Adoption of Accounting Standards

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2022

Adoption of Accounting Standards

Adoption of Accounting Standards

Note 2 – Adoption of Accounting Standards

On January 1, 2023, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Updates (ASU) 2016-13 “Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments,” ASU 2018-19, “Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses,” ASU 2019-04, “Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses, Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging, and Topic 825, Financial Instruments,” ASU 2019-05, “Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Targeted Transition Relief,” ASU 2019-10, “Financial instruments – Credit losses (Topic 326), Derivatives and hedging (Topic 815), and Leases (Topic 842) – Effective dates,” ASU 2019-11, “Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses,” ASU 2020-02, “Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326) and Leases (Topic 842),” ASU 2020-03, “Codification Improvements to Financial Instruments” and ASU 2022-02, “Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326) – Troubled Debt Restructurings and Vintage Disclosures” (collectively, ASC 326). The significant impacts of adopting these standards and related updates to the Company’s accounting policies are discussed below.

ASC 326 requires entities to estimate an allowance for credit losses (ACL) on certain types of financial instruments measured at amortized cost using a current expected credit losses (CECL) methodology, replacing the incurred loss methodology from prior GAAP. It also applies to unfunded commitments to extend credit, including loan commitments, standby letters of credit, and other similar instruments. The impairment model for available-for-sale debt securities was modified and ASC 326 also provided for a simplified accounting model for purchased financial assets with credit

deterioration since their origination.  Additionally, the measurement principles for modifications of loans to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty were modified, including how the ACL is measured for such loans.

The amendments of ASC 326, upon adoption, were applied on a modified retrospective basis, by recording an increase in the reported balance of loans and the allowance for credit losses on loans, an increase in the liability for credit losses on commitments to extend credit and reducing total equity of both the Company and the Bank.  As a result of adopting ASC 326, the Company recorded a decrease to opening retained earnings, net of taxes, of approximately $7.8 million.

ASC 326 also replaced the Company’s previous accounting policies for purchased credit-impaired (PCI) loans and troubled-debt restructurings (TDRs). With the adoption of ASC 326, loans previously designated as PCI loans were designated as purchased loans with credit deterioration (PCD loans). The Company adopted ASC 326 using the prospective transition approach for PCD loans that were previously identified as PCI and accounted for under ASC 310-30. On January 1, 2023, the Corporation’s PCD loans were adjusted to reflect the addition of expected credit losses to the amortized cost basis of the loans and a corresponding increase to the ACL. The remaining noncredit discount, which represents the difference between the adjusted amortized cost basis and the outstanding principal balance on PCD loans, will be accreted into interest income over the estimated remaining lives of the loans using the effective interest rate method. The evaluation of the ACL will include PCD loans together with other loans that share similar risk characteristics, rather than using the separate pools that were used under PCI accounting, unless the loans are specifically identified for individual evaluation under our CECL methodology. The adoption of ASC 326 also replaced previous TDR accounting guidance, and the evaluation of the ACL will include loans previously designated as TDRs together with other loans that share similar risk characteristics, unless the loans are specifically identified for individual evaluation under our CECL methodology.  

The following table shows the impact of the Company's adoption of ASC 326 on loans, the allowance for credit losses, and the Company’s reserve for unfunded commitments:

	January 1, 2023
	As Reported Under		Pre-ASC 326
(Dollars in thousands)	ASC 326		Adoption		Change
Total Loans, gross	$	2,556,267	$	2,556,107	$	160
Allowance for credit losses		(27,434)		(16,643)		(10,791)
Total loans, net	$	2,528,833	$	2,539,464	$	(10,631)
Liabilities: Reserve for Unfunded Commitments	$	581	$	316	$	265

The following accounting policies have been updated in connection with the adoption of ASC 326 and apply to periods beginning after December 31, 2022. Accounting policies applying to prior periods are described in the 2022 Annual Report, as discussed above.

Investments in Debt Securities

Investments in debt securities are classified as either held to maturity, available for sale, or trading, based on management’s intent. Currently, the Company has classified its debt securities within the available for sale and held to maturity classifications. Debt securities purchased with the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified as held to maturity and are recorded at amortized cost, net of any ACL.  Debt securities not classified as held to maturity are classified as available for sale and are carried at estimated fair value with the corresponding unrealized gains and losses recognized in other comprehensive income (loss).

Gains or losses are recognized in net income on the trade date using the amortized cost of the specific security sold. Purchase premiums are recognized in interest income using the effective interest rate method over the period from purchase to maturity or, for callable securities, the earliest call date, and purchase discounts are recognized in the same manner from purchase to maturity.  

