognized in the calculation of net income. Unrealized gains and losses on the Company’s available-for-sale investment securities are required to be included in other comprehensive income or loss. Total comprehensive income and the components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) are presented in the Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity and Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.

Loss Contingencies. Loss contingencies, including claims and legal action arising in the ordinary course of business, are recorded as liabilities when the likelihood of loss is probable and an amount or range of loss can be reasonably estimated. Management does not believe there are any such matters that will have a material effect on the financial statements.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments. Fair values of financial instruments are estimated using relevant market information and other assumptions, as more fully disclosed in Note 17 – Fair Value of Financial Instruments. Fair value is an exit price, representing the amount that would be received to sell an asset or transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. Fair value estimates involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment regarding interest rates, credit risk, prepayments, and other factors, especially in the absence of broad markets for particular items. Fair value measures are classified according to a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which is based on the observability of inputs used to measure fair value. GAAP requires the Company to maximize the use of observable inputs when measuring fair value. When observable market prices or inputs are not available, the Company estimates fair value using modeling techniques such as a discounting future cash flows. Such a technique uses assumptions that market participants would consider in determining the fair value of the financial asset or liability. Changes in assumptions or in market conditions could significantly affect fair value estimates.

Variable Interest Entities. A VIE is consolidated in the Company’s financial statements when it is deemed the Company is the primary beneficiary of the VIE. GAAP requires analysis at the time of commencement of our involvement with a VIE, to determine the primary beneficiary and whether it should be consolidated in the Company’s financial statements. The Company continually performs analysis to determine the primary beneficiary of a VIE. At December 31, 2022 and 2021, no VIE for which the Company has involvement with were consolidated in the Company’s financial statements.

Recent Accounting Guidance Not Yet Effective

In March 2022, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2022-02, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326) Troubled Debt Restructurings and Vintage Disclosures. The FASB issued this Update in response to feedback received from various stakeholders in its post-implementation review process related to the issuance of ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, which was effective for the Company on January 1, 2020. The amendments in this Update include the elimination of accounting guidance for TDRs in Subtopic 310-40 - Receivables - Troubled Debt Restructurings by Creditors, and introduce new disclosures and enhance existing disclosures concerning certain loan refinancings and restructurings when a borrower is experiencing financial difficulty. Rather than applying the recognition and measurement guidance of TDRs, an entity must determine whether a modification results in a new loan or the continuation of an existing loan. Further, the amendments in this Update require that a public business entity disclose current period gross charge-offs on financing receivables within the scope of ASC 326-20, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses - Measured at Amortized Cost, by year of origination and class of financing receivable. The amendments in this Update are effective for the Company in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022, as well as interim periods within those years. Early adoption is permitted. The amendments in this Update are to be applied prospectively. However, for the transition method related to the recognition and measurement of TDRs, an entity has the option to apply a modified retrospective transition method, resulting in a cumulative effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption. The Company evaluated the provisions of this Update and internal stakeholders in finance, credit administration, and loan servicing have been working on implementation efforts, including: updating internal policies and procedures, disclosure design, and identifying related data requirements. The Company anticipates the provisions of this Update will not result in a cumulative adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption, but will result in changes to applicable disclosures included in the Notes to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements in the period of adoption.

In March 2022, the FASB issued ASU 2022-01, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815) Fair Value Hedging - Portfolio Layer Method. The amendments in this Update make targeted improvements to fair value hedge accounting and more specifically to the last-of-layer hedge accounting method. This Update expands the last-of-layer hedge accounting method to allow for multiple hedged layers to be designated for a single closed portfolio of prepayable financial assets, and renames this accounting method the “portfolio layer method.” The provisions of this Update also include: (i) expanding the scope of the portfolio layer method to nonprepayable financial assets, (ii) specifying that eligible hedging instruments in a single layer hedge may include spot-starting or forward-starting constant-notional or amortizing-notional swaps and that the number of hedged layers corresponds with the number of hedges designated, (iii) specifies that an entity hedging multiple amounts in a closed portfolio using a single amortizing-notional swap is executing a single-layer hedge, (iv) provides additional guidance on the accounting for and disclosure of hedge basis adjustments resulting from a fair value hedge under the portfolio layer method by requiring such basis adjustments be maintained at the portfolio level and not allocated to individual assets, and to disclose basis adjustments as a reconciling item in certain disclosures, such as those for loans, and (v) specifies that an entity is to exclude hedge basis adjustments in the determination of credit losses on the assets within the closed portfolio. The provisions of this Update are effective for the Company in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022, as well as interim periods within those years. Early adoption is permitted. Entities may designate multiple layer hedges only on a prospective basis upon the adoption of this Update. The provisions of this Update that relate to hedge basis adjustments, except for those related to disclosure, are to be applied on a modified retrospective basis through a cumulative effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption. The provisions of this Update that relate to disclosure may be applied on a prospective basis or on a retrospective basis to each prior period presented. The Company is evaluating the impact of this Update on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements and does not believe its adoption will have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.

In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848)—Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting. In response to concerns about structural risks of Interbank Offered Rates (“IBORs”), and particularly, the risk of cessation of the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”), regulators around the world have undertaken reference rate reform initiatives to identify alternative reference rates that are more observable or transaction-based and less susceptible to manipulation. The amendments in this Update provide optional guidance for a limited time to ease the potential burden in accounting for (or recognizing the effects of) reference rate reform on financial reporting as well as optional expedients and exceptions for applying GAAP to contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions affected by reference rate reform if certain criteria are met. The amendments in this Update apply only to contracts and hedging relationships that reference LIBOR or another reference rate expected to be discontinued due to reference rate reform. The expedients and exceptions provided by the amendments do not apply to contract modifications made and hedging relationships entered into or evaluated after December 31, 2022. The amendments in this Update are elective and become effective upon issuance for all entities.

An entity may elect to apply the amendments in this Update to eligible hedging relationships existing as of the beginning of the interim period that includes March 12, 2020 and to new eligible hedging relationships entered into after the beginning of the interim period that includes March 12, 2020. The Company has not entered into any hedging related transactions that reference LIBOR or another reference rate that is expected to be discontinued, and as such, the amendments included in this Update have not had an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

The Company has created a cross-functional working group to manage the transition away from LIBOR. This working group is comprised of senior leadership and staff from functional areas that include: finance, treasury, lending, loan servicing, enterprise risk management, information technology, legal, and other internal stakeholders integral to the Bank’s transition away from LIBOR. The working group monitors developments related to transition and uncertainty surrounding reference rate reform and guides the Bank’s response. The working group continuously monitors the population of financial instruments that reference LIBOR, confirming our loan documents that reference LIBOR have been appropriately amended, ensuring that our internal systems are prepared for the transition, and continues to manage the transition process with our customers. The Company has chosen to use the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) as an alternative to LIBOR. However, the Company will also use other alternative reference rates, such as the Constant Maturity Treasury index and Prime rate based on the individual needs of its customers as well as the types of credit being extended.