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ORGANIZATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2022

ORGANIZATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES [Abstract]

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Primis and its subsidiaries Primis Bank and EVB Statutory Trust I (the “Trust”). Significant inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Primis consolidates subsidiaries in which it holds, directly or indirectly, more than 50 percent of the voting rights or where it exercises control. Entities where Primis holds 20 to 50 percent of the voting rights, or has the ability to exercise significant influence, or both, are accounted for under the equity method. Primis owns the Trust which is an unconsolidated subsidiary and the junior subordinated debt owed to the Trust is reported as a liability of Primis.

We determine whether we have a controlling financial interest in an entity by first evaluating whether the entity is a voting interest entity or a variable interest entity (“VIE”) under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. Voting interest entities are entities in which the total equity investment at risk is sufficient to enable the entity to finance itself independently and provides the equity holders with the obligation to absorb losses, the right to receive residual returns and the right to make decisions about the entity’s activities. We consolidate voting interest entities in which we have all, or at least a majority of, the voting interest. As defined in applicable accounting standards, VIEs are entities that lack one or more of the characteristics of a voting interest entity. A controlling financial interest in a VIE is present when an enterprise has both the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance and an obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits that could potentially be significant to the VIE. The enterprise with a controlling financial interest, known as the primary beneficiary, consolidates the VIE. The Company has investments in VIE’s for which we are not the primary beneficiary and, as such, their accounts are not included in our consolidated financial statements.

On April 28, 2022, Primis Bank entered into a definitive agreement to acquire 100% of the issued and outstanding capital stock of SeaTrust Mortgage Company (“SeaTrust”), a North Carolina corporation. On May 31, 2022, Primis Bank completed the acquisition (the “Acquisition”) of 100% of the outstanding capital stock of SeaTrust from Community First Bank, Inc. (the “Seller”) pursuant to the Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of April 28, 2022 (the “Purchase Agreement”) by and among the Bank, Seller, and SeaTrust. As a result, SeaTrust became a wholly owned subsidiary of Primis Bank on May 31, 2022. Following the closing of the Acquisition, on June 1, 2022, the Bank changed the name of SeaTrust to Primis Mortgage Company (“Primis Mortgage”). At the time of acquisition, Primis Mortgage originated mortgages primarily in

North and South Carolina, Florida and Tennessee from eight offices but has since expanded its ability to originate mortgages to the majority of the U.S. Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, the Bank paid an aggregate purchase price of $7.0 million in cash to Seller at closing and assumed $19.3 million of SeaTrust’s indebtedness under certain warehouse lending facilities.

Discontinued Operation

Discontinued Operation

Primis Bank had an interest in one mortgage company, Southern Trust Mortgage, LLC (“STM”). Prior to December 31, 2021, Primis Bank owned 43.28% and 100% of STM’s common and preferred stock, respectively, and STM was considered an unconsolidated affiliate of the Company. On September 23, 2021, Primis Bank entered into an agreement with STM, whereby STM agreed to purchase all of the Bank's common membership interests and a portion of the Bank's preferred interests in STM for a combination of $1.6 million in cash and the assumption of a promissory note in the amount of $8.5 million. The transaction closed on December 31, 2021. Upon closing, STM continued to be a borrower of the Bank, but the Bank is no longer a minority owner of STM and STM is no longer considered an affiliate of the Company. The Company still holds 100% of STM’s preferred stock at December 31, 2022 but no longer has a position on STM’s board of directors and STM no longer represents a reportable operating segment of the Company.

Operating Segments

Operating Segments

The Company, through its Bank subsidiary, provides a broad range of financial services. While the Company’s chief operating decision makers monitor the revenue streams of the various financial products and services, operations are managed and financial performance is evaluated on an organization-wide basis. Management has determined that the Company has two reportable operating segments: Primis Mortgage and Primis Bank, as discussed in Note 18 – Segment Information.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates. Estimates that are particularly susceptible to change in the near term include: the determination of the allowance for credit losses, fair value of investment securities, credit impairment of investment securities, mortgage banking derivatives, credit enhancement, valuation of goodwill and deferred tax assets.