The Company has elected to exclude accrued interest receivable from the amortized cost basis and fair value of its held to maturity and available for sale debt securities and has included such accrued interest of $1.8 million at March 31, 2023 within the other assets line item of the Consolidated Balance Sheets.  

The Company estimates an ACL for held to maturity debt securities on a collective basis by major security type and standard credit rating. Certain securities in our held to maturity securities portfolio are either explicitly or implicitly guaranteed by the U.S. government, are highly rated by major rating agencies and have a long history of no credit losses. With respect to these securities, we consider the risk of credit loss to be zero and, therefore, we do not record an ACL.

The estimate of an ACL on our held to maturity securities that are not guaranteed by the U.S. government considers historical credit loss information and severity of loss in the event of default and leverages external data. No ACL is recorded on accrued interest receivable and amounts written-off are reversed by an adjustment to interest income.

An ACL on held to maturity debt securities that do not share common risk characteristics with our collective portfolio are individually measured based on net realizable value, or the difference between the discounted value of the expected future cash flows and the recorded amortized cost basis of the security.

For debt securities available for sale, impairment is recognized in its entirety in net income if either (i) we intend to sell the security or (ii) it is more-likely-than-not that we will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis. If, however, the Company does not intend to sell the security and it is not more-likely-than-not that the Company will be required to sell the security before recovery, the Company evaluates unrealized losses to determine whether a decline in fair value below amortized cost basis is a result of a credit loss, which occurs when the amortized cost basis of the security exceeds the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected from the security, or other factors such as changes in market interest rates. If a credit loss exists, an allowance for credit losses is recorded that reflects the amount of the impairment related to credit losses, limited by the amount by which the specific security’s amortized cost basis exceeds its fair value. Changes in the allowance for credit losses are recorded in net income in the period of change and are included in provision for credit losses. Changes in the fair value of debt securities available for sale not resulting from credit losses are recorded in other comprehensive income (loss). The Company regularly reviews unrealized losses in its investments in securities and cash flows expected to be collected from impaired securities based on criteria including the extent to which market value is below amortized cost, the financial health of and specific prospects for the issuer, the Company’s intention with regard to holding the security to maturity and the likelihood that the Company would be required to sell the security before recovery.

Loans Held for Investment

The Company’s recorded investment in loans that management has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity or pay-off generally is reported at the unpaid principal balances adjusted for charges-offs, unearned discounts, any deferred fees or costs on originated loans, and the allowance for credit losses. The Company has elected to exclude accrued interest receivable from the amortized cost basis of its loans held for investment and has included such accrued interest of $6.2 million at March 31, 2023 within the other assets line item of the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Interest on loans is recorded to interest income based on the contractual rates and the amount of outstanding principal of the loans. Loan fees and origination costs are deferred and the net amount is amortized as an adjustment of the related loan’s yield using the level-yield method.

Loans acquired in a business combination are recorded at estimated fair value on the date of acquisition. In the case of loans that have experienced more than insignificant deterioration in credit quality since origination as of the acquisition date, the loan’s amortized cost basis is increased above estimated fair value by the amount of expected credit losses as of the acquisition date, and a corresponding allowance for credit losses is also recorded. Any remaining non-credit discount or premium for such purchased loans with credit deterioration (PCD loans) and any fair value discount or premium for non-PCD loans is accreted or amortized as an adjustment to yield over the estimated lives of the loans using the level-yield method.

A loan’s past due status is based on the contractual due date of the most delinquent payment due.  Loans are generally placed on nonaccrual status when the collection of principal or interest is 90 days or more past due, or earlier, if collection is uncertain. Any accrued interest receivable on loans placed on nonaccrual status is reversed by an adjustment to interest

income.  Loans greater than 90 days past due may remain on accrual status if management determines it has adequate collateral to cover the principal and interest. Interest payments received on nonaccrual loans are applied as a reduction of the loan principal balance unless collectability of the principal amount is reasonably assured, in which case interest is recognized on a cash basis. A loan may be returned to accrual status if the borrower has demonstrated a sustained period of repayment performance in accordance with the contractual terms of the loan and there is reasonable assurance the borrower will continue to make payments as agreed.  

In the ordinary course of business, the Company has entered into commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit. Such financial instruments are recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets when they are funded.

In the normal course of banking business, risks related to specific loan categories are as follows:

Construction loans – Construction loans are offered primarily to builders and individuals to finance the construction of single-family dwellings. In addition, the Bank periodically finances the construction of commercial projects. Credit risk factors include the borrower’s ability to successfully complete the construction on time and within budget, changing market conditions which could affect the value and marketability of projects, changes in the borrower’s ability or willingness to repay the loan and potentially rising interest rates which can impact both the borrower’s ability to repay and the collateral value.

