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Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Business Description And Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Note 1—Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Nature of business—Byline Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company,” “we,” “us,” “our”) is a bank holding company whose principal activity is the ownership and management of its subsidiary bank, Byline Bank (the “Bank”). The Bank originates commercial, mortgage and consumer loans and leases, U.S. government guaranteed loans, and receives deposits from customers located primarily in the Chicago, Illinois metropolitan area. The Bank operates 45 Chicago metropolitan area and one Brookfield, Wisconsin, banking offices. The Bank operates under an Illinois state bank charter, provides a full range of banking services, and has full trust powers. As an Illinois state‑chartered financial institution that is not a member of the Federal Reserve System, the Bank is subject to regulation by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. The Company is regulated by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System.

The Bank is a participant in the Small Business Administration (“SBA”) and the United States Department of Agriculture (“USDA”) (collectively referred to as “U.S. government guaranteed loans”) lending programs and originates U.S. government guaranteed loans.

As a result of its acquisition of First Evanston Bancorp, Inc. (“First Evanston”) on May 31, 2018, the Bank also provides wealth management services to our customers. See Note 3—Acquisition of a Business for additional information regarding the transaction.

The Bank engages in short‑term direct financing lease contracts through BFG Corporation, doing business as Byline Financial Group (“BFG”), a wholly‑owned subsidiary of the Bank. BFG is located in Bannockburn, Illinois with sales offices in Illinois and New York, and sales representatives in Illinois, Michigan, New Jersey and New York.

No subsequent events were identified that would have required a change to the consolidated financial statements or disclosure in the notes to the consolidated financial statements.

Basis of financial statement presentation and consolidation—The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. Significant intercompany items and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The accounting and reporting policies of the Company conform to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) as contained within the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) and rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), including the instructions to Regulation S‑X. In accordance with applicable accounting standards, the Company does not consolidate statutory trusts established for the sole purposes of issuing trust preferred securities and related trust common securities. See Note 15, Junior Subordinated Debentures, for additional discussion. Dollars within footnote tables disclosed within the consolidated financial statements are presented in thousands, except share and per share data. Operating results include the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018.

Use of estimates—In preparing the consolidated financial statements, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of certain assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition and certain revenues and expenses for the periods included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and the accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant changes in the near term relate to the determination of expected cash flows of acquired impaired loans, the allowance for loan and lease losses, valuation of servicing assets, fair value measurements for assets and liabilities, goodwill, other intangible assets, the valuation or recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities, and the valuation of assets and liabilities acquired in business combinations.

Business combinations—The Company accounts for business combinations under the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with ASC Topic 805, Business Combinations (“ASC 805”). The Company recognizes the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the date of acquisition, with any excess of the fair value of consideration provided over the fair value of the identifiable net tangible and intangible assets acquired recorded as goodwill. Transaction costs are immediately expensed as applicable. The results of operations of the acquired business are included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations from the effective date of the acquisition, which is the date control is obtained.

In accordance with ASC 805, the acquiring company retains the right to make appropriate adjustments to the assets and liabilities of the acquired entity for information obtained during the measurement period about facts and circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date. The measurement period ends as of the earlier of (a) one year from the acquisition date or (b) the date when the acquirer receives the information necessary to complete the business combination accounting.

Note 1—Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued) 

Cash and cash equivalents—Cash and cash equivalents have original maturities of three months or less. The Company holds cash and cash equivalents on deposit with other banks and financial institutions in amounts that periodically exceed the federal deposit insurance limit. The Company evaluates the credit quality of these banks and financial institutions to mitigate its credit risk and has not experienced any losses in such accounts.

Cash on hand or on deposit with the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago was required to meet regulatory reserve and clearing requirements. The Company did not have a reserve requirement as of December 31, 2020. The reserve requirement was $51.8 million as December 31, 2019. The Bank met the requirement at each balance sheet date.  

Equity and other securities—Equity and other securities have no stated maturities and may be sold in response to the same environmental factors as securities available for sale. Equity and other securities are recorded at fair value with changes in fair value included in earnings.

