SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	NOTE 1 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Nature of Operations and Principles of Consolidation: The consolidated financial statements include Lakeland Financial Corporation (the “Holding Company”) and its wholly owned subsidiaries, Lake City Bank (the “Bank”) and LCB Risk Management, Inc., together referred to as (the “Company”). On December 18, 2006, LCB Investments II, Inc. was formed as a wholly owned subsidiary of the Bank incorporated in Nevada to manage a portion of the Bank’s investment portfolio beginning in 2007. On December 21, 2006, LCB Funding, Inc., a real estate investment trust incorporated in Maryland, was formed as a wholly owned subsidiary of LCB Investments II, Inc. On December 28, 2012, LCB Risk Management, Inc., a captive insurance company incorporated in Nevada, was formed as a wholly owned subsidiary of the Holding Company. All intercompany transactions and balances are eliminated in consolidation. The Company provides financial services through the Bank, a full-service commercial bank with 50 branch offices in fifteen counties in Northern and Central Indiana. The Company provides commercial, retail, trust and investment services to its customers. Commercial products include commercial loans and technology-driven solutions to meet commercial customers’ treasury management needs such as internet business banking and on-line treasury management services. Retail banking clients are provided a wide array of traditional retail banking services, including lending, deposit and investment services. Retail lending programs are focused on mortgage loans, home equity lines of credit and traditional retail installment loans. The Company provides credit card services to retail and commercial customers through its retail card program and merchant processing activity. The Company provides wealth advisory and trust clients with traditional personal and corporate trust services. The Company also provides retail brokerage services, including an array of financial and investment products such as annuities and life insurance. Other financial instruments, which represent potential concentrations of credit risk, include deposit accounts in other financial institutions. Use of Estimates: To prepare financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), management makes estimates and assumptions based on available information. These estimates and assumptions affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and the disclosures provided and future results could differ. Cash Flows: Cash and cash equivalents include cash, demand deposits in other financial institutions and short-term investments and certificates of deposit with maturities of 90 days or less. Cash flows are reported net for customer loan and deposit transactions, and short-term borrowings. Securities: Securities are classified as available-for-sale when they might be sold before maturity. Securities available-for-sale are carried at fair value, with unrealized holding gains and losses reported in other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax. Securities are classified as held-to-maturity and carried at amortized cost when management has the positive intent and ability to hold them to maturity. Purchase premiums or discounts are recognized in interest income using the interest method over the terms of the securities or over estimated lives for mortgage-backed securities. Gains and losses on sales are based on the amortized cost of the security sold and recorded on the trade date. For securities in an unrealized loss position, management considers the extent and duration of the unrealized loss, and the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer. Management also assesses whether it intends to sell, or it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell, a security in an unrealized loss position before recovery of its amortized cost basis. If either of the criteria regarding intent or requirement to sell is met, the entire difference between amortized cost and fair value is recognized as impairment through earnings. For debt securities that do not meet the aforementioned criteria, the amount of impairment is split into two components as follows: 1) other-than-temporary impairment (OTTI) related to credit loss, which must be recognized in the income statement and 2) OTTI related to other factors, which is recognized in other comprehensive income. The credit loss is defined as the difference between the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected and the amortized cost basis. Equity securities which are included in other assets, are carried at fair value with changes in fair value recorded through earnings. NOTE 1 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued) Real Estate Mortgage Loans Held-for-Sale: Loans held for sale are reported at the lower of cost or fair value on an aggregate basis. Net unrealized losses, if any, are recorded as a valuation allowance and charged to earnings. Loan sales occur on the delivery date agreed to in the relevant commitment agreement. The Company retains servicing on the majority of loans sold. The carrying value of loans sold is reduced by the amount allocated to the servicing right. The gain or loss on the sale of loans is the difference between the carrying value of the loans sold and the funds received from the sale. Loans: Loans that management has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity or payoff are reported at the principal balance outstanding, net of unearned interest, deferred loan fees and costs, and an allowance for loan losses. Interest income is reported on the interest method and includes amortization of net deferred loan fees and costs over the loan term. All classes of commercial and industrial, commercial real estate and multi-family residential, agri-business and agricultural, other commercial and consumer 1-4 family mortgage loans for which collateral is insufficient to cover all principal and accrued interest are reclassified as nonaccrual loans, on or before the date when the loan becomes 90 days delinquent. When a loan is classified as a nonaccrual loan, interest on the loan is no longer accrued, all unpaid accrued interest is reversed and interest income is subsequently recorded on the cash-basis or cost-recovery method. Accrual status is resumed when all contractually due payments are brought current and future payments are reasonably assured. Other consumer loans are not placed on a nonaccrual status since these loans are charged-off when they have been delinquent from 90 to 180 days, and when the related collateral, if any, is not sufficient to offset the indebtedness. Nonaccrual loans and loans past due 90 days still on accrual include both smaller balance homogeneous loans that are collectively evaluated for impairment and individually classified impaired loans. The recorded investment in loans is the loan balance net of unamortized deferred loan fees and costs. The total amount of accrued interest on loans as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 was $14.6 million and $11.5 million. Allowance for Loan Losses: The allowance for loan losses is a valuation allowance for probable incurred credit losses. Loan losses are charged against the allowance when management believes the inability to fully collect a loan balance is confirmed. