Summary of significant accounting policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change for HEI and its subsidiaries (collectively, the Company) include the amounts reported for investment securities (ASB only); property, plant and equipment; pension and other postretirement benefit obligations; contingencies and litigation; income taxes; derivatives; regulatory assets and liabilities (Utilities only); electric utility revenues (Utilities only); allowance for loan losses (ASB only); and goodwill (ASB only).

Consolidation

The HEI consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company. The Hawaiian Electric consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Hawaiian Electric and its subsidiaries. The consolidated financial statements exclude subsidiaries which are variable interest entities (VIEs) when the Company or the Utilities are not the primary beneficiaries. Investments in companies over which the Company or the Utilities have the ability to exercise significant influence, but not control, are accounted for using the equity method.

Cash and cash equivalents

The Utilities consider cash on hand, deposits in banks, money market accounts, certificates of deposit, short-term commercial paper of non-affiliates and liquid investments (with original maturities of three months or less) to be cash and cash equivalents. The Company considers the same items to be cash and cash equivalents as well as ASB’s deposits with the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB), federal funds sold (excess funds that ASB loans to other banks overnight at the federal funds rate) and securities purchased under resale agreements.

Equity method

Investments in up to 50%-owned affiliates over which the Company or the Utilities have the ability to exercise significant influence over the operating and financing policies and investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries (e.g. HECO Capital Trust III) are accounted for under the equity method, whereby the investment is carried at cost, plus (or minus) the equity in undistributed earnings (or losses) and minus distributions since acquisition. Equity in earnings or losses is reflected in operating revenues. Equity method investments are also evaluated for OTTI.

Property, plant and equipment

Property, plant and equipment are reported at cost. Self-constructed electric utility plant includes engineering, supervision, administrative and general costs and an allowance for the cost of funds used during the construction period. These costs are recorded in construction in progress and are transferred to utility plant when construction is completed and the facilities are either placed in service or become useful for public utility purposes. Costs for betterments that make utility plant more useful, more efficient, of greater durability or of greater capacity are also capitalized. Upon the retirement or sale of electric utility plant, generally no gain or loss is recognized. The cost of the plant retired is charged to accumulated depreciation. Amounts collected from customers for cost of removal (expected to exceed salvage value in the future) are included in regulatory liabilities.

Depreciation

Depreciation is computed primarily using the straight-line method over the estimated lives of the assets being depreciated. Electric utility plant additions in the current year are depreciated beginning January 1 of the following year in accordance with rate-making. Electric utility plant has lives ranging from 20 to 88 years for production plant, from 25 to 65 years for transmission and distribution plant and from 5 to 65 years for general plant.

Leases

HEI, the Utilities and ASB have entered into lease agreements for the use of equipment and office space. The provisions of some of the lease agreements contain renewal options.

Retirement benefits

Pension and other postretirement benefit costs are charged primarily to expense and electric utility plant (in the case of the Utilities). Funding for the Company’s qualified pension plans (Plans) is based on actuarial assumptions adopted by the Pension Investment Committee administering the Plans on the advice of an enrolled actuary. The participating employers contribute amounts to a master pension trust for the Plans in accordance with the funding requirements of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (ERISA), including changes promulgated by the Pension Protection Act of 2006, and considering the deductibility of contributions under the Internal Revenue Code. The Company generally funds at least the net periodic pension cost during the year, subject to limits and targeted funded status as determined with the consulting actuary. Under a pension tracking mechanism approved by the Public Utilities Commission of the State of Hawaii (PUC), the Utilities generally will make contributions to the pension fund at the greater of the minimum level required under the law or net periodic pension cost.

Certain health care and/or life insurance benefits are provided to eligible retired employees and the employees’ beneficiaries and covered dependents. The Company generally funds the net periodic postretirement benefit costs other than pensions (except for executive life) for postretirement benefits other than pensions (OPEB), while maximizing the use of the most tax advantaged funding vehicles, subject to cash flow requirements and reviews of the funded status with the consulting actuary. The Utilities must fund OPEB costs as specified in the OPEB tracking mechanisms, which were approved by the PUC. Future decisions in rate cases could further impact funding amounts.

The Company and the Utilities recognize on their respective balance sheets the funded status of their defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans, as adjusted by the impact of decisions of the PUC.

Environmental expenditures

The Company and the Utilities are subject to numerous federal and state environmental statutes and regulations. In general, environmental contamination treatment costs are charged to expense. Environmental costs are capitalized if the costs extend the life, increase the capacity, or improve the safety or efficiency of property; the costs mitigate or prevent future environmental contamination; or the costs are incurred in preparing the property for sale. Environmental costs are either capitalized or charged to expense when environmental assessments and/or remedial efforts are probable and the cost can be reasonably estimated.

Financing costs

Financing costs related to the registration and sale of HEI common stock are recorded in shareholders’ equity.

HEI uses the straight-line method, which approximates the effective interest method, to amortize the long-term debt financing costs of the holding company over the term of the related debt.

The Utilities use the straight-line method, which approximates the effective interest method, to amortize long-term debt financing costs and premiums or discounts over the term of the related debt. Unamortized financing costs and premiums or discounts on the Utilities' long-term debt retired prior to maturity are classified as regulatory assets (costs and premiums) or liabilities (discounts) and are amortized on a straight-line basis over the remaining original term of the retired debt. The method and periods for amortizing financing costs, premiums and discounts, including the treatment of these items when long-term debt is retired prior to maturity, have been established by the PUC as part of the rate-making process.