Securities—Securities that are held principally for resale in the near term are classified as trading and recorded at fair value with changes in fair value included in earnings. The Company did not invest in securities classified as trading during 2020, 2019 and 2018. Securities are classified as available‑for‑sale if the instrument may be sold in response to such factors including changes in market interest rates and related changes in prepayment risk, needs for liquidity, changes in the availability of and the yield on alternative instruments, and changes in funding sources and terms. Gains or losses on the sales of available‑for‑sale securities are recorded on the trade date and determined using the specific‑identification method. Unrealized holding gains or losses, net of tax, on available‑for‑sale securities are carried as accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) within stockholders’ equity until realized. Securities are classified as held‑to‑maturity and carried at amortized cost when management has the positive intent and ability to hold them to maturity.

Fair values of securities are generally based on quoted market prices for the same or similar instruments. See Note 18—Fair Value Measurement for additional discussion on the determination of fair values. Interest income includes the amortization of purchase premiums and discounts, which are recognized using the effective interest method over the terms of the securities.

Management evaluates securities for other‑than‑temporary impairment (“OTTI”) on a quarterly basis, and more frequently when economic or market conditions warrant such evaluation. The evaluation is based upon factors such as the creditworthiness of the issuers or guarantors, the underlying collateral, if applicable, and the continuing performance of the securities. Management also evaluates other facts and circumstances that may be indicative of an OTTI condition. This includes, but is not limited to, an evaluation of the type of security, length of time and extent to which the fair value has been less than cost, and near‑term prospects of the issuer. The Company’s assessment of OTTI considers whether it intends to sell a security or if it is more likely than not that it would be required to sell the security before recovery of the amortized cost basis of the investment, which may be at maturity. For debt securities, if the Company intends to sell the security or it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell the security before recovering its cost basis, the entire impairment loss is recognized in earnings as an OTTI. If the Company does not intend to sell the security and it is more likely than not that it will not be required to sell the security, and the Company does not expect to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the security, only the portion of the impairment loss representing credit losses would be recognized in earnings. The credit loss on a security is measured as the difference between the amortized cost basis and the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected. Projected cash flows are discounted by the original or current effective interest rate depending on the nature of the security being measured for potential OTTI. The remaining impairment related to all other factors, the difference between the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected and fair value, is recognized as a charge to other comprehensive income (loss).

Restricted stock—The Company owns stock of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago (“FHLB”). No ready market exists for this stock, and it has no quoted market value. As a member of the FHLB system, the Bank is required to maintain an investment in FHLB stock. The stock is redeemable at par by the FHLB and is, therefore, carried at cost. In addition, the Company owns stock of Bankers Bank, which is redeemable at par and carried at cost.

Restricted stock is generally viewed as a long‑term investment. Accordingly, when evaluating for impairment, its value is determined based on the ultimate recoverability of the par value rather than by recognizing temporary declines in value. The Company did not recognize impairment of its restricted stock as a result of its impairment analyses for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018.

Note 1—Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued) 

Loans held for sale—Loans that management has the intent and ability to sell are designated as held for sale. U.S. government guaranteed loans and mortgage loans originated are carried at either amortized cost or estimated fair value. The Company determines whether to account for loans at fair value or amortized cost at origination. The loans accounted for at fair value remain at fair value after the determination. The loans accounted for at amortized cost are carried at the lower of cost or fair value, valued on a loan by loan basis. Net unrealized losses, if any, are recorded as a valuation allowance and charged to earnings. Gains or losses on sales of U.S. government guaranteed loans are recognized based on the difference between the net sales proceeds and the carrying value of the sold portion of the loan, less the fair value of the servicing asset recognized, and are reflected as operating activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. The difference between the initial carrying balance of the retained portion of the loan and the relative fair value of the sold portion is recorded as a discount to the retained portion of the loan, establishing a new carrying balance. The recorded discount is accreted to earnings on a level yield basis. U.S. government guaranteed loans are generally sold with servicing retained.  Loans sold that have not yet settled as of year-end are classified as due-from counterparty on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.

Originated loans—Originated loans are stated at the amount of unpaid principal outstanding, net of purchase premiums and discounts, and any deferred fees or costs. Net deferred fees, costs, discounts and premiums are recognized as yield adjustments over the contractual life of the loan. Interest on loans is calculated daily based on the principal amount outstanding. Additionally, once an acquired non-impaired loan reaches its contractual maturity date, it is re-underwritten, and if renewed, it is classified as an originated loan.