Residential real estate – Residential real estate loans are typically made to consumers and are secured by residential real estate. Credit risk arises from the borrower’s continuing financial stability, which can be adversely impacted by job loss, divorce, illness, or personal bankruptcy, among other factors. Also impacting credit risk would be a shortfall in the value of the residential real estate in relation to the outstanding loan balance in the event of a default or subsequent liquidation of the real estate collateral.

Commercial real estate – Commercial real estate loans consist of both loans secured by owner occupied properties and non-owner occupied properties where an established banking relationship exists and involves investment properties for warehouse, retail, and office space with a history of occupancy and cash flow. These loans are subject to adverse changes in the local economy and commercial real estate markets. Credit risk associated with owner occupied properties arises from the borrower’s financial stability and the ability of the borrower and the business to repay the loan. Non-owner occupied properties carry the risk of a tenant’s deteriorating credit strength, lease expirations in soft markets and sustained vacancies which can adversely impact cash flow.

Commercial – Commercial loans are secured or unsecured loans for business purposes. Loans are typically secured by accounts receivable, inventory, equipment and/or other assets of the business. Credit risk arises from the successful operation of the business which may be affected by competition, rising interest rates, regulatory changes and adverse conditions in the local and regional economy.

Consumer – Consumer loans include installment loans and personal lines of credit. Credit risk is similar to residential real estate loans above as it is subject to the borrower’s continuing financial stability and the value of the collateral securing the loan.

ACL on Loans Held for Investment

An ACL is estimated on loans held for investment, excluding loans carried at fair value. The ACL on loans is established through charges to earnings in the form of a provision for credit losses. Loan losses are charged against the ACL for the difference between the carrying value of the loan and the estimated net realizable value or fair value of the collateral, if collateral dependent, when management believes that the collectability of the principal is unlikely. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance.

The allowance represents management’s current estimate of expected credit losses over the contractual term of loans held for investment, and is recorded at an amount that, in management’s judgment, reduces the recorded investment in loans to the net amount expected to be collected. No ACL is recorded on accrued interest receivable and amounts written-off are reversed by an adjustment to interest income. Management’s judgment in determining the level of the allowance is based

on evaluations of historical loan losses, current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts relevant to the collectability of loans. The methodology for estimating the amount reported in the ACL is the sum of two main components, an allowance assessed on a collective basis for pools of loans that share similar risk characteristics and an allowance assessed on individual loans that do not share similar risk characteristics with other loans. Loans that share common risk characteristics are evaluated collectively using a cash flow approach.  The discounted cash flow approach used by the Company utilizes loan-level cash flow projections and pool-level assumptions. For loans that do not share risk characteristics with other loans, the ACL is measured based on the net realizable value, that is, the difference between the discounted value of the expected future cash flows and the amortized cost basis of the loan. When a loan is collateral-dependent and the repayment is expected to be provided substantially through the operation or sale of the collateral, the ACL is measured as the difference between the amortized cost basis of the loan and the fair value of the collateral.

Cash flow projections and estimated expected losses on loans which share common risk characteristics are based in part on forecasts of the national unemployment rate that are reasonable and supportable over a twelve month period and incorporated into the estimate of expected credit losses using a statistical regression analysis. For periods beyond those for which reasonable and supportable forecasts are available, projections are based on a reversion of the national unemployment rate from the last forecast to a historical average level over the following twelve months.

Management’s estimate of the allowance for credit losses on loans that are collectively evaluated also includes a qualitative assessment of available information relevant to assessing collectability that is not captured in the quantitative loss estimation process. Factors considered by management include changes in general market, economic and business conditions; the nature and volume of the loan portfolio; the volume and severity of delinquencies and adversely classified loan balances and the value of underlying collateral; and other factors as deemed necessary and appropriate. This evaluation is inherently subjective, as it requires estimates that are susceptible to significant revision as more information becomes available.  

Reserve for Unfunded Commitments 

The Company records a reserve, reported in other liabilities, for expected credit losses on commitments to extend credit that are not unconditionally cancelable by the Company.  The reserve for unfunded commitments is measured based on the principles utilized in estimating the allowance for credit losses on loans and an estimate of the amount of unfunded commitments expected to be advanced. Changes in the reserve for unfunded commitments are recorded through the provision for credit losses.  During the three months ended March 31, 2023, the Company recorded no provision for credit losses associated with its unfunded commitments.