Business: The Corporation is a financial holding company that provides a full range of banking and financial services to businesses and consumers through its wholly owned banking subsidiary, Fulton Bank. In addition, the Parent Company owns the following non-bank subsidiaries: Fulton Financial Realty Company, Central Pennsylvania Financial Corp., FFC Management, Inc., FFC Penn Square, Inc. and Fulton Insurance Services Group, Inc. Collectively, the Parent Company and its subsidiaries are referred to as the Corporation.

The Corporation’s primary sources of revenue are interest income on loans, investment securities and other interest-earning assets and fee income earned on its products and services. Its expenses consist of interest expense on deposits and borrowed funds, provision for credit losses, other operating expenses and income taxes. The Corporation’s primary competition is other financial services providers operating in its region. Competitors also include financial services providers located outside the Corporation’s geographic market as a result of the growth in electronic delivery channels. The Corporation is subject to the regulations of certain federal and state agencies and undergoes periodic examinations by such regulatory agencies.

The Corporation offers, through its banking subsidiary, a full range of retail and commercial banking services in Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey and Virginia. Industry diversity is the key to the economic well-being of these markets, and the Corporation is not dependent upon any single customer or industry.

Basis of Financial Statement Presentation: The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with GAAP and include the accounts of the Parent Company and all wholly owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. The preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosed amount of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The Corporation evaluates subsequent events through the date of the filing of this report with the SEC.

Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash: Cash and cash equivalents consists of cash and due from banks and interest bearing deposits with other banks, which includes restricted cash. Restricted cash comprises cash balances required to be maintained with the FRB, based on customer transaction deposit account levels, and cash balances provided as collateral on derivative contracts and other contracts. See Note 2, "Restrictions on Cash and Cash Equivalents" for additional information.

FRB and FHLB Stock: The Bank is a member of the FRB and FHLB and is required by federal law to hold stock in these institutions according to predetermined formulas. These restricted investments are carried at cost on the consolidated balance sheets and are periodically evaluated for impairment.

Investments: Debt securities are classified as HTM at the time of purchase when the Corporation has both the intent and ability to hold these investments until they mature. Such debt securities are carried at cost, adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts using the effective yield method. The Corporation does not engage in trading activities; however, since the investment portfolio serves as a source of liquidity, most debt securities are classified as AFS. AFS securities are carried at estimated fair value with the related unrealized holding gains and losses reported in shareholders’ equity as a component of OCI, net of tax. Realized securities gains and losses are computed using the specific identification method and are recorded on a trade date basis.

The Corporation early adopted ASU 2019-04, "Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses, Topic 815, Derivative and Hedging, and Topic 825, Financial Instruments," in the third quarter of 2019, which permitted the one-time reclassification of certain HTM securities to AFS under Topic 815, specific to the transition guidance of ASU update 2017-12, which the Corporation adopted on January 1, 2019. See “Note 3 - Investment Securities” for additional information on this reclassification. The portion of this standards update related to codification improvements specific to Topic 326 was implemented with the Corporation’s adoption of ASU 2016-13 in the first quarter of 2020.

HTM Debt Securities: Expected credit losses on HTM debt securities would be recorded in the ACL on HTM debt securities. As of December 31, 2021, no HTM debt securities required an ACL as these investments consist solely of government guaranteed residential mortgage-backed securities.

AFS Debt Securities: The ACL approach for AFS debt securities differs from the approach used for HTM debt securities as AFS debt securities are carried at fair value rather than amortized cost. In evaluating credit losses on AFS debt securities, management considers factors such as delinquency, guarantees and whether the securities are rated higher than investment grade. As of December 31, 2021, no AFS debt securities required an ACL.

Fair Value Option: The Corporation has elected to measure mortgage loans held for sale at fair value. Derivative financial instruments related to mortgage banking activities are also recorded at fair value, as detailed under the heading "Derivative Financial Instruments," below. The Corporation determines fair value for its mortgage loans held for sale based on the price that secondary market investors would pay for loans with similar characteristics, including interest rate and term, as of the date fair value is measured. Changes in fair values during the period are recorded as components of mortgage banking income on the consolidated statements of income. Interest income earned on mortgage loans held for sale is classified in interest income on the consolidated statements of income.

