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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2020
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Description of Business and Basis of Presentation
TriCo Bancshares (the “Company” or “we”) is a California corporation organized to act as a bank holding company for Tri Counties Bank (the “Bank”). The Company and the Bank are headquartered in Chico, California. The Bank is a California-chartered bank that is engaged in the general commercial banking business in 29 California counties. The Company has five capital subsidiary business trusts (collectively, the “Capital Trusts”) that issued trust preferred securities, including two organized by the Company and three acquired with the acquisition of North Valley Bancorp.
The consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting policies generally accepted in the United States of America and general practices in the banking industry. All adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of these consolidated financial statements have been included and are of a normal and recurring nature. The financial statements include the accounts of the Company. All inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. For financial reporting purposes, the Company’s investments in the Capital Trusts of $1,727,699 are accounted for under the equity method and, accordingly, are not consolidated and are included in other assets on the consolidated balance sheet. The subordinated debentures issued and guaranteed by the Company and held by the Capital Trusts are reflected as debt on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet.
Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires Management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been condensed or omitted pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 (the “2019 Annual Report”). The Company believes that the disclosures made are adequate to make the information not misleading.
Segment and Significant Group Concentration of Credit Risk
The Company grants agribusiness, commercial, consumer, and residential loans to customers located throughout northern and central California. The Company has a diversified loan portfolio within the business segments located in this geographical area. The Company currently classifies all its operation into one business segment that it denotes as community banking.
Geographical Descriptions
For the purpose of describing the geographical location of the Company’s operations, the Company has defined northern California as that area of California north of, and including, Stockton to the east and San Jose to the west; central California as that area of the state south of Stockton and San Jose, to and including, Bakersfield to the east and San Luis Obispo to the west; and southern California as that area of the state south of Bakersfield and San Luis Obispo.

Reclassification
Some items in the prior year consolidated financial statements were reclassified to conform to the current presentation. Reclassifications had no effect on prior year net income or shareholders’ equity.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Net cash flows are reported for loan and deposit transactions and other borrowings. For purposes of the consolidated statement of cash flows, cash, due from banks with original maturities less than 90 days, interest-earning deposits in other banks, and Federal funds sold are considered to be cash equivalents.
Allowance for Credit Losses - Held to Maturity Securities
The Company measures expected credit losses on held-to-maturity debt securities on a collective basis by major security type, then further disaggregated by sector and bond rating. Accrued interest receivable on held-to-maturity (HTM) debt securities totaled $795,000 at September 30, 2020 and is excluded from the estimate of credit losses. The estimate of expected credit losses considers historical credit loss information that is adjusted for current condition and reasonable and supportable forecasts based on current and expected changes in credit ratings and default rates. Based on the implied guarantees of the U. S. Government or its agencies related to certain of these investment securities, and the absence of any historical or expected losses, substantially all qualify for a zero loss assumption. Management has separately evaluated its HTM investment securities from obligations of state and political subdivisions utilizing the historical loss data represented by similar securities over a period of time spanning nearly 50 years. As a result of this evaluation, management determined that the expected credit losses associated with these securities is not significant for financial reporting purposes and therefore, no allowance for credit losses has been recognized.
Loans
Loans that management has the intent and ability to hold until maturity or payoff are reported at principle amount outstanding, net of deferred loan fees and costs. Loans are placed in nonaccrual status when reasonable doubt exists as to the full, timely collection of interest or principal, or a loan becomes contractually past due by 90 days or more with respect to interest or principal and is not well secured and in the process of collection. When a loan is placed on nonaccrual status, all interest previously accrued but not collected is reversed against interest income. Income on such loans is then recognized only to the extent that cash is received and where the future collection of principal is considered probable. Interest accruals are resumed on such loans only when they are brought fully current with respect to interest and principal and when, in the judgment of Management, the loan is estimated to be fully collectible as to both principal and interest. Accrued interest receivable is not included in the calculation of the allowance for credit losses.
Allowance for Credit Losses - Loans
The allowance for credit losses (ACL) is a valuation account that is deducted from the loan's amortized cost basis to present the net amount expected to be collected on the loans. Loans are charged off against the allowance when management believes the recorded loan balance is confirmed as uncollectible. Expected recoveries do not exceed the aggregate of amounts previously charged-off and expected to be charged-off. Regardless of the determination that a charge-off is appropriate for financial accounting purposes, the Company manages its loan portfolio by continually monitoring, where possible, a borrower's ability to pay through the collection of financial information, delinquency status, borrower discussion and the encouragement to repay in accordance with the original contract or modified terms, if appropriate.