HEI and the Utilities use the straight-line method to amortize the fees and related costs paid to secure a firm commitment under their line-of-credit arrangements.

Income taxes

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are established for the temporary differences between the financial reporting bases and the tax bases of the Company’s and the Utilities' assets and liabilities at federal and state tax rates expected to be in effect when such deferred tax assets or liabilities are realized or settled. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred income tax assets to the amount expected to be realized.

The Company recognizes investment tax credits as a reduction of income tax expense in the period the assets giving rise to such credits are placed in service, except for the Utilities' investment tax credits, which are deferred and amortized over the estimated useful lives of the properties to which the credits relate, in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 980, “Regulated Operations.”

The Utilities are included in the consolidated income tax returns of HEI. However, income tax expense has been computed for financial statement purposes as if the Utilities filed separate consolidated Hawaiian Electric income tax returns.

Governmental tax authorities could challenge a tax return position taken by the Company. If the Company’s position does not prevail, the Company’s results of operations and financial condition may be adversely affected as the related deferred or current income tax asset might be impaired and charged to expense or an unanticipated tax liability might be incurred.

The Company and the Utilities use a “more-likely-than-not” recognition threshold and measurement standard for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return.

Fair value measurements

Fair value estimates are estimates of the price that would be received to sell an asset, or paid upon the transfer of a liability, in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The fair value estimates are generally determined based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability and are based on market data obtained from independent sources. However, in certain cases, the Company and the Utilities use their own assumptions about market participant assumptions based on the best information available in the circumstances. These valuations are estimates at a specific point in time, based on relevant market information, information about the financial instrument and judgments regarding future expected loss experience, economic conditions, risk characteristics of various financial instruments and other factors. These estimates do not reflect any premium or discount that could result if the Company or the Utilities were to sell its entire holdings of a particular financial instrument at one time. Because no active trading market exists for a portion of the Company’s and the Utilities' financial instruments, fair value estimates cannot be determined with precision. Changes in the underlying assumptions used, including discount rates and estimates of future cash flows, could significantly affect the estimates. In addition, the tax ramifications related to the realization of the unrealized gains and losses could have a significant effect on fair value estimates, but have not been considered in making such estimates.

The Company and the Utilities group their financial assets measured at fair value in three levels outlined as follows:


Level 1:	Inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices, unadjusted, for identical assets or liabilities in active markets. A quoted price in an active market provides the most reliable evidence of fair value and is used to measure fair value whenever available.

Level 2:

Inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active; or inputs to the valuation methodology that are derived principally from or can be corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means.


Level 3:	Inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement. Level 3 assets and liabilities include financial instruments whose value is determined using discounted cash flow methodologies, as well as instruments for which the determination of fair value requires significant management judgment or estimation.

Classification in the hierarchy is based upon the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement of the asset or liability. For instruments classified in Level 1 and 2 where inputs are primarily based upon observable market data, there is less judgment applied in arriving at the fair value. For instruments classified in Level 3, management judgment is more significant due to the lack of observable market data.

The Company reviews and updates the fair value hierarchy classifications on a quarterly basis. Changes from one quarter to the next related to the observability of inputs in fair value measurements may result in a reclassification between the fair value hierarchy levels and are recognized based on period-end balances.

Fair value is also used on a nonrecurring basis to evaluate certain assets for impairment or for disclosure purposes. Examples of nonrecurring uses of fair value include mortgage servicing rights accounted for by the amortization method, loan impairments for certain loans, real estate owned, goodwill and asset retirement obligations (AROs).

Earnings per share (HEI only)

Basic earnings per share (EPS) is computed by dividing net income for common stock by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS is computed similarly, except that dilutive common shares for stock compensation and the equity forward transactions are added to the denominator. For 2014, HEI used the two-class method of computing EPS as restricted stock grants included non-forfeitable rights to dividends and were participating securities.

Impairment of long-lived assets and long-lived assets to be disposed of

The Company and the Utilities review long-lived assets and certain identifiable intangibles for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to future net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets. Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value, less costs to sell.

Recent accounting pronouncements

Revenues from contracts with customers. In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers: (Topic 606).” The core principle of the guidance in ASU No. 2014-09 is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. To achieve that core principle, an entity should: (1) identify the contract/s with a customer, (2) identify the performance obligations in the contract, (3) determine the transaction price, (4) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract, and (5) recognize revenue when, or as, the entity satisfies a performance obligation. ASU No. 2014-09 also requires disclosure of the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers.

As of December 31, 2016, the Company has identified its revenue streams from, and performance obligations to, customers, and is currently evaluating the impacts of the new guidance on its ability to recognize revenue for certain contracts where there is uncertainty regarding collection and accounting for contributions in aid of construction.

The Company plans to adopt ASU No. 2014-09 (and subsequently issued revenue-related ASUs, as applicable) in the first quarter of 2018, but has not determined the method of adoption (full or modified retrospective application). The Company expects to present more revenue disclosures, but the full impact of adoption of ASU No. 2014-09 on its results of operations, financial condition and liquidity cannot be determined until its evaluation process is complete.

Going concern. In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-15, “Presentation of Financial Statements-Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40): Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern,” which requires management to evaluate whether there are conditions or events, considered in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the date that the financial statements are issued. Disclosure is required if there is substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern.

The Company adopted ASU No. 2014-15 for 2016 and interim periods going forward. Since management has concluded that there are no conditions or events that raise substantial doubt about HEI’s or Hawaiian Electric’s ability to continue as a going concern through February 24, 2018, there was no impact on HEI’s and Hawaiian Electric’s consolidated financial statements.