Investment Securities

Securities Available-for-Sale and Held-to Maturity

Debt securities that Primis has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified as held-to-maturity and carried at amortized cost.

Securities classified as available-for-sale are those debt securities that may be sold in response to changes in interest rates, liquidity needs or other similar factors. Securities available-for-sale are carried at fair value, with unrealized gains or losses net of deferred taxes, included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in stockholders’ equity.

Premiums and discounts are generally amortized using the interest method with a constant effective yield without anticipating prepayments, except for mortgage-backed securities where prepayments are anticipated. Premiums on callable securities are amortized to their earliest call date. Gains and losses on the sale of investment securities are recorded on the settlement date and are determined using the specific identification method.

Primis purchases amortizing investment securities. The actual principal reduction on these assets varies from the expected contractual principal reduction due to principal prepayments resulting from the borrowers’ election to refinance the underlying mortgage based on market and other conditions. The purchased premiums and discounts associated with these assets are amortized or accreted to interest income over the estimated life of the related assets. The estimated life is

calculated by projecting future prepayments and the resulting principal cash flows until maturity. Prepayment rate projections utilize actual prepayment speed experience and available market information on like-kind instruments. The prepayment rates form the basis for income recognition of premiums and discounts on the related assets. Changes in prepayment estimates may cause the earnings recognized on these assets to vary over the term that the assets are held, creating volatility in the net interest margin. Prepayment rate assumptions are monitored and updated monthly to reflect actual activity and the most recent market projections.

Non-marketable Equity Securities

Primis’ investment in STM’s preferred stock and other investments are considered to be non-marketable equity securities that do not have a readily determinable fair value. Equity securities with no recurring market value data available are reviewed periodically and any observable market value change is adjusted through net income. Primis evaluates these non-marketable equity securities for impairment and recoverability of the recorded investment by considering positive and negative evidence, including the profitability and asset quality, dividend payment history and recent redemption experience. Impairment is assessed at each reporting period and if identified, is recognized in noninterest income.

Other investments include stock acquired for regulatory purposes. The Bank is a member of the 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. The Bank is also required to own FRB stock with a par value equal to 6% of capital and FHLB stock of 4.25% of borrowings outstanding. FHLB and FRB stock is carried at cost, classified as a restricted security, and periodically evaluated for impairment based on ultimate recovery of the par value. Both cash and stock dividends are reported as income.

Loans

Loans Held for Sale

Loans held for sale are originated and held until sold to permanent investors. The Company has elected to carry these loans at fair value on a recurring basis in accordance with the fair value option under FASB ASC 825, Financial Instruments. The fair value is determined by utilizing quoted prices from dealers in such securities. Gains and losses on loan sales are recorded in mortgage banking income and direct loan origination costs are included in noninterest expense in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income (loss).

Loans

Primis purchases mortgage loans from mortgage loans originators, including the Bank’s wholly-owned subsidiary Primis Mortgage Company. Primis also provides commercial and consumer loans to customers. A substantial portion of the loan portfolio is represented by loans secured by real estate throughout its market area. The ability of Primis’ debtors to honor their contracts is in varying degrees dependent upon the real estate market conditions and general economic conditions in this area.

Loans that management has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity or pay-off are reported at their outstanding unpaid principal balances, purchased premiums and discounts and any deferred loan fees or costs on originated loans. Interest income is accrued on the unpaid principal balance. Loan origination fees, net of certain direct origination costs, are deferred and recognized as an adjustment of the related loan yield using the interest method without anticipating prepayments.

Commercial real estate consists of borrowings secured by owner occupied and non-owner occupied commercial real estate. Repayment of these loans is dependent upon rental income or the subsequent sale of the property for loans secured by non-owner occupied commercial real estate and by cash flows from business operations for owner occupied commercial real estate. Loans for which the source of repayment is rental income are primarily impacted by local economic conditions which dictate occupancy rates and the amount of rent charged. Commercial real estate loans that are dependent on cash flows from operations can also be adversely affected by current market conditions for their product or service.