Management estimates the allowance balance using relevant information, from internal and external sources, relating to past events, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. The allowance for credit losses is measured on a collective (pool) basis when similar risk characteristics exist. Historical credit loss experience provides the basis for the estimation of expected credit losses, which captures loan balances as of a point in time to form a cohort, then tracks the respective losses generated by that cohort of loans over the remaining life. The Company identified and accumulated loan cohort historical loss data beginning with the fourth quarter of 2008 and through the current period. In situations where the Company's actual loss history was not statistically relevant, the loss history of peers, defined as financial institutions with assets greater than three billion and less than ten billion, were utilized to create a minimum loss rate. Adjustments to historical loss information are made for differences in relevant current loan-specific risk characteristics, such as historical timing of losses relative to the loan origination. In its loss forecasting framework, the Company incorporates forward-looking information through the use of macroeconomic scenarios applied over the forecasted life of the assets. These macroeconomic scenarios incorporate variables that have historically been key drivers of increases and decreases in credit losses. These variables include, but are not limited to changes in environmental conditions, such as California unemployment rates, household debt levels and U.S. gross domestic product.
A loan is considered to be collateral dependent when repayment is expected to be provided substantially through the operation or sale of the collateral. The ACL on collateral dependent loans is measured using the fair value of the underlying collateral, adjusted for costs to sell when applicable, less the amortized cost basis of the financial asset. If the value of underlying collateral is determined to be less than the recorded amount of the loan, a charge-off will be taken. Loans for which the terms have been modified resulting in a concession, and for which the borrower is experiencing financial difficulties, is considered to be a troubled debt restructuring (TDR). The ACL on a TDR is measured using the same method as all other portfolio loans, except when the value of a concession cannot be measured using a method other than the discounted cash flow method. When the value of a concession is measured using the discounted cash flow method, the ACL is determined by discounting the expected future cash flows at the original interest rate of the loan.
The Company has identified the following portfolio segments to evaluate and measure the allowance for credit loss:
Commercial real estate:
Commercial real estate - Non-owner occupied: These commercial properties typically consist of buildings which are leased to others for their use and rely on rents as the primary source of repayment. Property types are predominantly office, retail, or light industrial but the portfolio also has some special use properties. As such, the risk of loss associated with these properties is primarily driven by general economic changes or changes in regional economies and the impact of such on a tenant’s ability to pay. Ultimately this can affect occupancy, rental rates, or both. Additional risk of loss can come from new construction resulting in oversupply, the costs to hold or operate the property, or changes in interest rates. The terms on these loans at origination typically have maturities from five to ten years with amortization periods from fifteen to thirty years.
Commercial real estate - Owner occupied: These credits are primarily susceptible to changes in the financial condition of the business operated by the property owner. This may be driven by changes in, among other things, industry challenges, factors unique to the operating geography of the borrower, change in the individual fortunes of the business owner, general economic conditions and changes in business cycles. When default is driven by issues related specifically to the business owner, collateral values tend to provide better repayment support and may result in little or no loss. Alternatively, when default is driven more by general economic conditions, the underlying collateral may have devalued more and thus result in larger losses in the event of default. The terms on these loans at origination typically have maturities from five to ten years with amortization periods from fifteen to thirty years.
Multifamily: These commercial properties are generally comprised of more than four rentable units, such as apartment buildings, with each unit intended to be occupied as the primary residence for one or more persons. Multifamily properties are also subject to changes in general or regional economic conditions, such as unemployment, ultimately resulting in increased vacancy rates or reduced rents or both. In addition, new construction can create an oversupply condition and market competition resulting in increased vacancy, reduced market rents, or both. Due to the nature of their use and the greater likelihood of tenant turnover, the management of these properties is more intensive and therefore is more critical to the preclusion of loss.
Farmland: While the Company has few loans that were originated for the purpose of the acquisition of these commercial properties, loans secured by farmland represent unique risks that are associated with the operation of an agricultural businesses. The valuation of farmland can vary greatly over time based on the property's access to resources including but not limited to water, crop prices, foreign exchange rates, government regulation or restrictions, and the nature of ongoing capital investment needed to maintain the quality of the property. Loans secured by farmland typically represent less risk to the Company than other agriculture loans as the real estate typically provides greater support in the event of default or need for longer term repayment.