In general, loans are placed on non-accrual status once they become 90 days delinquent as to principal or interest. In certain cases a loan may be placed on non-accrual status prior to being 90 days delinquent if there is an indication that the borrower is having difficulty making payments, or the Corporation believes it is probable that all amounts will not be collected according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. When interest accruals are discontinued, unpaid interest previously credited to income is reversed. Non-accrual loans may be restored to accrual status when all delinquent principal and interest has been paid currently for six consecutive months or the loan is considered secured and in the process of collection. The Corporation generally applies payments received on non-accruing loans to principal until such time as the principal is paid off, after which time any payments received are recognized as interest income. If the Corporation believes that all amounts outstanding on a non-accrual loan will ultimately be collected, payments received subsequent to its classification as a non-accrual loan are allocated between interest income and principal.

A loan that is 90 days delinquent may continue to accrue interest if the loan is both adequately secured and is in the process of collection. Past due status is determined based on contractual due dates for loan payments. An adequately secured loan is one that has collateral with a supported fair value that is sufficient to discharge the debt, and/or has an enforceable guarantee from a financially responsible party. A loan is considered to be in the process of collection if collection is proceeding through legal action or through other activities that are reasonably expected to result in repayment of the debt or restoration to current status in the near future.

estate. All other loans are evaluated for possible charge-off when it is probable that the balance will not be collected, based on the ability of the borrower to pay and the value of the underlying collateral, if any. Principal recoveries of loans previously charged-off are recorded as increases to the ACL.

Loan Origination Fees and Costs: Loan origination fees and the related direct origination costs are deferred and amortized over the life of the loan as an adjustment to interest income using the effective yield method. For mortgage loans sold, net loan origination fees and costs are included in the gain or loss on sale of the related loan, as components of mortgage banking.

Loan origination fees and the related direct origination costs for loans originated under the PPP loan program are amortized on a straight-line basis over the repayment period of the loan. To the extent that a PPP loan is forgiven, the unamortized fees and costs will be recognized as interest income at the time of forgiveness.

Troubled Debt Restructurings: Loans are accounted for and reported as TDRs when, for economic or legal reasons, the Corporation grants a concession to a borrower experiencing financial difficulty that it would not otherwise consider. Concessions, whether negotiated or imposed by bankruptcy, granted under a TDR typically involve a temporary deferral of scheduled loan payments, an extension of a loan’s stated maturity date or a reduction in the interest rate. Non-accrual TDRs can be restored to accrual status if principal and interest payments, under the modified terms, are current for six consecutive months after modification.

On March 27, 2020 the CARES Act was signed into law. The CARES Act includes an option for financial institutions to suspend the requirements of GAAP for certain loan modifications that would otherwise be categorized as a TDR. Certain conditions must be met with respect to the loan modification including that the modification is related to COVID-19 and the modified loan was not more than 30 days past due on December 31, 2019. On December 27, 2020, the 2021 Consolidated Appropriations Act was signed into law and this Act extended the relief for TDR treatment until January 1, 2022, when it expired. The Corporation is applying the option under the CARES act for all loan modifications that qualify.

On January 1, 2020, the Corporation adopted ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (ASC Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, which replaced the incurred loss methodology, and is referred to as CECL. The measurement of expected credit losses under CECL is applicable to financial assets measured at amortized cost, including loans and HTM debt securities. It also applies to OBS credit exposures, such as loan commitments, standby letters of credit, financial guarantees, and other similar instruments, and net investments in leases recognized by a lessor in accordance with ASC Topic 842.

The Corporation adopted CECL using the modified retrospective method for all financial assets measured at amortized cost, net investments in leases and OBS credit exposures. Results for reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2020 are presented under CECL, while prior period results are reported in accordance with the previously applicable incurred loss methodology, ASC 310-10 and ASC 450-20. The Corporation recorded an increase of $58.3 million to the ACL on January 1, 2020 as a result of the adoption of CECL. Retained earnings decreased $43.8 million, and DTAs increased by $12.4 million. Included in the $58.3 million increase to the ACL was $2.1 million for certain OBS credit exposures that was previously recognized in other liabilities before the adoption of CECL.