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance. The Company has an established process to determine the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses that generally includes consideration of the following factors: changes in the nature and volume of the loan portfolio, overall portfolio quality and current economic conditions that may affect the borrowers’ ability to repay. Consideration is not limited to these factors, although they represent the most commonly cited factors. This evaluation is inherently subjective, as it requires estimates that are susceptible to significant revision as more information becomes available or as future events change. Allocations of the allowance may be made for specific loans, but the entire allowance is available for any loan that, in management’s judgment, should be charged-off. The allowance consists of specific and general components. The specific component relates to loans that are individually classified as impaired. The general component covers non-impaired loans and is based on historical loss experience, subject to a floor, adjusted for current factors. A detailed analysis is performed on loans that are classified but determined not to be impaired which incorporates different scenarios where the risk that the borrower will be unable or unwilling to repay its debt in full or on time is combined with an estimate of loss in the event the borrower cannot pay to develop non-specific allocations for such loan pools. The historical loss experience is determined by portfolio segment and is based on the actual loss history experienced by the Company over the most recent three years, subject to a floor. This loss experience is supplemented with other qualitative factors based on the risks present for each portfolio segment. These factors include consideration of the following: levels of, and trends in, delinquencies and impaired loans; trends in volume and terms of loans; effects of any changes in risk selection and underwriting standards; other changes in lending policies, procedure, and practices; experience, ability, and depth of lending management and other relevant staff; national and local economic trends and conditions; industry conditions; and effects of changes in credit concentrations. The following portfolio segments have been identified: commercial and industrial, commercial real estate and multi-family residential, agri-business and agricultural, other commercial, consumer 1-4 family mortgage and other consumer. The risk characteristics of each of the identified portfolio segments are as follows: NOTE 1 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued) Commercial and Industrial – Borrowers may be subject to industry conditions including decreases in product demand; increases in material or other production costs that cannot be immediately recaptured in the sales or distribution cycle; interest rate increases that could have an adverse impact on profitability; non-payment of credit that has been extended under normal vendor terms for goods sold or services; and interruption related to the importing or exporting of production materials or sold products. Commercial Real Estate and Multi-Family Residential – Borrowers may be subject to potential adverse market conditions that cause a decrease in market value or lease rates; the potential for environmental impairment from events occurring on subject or neighboring properties; and obsolescence in location or function. Multi-Family Residential is also subject to adverse market conditions associated with a change in governmental or personal funding sources for tenants; over supply of units in a specific region; a shift in population; and reputational risks. Construction and Land Development risks include slower absorption than anticipated on speculative projects; deterioration in market conditions that may impact a project’s value; unforeseen costs not considered in the original construction budget; or any other factors that may impact the completion or success of the project. Agri-business and Agricultural – Borrowers may be subject to adverse market or weather conditions including changes in local or foreign demand; lower yields than anticipated; political or other impact on storage, distribution or use; foreign trade policies, including tariffs; and exposure to increasing commodity prices which result in higher production, distribution or exporting costs. Other Commercial – Borrowers may be subject to the uninterrupted flow of funds to states and other political subdivisions for the purpose of debt repayments on loans held by the Bank. Consumer 1-4 Family Mortgage – Borrowers may be subject to adverse employment conditions in the local economy leading to increased default rates; decreased market values from oversupply in a geographic area; and impact to borrowers’ ability to maintain payments in the event of incremental rate increases on adjustable rate mortgages. Other Consumer – Borrowers may be subject to adverse employment conditions in the local economy which may lead to higher default rates; and decreases in the value of underlying collateral. A loan is impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Loans, for which the terms have been modified and a concession has been granted for borrowers experiencing financial difficulties, are considered troubled debt restructurings and classified as impaired and may be either accruing or non-accruing. Nonaccrual troubled debt restructurings follow the same policy as described above for other loans. Impairment for troubled debt restructurings is measured at the present value of estimated future cash flows using the loan’s effective rate at inception or at discounted collateral value for collateral dependent loans. Impairment is evaluated individually or in total for smaller-balance loans of similar nature such as all classes of consumer 1-4 family and other consumer loans, and individually for all classes of commercial and industrial, commercial real estate and multi-family, agri-business and agricultural and other commercial loans. The Company analyzes commercial loans individually by classifying