Consumer loans:
SFR 1-4 1st DT Liens: The most significant drivers of potential loss within the Company's residential real estate portfolio relate general, regional, or individual changes in economic conditions and their effect on employment and borrowers cash flow. Risk in this portfolio is best measured by changes in borrower credit score and loan-to-value. Loss estimates are based on the general movement in credit score, economic outlook and its effects on employment and the value of homes and the Bank’s historical loss experience adjusted to reflect the economic outlook and the unemployment rate.
SFR HELOCs and Junior Liens: Similar to residential real estate term loans, HELOCs and junior liens performance is also primarily driven by borrower cash flows based on employment status. However, HELOCs carry additional risks associated with the fact that most of these loans are secured by a deed of trust in a position that is junior to the primary lien holder. Furthermore, the risk that as the borrower's financial strength deteriorates, the outstanding balance on these credit lines may increase as they may only be canceled by the Company if certain limited criteria are met. In addition to the allowance for credit losses maintained as a percent of the outstanding loan balance, the Company maintains additional reserves for the unfunded portion of the HELOC.
Other: The majority of consumer loans are secured by automobiles, with the remainder primarily unsecured revolving debt (credit cards). These loans are susceptible to three primary risks; non-payment due to income loss, over-extension of credit and, when the borrower is unable to pay, shortfall in collateral value, if any. Typically non-payment is due to loss of job and will follow general economic trends in the marketplace driven primarily by rises in the unemployment rate. Loss of collateral value can be due to market demand shifts, damage to collateral itself or a combination of those factors. Credit card loans are unsecured and while collection efforts are pursued in the event of default, there is typically limited opportunity for recovery. Loss estimates are based on the general movement in credit score, economic outlook and its effects on employment and the Bank’s historical loss experience adjusted to reflect the economic outlook and the unemployment rate.
Commercial and Industrial:
Repayment of these loans is primarily based on the cash flow of the borrower, and secondarily on the underlying collateral provided by the borrower. A borrower's cash flow may be unpredictable, and collateral securing these loans may fluctuate in value. Most often, collateral includes accounts receivable, inventory, or equipment. Collateral securing these loans may depreciate over time, may
be difficult to appraise, may be illiquid and may fluctuate in value based on the success of the business. Actual and forecast changes in gross domestic product are believed to be corollary to losses associated with these credits.
Construction:
While secured by real estate, construction loans represent a greater level of risk than term real estate loans due to the nature of the additional risks associated with the not only the completion of construction within an estimated time period and budget, but also the need to either sell the building or reach a level of stabilized occupancy sufficient to generate the cash flows necessary to support debt service and operating costs. The Company seeks to mitigate the additional risks associated with construction lending by requiring borrowers to comply with lower loan to value ratios and additional covenants as well as strong tertiary support of guarantors. The loss forecasting model applies the historical rate of loss for similar loans over the expected life of the asset as adjusted for macroeconomic factors.
Agriculture Production:
Repayment of agricultural loans is dependent upon successful operation of the agricultural business, which is greatly impacted by factors outside the control of the borrower. These factors include adverse weather conditions, including access to water, that may impact crop yields, loss of livestock due to disease or other factors, declines in market prices for agriculture products, changes in foreign exchange, and the impact of government regulations. In addition, many farms are dependent on a limited number of key individuals whose injury or death may significantly affect the successful operation of the business. Consequently, agricultural production loans may involve a greater degree of risk than other types of loans.
Leases:
The loss forecasting model applies the historical rate of loss for similar loans over the expected life of the asset. Leases typically represent an elevated level of credit risk as compared to loans secured by real estate as the collateral for leases is often subject to a more rapid rate of depreciation or depletion. The ultimate severity of loss is impacted by the type of collateral securing the exposure, the size of the exposure, the borrower’s industry sector, any guarantors and the geographic market. Assumptions of expected loss are conditioned to the economic outlook and the other variables discussed above.
Unfunded commitments:
The estimated credit losses associated with these unfunded lending commitments is calculated using the same models and methodologies noted above and incorporate utilization assumptions at time of default. The reserve for unfunded commitments is maintained on the consolidated balance sheet in other liabilities.