Loans: The ACL for loans is an estimate of the expected losses to be realized over the life of the loans in the portfolio. The ACL is determined for two distinct categories of loans: 1) loans evaluated collectively for expected credit losses and 2) loans evaluated individually for expected credit losses.

Loans Evaluated Collectively: Loans evaluated collectively for expected credit losses include loans on accrual status, excluding accruing TDRs, and loans initially evaluated individually, but determined not to have enhanced credit risk characteristics. This category includes loans on non-accrual status and TDRs where the total commitment amount is less than $1 million. The ACL is estimated by applying a PD and LGD to the EAD at the loan level. In order to determine the PD, LGD, and EAD calculation inputs:

•The loan segment PD rates are estimated using six econometric regression models that use the Corporation’s historical credit loss experience and incorporate reasonable and supportable economic forecasts for various macroeconomic variables that are statistically correlated with expected loss behavior in the loan segment.

•The reasonable and supportable forecast for each macroeconomic variable is sourced from an external third party and is applied over the contractual term of the Corporation’s loan portfolio. The Corporation’s economic forecast considers the general health of the economy, the interest rate environment, real estate pricing and market risk.

•To calculate the EAD, the corporation estimates contractual cash flows over the remaining life of each loan. Certain cash flow assumptions are established for each loan using maturity date, amortization schedule and interest rate. In addition, a prepayment rate is used in determining the EAD estimate.

Loans Evaluated Individually: Loans evaluated individually for expected credit losses include loans on non-accrual status and TDRs where the commitment amount equals or exceeds $1.0 million. The required ACL for such loans is determined using either the present value of expected future cash flows, observable market price or the fair value of collateral.

Loans evaluated individually may have specific allocations of the ACL assigned if the measured value of the loan using one of the noted techniques is less than its current carrying value. For loans measured using the fair value of collateral, if the analysis determines that sufficient collateral value would be available for repayment of the debt, then no allocations would be assigned to those loans. Collateral could be in the form of real estate or business assets, such as accounts receivable or inventory, in the case of commercial and industrial loans. Commercial and industrial loans may also be secured by real estate.

For loans secured by real estate, estimated fair values are determined primarily through appraisals performed by third-party appraisers, discounted to arrive at expected net sale proceeds. For collateral dependent loans, estimated real estate fair values are also net of estimated selling costs. When a real estate secured loan is impaired, a decision is made regarding whether an updated appraisal of the real estate is necessary. This decision is based on various considerations, including: the age of the most recent appraisal; the loan-to-value ratio based on the original appraisal; the condition of the property; the Corporation’s experience and knowledge of the real estate market; the purpose of the loan; market factors; payment status; the strength of any guarantors; and the existence and age of other indications of value such as broker price opinions, among others. The Corporation generally obtains updated appraisals performed by third-party appraisers for impaired loans secured predominantly by real estate every 12 months.

When updated appraisals are not obtained for loans secured by real estate, fair values are estimated based on the original appraisal values, as long as the original appraisal indicated an acceptable loan-to-value position and there has not been a significant deterioration in the collateral value since the original appraisal was performed.

For loans with principal balances greater than or equal to $1.0 million secured by non-real estate collateral, such as accounts receivable or inventory, estimated fair values are determined based on borrower financial statements, inventory listings, accounts receivable agings or borrowing base certificates. Indications of value from these sources are generally discounted based on the age of the financial information or the quality of the assets. Liquidation or collection discounts are applied to these assets based upon existing loan evaluation policies.

Management regularly reviews loans in the portfolio to assess credit quality indicators and to determine appropriate loan classification. For commercial loans, commercial mortgages and construction loans to commercial borrowers, an internal risk rating process is used. The Corporation believes that internal risk ratings are the most relevant credit quality indicator for these types of loans. The migration of loans through the various internal risk rating categories is a significant component of the ACL methodology for these loans, which bases the PD on this migration. Assigning risk ratings involves judgment. Risk ratings may be changed based on ongoing monitoring procedures, or if specific loan review assessments identify a deterioration or an improvement in the loan.