Originated loans are classified as impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect the scheduled payments of principal and interest when due, in accordance with the terms of the original loan agreement. The carrying value of impaired loans is based on the present value of expected future cash flows (discounted at each loan’s effective interest rate) or, for collateral dependent loans, at the fair value of the collateral less estimated selling costs. If the measurement of each impaired loan’s value is less than the recorded investment in the loan, impairment is recognized and the carrying value of the loan is adjusted in the allowance for loan and lease losses as a specific component provided or through a charge‑off of the impaired portion of the loan.

Accrual of interest on impaired loans is discontinued when the loan is 90 days past due or when, in management’s opinion, the borrower may be unable to make payments as they become due. When the accrual of interest is discontinued, all unpaid accrued interest is reversed through interest income. Payments received during the time a loan is on non‑accrual status are applied to principal. Interest income is not recognized until the loan is returned to accrual status or after the principal balance is paid in full. Loans are returned to accrual status when all the principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current and future payments are reasonably assured as evidenced by agreed upon performance for a period of not less than six months.

Troubled debt restructuring—A troubled debt restructuring (“TDR”) is a formal restructuring of a loan in which the Company, for economic or legal reasons related to the borrower’s financial difficulties, grants a concession to the borrower. The concessions may be granted in various forms, including providing a below‑market interest rate, reduction in the loan balance or accrued interest, extension of the maturity date, or a combination of these. Troubled debt restructurings are considered to be impaired loans and are subject to the Company’s impaired loan accounting policy. Acquired impaired loans are not subject to TDR accounting.

 

The Company does not accrue interest on a TDR unless it believes collection of all principal and interest under the modified terms is reasonably assured. For a TDR to begin accruing interest, the borrower must demonstrate some level of past performance and the future capacity to perform under the modified terms. Generally, six months of consecutive payment performance under the restructured terms is required before a TDR is returned to accrual status.

In March of 2020, the CARES Act was enacted by the U.S. government in response to the economic disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The CARES Act provided that a qualified loan modification is exempt by law from classification as a TDR, from the period beginning March 1, 2020 until the earlier of December 31, 2020 or the date that is 60 days after the date on which the national emergency concerning the COVID-19 pandemic declared by the President of the United States terminates. The Consolidation Appropriations Act (CAA Act) further extended the suspension period until the earlier of January 1, 2022 or the date that is 60 days after the date on which the national emergency concerning the COVID-19 pandemic declared by the President of the United States terminates. The Company has modifications under these Acts. The underlying loans and leases are subject to the same underwriting, risk-rating and accrual standards as the rest of the loan portfolio.

 

 

Note 1—Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

Direct finance leases—The Company engages in leasing for small‑ticket equipment, software, machinery and ancillary supplies and services to customers under leases that qualify as direct financing leases for financial reporting. Certain leases qualify as operating leases for income tax purposes. Under the direct financing method of accounting, the minimum lease payments to be received under the lease contract, together with the estimated unguaranteed residual values of the related equipment, are recorded as lease receivables when the lease is signed and funded and the lease property is delivered to the customer. The excess of the minimum lease payments and residual values over the amount financed is recorded as unearned lease income. Unearned lease income is recognized over the term of the lease based on the effective yield interest method. Residual value is the estimated fair market value of the equipment on lease at lease termination. In estimating the equipment’s fair value at lease termination, the Company relies on historical experience by equipment type and manufacturer and, where available, valuations by independent appraisers, adjusted for known trends. The Company’s residual values are estimates for reasonableness; however, the amounts the Company will ultimately realize could differ from the estimated amounts. If the review of the residual value results in other‑than‑temporary impairment, the impairment is recognized in current period earnings. An upward adjustment of the estimated residual value is not recorded.

The policies for delinquency and non‑accrual for direct finance leases are materially consistent with those described for all classes of loan receivables. The Company defers and amortizes certain initial direct costs over the contractual term of the lease as an adjustment to the yield. The unamortized direct costs are recorded as a reduction of unearned lease income.

Acquired impaired loans—Loans initially acquired with evidence of credit quality deterioration are accounted for under ASC Topic 310‑30, Accounting for Purchased Loans with Deteriorated Credit Quality (“ASC 310‑30”). These loans are recorded either on a pool or a loan‑by‑loan basis at their estimated fair value where applicable. The Company may aggregate loans into pools based on similar credit risks and predominant risk characteristics such as delinquency status and loan type.