Accounting Standards Adopted in 2020
On January 1, 2020, the Company adopted ASU 2016-03 Financial Instruments — Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, which replaces the incurred loss methodology that is referred to as the current expected credit loss (CECL) methodology. The measurement of expected credit losses under the CECL methodology is applicable to financial assets measured at amortized costs, including loan receivables and held-to-maturity debt securities. It also applies to off-balance sheet credit exposures not accounted for as insurance (loan commitments, standby letters of credit, financial guarantees, and other similar instruments) and net investments in certain leases. In addition, ASC 326 made changes to the accounting for available for sale debt securities. One such change is to require increases or decreases in credit losses be presented as an allowance rather than as a write-down on available for sale debt securities, based on management's intent to sell the security or likelihood the Company will be required to sell the security, before recovery of the amortized cost basis.
The Company adopted ASC 326 using the modified retrospective method for all financial assets measured at amortized cost and off-balance sheet credit exposures. Results for the reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2020 are presented under ASC 326 while prior period amounts continue to be reported in accordance with previously applicable GAAP. The Company adopted ASC 326 using the prospective transition approach for financial assets purchased with credit deterioration (PCD) that were previously classified as purchase credit impaired (PCI) and accounted for under ASC 310-30. In accordance with ASC 326, management did not reassess whether PCI assets met the criteria of PCD assets as of the date of adoption. The remaining noncredit discount (based on the adjusted amortized costs basis) will be accreted into interest income at the effective interest rate as of adoption. The Company recognized an increase in the ACL for loans totaling $18,913,000, including a reclassification of $481,000 from discounts on acquired loans to the allowance for credit losses, as a cumulative effect adjustment from change in accounting policies, with a corresponding decrease in retained earnings, net of $5,449,000 in taxes of $12,983,000. Management has separately evaluated its held-to-maturity investment securities from obligations of state and political subdivisions and determined that no loss reserves were required.
On January 1, 2020 the Company adopted ASU 2017-04, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other: Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment (Topic 350), which eliminates step two of the goodwill impairment test (the hypothetical purchase price allocation used to determine the implied fair value of goodwill) when step one (determining if the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value) is failed. Instead, entities simply will compare the fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying amount and record goodwill impairment for the amount by
which the reporting unit’s carrying amount exceeds its fair value. There was no goodwill impairment recorded during the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2020.
On March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) was enacted in response to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The CARES Act provides optional temporary relief from troubled debt restructuring and impairment accounting requirements for loan modifications related to the COVID-19 pandemic made during the period from March 1, 2020 to the earlier of December 31, 2020 or 60 days after the national emergency concerning COVID-19 declared by the President terminates. Following the passage of the CARES Act legislation, the "Interagency Statement on Loan Modifications and Reporting for Financial Institutions Working with Customers Affected by the Coronavirus" was issued by federal bank regulators, which similarly offers temporary relief from troubled debt restructuring accounting for loan payment deferrals for certain customers whose businesses are experiencing economic hardship due to Coronavirus. The Interagency Statement requires the modification event to be short-term and COVID-19 related, requiring the borrower be not more than 30 days past due as of the date the modification program was implemented, and allowing Management to apply judgement as when the modification program terminates. The ability to suspend TDR accounting under either program does not apply to any adverse impact on the credit of a borrower that is not related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Accounting Standards Pending Adoption
FASB issued ASU 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes. This ASU simplifies the accounting for income taxes by removing certain exceptions to the general principles in Topic 740. The guidance also promotes consistent application and simplification of GAAP for other areas of Topic 740 by clarifying and amending existing guidance. ASU No. 2019-12 will be effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2021 and is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
FASB issued ASU 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting. This ASU provides temporary optional guidance to ease the potential burden in accounting for reference rate reform by providing optional expedients and exceptions for applying generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) to contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions affected if certain criteria are met. The amendments in this Update apply only to contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions that reference LIBOR or another reference rate expected to be discontinued because of reference rate reform. The election to apply the optional relief for existing fair value and cash flow hedge accounting relationships may be made on a hedge-by-hedge basis and across multiple reporting periods. Amendments in this ASU are effective for the Company through December 31, 2022. As the Company has an insignificant number of instruments that are applicable to this ASU, management has determined that no impact to the valuations of these instruments are applicable for financial reporting purposes.