Construction and land development primarily consist of borrowings to purchase and develop raw land into residential and non-residential properties. Construction loans are extended to individuals as well as corporations for the construction of an individual or multiple properties and are secured by raw land and the subsequent improvements. Repayment of the loans to real estate developers is dependent upon the sale or lease of properties to third parties in a timely fashion upon completion. Should there be delays in construction or a downturn in the market for those properties, there may be significant erosion in value which may be absorbed by Primis.

Commercial loans consist of borrowings for commercial purposes to individuals, corporations, partnerships, sole proprietorships, and other business enterprises. Commercial loans are generally secured by business assets such as equipment, accounts receivable, inventory, or any other asset excluding real estate and generally made to finance capital expenditures or operations. Primis’ risk exposure is related to deterioration in the value of collateral securing the loan should foreclosure become necessary. Generally, business assets used or produced in operations do not maintain their value upon foreclosure which may require Primis to write-down the value significantly to sell. Commercial loans also include Life Premium Finance loans. These loans are utilized to pay the annual premiums due on the whole or universal life policy. The Life Premium Finance loans are fully secured by the cash value of the policy and personal liquid assets of the borrower or guarantor.

Residential real estate loans consist of loans to individuals for the purchase of primary residences with repayment primarily through wage or other income sources of the individual borrower. Primis’ loss exposure to these loans is dependent on local market conditions for residential properties as loan amounts are determined, in part, by the fair value of the property at origination.

Other consumer loans are comprised of loans to individuals both unsecured and secured and home equity loans secured by real estate (closed and open-end), with repayment dependent on individual wages and other income. Other consumer loans also include Life Premium Finance loans and Panacea consumer loans comprising of student loan refinancing and pro re nata (“PRN’) loans. PRN loans may be utilized by graduating doctors to fund costs as they move into their chosen professions. The risk of loss on consumer loans is elevated as the collateral securing these loans, if any, may rapidly depreciate in value or may be worthless and/or difficult to locate if repossession is necessary. Losses in this portfolio are generally relatively low, however, due to the small individual loan size and the balance outstanding as a percentage of Primis’ entire portfolio.

The accrual of interest on all loans is discontinued at the time the loan is 90 days delinquent unless the credit is well secured and in process of collection. In all cases, loans are placed on nonaccrual status or charged-off at an earlier date if collection of principal and interest is considered doubtful.

All interest accrued but not collected for loans that are placed on nonaccrual status or charged-off is reversed against interest income. The interest on these loans is accounted for on the cash-basis or cost-recovery method, until qualifying for return to accrual status. Loans are returned to accrual status when all the principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current and future payments are reasonably assured.

Most of Primis’ business activity is with customers located within Virginia and Maryland. Therefore, our exposure to credit risk is significantly affected by changes in the economy in those areas. We are not dependent on any single customer or group of customers whose insolvency would have a material adverse effect on operations.

Primis has purchased, primarily through acquisitions, individual loans and groups of loans, some of which have shown evidence of credit deterioration since origination. These purchased loans are recorded at fair value such that there is no carryover of the seller’s allowance for credit losses. We adopted ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, on January 1, 2020 which requires the Bank to record purchased financial assets with credit deterioration (PCD assets), defined as a more-than-insignificant deterioration in credit quality since origination or issuance, at the purchase price plus the allowance for credit losses (“ACL”) expected at the time of acquisition. Under this method, there is no credit loss expense affecting net income on acquisition of PCD assets. Changes in estimates of expected credit losses after acquisition are recognized as credit loss expense (or reversal of credit loss expense) in subsequent periods as they arise. Any non-credit discount or premium resulting from acquiring a pool of purchased financial assets with credit deterioration shall be allocated to each individual asset. At the acquisition

date, the initial allowance for credit losses determined on a collective basis shall be allocated to individual assets to appropriately allocate any non-credit discount or premium. The non-credit discount or premium, after the adjustment for the allowance for credit losses, shall be accreted to interest income using the interest method based on the effective interest rate determined after the adjustment for credit losses at the adoption date.