Management estimated the fair values of acquired impaired loans at the acquisition date based on estimated future cash flows. The excess of cash flows expected to be collected over a loan’s carrying value is considered to be the accretable yield and is recognized as interest income over the estimated life of the loan or pool using the effective yield method. The acquisition date estimates of accretable yield may subsequently change due to changes in management’s estimates of timing and amounts of expected cash flows. The excess of the contractual amounts due over the cash flows expected to be collected is considered to be the non‑accretable difference. The non‑accretable difference represents the Company’s estimate of the credit losses expected to occur and is considered in determining the fair value of the loans. Reclassifications between accretable yield and non‑accretable difference represent changes in expected cash flows over the remaining estimated life of the loan or pool. Subsequent increases in expected cash flows over those expected at inception are adjusted through an increase to the accretable yield on a prospective basis. Any subsequent decreases in expected cash flows attributable to credit deterioration are recognized by recording an additional provision for loan losses. Once a pool of loans is assembled, the integrity of the pool is maintained. A loan can only be removed from a pool if either of the following conditions is met: (1) the Company sells, forecloses, or otherwise receives assets in satisfaction of the loan, or (2) the loan is written off. A refinancing or restructuring of a loan does not result in a removal of a loan from a pool. Loan sales are accounted for under ASC Topic 860, Transfers and Servicing (“ASC 860”), when control over the assets have been relinquished. See transfers of financial assets accounting policy.

Acquired non‑impaired loans and leases—Acquired non‑impaired loans and leases are accounted for under ASC Subtopic 310‑20, Receivables Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs (“ASC 310‑20”). These loans and leases were individually recorded at fair value at the time of acquisition. Any previously recognized allowance for loan and lease losses and unearned fees or discounts are not carried over and recognized at the date of acquisition. The component of fair value representing an adjustment to an asset’s outstanding principal balance is accreted or amortized over the life of the related asset as a yield adjustment. The balance of the asset is then evaluated periodically pursuant to the Company’s allowance for loan and lease loss accounting policy and any adjustment required for credit risk is recorded within the allowance for loan and lease losses.

Upon reaching the maturity date, all acquired non-impaired loan premium or discount is fully amortized or accreted. If the loan is re-underwritten and renewed, it is internally reclassified as an originated loan. The loan is then evaluated periodically pursuant to the Company’s allowance for loan and lease loss accounting without any consideration of the acquisition premium or discount.

Note 1—Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

Allowance for loan and lease losses—The allowance for loan and lease losses is maintained at a level management believes is appropriate to provide for probable loan and lease losses as of the dates of the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. The allowance for loan and lease losses is increased by a provision for loans and lease losses and decreased by charge‑offs, net of recoveries. Loan and lease losses are charged against the allowance for loan and lease losses when management believes the uncollectibility of a loan or lease balance is confirmed. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance for loan and lease losses. The allowance for loan and lease losses is based on management’s evaluation of the loan and lease portfolio giving consideration to the nature and volume of the portfolio, the value of the underlying collateral, overall portfolio quality, review of specific problem loans or leases, and prevailing economic conditions that may affect the borrower’s ability to pay. While management uses the best information available to make its evaluation, future adjustments to the allowance for loan and lease losses may be necessary if there are significant changes in economic condition. The allowance for loan and lease losses consists of general and specific components. Allocations of the allowance for loan and lease losses not attributable to acquired impaired loans may be made for specific loans and leases, but the entire allowance is available for any loan and lease that, in management’s judgement, should be charged off.

The general component covers loans and leases that are collectively evaluated for impairment. Larger groups of smaller balance homogeneous loans, such as consumer and residential real estate loans and leases, are collectively evaluated for impairment, and accordingly, they are not included in the separately identified impairment disclosures. The general component is based on a trailing 12‑quarter weighted average loss rate for each loan category based on the Company’s historical losses and its peer group, adjusted for qualitative and other economic factors. These factors include (1) changes in lending policies and procedures, including changes in underwriting standards and collections, charge‑off and recovery practices; (2) changes in international, national, regional and local conditions; (3) changes in the nature and volume of the portfolio and terms of the loans and leases; (4) changes in experience, depth and ability of lending management and other relevant staff; (5) changes in the volume and severity of past due loans and leases; (6) changes in the quality of the Company’s loan review system; (7) changes in the value of the underlying collateral for collateral dependent loans and leases; (8) existence and effect of any concentrations of credit and changes in the levels of such concentrations; and (9) the effect of other external factors (i.e., competition, legal and regulatory requirements) on the level of estimated credit losses. Based on management’s judgement of other factors that fall outside of the predefined qualitative or historical loss rates, the allowance for loan and lease losses may include an unallocated component not included in these predefined factors.