The allocation of the ACL is reviewed to evaluate its appropriateness in relation to the overall risk profile of the loan portfolio. The Corporation considers risk factors such as: local and national economic conditions; trends in delinquencies and non-accrual loans; the diversity of borrower industry types; and the composition of the portfolio by loan type.

Qualitative and Other Adjustments to ACL: In addition to the quantitative credit loss estimates for loans evaluated collectively, qualitative factors that may not be fully captured in the quantitative results are also evaluated. These qualitative factors include changes in lending policy, the nature and volume of the portfolio, overall business conditions in the economy, credit concentrations, specific industry risks, model imprecision and legal and regulatory requirements. Qualitative adjustments are judgmental and are based on management’s knowledge of the portfolio and the markets in which the Corporation operates. Qualitative adjustments are evaluated and approved on a quarterly basis. Additionally, the ACL includes other allowance categories that are not directly incorporated in the quantitative results. These categories include but are not limited to loans-in-process, trade acceptances and overdrafts.

OBS Credit Exposures: The ACL for OBS credit exposures is recorded in other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. This portion of the ACL represents management’s estimate of expected losses in its unfunded loan commitments and other OBS credit exposures. The ACL specific to unfunded commitments is determined by estimating future draws and applying the expected loss rates on those draws. Future draws are based on historical averages of utilization rates (i.e., the likelihood of draws taken). The ACL for OBS credit exposures is increased or decreased by charges or reductions to expense, through the provision for credit losses.

reduction to loans. The ACL for unfunded commitments represents management’s estimate of incurred losses in its unfunded loan commitments and other off-balance sheet credit exposures, such as letters of credit, and is recorded in other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. The ACL is increased by charges to expense, through the provision for credit losses, and decreased by charge-offs, net of recoveries.

A loan is considered to be impaired if it is probable that all amounts will not be collected according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. An allowance for loan losses is established for an impaired loan if its carrying value exceeds its estimated fair value.

All loans not evaluated for impairment under ASC Section 310-10-35 are evaluated for impairment under ASC Subtopic 450-20, using a pooled loss evaluation approach. Loans are segmented into pools with similar characteristics and a consistently developed loss factor is then applied to all loans in these pools. The Corporation calculates allowance for loan loss allocation needs for loans evaluated under ASC Subtopic 450-20 through the following procedures:

The loans are segmented into pools with similar characteristics, as noted above. Commercial loans, commercial mortgages and construction loans to commercial borrowers are further segmented into separate pools based on internally assigned risk ratings. Residential mortgages, home equity loans, consumer loans, and equipment lease financing are further segmented into separate pools based on delinquency status;

The allocation of the ACL for loans is reviewed to evaluate its appropriateness in relation to the overall risk profile of the loan portfolio. The Corporation considers risk factors such as: local and national economic conditions; trends in delinquencies and non-accrual loans; the diversity of borrower industry types; and the composition of the portfolio by loan type.

Premises and Equipment: Premises and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization. The provision for depreciation and amortization is generally computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets, which are a maximum of 50 years for buildings and improvements, 8 years for furniture and 5 years for equipment. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the useful life or the non-cancelable lease term. See Note 5, "Premises and Equipment" for additional information.

OREO: Assets acquired in settlement of mortgage loan indebtedness are recorded as OREO and are included in other assets on the consolidated balance sheets, initially at the lower of the estimated fair value of the asset, less estimated selling costs, or the carrying amount of the loan. Costs to maintain the assets and subsequent gains and losses on sales are included in other non-interest expense on the consolidated statements of income.

MSRs: The estimated fair value of MSRs related to residential mortgage loans sold and serviced by the Corporation is recorded as an asset upon the sale of such loans. MSRs are amortized as a reduction to mortgage servicing income, included as a component of mortgage banking income on the consolidated statements of income, over the estimated lives of the underlying loans.