A purchased financial asset that does not qualify as a PCD asset is accounted for similar to an originated financial asset. Generally, this means that an entity recognizes the allowance for credit losses for non-PCD assets through net income at the time of acquisition. In addition, both the credit discount and non-credit discount or premium resulting from acquiring a pool of purchased financial assets that do not qualify as PCD assets shall be allocated to each individual asset. This combined discount or premium shall be accreted to interest income using the effective yield method.

Allowance for Credit Losses ("ACL")

Allowance for Credit Losses

Allowance For Credit Losses - Held-to-Maturity Securities

The allowance for credit losses on held-to-maturity securities is a contra-asset valuation account, calculated in accordance with ASC 326 that is deducted from the amortized cost basis of held-to-maturity securities to present management's best estimate of the net amount expected to be collected. Held-to-maturity securities are charged-off against the allowance when deemed uncollectible by management. Adjustments to the allowance are reported in our income statement as a component of credit loss expense. Management measures expected credit losses on held-to-maturity securities on a collective basis by major security type with each type sharing similar risk characteristics and considers historical credit loss information that is adjusted for current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Management has made the accounting policy election to exclude accrued interest receivable on held-to-maturity securities from the estimate of credit losses. Further information regarding our policies and methodology used to estimate the allowance for credit losses on held-to-maturity securities is presented in Note 3 – Investment Securities.

Allowance For Credit Losses - Available-for-Sale Securities

For available-for-sale securities in an unrealized loss position, we first assess whether (i) we intend to sell 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 either case is affirmative, any previously recognized allowances are charged-off and the security's amortized cost is written down to fair value through income. If neither case is affirmative, the security is evaluated to determine whether the decline in fair value has resulted from credit losses or other factors. In making this assessment, management considers the extent to which fair value is less than amortized cost, any changes to the rating of the security by a rating agency and any adverse conditions specifically related to the security, among other factors. If this assessment indicates that a credit loss exists, the present value of cash flows expected to be collected from the security are compared to the amortized cost basis of the security. If the present value of cash flows expected to be collected is less than the amortized cost basis, a credit loss exists and an allowance for credit losses is recorded for the credit loss, limited by the amount that the fair value is less than the amortized cost basis. Any impairment that has not been recorded through an allowance for credit losses is recognized in other comprehensive income. Adjustments to the allowance are reported in our income statement as a component of credit loss expense. Management has made the accounting policy election to exclude accrued interest receivable on available-for-sale securities from the estimate of credit losses. Available-for-sale securities are charged-off against the allowance or, in the absence of any allowance, written down through income when deemed uncollectible by management or when either of the aforementioned criteria regarding intent or requirement to sell is met.

Allowance for Credit Losses – Loans

The allowance for credit losses on loans is a contra-asset valuation account, calculated in accordance with ASC 326, which is deducted from the amortized cost basis of loans to present management's best estimate of the net amount expected to be collected. Loans are charged-off against the allowance when deemed uncollectible by management. Expected recoveries do not exceed the aggregate of amounts previously charged-off and expected to be charged-off. Adjustments to the allowance are reported in our income statement as a component of credit loss expense. Management has made the accounting policy election to exclude accrued interest receivable on loans from the estimate of credit losses. Further

information regarding our policies and methodology used to estimate the allowance for credit losses on loans is presented in Note 4 – Loans and Allowance.