The specific component relates to loans that are risk‑rated substandard or worse, and based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Factors considered by management in determining the impairment include payment status, collateral value, strength of guarantor, and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due. Loans that experience insignificant payment delays and payment shortfalls generally are not classified as impaired and are reviewed on a case‑by‑case basis. TDRs are individually evaluated for impairment and are measured at the present value of estimated future cash flows using the loan’s effective rate at origination. If a TDR is considered to be a collateral dependent loan, the loan is reported at the fair value of the collateral, less estimated costs to sell.

The allowance for loan losses also includes amounts representing decreases in expected cash flows attributable to credit deterioration of acquired impaired loans. The evaluation is inherently subjective, as it requires estimates that are susceptible to significant revision as more information becomes available. The factors supporting the allowance for loan and lease losses do not diminish the fact that the entire allowance for loan and lease losses not attributable to acquired impaired loans is available to absorb losses in the loan and lease portfolios and related commitment portfolio, respectively. The allowance for loan and lease losses is subject to review by regulatory agencies during examinations and may require us to recognize adjustments to the allowance for loan and lease losses.

The allowance for loan losses also includes amounts representing decreases in expected cash flows attributable to credit deterioration of acquired impaired loans. The evaluation is inherently subjective, as it requires estimates that are susceptible to significant revision as more information becomes available. The factors supporting the allowance for loan and lease losses do not diminish the fact that the entire allowance for loan and lease losses not attributable to acquired impaired loans is available to absorb losses in the loan and lease portfolios and related commitment portfolio, respectively. The allowance for loan and lease losses is subject to review by regulatory agencies during examinations and may require us to recognize adjustments to the allowance for loan and lease losses.

Servicing assets—Servicing assets are recognized separately when they are acquired through sales of loans. When loans are sold with servicing rights retained, servicing assets are recorded at fair value in accordance with ASC 860. Fair value is based on market prices for comparable servicing contracts, when available, or alternatively, is based on a valuation model that calculates the present value of estimated future net servicing income.

Note 1—Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

Sales of U.S. government guaranteed loans are executed on a servicing retained basis. The standard SBA loan sale agreement is structured to provide the Company with a servicing spread paid from a portion of the interest cash flow of the loan. SBA regulations require the Company to retain a portion of the cash flow from the interest payments received for a sold loan. The USDA loan sale agreements are not standardized with respect to servicing.

Servicing fee income, which is reported on the Consolidated Statements of Operations as loan servicing revenue, is recorded for fees earned for servicing loans. The fees are based on a contractual percentage of the outstanding principal. Late fees and ancillary fees related to loan servicing are not material.

The Company has elected the fair value measurement method and measures servicing rights at fair value at each reporting date and reports changes in fair value of servicing assets in earnings in the period in which the changes occur, and are recorded as loan servicing asset revaluation on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The fair value of servicing rights is highly sensitive to changes in underlying assumptions. Changes in the prepayment speed and discount rate assumptions have the most significant impact on the fair value of servicing rights.

Servicing fee income, which is reported on the Consolidated Statements of Operations as loan servicing revenue, is recorded for fees earned for servicing loans. The fees are based on a contractual percentage of the outstanding principal. Late fees and ancillary fees related to loan servicing are not material.

The Company has elected the fair value measurement method and measures servicing rights at fair value at each reporting date and reports changes in fair value of servicing assets in earnings in the period in which the changes occur, and are recorded as loan servicing asset revaluation on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The fair value of servicing rights is highly sensitive to changes in underlying assumptions. Changes in the prepayment speed and discount rate assumptions have the most significant impact on the fair value of servicing rights.

Concentrations of credit risk—Most of the Company’s business activity is concentrated with customers located within its principal market areas, with the exception of government guaranteed loans and leasing activities. The Company originates commercial real estate, construction, land development and other land, commercial and industrial, residential real estate, installment and other loans, and leases. Generally, loans are secured by accounts receivable, inventory, deposit accounts, personal property or real estate.