Extraordinary and unusual items. In January 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-01, “Income Statement - Extraordinary and Unusual Items (Subtopic 225-20): Simplifying Income Statement Presentation by Eliminating the Concept of Extraordinary Items,” which removes the concept of extraordinary items from U.S. GAAP and eliminates the requirement for extraordinary items to be separately presented in the statement of income.

The Company adopted ASU 2015-01 prospectively on January 1, 2016 and the adoption did not have a material impact on the Company’s and Hawaiian Electric’s consolidated financial statements.

Consolidation. In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-02, “Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis,” which modifies the requirements of consolidation with respect to limited partnerships, entities that are similar in nature to limited partnerships or are VIEs. The amended guidance (1) modifies the evaluation of whether limited partnerships and similar legal entities are VIEs or voting interest entities; (2) eliminates the presumption that a general partner should consolidate a limited partnership; (3) changes the analysis related to the evaluation of servicing fees and excludes servicing fees that are deemed commensurate with the level of service required from the determination of the primary beneficiary; (4) clarifies certain consideration related to the consolidation analysis when performing a related party assessment; and (5) provides a scope exception from consolidation guidance for reporting entities that are required to comply with or operate in accordance with requirements that are similar to those in Rule 2a-7 of the Investment Bank Act of 1940 for registered money market funds.

The Company retrospectively adopted ASU No. 2015-02 in the first quarter 2016 and the adoption did not have a material impact on HEI’s and Hawaiian Electric’s consolidated financial statements.

Debt issuance costs. In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, “Interest - Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs,” which requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts.

The Company retrospectively adopted ASU No. 2015-03 in the first quarter 2016 and the adoption did not have a material impact on the Company’s and Hawaiian Electric’s consolidated financial statements.

The table below summarizes the impact to the prior period financial statements of the adoption of ASU No. 2015-03:



(in thousands)	As previously filed		Adjustment from adoption of ASU No. 2015-03			As currently reported

December 31, 2015
HEI Consolidated Balance Sheet and Note 3 - Segment financial information (Total assets)
Other assets	$	488,635	$	(8,178	)	$	480,457
Total assets and Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	11,790,196		(8,178		)	11,782,018
Long-term debt, net-other than bank	1,586,546		(8,178		)	1,578,368
Total liabilities	9,828,263		(8,178		)	9,820,085
Hawaiian Electric Consolidated Balance Sheet and Note 3 - Segment financial information (Total assets)
Unamortized debt expense	8,341		(7,844		)	497
Total other long-term assets	908,327		(7,844		)	900,483
Total assets and Total capitalization and liabilities	5,680,054		(7,844		)	5,672,210
Long-term debt, net	1,286,546		(7,844		)	1,278,702
Total capitalization	3,049,164		(7,844		)	3,041,320
Note 4 - Hawaiian Electric Consolidating Balance Sheet
Hawaiian Electric (parent only)
Unamortized debt expense	5,742		(5,383		)	359
Total other long-term assets	662,430		(5,383		)	657,047
Total assets and Total capitalization and liabilities	4,481,558		(5,383		)	4,476,175
Long-term debt, net	880,546		(5,383		)	875,163
Total capitalization	2,631,164		(5,383		)	2,625,781
Hawaii Electric Light
Unamortized debt expense	1,494		(1,420		)	74
Total other long-term assets	130,749		(1,420		)	129,329
Total assets and Total capitalization and liabilities	955,935		(1,420		)	954,515
Long-term debt, net	215,000		(1,420		)	213,580
Total capitalization	514,702		(1,420		)	513,282
Maui Electric
Unamortized debt expense	1,105		(1,041		)	64
Total other long-term assets	115,148		(1,041		)	114,107
Total assets and Total capitalization and liabilities	831,201		(1,041		)	830,160
Long-term debt, net	191,000		(1,041		)	189,959
Total capitalization	459,725		(1,041		)	458,684

Investments in certain entities that calculate net asset value per share. In May 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-07, “Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosures for Investments in Certain Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value per Share (or Its Equivalent),” which removes the requirement to categorize within the fair value hierarchy all investments for which fair value is measured using the net asset value per share practical expedient and limits certain disclosures to those investments.

The Company retrospectively adopted ASU No. 2015-07 in the first quarter 2016; thus, the fair value disclosures for retirement benefit plan assets have been revised.

Financial instruments. In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01, “Financial Instruments-Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities,” which, among other things:


•	Requires equity investments (except those accounted for under the equity method of accounting, or those that result in consolidation of the investee) to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income.


•	Requires public business entities to use the exit price notion when measuring the fair value of financial instruments for disclosure purposes.


•	Requires separate presentation of financial assets and financial liabilities by measurement category and form of financial asset (i.e., securities or loans and receivables).


•	Eliminates the requirement for public business entities to disclose the method(s) and significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value that is required to be disclosed for financial instruments measured at amortized cost.

The Company plans to adopt ASU No. 2016-01 in the first quarter of 2018 and has not yet determined the impact of adoption.

Leases. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842),” which requires that lessees recognize a liability to make lease payments (the lease liability) and a right-of-use asset, representing its right to use the underlying asset for the lease term, for all leases (except short-term leases) at the commencement date.

The Company plans to adopt ASU 2016-02 in the first quarter of 2019 (using a modified retrospective transition approach for leases existing at, or entered into after, January 1, 2017) and has not yet determined the impact of adoption.