Allowance For Credit Losses - Off-Balance-Sheet Credit Exposures

The allowance for credit losses on off-balance-sheet credit exposures is a liability account, calculated in accordance with ASC 326, representing expected credit losses over the contractual period for which we are exposed to credit risk resulting from a contractual obligation to extend credit. No allowance is recognized if we have the unconditional right to cancel the obligation. The allowance is reported as a component of other liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets. Adjustments to the allowance are reported in our income statement as a component of other expenses. Further information regarding our policies and methodology used to estimate the allowance for credit losses on off-balance-sheet credit exposures is presented in Note 15 – Financial Instruments with Off-Balance-Sheet Risks.

Third Party Loan Originations

Primis Bank entered into a Loan Origination Agreement with a third party on July 7, 2021 under which the third party will source and service certain loans to be originated by Primis. The Bank will periodically remit payment to third party for the funding of program loans deemed originated and allocated to the Bank. The Bank will retain all interest on each originated loan such that the Bank achieves a margin equal to the lower bound of the Federal Funds Rate plus 5.00% per annum. This rate is periodically adjusted on the last day of each calendar quarter. All interest received above this amount will be paid to the third party to cover the finder’s fee, servicing cost and credit enhancement. The third party will establish and maintain at the Bank a waterfall reserve account (“the Reserve Account”) to serve as collateral for balances owed to Primis under the program.

Interest Income: Contractual interest due from the borrower is recorded under the Bank’s loan interest income.

Fees: The arrangement with third party is designed such that Primis retains all contractual interest received from the originated loans and in turn pays fees to the third party that are, in substance, designed to cover the following costs:

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Loan originations: No deferral is necessary as the fee is not paid at the inception of the loan, but is paid over time. Consistent with other loan origination costs, the expense is recognized through loan interest income.

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Credit enhancement: Credit enhancement is purchased on a standalone basis and the cost of the instrument is recognized over the life of the loan as noninterest expense.

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Servicing costs: Costs paid to the third party to service loans that are held for investment are charged as noninterest expenses as they are incurred.

Allowance for Credit Losses: The credit enhancement is entered into separate and apart from the agreement with the borrower to extend credit. The Bank estimates an allowance for credit losses on these loans without consideration of the Reserve Account. The timing and amount of charge-offs do not contemplate the Reserve Account. Charge-offs are recognized through the allowance for credit losses in accordance with regulatory guidance and the Bank’s policy. Recoveries received from the borrower are recognized as recoveries, consistent with the Bank’s policy.

With respect to recoveries received from the third party under the credit enhancement, the Bank recognizes a recovery asset through noninterest income and at the same time the Bank recognizes expected credit losses, using assumptions consistent with the loss estimate and giving additional consideration to the third party’s ability and willingness to absorb credit losses and to continue to fund the Reserve Account. As recoveries are received from the third party, the recovery receivable is reduced.

Transfers of Financial Assets

Transfers of financial assets are accounted for as sales, when control over the assets has been relinquished. Control over transferred assets is deemed to be surrendered when the assets have been isolated from Primis, the transferee obtains

the right (free of conditions that constrain it from taking advantage of that right) to pledge or exchange the transferred assets, and Primis does not maintain effective control over the transferred assets through an agreement to repurchase them before their maturity. If the transfer does not satisfy the aforementioned control criteria, the transaction is recorded as a secured borrowing with the transferred loans remaining on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet and proceeds recognized as a liability.

Bank Premises and Equipment

Land is carried at cost. Premises and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Buildings and related components are depreciated using the straight-line method with useful lives of 30 years. Leasehold improvements are amortized on the straight-line method over the shorter of the estimated useful lives of the improvements or the terms of the related leases including lease renewals only when the Company is reasonably assured of the aggregate term of the lease. Furniture, fixtures, equipment and software are depreciated using the straight-line method with useful lives ranging from 3 to 10 years.

Assets Held for Sale

Assets Held for Sale

The Company classifies its assets as held for sale in accordance with FASB ASC 360, Property, Plant, and Equipment. When assets are identified as held for sale, the Company discontinues depreciating (amortizing) the assets and estimates the fair value, net of selling costs, of such assets. Assets held for sale is recorded at the lower of the net carrying amount of the assets or the estimated net fair value. If the estimated net fair value of the assets held for sale is less than the net carrying amount of the assets, an impairment charge is recorded in the condensed consolidated statements of income.