Rights to collateral vary and are legally documented to the extent practicable. The Company has a concentration in commercial real estate loans and the ability of borrowers to honor these and other contracts is dependent upon the real estate and general economic conditions within their geographic market.

Transfers of financial assets—Transfers of financial assets are accounted for as sales when control over the assets has been relinquished. The Company has assessed that partial sales of financial assets meet the definition of participating interest. Control over transferred assets is deemed to be surrendered when the assets have been isolated from the Company and the transferee obtains the right (free of conditions that constrain it from taking advantage of that right beyond a trivial benefit) to pledge or exchange the transferred assets. Gains or losses are recognized in the period of sale upon derecognition of the asset.

Premises and equipment—Premises and equipment acquired through a business combination are initially stated at the acquisition date fair value less accumulated depreciation. All other premises and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation on premises and equipment is recognized on a straight‑line basis over their estimated useful lives ranging from three to 39 years. Land is also carried at its fair value following a business combination and is not subject to depreciation. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the life of the related asset or expected term of the underlying lease. Gains and losses on the dispositions of premises and equipment are included in non‑interest income. Expenditures for new premises, equipment and major betterments are capitalized. Normal costs of maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred.

Long‑lived depreciable assets are evaluated periodically for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amounts may be not recoverable. Impairment exists when the undiscounted expected future cash flows of a long‑lived asset are less than its carrying value. In that event, the Company recognizes a loss for the difference between the carrying amount and the estimated fair value of the asset based on a quoted market price, if applicable, or a discounted cash flow analysis. Impairment losses are recorded in non‑interest expense.

Assets held for sale—Assets held for sale consist of former branch locations and real estate previously purchased for expansion. Assets are considered held for sale when management has approved to sell the assets following a branch closure or other events. The properties are being actively marketed and transferred to assets held for sale based at the lower of its carrying value or its fair value, less estimated costs to sell. Assets held for sale are evaluated periodically for impairment, with any impairment losses recorded in non-interest expense.

Note 1—Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

Other real estate owned—Other real estate owned (“OREO”) includes real estate assets that have been acquired through, or in lieu of, loan foreclosure or repossession and are to be sold. OREO assets are initially recorded at fair value, less estimated costs to sell, of the collateral of the loan, on the date of foreclosure or repossession, establishing a new cost basis. Adjustments that reduce loan balances to fair value at the time of foreclosure or repossession are recognized as charge‑offs in the allowance for loan and lease losses. Positive adjustments, if any, at the time of foreclosure or repossession are recognized in non‑interest expense. After foreclosure or repossession, management periodically obtains new valuations, and real estate or other assets may be adjusted to a lower carrying amount, determined by the fair value of the asset, less estimated costs to sell. Any subsequent write‑downs are recorded as a decrease in the asset and charged against other real estate owned valuation adjustments. Operating expenses of such properties, net of related income, and gains and losses on their disposition are included in non‑interest expense. Gains on internally financed other real estate owned sales are accounted for in accordance with the methods stated in ASC Topic 360‑20, Real Estate Sales (“ASC 360‑20”). Any losses on the sales of other real estate owned properties are recognized immediately.  OREO is recorded net of participating interests sold.

Goodwill—The excess of the cost of our recapitalization and acquisitions over the fair value of the net assets acquired, including core deposit intangible, consists of goodwill. Goodwill is not amortized but is periodically evaluated for impairment under the provisions of ASC Topic 350, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other (“ASC 350”).

Impairment testing is performed using either a qualitative or quantitative approach at the reporting unit level. All of the Company’s goodwill is allocated to the Bank, which is the Company’s only applicable reporting unit for the purposes of testing goodwill for impairment. The Company has selected November 30 as the date it performs the annual goodwill impairment test. Additionally, the Company performs a goodwill impairment evaluation on an interim basis when events or circumstances indicate impairment potentially exists. The Company performs impairment testing using a qualitative approach to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. A significant amount of judgment is involved in determining if an indicator of impairment has occurred. Such indicators may include, among others, a material change in the estimated value of the Company based on current market multiples common for community banks of similar size and operations; a significant change in our stock price or market capitalization; a significant adverse change in legal factors or in the business climate; adverse action or assessment by a regulator; and unanticipated competition. If the assessment of qualitative factors indicates that it is not more likely than not that impairment exists, an impairment loss is recognized if the carrying amount of the reporting unit goodwill exceeds its fair value.