MSRs are stratified and evaluated for impairment by comparing each stratum's carrying amount to its estimated fair value. Fair values are determined through a discounted cash flows valuation completed by a third-party valuation expert. Significant inputs to the valuation include expected net servicing income, the discount rate and the expected lives of the underlying loans. Expected life is based on the contractual terms of the loans, as adjusted for prepayment projections. To the extent the amortized cost of the MSRs exceeds their estimated fair value, a valuation allowance is established through a charge against servicing income. If subsequent valuations indicate that impairment no longer exists, the valuation allowance is reduced through an increase to servicing income. See Note 7, "Mortgage Servicing Rights" for additional information.

Derivative Financial Instruments: The Corporation manages its exposure to certain interest rate and foreign currency risks through the use of derivatives. Certain of the Corporation's outstanding derivative contracts are designated as hedges, and none are entered into for speculative purposes. The Corporation enters into derivative contracts that are intended to economically hedge certain of its risks, even if hedge accounting does not apply or the Corporation elects not to apply hedge accounting.

The Corporation records all derivatives on the balance sheet at fair value. The accounting for changes in the fair value of derivatives depends on the intended use of the derivative, whether the Corporation has elected to designate a derivative in a hedging relationship and apply hedge accounting and whether the hedging relationship has satisfied the criteria necessary to apply hedge accounting. Derivatives designated and qualifying as a hedge of the exposure to changes in the fair value of an asset, liability, or firm commitment attributable to a particular risk, such as interest rate risk, are considered fair value hedges. The Corporation does not have any derivative instruments designated as fair value hedges. Derivatives designated and qualifying as a hedge of the exposure to variability in expected future cash flows, or other types of forecasted transactions, are considered cash flow hedges. For derivatives designated as cash flow hedges where hedge accounting is applied, changes in fair value are recognized in other comprehensive income. For derivatives where hedge accounting does not apply, changes in fair value are recognized in earnings as components of non-interest income or non-interest expense on the consolidated statements of income.

Derivative contracts create counterparty credit risk with both the Corporation's customers and with institutional derivative counterparties. The Corporation manages counterparty credit risk through its credit approval processes, monitoring procedures and obtaining adequate collateral, when the Corporation determines it is appropriate to do so and in accordance with counterparty contracts.

For each of the derivatives, gross derivative assets and liabilities are recorded in other assets and other liabilities, respectively, on the consolidated balance sheets. Related gains and losses on these derivative instruments are recorded in other changes, net on the consolidated statement of cash flows.

In connection with its mortgage banking activities, the Corporation enters into commitments to originate certain fixed-rate residential mortgage loans for customers, also referred to as interest rate locks. In addition, the Corporation enters into forward commitments for the future sales or purchases of mortgage-backed securities to or from third-party counterparties to hedge the effect of changes in interest rates on the values of both the interest rate locks and mortgage loans held for sale. Forward sales commitments may also be in the form of commitments to sell individual mortgage loans at a fixed price at a future date. The amount necessary to settle each interest rate lock is based on the price that secondary market investors would pay for loans with similar characteristics, including interest rate and term, as of the date fair value is measured.

The Corporation enters into interest rate swaps with certain qualifying commercial loan customers to meet their interest rate risk management needs. The Corporation simultaneously enters into interest rate swaps with dealer counterparties, with identical notional amounts and terms. The net result of these interest rate swaps is that the customer pays a fixed rate of interest and the Corporation receives a floating rate. As the interest rate derivatives associated with this program do not meet hedge accounting requirements, changes in the fair value of both the customer derivatives and the offsetting derivatives are recognized directly in earnings.

The Corporation’s existing credit derivatives result from participation in interest rate swaps provided by external lenders as part of loan participation arrangements and, therefore, are not used to manage interest rate risk in the Corporation’s assets or liabilities. Derivatives not designated as hedges are not speculative and result from a service the Corporation provides to certain lenders participating in loans.

The Corporation’s objectives in using interest rate derivatives are to reduce volatility in net interest income and to manage its exposure to interest rate movements. To accomplish this objective, the Corporation primarily uses interest rate swaps as part of its interest rate risk management strategy. During the first quarter of 2021, the Corporation entered into interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges to hedge the variable cash flows associated with existing floating rate loans. These hedge contracts involve the receipt of fixed-rate amounts from a counterparty in exchange for the Corporation making floating-rate payments over the life of the agreements without exchange of the underlying notional amount.