Stock compensation. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, “Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting,” which simplifies several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions.

The Company adopted ASU 2016-09 in the first quarter of 2017. From January 1, 2017, all excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies are recognized as income tax expense or benefit in the income statement. Also from January 1, 2017, no excess tax benefits and deficiencies are included in determining the assumed proceeds under the treasury stock method of calculating diluted EPS. As of January 1, 2017, HEI adopted an accounting policy to account for forfeitures when they occur.

From January 1, 2017, HEI retrospectively applied the guidance for taxes paid (equivalent to the value of withheld shares for tax withholding purposes) and excess tax benefits. Excess tax benefits will be classified along with other income tax cash flows as an operating activity and the cash payments made to taxing authorities on the employees’ behalf for withheld shares will be classified as financing activities on the HEI Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for all periods that are presented.

Credit Losses. In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, “Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments,” which is intended to improve financial reporting by requiring timelier recording of credit losses on loans and other financial instruments held by financial institutions and other organizations. ASU No. 2016-13 requires the measurement of all expected credit losses for financial assets held at the reporting date (based on historical experience, current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts) and enhanced disclosures to help financial statement users better understand significant estimates and judgments used in estimating credit losses, as well as the credit quality and underwriting standards of an organization’s portfolio. In addition, ASU No. 2016-13 amends the accounting for credit losses on available-for-sale debt securities and purchased financial assets with credit deterioration. The other-than-temporary impairment model of accounting for credit losses on AFS debt securities will be replaced with an estimate of expected credit losses only when the fair value is below the amortized cost of the asset. The length of time the fair value of an AFS debt security has been below the amortized cost will no longer impact the determination of whether a credit loss exists. The AFS debt security model will also require the use of an allowance to record the estimated losses (and subsequent recoveries). The accounting for the initial recognition of the estimated expected credit losses for purchased financial assets with credit deterioration would be recognized through an allowance for loan losses with an offset to the cost basis of the related financial asset at acquisition (i.e., there is no impact to net income at initial recognition).

The Company plans to adopt ASU 2016-13 in the first quarter of 2020 and has not yet determined the impact of adoption.

Cash Flows. In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, “Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments,” which provides guidance on eight specific cash flow issues - debt prepayment or debt extinguishment costs, settlement of zero-coupon debt instruments or other debt instruments with coupon interest rates that are insignificant in relation to the effective interest rate of the borrowing, contingent consideration payments made after a business combination, proceeds from the settlement of insurance claims, proceeds from the settlement of corporate-owned life insurance policies (including bank-owned life insurance policies), distributions received from equity method investees, beneficial interests in securitization transactions, and separately identifiable cash flows and application of the predominance principle.

The Company plans to adopt ASU 2016-15 in the first quarter of 2018 using a retrospective transition method and has not yet determined the impact of adoption.

Intra-entity transfers of assets other than inventory. In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-16, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory,” which changes current guidance that prohibits the recognition of current and deferred income taxes for an intra-entity asset transfer until the asset has been sold to an outside party by requiring the recognition of the income tax consequences of such transfer when it occurs.

The Company plans to adopt ASU 2016-16 in the first quarter of 2018 using a modified retrospective transition method and believes the impact of adoption will be immaterial to the Company’s and Hawaiian Electric’s consolidated financial statements.

Restricted cash. In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18, “Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash,” which requires that a statement of cash flows explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents.

The Company plans to adopt ASU 2016-18 in the first quarter of 2018 using a retrospective transition method and believes the impact of adoption will not be material to the Company’s and Hawaiian Electric’s consolidated statements of cash flows.

Reclassifications

Reclassifications made to prior years’ financial statements to conform to the 2016 presentation did not affect previously reported results of operations and include additional detail of noncash items in operating activities on the Company's and Hawaiian Electric's Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

Electric utility

Regulation by the Public Utilities Commission of the State of Hawaii (PUC)

The Utilities are regulated by the PUC and account for the effects of regulation under FASB ASC Topic 980, “Regulated Operations.” As a result, the Utilities’ financial statements reflect assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses based on current cost-based rate-making regulations. Their continued accounting under ASC Topic 980 generally requires that rates are established by an independent, third-party regulator; rates are designed to recover the costs of providing service; and it is reasonable to assume that rates can be charged to, and collected from, customers within 24 months. Management believes the Utilities’ operations currently satisfy the ASC Topic 980 criteria. If events or circumstances should change so that those criteria are no longer satisfied, the Utilities expect that their regulatory assets, net of regulatory liabilities, would be charged to the statement of income in the period of discontinuance.

Accounts receivable

Accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount. The Utilities generally assess a late payment charge on balances unpaid from the previous month. The allowance for doubtful accounts is the Utilities’ best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses in the Utilities existing accounts receivable.

Contributions in aid of construction

The Utilities receive contributions from customers for special construction requirements. As directed by the PUC, contributions are amortized on a straight-line basis over 30 to 55 years as an offset against depreciation expense.