Based on an annual analysis completed as of November 30, 2020, 2019 and 2018, the Company did not recognize impairment losses during the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018.

Other intangible assets—Other intangible assets primarily consist of core deposit intangible assets. Other intangible assets with definite useful lives are amortized to their estimated residual values over their respective estimated useful lives, and are also reviewed periodically for impairment. Amortization of other intangible assets is included in other non‑interest expense. Core deposit intangibles were recognized apart from goodwill based on market valuations. Core deposit intangibles are amortized over an approximate ten year period. In valuing core deposit intangibles, the Company considered variables such as deposit servicing costs, attrition rates and market discount rates. If the estimated fair value is less than the carrying value, the core deposit intangible would be reduced to such value and the impairment recognized as non‑interest expense. The Company did not recognize impairment on its core deposit intangibles for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018.

Customer relationship intangibles—Customer relationship intangibles relate to the value of existing trust and wealth management relationships and are amortized over 12 years. In valuing the relationship intangibles, the Company considered variables such as attrition, investment appreciation, and discount rates. The Company did not recognize impairment on its customer relationship intangibles for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019.

Bank‑owned life insurance—The Company holds life insurance policies that provide protection against the adverse financial effects that could result from the death of current and former employees, and provide tax deferred income. Although the lives of individual current or former management‑level employees are insured, the Company is the owner and is split beneficiary on certain policies. The Company is exposed to credit risk to the extent an insurance company is unable to fulfill its financial obligations under a policy. Split‑dollar life insurance is recorded as an asset at cash surrender value. Increases in the cash value of these policies, as well as insurance proceeds received, are recorded in other non‑interest income and are not subject to income tax.

 

Note 1—Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

Income taxes—The Company uses the asset and liability method to account for income taxes. The objective of the asset and liability method is to establish deferred tax assets and liabilities for the temporary differences between the financial reporting basis and the income tax basis of the Company’s assets and liabilities at enacted tax rates expected to be in effect when such amounts are realized or settled. The Company’s annual tax rate is based on its income, statutory tax rates and available tax planning opportunities. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted through the tax provision for the effects of changes in tax laws and rates on the date of enactment. Tax laws are complex and subject to different interpretations by the taxpayer and respective governmental taxing authorities. Significant judgment is required in determining tax expense and in evaluating tax positions, including evaluating uncertainties.

Deferred income tax assets represent amounts available to reduce income taxes payable on taxable income in future years. Such assets arise because of temporary differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities, as well as from net operating loss carryforwards. The Company reviews its deferred tax positions periodically and adjusts the balances as new information becomes available. The Company evaluates the recoverability of these future tax deductions by assessing the adequacy of future expected taxable income from all sources, including reversal of taxable temporary differences, forecasted operating earnings and available tax planning strategies. The Company uses short and long‑range business forecasts to provide additional information for its evaluation of the recoverability of deferred tax assets. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company had no material uncertain tax positions. The Company elects to treat interest and penalties recognized for the underpayment of income taxes as income tax expense. However, interest and penalties imposed by taxing authorities on issues specifically addressed in ASC Topic 740 will be taken out of the tax reserves up to the amount allocated to interest and penalties. The amount of interest and penalties exceeding the amount allocated in the tax reserves will be treated as income tax expense.

A deferred tax valuation allowance is established to reduce the net carrying amount of deferred tax assets if it is determined to be more likely than not that all or some of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. At December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company did not record a deferred tax valuation allowance. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for the effects of changes in tax laws and rates on the date of enactment.

Derivative financial instruments and hedging activities—The Company enters into derivative transactions principally to protect against the risk of adverse price or interest rate movements on the future cash flows of certain assets. ASC Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging (“ASC 815”), establishes accounting and reporting standards requiring that every derivative instrument be recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition as either an asset or liability measured at its fair value. The accounting for changes in the fair value of a derivative instrument depends on whether it has been designated and qualifies as part of a hedging relationship and on the type of hedging relationship. On the date the derivative contract is entered into, the Company designates the derivative as a fair value hedge, a cash flow hedge, or a non‑designated derivative.