For derivatives designated and that qualify as cash flow hedges of interest rate risk, the unrealized gain or loss on the derivative is recorded in AOCI and subsequently reclassified into interest income in the same period during which the hedged transaction

The Corporation enters into foreign exchange contracts to accommodate the needs of its customers. Foreign exchange contracts are commitments to buy or sell foreign currency on a specific date at a contractual price. The Corporation limits its foreign exchange exposure with customers by entering into contracts with institutional counterparties to mitigate its foreign exchange risk. The Corporation also holds certain amounts of Foreign Currency Nostro Accounts. The Corporation limits the total overnight net foreign currency open positions, which is defined as an aggregate of all outstanding contracts and Foreign Currency Nostro Account balances, to $500,000. See "Note 10 - Derivative Financial Instruments" for additional information.

Balance Sheet Offsetting: Certain financial assets and liabilities may be eligible for offset on the consolidated balance sheets because they are subject to master netting arrangements or similar agreements. The Corporation has elected to net its financial assets and liabilities designated as cash flow hedges when offsetting is permitted. The Corporation has elected not to offset the remaining assets and liabilities subject to such arrangements on the consolidated financial statements.

The Corporation is a party to interest rate swaps with financial institution counterparties and customers. Under these agreements, the Corporation has the right to net-settle multiple contracts with the same counterparty in the event of default on, or termination of, any one contract. Cash collateral is posted by the party with a net liability position in accordance with contract thresholds and can be used to settle the fair value of the interest rate swaps in the event of default. A daily settlement occurs through a clearing agent for changes in the fair value of centrally cleared derivatives. Not all of the derivatives are required to be cleared through a daily clearing agent. As a result, the total fair values of interest rate swap derivative assets and derivative liabilities recognized on the consolidated balance sheets are not equal and offsetting.

The Corporation is also a party to foreign exchange contracts with financial institution counterparties under which the Corporation has the right to net-settle multiple contracts with the same counterparty in the event of default on, or termination of, any one contract. As with interest rate swaps, cash collateral is posted by the party with a net liability position in accordance with contract thresholds and can be used to settle the fair value of the foreign exchange contracts in the event of default.

Income Taxes: The Corporation utilizes the asset and liability method in accounting for income taxes. Under this method, DTAs and deferred tax liabilities are determined based upon the difference between the values of the assets and liabilities as reflected in the financial statements and their related tax basis using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to be recovered or settled. As changes in tax law or rates are enacted, DTAs and deferred tax liabilities are adjusted through the provision for income taxes. In assessing the realizability of DTAs, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the DTAs will not be realized. The ultimate realization of DTAs is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income and tax planning strategies which will create taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, the amount of taxes paid in available carryback years, projected future taxable income, and, if necessary, tax planning strategies in making this assessment. A valuation allowance is provided against DTAs unless it is more likely than not that such DTAs will be realized.

ASC Topic 740, "Income Taxes" creates a single model to address uncertainty in tax positions, and clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise's financial statements by prescribing the minimum recognition threshold a tax position is required to meet before being recognized in an enterprise's financial statements. It also provides guidance on derecognition, measurement, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition. The liability for unrecognized tax benefits is included in other liabilities within the consolidated balance sheets.

The Corporation also grants equity awards to non-employee members of its board of directors and subsidiary bank board of directors under the Directors' Plan. Under the Directors’ Plan, the Corporation can grant equity awards to non-employee holding company and subsidiary bank directors in the form of stock options, restricted stock, RSUs or common stock. Recent grants of equity awards under the Directors’ Plan have been limited to RSUs.

Equity awards issued under the Employee Equity Plan are generally granted annually and become fully vested over or after a three-year vesting period. The vesting period for non-performance-based awards represents the period during which employees are required to provide service in exchange for such awards. Equity awards under the Directors' Plan are generally granted annually and become fully vested after a one-year vesting period. Certain events, as defined in the Employee Equity Plan and the Directors' Plan, result in the acceleration of the vesting of equity awards. Restricted stock, RSUs and PSUs earn dividends during the vesting period, which are forfeitable if the awards do not vest.