The Company assesses the net fair value of assets held for sale each reporting period the assets remain classified as held for sale. Subsequent changes, if any, in the net fair value of the assets held for sale that require an adjustment to the carrying amount are recorded in the condensed consolidated statements of income, unless the adjustment causes the carrying amount of the assets to exceed the net carrying amount upon initial classification as held for sale.

If circumstances arise that the Company previously considered unlikely and, as a result, the Company decides not to sell assets previously classified as held for sale, they are reclassified to another classification. Assets that are reclassified are measured at the lower of (a) their carrying amount before they were classified as held for sale, adjusted for any depreciation (amortization) expense that would have been recognized had the assets remained in their previous classification, or (b) their fair value at the date of the subsequent decision not to sell.

Operating Leases

Operating Leases

The Company leases certain properties and equipment under operating leases. The Company recognizes a liability to make lease payments, the operating lease liability, and an asset representing the right to use the underlying asset during the lease term, the right-of-use asset. In recognizing lease right-of-use assets and related right-of-use liabilities, we account for lease and non-lease components (such as taxes, insurance, and common area maintenance costs) separately as such amounts are generally readily determinable under our lease contracts. The operating lease liability is measured at the present value of the remaining lease payments, discounted at the Company’s incremental borrowing rate at inception. The right-of-use asset is measured at the amount of the operating lease liability adjusted for the remaining balance of any lease incentives received, any cumulative prepaid or accrued rent if the lease payments are uneven throughout the lease term, any unamortized initial direct costs, and any impairment of the right-of-use-asset. Lease expense consists of a single lease cost calculated so that the remaining cost of the lease is allocated over the remaining lease term on a straight-line basis, variable lease payments not included in the operating lease liability, and any impairment of the right-of-use asset. Lease renewal options are generally not included in the calculation of the operating lease liabilities, unless they are not reasonably certain to be exercised. The Company does not recognize short-term leases on the balance sheet.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

The Company follows ASC 350, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, which prescribes the accounting for goodwill and intangible assets subsequent to initial recognition. Goodwill resulting from business combinations is generally

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 acquired in a business combination and determined to have an indefinite useful life are not amortized, but evaluated for impairment on an annual basis or more frequently if events or circumstances warrant. Intangible assets with definite useful lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives to their estimated residual values. Goodwill is the only intangible asset with an indefinite life on our consolidated balance sheet.

The Company performs the analysis annually on September 30 of each year at the reporting unit level whereby the Company compares the estimated fair value of the reporting unit to its carrying value. In the second quarter of 2022, the Company added a second reporting unit with the acquisition of Primis Mortgage.

If the estimated fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, goodwill is not considered impaired. The Company engaged a third-party valuation specialist to assist management in performing its annual goodwill impairment analysis on our Bank reporting unit. The Company also performed a qualitative analysis on our Primis Mortgage reporting unit as of December 31, 2022.

To determine the fair value of the Bank reporting unit, the Company utilizes a combination of three or four valuation approaches: the comparable transactions approach, the control premium approach, the public market peers control premium approach, and the discounted cash flow approach. The comparable transactions approach is based on pricing ratios recently paid in the sale or merger of comparable banking franchises; the control premium approach is based on the Company’s trading price, adjusted for holding company assets and an industry based control premium; the public market peers control premium approach is based on market pricing ratios of public banking companies adjusted for an industry based control premium; and the discounted cash flow approach considers the earnings and cash flows that a hypothetical acquirer could realize in an acquisition of the Bank reporting unit. Assumptions that are used as part of these calculations include: the selection of comparable publicly-traded companies and selection of market comparable acquisition transactions. In addition, other assumptions include the discount rate, economic conditions, which impact the assumptions related to interest and growth rates, the control premium associated with the reporting unit and a relative weight given to the valuations derived by the valuation methods.