Electric utility revenues

Electric utility revenues are based on rates authorized by the PUC. Revenues related to electric service are generally recorded when service is rendered and include revenues applicable to energy consumed in the accounting period but not yet billed to the customers. Under decoupling, electric utility revenues also incorporate: (1) monthly revenue balancing account (RBA) revenues or refunds for the difference between PUC-approved target revenues and recorded adjusted revenues, which delinks revenues from kilowatthour sales, (2) rate adjustment mechanism (RAM) revenues for escalation in certain operation and maintenance (O&M) expenses and rate base changes and (3) an earnings sharing mechanism, which reduces revenues between rate cases in the event the utility’s ratemaking return on average common equity (ROACE) exceeds the ROACE allowed in its most recent rate case. Under the decoupling tariff approved in 2011, the prior year accrued RBA revenues (regulatory asset) and the annual RAM amount are billed from June 1 of each year through May 31 of the following year, which is within 24 months following the end of the year in which they are recorded as required by the accounting standard for alternative revenue programs. See "Decoupling" discussion in Note 4 Electric Utility segment.

The rate schedules of the Utilities include energy cost adjustment clauses (ECACs) under which electric rates are adjusted for changes in the weighted-average price paid for fuel oil and certain components of purchased power, and the relative amounts of company-generated power and purchased power. The rate schedules also include purchased power adjustment clauses (PPACs) under which the remaining purchase power expenses are recovered through surcharge mechanisms. The amounts collected through the ECACs and PPACs are required to be reconciled quarterly.

The Utilities’ revenues include amounts for various Hawaii state revenue taxes. Revenue taxes are generally recorded as an expense in the year the related revenues are recognized. However, the Utilities’ revenue tax payments to the taxing authorities are based on the prior year’s billed revenues (in the case of public service company taxes and PUC fees) or on the current year’s cash collections from electric sales (in the case of franchise taxes).

Power purchase agreements

If a power purchase agreement (PPA) falls within the scope of ASC Topic 840, “Leases,” and results in the classification of the agreement as a capital lease, the Utilities would recognize a capital asset and a lease obligation. Currently, none of the PPAs are required to be recorded as a capital lease.

The Utilities evaluate PPAs to determine if the PPAs are VIEs, if the Utilities are primary beneficiaries and if consolidation is required.

Repairs and maintenance costs

Repairs and maintenance costs for overhauls of generating units are generally expensed as they are incurred.

Allowance for funds used during construction (AFUDC)

AFUDC is an accounting practice whereby the costs of debt and equity funds used to finance plant construction are credited on the statement of income and charged to construction in progress on the balance sheet. If a project under construction is delayed for an extended period of time, AFUDC on the delayed project may be stopped after assessing the causes of the delay and probability of recovery.

Bank

Investment securities

Investments in debt and equity securities are classified as held-to-maturity (HTM), trading or available-for-sale (AFS). ASB determines the appropriate classification at the time of purchase. Debt securities that ASB intends to and has the ability to hold to maturity are classified as HTM securities and reported at cost. Marketable debt and equity securities that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term are classified as trading securities and reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses included in earnings. Marketable debt and equity securities not classified as either HTM or trading securities are classified as AFS and reported at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses for AFS securities are excluded from earnings and reported on a net basis in accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) until realized.

Interest income is recorded on an accrual basis. Discounts and premiums on securities are accreted or amortized into interest income using the interest method over the remaining contractual lives of the agency obligation securities and the estimated lives of the mortgage-related securities adjusted for anticipated prepayments. ASB uses actual prepayment experience and estimates of future prepayments to determine the constant effective yield necessary to apply the interest method of income recognition. The discounts and premiums on the agency obligations portfolio are accreted or amortized on a prospective basis using expected contractual cash flows. The discounts and premiums on the mortgage-related securities portfolio are accreted or amortized on a retrospective basis using changes in anticipated prepayments. This method requires a retrospective adjustment of the effective yield each time ASB changes the estimated life as if the new estimate had been known since the original acquisition date of the securities. Estimates of future prepayments are based on the underlying collateral characteristics and historic or projected prepayment behavior of each security. The specific identification method is used in determining realized gains and losses on the sales of securities.

For securities that are not trading securities, individual securities are assessed for impairment at least on a quarterly basis, and more frequently when economic or market conditions warrant. A security is impaired if the fair value of the security is less than its carrying value at the financial statement date. When a security is impaired, ASB determines whether this impairment is temporary or other-than-temporary. If ASB does not expect to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the security or there is a change in the expected cash flows, an OTTI exists. If ASB intends to sell the security, or will more likely than not be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost, the OTTI must be recognized in earnings. If ASB does not intend to sell the security, and it is not more likely than not that ASB will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost, the OTTI must be separated into the amount representing the credit loss and the amount related to all other factors. The amount of OTTI related to the credit loss is recognized in earnings, while the remaining OTTI is recognized in AOCI. Based on ASB's evaluation as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, there was no indicated impairment as the bank expects to collect the contractual cash flows for these investments.

Stock in Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) is carried at cost and is reviewed at least periodically for impairment, with valuation adjustments recognized in noninterest income.

Loans receivable

ASB carries loans receivable at amortized cost less the allowance for loan losses, loan origination fees (net of direct loan origination costs), commitment fees and purchase premiums and discounts. Interest on loans is credited to income as it is earned. Discounts and premiums are accreted or amortized over the life of the loans using the interest method.

Loan origination fees (net of direct loan origination costs) are deferred and recognized as an adjustment in yield over periods not exceeding the contractual life of the loan using the interest method or taken into income when the loan is paid off or sold. Nonrefundable commitment fees (net of direct loan origination costs, if applicable) received for commitments to originate or purchase loans are deferred and, if the commitment is exercised, recognized as an adjustment of yield over the life of the loan using the interest method. Nonrefundable commitment fees received for which the commitment expires unexercised are recognized as income upon expiration of the commitment.