The fair value of stock options, restricted stock and RSUs granted to employees or directors is recognized as compensation expense over the vesting period for such awards. Compensation expense for PSUs is also recognized over the vesting period, however, compensation expense for PSUs may vary based on the expectations for actual performance relative to defined performance measures.

The fair value of restricted stock, RSUs and a majority of PSUs are based on the trading price of the Corporation's stock on the date of grant. The fair value of certain PSUs are estimated through the use of the Monte Carlo valuation methodology as of the date of grant. See Note 15, "Stock-Based Compensation Plans" for additional information. The Corporation has not issued stock options since 2014 and accordingly, there is no compensation expense for this instrument.

Financial Guarantees: Financial guarantees, which consist primarily of standby and commercial letters of credit, are accounted for by recognizing a liability equal to the fair value of the guarantees and crediting the liability to income over the term of the guarantee. Fair value is estimated based on the fees currently charged to enter into similar agreements with similar terms.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets: The Corporation accounts for its acquisitions using the purchase accounting method. Purchase accounting requires that all assets acquired and liabilities assumed, including certain intangible assets that must be recognized, be recorded at their estimated fair values as of the acquisition date. Any purchase price exceeding the fair value of net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill.

Goodwill is not amortized to expense, but is evaluated for impairment at least annually. Write-downs of the balance, if necessary as a result of the impairment test, are charged to expense in the period in which goodwill is determined to be impaired. The Corporation performs its annual assessment of goodwill impairment in the fourth quarter of each year. If certain events occur which indicate goodwill might be impaired between annual assessments, goodwill would be evaluated when such events occur.

Intangible assets are amortized over their estimated lives. Some intangible assets have indefinite lives and are, therefore, not amortized. All intangible assets must be evaluated for impairment if certain events occur. Any impairment write-downs are recognized as non-interest expense on the consolidated statements of income. See "Note 6 - Goodwill and Intangible Assets," for additional details.

Variable Interest Entities ("VIEs"): ASC Topic 810 provides guidance on when to consolidate certain VIEs in the financial statements of the Corporation. VIEs are entities in which equity investors do not have a controlling financial interest or do not have sufficient equity at risk for the entity to finance activities without additional financial support from other parties. VIEs are assessed for consolidation under ASC Topic 810 when the Corporation holds variable interests in these entities. The Corporation consolidates VIEs when it is deemed to be the primary beneficiary. The primary beneficiary of a VIE is determined to be the party that has the power to make decisions that most significantly affect the economic performance of the VIE and has the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits that in either case could potentially be significant to the VIE.

The Parent Company owns all of the common stock of three subsidiary trusts, which have issued securities (TruPS) in conjunction with the Parent Company issuing junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures to the trusts. The terms of the junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures are the same as the terms of the TruPS. The Parent Company’s obligations under the debentures constitute a full and unconditional guarantee by the Parent Company of the obligations of the trusts. The provisions of ASC Topic 810 related to subsidiary trusts, as interpreted by the SEC, disallow consolidation of subsidiary trusts in the financial statements of the Corporation. As a result, TruPS are not included on the Corporation’s consolidated balance sheets. The junior subordinated debentures issued by the Parent Company to the subsidiary trusts, which have the same total balance and rate as the combined equity securities and TruPS issued by the subsidiary trusts, remain in long-term borrowings. See "Note 9 - Short-Term and Long-Term Borrowings" for additional information.

The Corporation makes investments in certain community development projects, the majority of which generate tax credits under various federal programs, including qualified affordable housing projects, NMTC projects and historic rehabilitation projects (collectively, TCIs). These investments are made throughout the Corporation's market area as a means of supporting the communities it serves. The Corporation typically acts as a limited partner or member of a limited liability company in its TCIs and does not exert control over the operating or financial policies of the partnership or limited liability company. Tax credits earned are subject to recapture by federal taxing authorities based upon compliance requirements to be met at the project level.

Because the Corporation owns 100% of the equity interests in its NMTC, these investments were consolidated based on ASC Topic 810 as of December 31, 2021 and 2020. Investments in affordable housing projects were not consolidated based on management's assessment of the provisions of ASC Topic 810.