Fair value hedges are accounted for by recording the changes in the fair value of the derivative instrument and the changes in the fair value related to the risk being hedged of the hedged asset or liability on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition with corresponding offsets recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The adjustment to the hedged asset or liability is included in the basis of the hedged item, while the fair value of the derivative is recorded as an asset or liability.

Cash flow hedges are accounted for by recording the changes in the fair value of the effective portion of the derivative instrument in other comprehensive income (loss) and are recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations when the hedged item affects earnings.

Derivative instruments that are not designated as hedges according to accounting guidance are reported in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition at fair value and the changes in fair value are recognized as non‑interest income during the period of the change.

The Company formally documents the relationship between a derivative instrument and a hedged asset or liability, as well as its risk management objective and strategy for undertaking various hedge transactions. The Company also formally assesses, both at the hedge’s inception and on an ongoing basis, whether the derivatives that are used in the hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting changes in fair values or cash flows of hedged items.

Note 1—Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

Comprehensive income—Recognized revenue, expenses, gains and losses are included in net income. Certain changes in assets and liabilities, such as unrealized gains and losses on available‑for‑sale securities and adjustments related to cash flow hedges, are reported on a cumulative basis, net of tax effects, as a separate component of equity on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. Changes in such items, along with net income, are components of comprehensive income.

Advertising expense—Advertising costs are expensed as incurred.

Off‑balance sheet instruments—In the ordinary course of business, the Company has entered into off‑balance sheet arrangements consisting of commitments to extend credit, commercial letters of 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. Such financial instruments are recorded in the consolidated financial statements when they are funded or when the related fees are incurred or received.

Reserve for unfunded commitments—A reserve for unfunded commitments is maintained at a level that, in the opinion of management, is sufficient to absorb probable losses associated with the Company’s commitment to lend funds under existing agreements, such as letters or lines of credit. Management determines the appropriate reserve for unfunded commitments based upon reviews of individual credit facilities, current economic conditions, the risk characteristics of the various categories of commitments, and other relevant factors. The reserve for unfunded commitments is based on estimates, and ultimate losses may vary from the current estimates. These estimates are evaluated on a quarterly basis and, as adjustments become necessary, they are recognized in earnings in the provision for unfunded commitments in the periods in which they become known.

 

Segment reporting—The Company has one reportable segment. The Company’s chief operating decision maker evaluates the operations of the Company using consolidated information for purposes of allocating resources and assessing performance. Therefore, segment disclosures are not required.

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 any such matters that will have a material effect on the Consolidated Financial Statements for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018.

Share‑based compensation—The Company accounts for share‑based compensation in accordance with ASC Topic 718, Compensation—Stock Compensation (“ASC 718”), which requires compensation cost relating to share‑based compensation transactions be recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations, based generally upon the grant‑date fair value of the share‑based compensation granted by the Company. Share‑based awards may have service, market or performance conditions. Refer to Note 19—Share-Based Compensation for additional information.

Earnings per share— Earnings per common share (“EPS”) is computed under the two-class method. Pursuant to the two-class method, non-vested stock-based payment awards that contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents are participating securities and are included in the computation of EPS. The two-class method is an earnings allocation formula that determines earnings per share for each class of common stock and participating security according to dividends declared (or accumulated) and participation rights in undistributed earnings. Application of the two-class method resulted in the equivalent earnings per share to the treasury method. Basic earnings per common share is computed by dividing net earnings allocated to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the applicable period, excluding outstanding participating securities. Diluted earnings per common share is computed using the weighted-average number of shares determined for the basic earnings per common share computation plus the dilutive effect of stock compensation and warrants for common stock using the treasury stock method.

Dividend Restrictions – Banking regulations require maintaining certain capital levels and may limit the dividends paid by the bank to the holding company or by the holding company to stockholders.

Fair value of assets and liabilities—Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset, or paid to transfer a liability, including respective accrued interest balances, in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The Company determines fair value based upon quoted prices when available or through the use of alternative approaches, such as matrix or model pricing, when market quotes are not readily accessible or available. The valuation techniques used are based on observable and unobservable inputs. Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect the Company’s market assumptions.

Reclassifications—Some items in prior years consolidated financial statements were reclassified to conform to the current presentation. Reclassifications had no effect on prior years’ net income or stockholders’ equity.