Loans held for sale, gain on sale of loans, and mortgage servicing assets and liabilities

Loans held for sale are stated at the lower of cost or estimated fair value on an aggregate basis. Premiums, discounts and net deferred loan fees are not amortized while a loan is classified as held for sale. A sale is recognized only when the consideration received is other than beneficial interests in the assets sold and control over the assets is transferred irrevocably to the buyer. Gains or losses on sales of loans are recognized at the time of sale and are determined by the difference between the net sales proceeds and the allocated basis of the loans sold.

Allowance for loan losses

ASB maintains an allowance for loan losses that it believes is adequate to absorb losses inherent in its loan portfolio. The level of allowance for loan losses is based on a continuing assessment of existing risks in the loan portfolio, historical loss experience, changes in collateral values and current conditions (e.g., economic conditions, real estate market conditions and interest rate environment). The allowance for loan losses is allocated to loan types using both a formula-based approach applied to groups of loans and an analysis of certain individual loans for impairment. The formula-based approach emphasizes loss factors primarily derived from actual historical default and loss rates, which are combined with an assessment of certain qualitative factors to determine the allowance amounts allocated to the various loan categories. Adverse changes in any of these factors could result in higher charge-offs and provision for loan losses.

ASB disaggregates its portfolio loans into portfolio segments for purposes of determining the allowance for loan losses. Commercial and commercial real estate loans are defined as non-homogeneous loans and ASB utilizes a risk rating system for evaluating the credit quality of the loans. Loans are rated based on the degree of risk at origination and periodically thereafter, as appropriate. Values are applied separately to the probability of default (borrower risk) and loss given default (transaction risk). ASB’s credit review department performs an evaluation of these loan portfolios to ensure compliance with the internal risk rating system and timeliness of rating changes. Non-homogeneous loans are categorized into the regulatory asset quality classifications-Pass, Special Mention, Substandard, Doubtful, and Loss based on credit quality. For loans classified as substandard, an analysis is done to determine if the loan is impaired. A loan is deemed impaired when it is probable that ASB will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the original contractual terms of the loan agreement. Once a loan is deemed impaired, ASB applies a valuation methodology to determine whether there is an impairment shortfall. The measurement of impairment may be based on (i) the present value of the expected future cash flows of the impaired loan discounted at the loan’s original effective interest rate, (ii) the observable market price of the impaired loan, or (iii) the fair value of the collateral, net of costs to sell. For all loans collateralized by real estate whose repayment is dependent on the sale of the underlying collateral property, ASB measures impairment by utilizing the fair value of the collateral, net of costs to sell; for other loans that are not considered collateral dependent, generally the discounted cash flow method is used to measure impairment. For loans collateralized by real estate that are classified as troubled debt restructured loans, the present value of the expected future cash flows of the loans may also be used to measure impairment as these loans are expected to perform according to their restructured terms. Impairments are charged to the provision for loan losses and included in the allowance for loan losses. However, confirmed losses (uncollectible) are charged off, with the loan written down by the amount of the confirmed loss.

Residential, consumer and credit scored business loans are considered homogeneous loans, which are typically underwritten based on common, uniform standards, and are generally classified as to the level of loss exposure based on delinquency status. The homogeneous loan portfolios are stratified into individual products with common risk characteristics and segmented into various secured and unsecured loan product types. For the homogeneous portfolio, the quality of the loan is best indicated by the repayment performance of an individual borrower. ASB does supplement performance data with an 11-risk rating retail credit model that assigns a probability of default to each borrower based primarily on the borrower's current Fair Isaac Corporation (FICO) score and for the home equity line of credit (HELOC) and unsecured consumer products, the bankruptcy score (BK). Current FICO and BK data is purchased and appended to all homogeneous loans on a quarterly basis and used to estimate the borrower’s probability of default and the loss given default.

ASB also considers the following qualitative factors for all loans in estimating the allowance for loan losses:


•	changes in lending policies and procedures;


•	changes in economic and business conditions and developments that affect the collectability of the portfolio;


•	changes in the nature, volume and terms of the loan portfolio;


•	changes in lending management and other relevant staff;


•	changes in loan quality (past due, non-accrual, classified loans);


•	changes in the quality of the loan review system;


•	changes in the value of underlying collateral;


•	effect of, and changes in the level of, any concentrations of credit; and


•	effect of other external and internal factors.

ASB’s methodology for determining the allowance for loan losses was generally based on historic loss rates using various look-back periods. During the second quarter of 2014, ASB implemented enhancements to the loss rate calculation for estimating the allowance for loan losses that included several refinements to determining the probability of default and the loss given default for the various segments of the loan portfolio that are more statistically sound than those previously employed. The result is an estimated loss rate established for each borrower. ASB also updated its measurement of the loss emergence period in the calculation of the allowance for loan losses. The loss emergence period is broadly defined as the period that it takes, on average, for the lender to identify the specific borrower and amount of loss incurred by the bank for a loan that has suffered from a loss-causing event. In most cases, as credit quality and conditions improve, management has observed that the loss emergence period has extended and has incorporated this observed change in the estimate of the allowance for loan losses. Management believes these enhancements will improve the precision in estimating the allowance for loan losses. The enhancements did not have a material effect on the total allowance for loan losses or the provision for loan losses for 2014. The enhancements did result in the full allocation of the previously unallocated portion of the allowance for loan losses.