TCIs are tested for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that the carrying amount of the investment will not be realized. An impairment loss is measured as the amount by which the current carrying value exceeds its aggregated remaining value of the tax benefits of the investment. There were no impairment losses recognized for the Corporation’s TCIs in 2021, 2020 or 2019. For additional details, see "Note 12 - Income Taxes."

•Level 2 - Inputs that represent quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, or quoted prices for identical instruments in non-active markets. Also included are valuation techniques whose inputs are derived principally from observable market data other than quoted prices, such as interest rates or other market-corroborated means.

Revenue Recognition: The sources of revenue for the Corporation are interest income from loans, leases and investments and non-interest income. Non-interest income is earned from various banking and financial services that the Corporation offers through its subsidiaries. Revenue is recognized as earned based on contractual terms, as transactions occur, or as services are provided. Following is further detail of the various types of revenue the Corporation earns and when it is recognized:

Wealth management services: Consists of income from trust commissions, brokerage, money market and insurance commissions. Trust commissions consists of advisory fees that are based on market values of clients' managed portfolios and transaction fees for fiduciary services performed, both of which are recognized when earned. Brokerage includes advisory fees which are recognized when earned on a monthly basis and transaction fees that are recognized when transactions occur. Money market is based on the balances held in trust accounts and is recognized monthly. Insurance commissions are earned and recognized when policies are originated. Currently, no investment management and trust service income is based on performance or investment results.

Commercial and consumer banking income: Consists of cash management, overdraft, non-sufficient fund fees and other service charges on deposit accounts as well as branch fees, automated teller machine fees, debit and credit card income and merchant services fees. Also included are letter of credit fees, foreign exchange income and interest rate swap fees. Revenue is primarily transactional and recognized when earned, at the time the transactions occur.

Leases: All leases with an initial term greater than twelve months recognize: (1) a ROU asset, which is an asset that represents the lessee’s right to use, or control the use of, a specified asset for the lease term; and (2) a lease liability, which is a lessee’s obligation to make lease payments arising from a lease, each measured on a discounted basis. The Corporation elected to not separate lease and non-lease components.

As a lessee, the majority of the operating lease portfolio consists of real estate leases for the Corporation's financial centers, land and office space. The operating leases have remaining lease terms of 1 year to 20 years, some of which include options to extend the leases for 5 years or more. ROU assets and lease liabilities are not recognized for leases with an initial term of 12 months or less.

Certain real estate leases have lease payments that adjust based on annual changes in the CPI. The leases that are dependent upon CPI are initially measured using the index or rate at the commencement date and are included in the measurement of the lease liability.

Operating lease expense represents fixed lease payments for operating leases recognized on a straight-line basis over the applicable lease term. Variable lease expense represents expenses such as the payment of real estate taxes, insurance and common area maintenance based on the Corporation's pro-rata share.

Sublease income consists mostly of operating leases for space within the Corporation's offices and financial centers and is recorded as a reduction to net occupancy expense on the consolidated statements of income. See "Note 17 - Leases" for additional information.

Defined Benefit Pension Plan: Net periodic pension costs are funded based on the requirements of federal laws and regulations. The determination of net periodic pension costs is based on assumptions about future events that will affect the amount and timing of required benefit payments under the plan. These assumptions include demographic assumptions such as retirement age and mortality, a discount rate used to determine the current benefit obligation, form of payment election and a long-term expected rate of return on plan assets. Net periodic pension expense includes interest cost, based on the assumed discount rate, an expected return on plan assets, amortization of prior service cost or credit and amortization of net actuarial gains or losses. For the Corporation, there is no service cost as the plan was curtailed in 2008, with no additional benefits accruing. Net periodic pension cost is recognized in salaries and employee benefits on the consolidated statements of income. For additional details, see "Note 16 - Employee Benefit Plans."

On March 1, 2021, the Corporation adopted ASC Update 2018-14 Compensation - Retirement Benefits - Defined Benefit Plans - General (Subtopic 715-20). The Corporation adopted this standards update effective with its March 31, 2021 quarterly report on Form 10-Q and such adoption did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.