Other intangible assets consist of core deposit intangible assets arising from whole-bank and branch acquisitions and other intangibles from Primis Mortgage acquisition and are amortized over their estimated useful lives, which range from 6 to 15 years.

Stock Based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation

Compensation cost is recognized for stock options issued to employees, based on the fair value of these awards at the date of grant. A Black-Scholes option-pricing model is utilized to estimate the fair value of stock options. Compensation cost for grants of restricted shares is accounted for based on the closing price of Primis’ common stock on the date the restricted shares are awarded. Compensation cost for stock options and restricted shares is recognized over the required service period, generally defined as the vesting period. For awards with graded vesting, compensation cost is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for the entire award. Compensation cost for restricted stock unit awards that contain performance conditions is measured based on the grant date fair value of the units, adjusted for the Company’s best estimate of the outcome of vesting conditions at the end of the performance period.

Bank Owned Life Insurance

Bank-Owned Life Insurance

Primis has purchased, and acquired through acquisitions, life insurance policies on certain former and current key executives. Bank-owned life insurance is recorded at the amount that can be realized under the insurance contract at the balance sheet date, which is the cash surrender value adjusted for other charges or other amounts due that are probable at settlement.

Other Real Estate Owned ("OREO")

Other Real Estate Owned (“OREO”)

Real estate acquired through or instead of foreclosure is held for sale and initially recorded at fair value less costs to sell when acquired, establishing a new cost basis. If fair value declines subsequent to foreclosure, a direct charge-off is recorded through expense. Operating costs after acquisition are expensed as incurred.

Cloud Computing Arrangements

Primis engaged Finxact to define, design, and develop a new cloud-based banking core. The multiple phases of the cloud computing arrangements are assessed and reviewed as the software is placed into production. Total costs paid is capitalized upon initial launch and production rollout and classified in other assets in our consolidated balance sheet. Amortization is based on the estimated life of the core infrastructure as it relates to obsolescence, technology, competition, and the nature of changes in software. Operating costs such as monthly licensing, usage, and storage are expensed as incurred in data processing expense on our consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company had gross cloud computing arrangements of $11.5 million and $5.8 million, respectively, and accumulated amortization of $1.1 million and $0.1 million, respectively.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

Premises and equipment, core deposit intangible assets, right of use assets, and other long-term assets are reviewed for impairment when events indicate their carrying amount may not be recoverable from future undiscounted cash flows. If impaired, the assets are recorded at fair value.

Mortgage Banking Derivatives and Financial Instruments

Mortgage Banking Derivatives and Financial Instruments

Derivative assets and liabilities are recorded at fair value.

Mortgage loan commitments known as interest rate lock commitments that relate to the origination of a mortgage that will be held for sale upon funding are considered derivative instruments under the derivatives accounting guidance FASB ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging. Loan commitments that are classified as derivatives are recognized at fair value on the consolidated balance sheets in other assets and other liabilities with changes in their fair values recorded in mortgage banking income in the consolidated statements of income.

To-be-announced mortgage-backed securities trades (“TBA”) is a contract to buy or sell mortgage-backed securities on a specific date while the underlying mortgages are not announced until just prior to settlement. These TBA trades provide an economic hedge against the effect of changes in interest rates resulting from interest rate lock commitments. TBAs are accounted for under the derivatives accounting guidance FASB ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging when either of the following conditions exist: (i) when settlement of the TBA trade is not expected to occur at the next regular settlement date (which is typically the next month) or (ii) a mechanism exists to settle the contract on a net basis. As a result, these instruments are recorded at fair value on the consolidated balance sheets as other assets and other liabilities with changes in their fair values recorded in mortgage banking income in the consolidated statements of income. The fair value of the TBA trades is based on the gain or loss that would occur if the Company were to pair-off the trade at the measurement date.