In conjunction with the above enhancement, management also adopted an enhanced risk rating system for monitoring and managing credit risk in the non-homogenous loan portfolios, that measures general creditworthiness at the borrower level. The numerical-based, risk rating “PD Model” takes into consideration fiscal year-end financial information of the borrower and identified financial attributes including retained earnings, operating cash flows, interest coverage, liquidity and leverage that demonstrate a strong correlation with default to assign default probabilities at the borrower level. In addition, a loss given default (LGD) value is assigned to each loan to measure loss in the event of default based on loan specific features such as collateral that mitigates the amount of loss in the event of default. Together the PD Model and LGD construct provide a more quantitative, data driven and consistent framework for measuring risk within the portfolio, on a loan by loan basis and for the ultimate collectability of each loan.

The reserve for unfunded commitments is maintained at a level believed by management to be sufficient to absorb estimated probable losses related to unfunded credit facilities and is included in accounts payable and other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. The determination of the adequacy of the reserve is based upon an evaluation of the unfunded credit facilities, including an assessment of historical commitment utilization experience, credit risk grading and historical loss rates. This process takes into consideration the same risk elements that are analyzed in the determination of the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses, as discussed above. Net adjustments to the reserve for unfunded commitments are included in other noninterest expense in the consolidated statements of income.

Management believes its allowance for loan losses adequately estimates actual loan losses that will ultimately be incurred. However, such estimates are based on currently available information and historical experience, and future adjustments may be required from time to time to the allowance for loan losses based on new information and changes that occur (e.g., due to changes in economic conditions, particularly in Hawaii). Actual losses could differ from management’s estimates, and these differences and subsequent adjustments could be material.

Nonperforming loans

Loans are generally placed on nonaccrual status when contractually past due 90 days or more, or earlier if management believes that the probability of collection is insufficient to warrant further accrual. All interest that is accrued but not collected is reversed. A loan may be returned to accrual status if (i) principal and interest payments have been brought current and repayment of the remaining contractual principal and interest is expected to be made, (ii) the loan has otherwise become well-secured and in the process of collection, or (iii) the borrower has been making regularly scheduled payments in full for the prior six months and it is reasonably assured that the loan will be brought fully current within a reasonable period. Cash receipts on nonaccruing loans are generally applied to reduce the unpaid principal balance.

Loans considered to be uncollectible are charged-off against the allowance for loan losses. The amount and timing of charge-offs on loans includes consideration of the loan type, length of delinquency, insufficiency of collateral value, lien priority and the overall financial condition of the borrower. Recoveries on loans previously charged-off are credited back to the allowance for loan losses. Loans that have been charged-off against the allowance for loan losses are periodically monitored to evaluate whether further adjustments to the allowance are necessary. Loans in the commercial and commercial real estate portfolio are charged-off when the loan is risk-rated “Doubtful” or “Loss”. The loan or a portion thereof is determined to be uncollectible after considering the borrower’s overall financial condition and collateral deficiency. A loan is considered uncollectible when: (a) the borrower is delinquent in principal or interest 90 days or more; (b) significant improvement in the borrower’s repayment capacity is doubtful; and/or (c) collateral value is insufficient to cover outstanding indebtedness and no other viable assets or repayment sources exist.

Loans in the residential mortgage and home equity portfolios are charged-off when the loan or a portion thereof is determined to be uncollectible after considering the borrower’s overall financial condition and collateral deficiency. A loan is considered uncollectible when: (a) the borrower is delinquent in principal or interest 180 days or more; (b) it is probable that collateral value is insufficient to cover outstanding indebtedness and no other viable assets or repayment sources exist; (c) borrower’s debt is discharged in bankruptcy and the loan is not reaffirmed; or (d) in cases where ASB is in a subordinate position to other debt, the senior lien holder has foreclosed and ASB's junior lien is extinguished.

Other consumer loans are generally charged-off when the balance becomes 120 days delinquent.

Loans modified in a troubled debt restructuring

Loans are considered to have been modified in a troubled debt restructuring (TDR) when, due to a borrower’s financial difficulties, ASB makes concessions to the borrower that it would not otherwise consider for a non-troubled borrower. Modifications may include interest rate reductions, interest only payments for an extended period of time, protracted terms such as amortization and maturity beyond the customary length of time found in the normal market place, and other actions intended to minimize economic loss and to provide alternatives to foreclosure or repossession of collateral. Generally, a nonaccrual loan that has been modified in a TDR remains on nonaccrual status until the borrower has demonstrated sustained repayment performance for a period of six consecutive months. However, performance prior to the modification, or significant events that coincide with the modification, are included in assessing whether the borrower can meet the new terms and may result in the loan being returned to accrual status at the time of loan modification or after a shorter performance period. If the borrower’s ability to meet the revised payment schedule is uncertain, or there is reasonable doubt over the full collectability of principal and interest, the loan remains on nonaccrual status.

Real estate acquired in settlement of loans

ASB records real estate acquired in settlement of loans at fair value, less estimated selling expenses. ASB obtains appraisals based on recent comparable sales to assist management in estimating the fair value of real estate acquired in settlement of loans. Subsequent declines in value are charged to expense through a valuation allowance. Costs related to holding real estate are charged to operations as incurred.

Goodwill

At December 31, 2016 and 2015, the amount of goodwill was $82.2 million. The goodwill is with respect to ASB and is the Company’s only intangible asset with an indefinite useful life and is tested for impairment annually at December 31 using data as of September 30.