Forward loan sale commitments are commitments to sell individual mortgage loans using both best efforts and mandatory delivery at a fixed price to an investor at a future date. Forward loan sale commitments that are mandatory delivery are accounted for as derivatives and carried at fair value, determined as the amount that would be necessary to settle the derivative financial instrument at the balance sheet date. Forward loan sale commitments that are best efforts are not derivatives but can be and have been accounted for at fair value, determined in a similar manner to those that are mandatory delivery. Forward loan sale commitments are recorded on the consolidated balance sheets as other assets and other liabilities with changes in their fair values recorded in mortgage banking income in the consolidated statements of income.

Retirement Plans

Employee 401(k) plan expense is the amount of matching contributions. Supplemental retirement plan expense allocates the benefits over years of service.

Loss Contingencies

Loss contingencies, including claims and legal actions 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 such matters that will have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements.

Dividend Restriction

Banking regulations require maintaining certain capital levels and may limit the dividends paid by the Bank to Primis or by Primis to shareholders.

Advertising Costs

Advertising Costs

Advertising costs are expensed as incurred.

Income Taxes

Income tax expense is the total of the current year income tax due or refundable and the change in deferred tax assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are the expected future tax amounts for the temporary differences between carrying amounts and tax bases of assets and liabilities, computed using enacted tax rates. A valuation allowance, if needed, reduces deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized.

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 is greater than 50% likely of being realized on examination. For tax positions not meeting the “more likely than not” test, no tax benefit is recorded. We have no unrecognized tax benefits and do not anticipate any increase in unrecognized tax benefits during the next twelve months. Should the accrual of any interest or penalties relative to unrecognized tax benefits be necessary, it is our policy to record such accruals in our income tax accounts; no such accruals exist as of December 31, 2022 and 2021.

Restrictions on Cash

No regulatory reserve or clearing requirements with the FRB were needed at December 31, 2022 and 2021.

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

For purposes of reporting cash flows, Primis defines cash and cash equivalents as cash due from financial institutions, interest-bearing deposits and federal funds sold in other financial institutions with maturities less than 90 days.

Earnings Per Share ("EPS")

Earnings Per Share (“EPS”)

Basic EPS is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the year. Diluted EPS reflects additional common shares that would have been outstanding if dilutive potential common shares had been issued, as well as any adjustment to net income that would result from the assumed issuance. Potential common shares that may be issued by Primis relate solely to outstanding stock options, restricted stock awards, and restricted stock units and are determined using the treasury stock method. Performance awards cannot be dilutive until the Company’s best estimate of the outcome of vesting conditions become probable.

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Comprehensive income (loss) consists of net income and other comprehensive income (loss). Other comprehensive income (loss) includes unrealized gains and losses on investment securities available-for-sale which are also recognized as a separate component of equity.

Off Balance Sheet Credit Related Financial Instruments

Off-Balance Sheet Credit Related Financial Instruments

In the ordinary course of business, Primis has entered into commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit. The face amount for these items represents the exposure to loss, before considering customer collateral or ability to repay.

Fair Value Measurements

In general, fair values of financial instruments are based upon quoted market prices, where available. If such quoted market prices are not available, fair value is based upon observable market-based parameters. Valuation assumptions may be made to ensure that financial instruments are recorded at fair value. These assumptions may reflect assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability, among other things, as well as unobservable parameters. Any such valuation assumptions are applied consistently over time.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In March 2022, Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 2022-02, Troubled Debt Restructurings and Vintage Disclosures. This ASU eliminates the accounting guidance on troubled debt restructurings (TDRs) for creditors in ASC 310-40 and amends the guidance on “vintage disclosures” to require disclosure of current-period gross write-offs by year of origination. The ASU also updates the requirements related to accounting for credit losses under FASB ASC 326 and adds enhanced disclosures for creditors with respect to loan refinancing and restructurings for borrowers experiencing financial difficulty. ASU 2022-02 was effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2022, including interim periods within those annual periods. Early adoption was permitted. The Company adopted the guidance in the first quarter of 2023 and does not believe that this standard will have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and disclosures.