To determine if there was any impairment to the book value of goodwill pertaining to ASB, the fair value of ASB was estimated using a valuation method based on a market approach and discounted cash flow method with each method having an equal weighting in determining the fair value of ASB. The market approach considers publicly traded financial institutions with assets of $3.5 billion to $8 billion and measures the institutions' market values as a multiple to (1) net income and (2) book equity. ASB used the median market value multiples for net income and book equity from its selection criteria and applied the multiples to its net income and book equity to calculate ASB's fair value using the market approach. In order to reflect a premium that a buyer would pay for a controlling interest in ASB, a control premium of 18.4% was included in determining the market approach fair value. The control premium was based on control premiums paid in 18 acquisitions with deal values over $500 million which were completed in 2014-2016 where 100% interests were purchased and control premium information was available. The discounted cash flow method values a company on a going concern basis and is based on the concept that the future benefits derived from a particular company can be measured by its sustainable after-tax cash flows in the future. ASB's discounted cash flow analysis was based on its income statement forecasts and a discount rate of 8.9% was applied to present value the cash flows. ASB used a Capital Asset Pricing Model analysis to determine its discount rate. For the three years ended December 31, 2016, there has been no impairment of goodwill.

Mortgage banking

Mortgage loans held for sale are stated at the lower of cost or estimated fair value on an aggregate basis. Premiums, discounts and net deferred loan fees are not amortized while a loan is classified as held for sale. A sale is recognized only when the consideration received is other than beneficial interests in the assets sold and control over the assets is transferred irrevocably to the buyer. Gains or losses on sales of loans are recognized at the time of sale and are determined by the difference between the net sales proceeds and the allocated basis of the loans sold. ASB is obligated to subsequently repurchase a loan if the purchaser discovers a standard representation or warranty violation such as noncompliance with eligibility requirements, customer fraud or servicing violations. This primarily occurs during a loan file review. ASB considers and records a reserve for loan repurchases if appropriate.

ASB recognizes a mortgage servicing asset when a mortgage loan is sold with servicing rights retained. This mortgage servicing right (MSR) is initially capitalized at its presumed fair value based on market data at the time of sale and accounted for in subsequent periods at the lower of amortized cost or fair value. Mortgage servicing assets or liabilities are included as a component of gain on sale of loans. Under ASC Topic 860, “Transfers and Servicing,” we amortize the MSRs in proportion to and over the period of estimated net servicing income and assess for impairment at each reporting date.

ASB's MSRs are stratified based on predominant risk characteristics of the underlying loans including loan type such as fixed-rate 15 and 30 year mortgages and note rate in bands primarily of 50 to 100 basis points. For each stratum, fair value is calculated by discounting expected net income streams using discount rates that reflect industry pricing for similar assets. Expected net income streams are estimated based on industry assumptions regarding prepayment expectations and income and expenses associated with servicing residential mortgage loans for others.

ASB uses a present value cash flow model using techniques described above to estimate the fair value of MSRs. Because observable market prices with exact terms and conditions may not be readily available, ASB compares the fair value of MSRs to an estimated value calculated by an independent third-party on a semi-annual basis. The third-party relies on both published and unpublished sources of market related assumptions and their own experience and expertise to arrive at a value. ASB uses the third-party value only to assess the reasonableness of fair value generated by the valuation model.

Impairment is recognized through a valuation allowance for each stratum when the carrying amount exceeds fair value, with any associated provision recorded as a component of loan servicing fees included in "Other income, net" in the consolidated statements of income. A direct write-down is recorded when the recoverability of the valuation allowance is deemed to be unrecoverable.

Loan servicing fee income represents income earned for servicing mortgage loans owned by investors. It includes mortgage servicing fees and other ancillary servicing income, net of guaranty fees. Servicing fees are generally calculated on the outstanding principal balances of the loans serviced and are recorded as income when earned.

Tax Credit Investments

ASB invests in limited liability entities formed to operate qualifying affordable housing projects.

The affordable housing investments provide tax benefits to investors in the form of tax deductions from operating losses and tax credits. As a limited partner, ASB has no significant influence over the operations. These investments are initially recorded at the initial capital contribution with a liability recognized for the commitment to contribute additional capital over the term of the investment.

The Company uses the proportional amortization method of accounting for its investments. Under the proportional amortization method, the Company amortizes the cost of its investments in proportion to the tax credits and other tax benefits it receives. The amortization, tax credits and tax benefits are reported as a component of income tax expense. Cash contributions and payments made on commitments to low-income housing tax credit (LIHTC) investments are classified as operating activities in the Company’s consolidated statements of cash flows.

For these limited liability entities, ASB assesses whether it is the primary beneficiary of the limited liability entity, which is a variable interest entity (VIE). The primary beneficiary of a VIE is determined to be the party that meets both of the following criteria: (i) has the power to make decisions that most significantly affect the economic performance of the VIE; and (ii) has the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits that in either case could potentially be significant to the VIE. Generally, ASB, as a limited partner, is not deemed to be the primary beneficiary as it does not meet the power criterion, i.e., no power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance and no direct ability to unilaterally remove the general partner.

All tax credit investments are evaluated for potential impairment at least annually, or more frequently, when events or conditions indicate that it is deemed probable that ASB will not recover its investment. Potential indicators of impairment might arise when there is evidence that some or all tax credits previously claimed would be recaptured, or that expected remaining credits would no longer be available to the limited liability entities. If an investment is determined to be impaired, it is written down to its estimated fair value and the new cost basis of the investment is not adjusted for subsequent recoveries in value. As of December 31, 2016, ASB did not have any impairment losses resulting from forfeiture or ineligibility of tax credits or other circumstances related to its LIHTC investments.