the loans as to credit risk. This analysis is performed on a quarterly basis for Special Mention, Substandard and Doubtful grade loans and annually on Pass grade loans over $250,000. Factors considered by management in determining impairment include payment status, collateral value and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due. Loans that experience insignificant payment delays and payment shortfalls generally are not classified as impaired. Management determines the significance of payment delays and payment shortfalls on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration all of the circumstances surrounding the loan and the borrower, including the length of the delay, the reasons for the delay, the borrower’s prior payment record, and the amount of the shortfall in relation to the principal and interest owed. If a loan is impaired, a portion of the allowance may be allocated so that the loan is reported, net, at the present value of estimated future cash flows using the loan’s existing rate or at the fair value of collateral less anticipated costs to sell if repayment is expected solely from the collateral. All classes of commercial and industrial, commercial real estate and multifamily residential, agri-business and agricultural, other commercial and consumer 1-4 family mortgage loans that become delinquent beyond 90 days are analyzed and a charge-off is taken when it is determined that the underlying collateral, if any, is not sufficient to offset the indebtedness. NOTE 1 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued) Troubled debt restructured loans are considered for removal from troubled debt restructuring status in the year following modification or at time of subsequent restructuring for loans with cumulative principal forgiveness if the interest rate is considered a market rate at the time of modification and it has been performing according to the terms of the modification for a reasonable period of time long enough to observe an ability to repay under the modified terms. If removed from troubled debt restructuring status, the loan continues to be evaluated for impairment with either the present value of estimated future cash flows using the loan’s effective rate at inception or at discounted collateral value for collateral dependent loans. In addition, troubled debt restructured loans with subsequent modifications that do not have cumulative principal forgiveness are considered for removal from troubled debt restructuring status at the time of the subsequent modification if the following circumstances exist: (1) at the time of the subsequent restructuring, the borrower is not experiencing financial difficulties; (2) under the terms of the subsequent restructuring agreement no concession has been granted to the borrower; and (3) the subsequent restructuring agreement includes market terms that are no less favorable than those that would be offered for comparable new debt. Upon meeting these criteria, the loan is no longer individually evaluated for impairment and is no longer disclosed as a troubled debt restructuring. Investments in Limited Partnerships: The Company enters into and invests in limited partnerships in order to invest in affordable housing projects to support Community Reinvestment Act activities and secondarily to obtain available tax benefits. The Company is a limited partner in these investments and, as such, the Company is not involved in the management or operation of such investments. These investments are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. Under the equity method of accounting, the Company records its share of the partnership’s earnings or losses in its income statement and adjusts the carrying amount of the investments on the consolidated balance sheet. These investments are evaluated for impairment when events indicate the carrying amount may not be recoverable. The investments recorded at December 31, 2020 and 2019 were $9.2 million and $6.7 million, respectively and are included with other assets in the consolidated balance sheet. The Company also has a commitment to fund an additional $2.6 million at December 31, 2020 in two of the limited partnerships compared to $1.6 million at December 31, 2019, which is included with other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet. Foreclosed Assets: Assets acquired through loan foreclosure are initially recorded at fair value less costs to sell when acquired, establishing a new cost basis. These assets are subsequently accounted for at lower of cost or fair value less estimated costs to sell. If fair value declines, a valuation allowance is recorded through expense. Costs incurred after acquisition are expensed. At December 31, 2020 and 2019, the balance of other real estate owned was $316,000 and is included with other assets on the consolidated balance sheet. Land, Premises and Equipment, Net: Land is carried at cost. Premises and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed on the straight-line method over the useful lives of the assets. Premises and improvements assets have useful lives between 5 and 40 years. Equipment and furniture assets have useful lives between 3 and 7 years. Loan Servicing Rights: Servicing rights are recognized separately when they are acquired through sales of loans. When mortgage loans are sold, servicing rights are initially recorded at fair value with the income statement effect recorded in mortgage banking income. Fair value is based on a valuation model that calculates the present value of estimated future net servicing income. All classes of servicing assets are subsequently measured using the amortization method which requires servicing rights to be amortized into noninterest income in proportion to, and over the period of, the estimated future net servicing income of the underlying loans. The amortization of servicing rights is netted against mortgage banking income. Servicing fees totaled $1.2 million, $1.1 million and $1.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Late fees and ancillary fees related to loan servicing are not material. NOTE 1 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued) Servicing rights are evaluated for impairment based upon the fair value of the rights as compared to carrying amount. Impairment is determined by stratifying rights into groupings based on predominant risk characteristics, such as loan type, term and interest rate. Any impairment of a grouping is reported as a valuation allowance, to the extent that fair value is less than the carrying amount. If the Company later determines that all or a portion of the impairment no longer exists for a particular grouping, a reduction of the allowance may be recorded as an increase to income. Changes in the valuation allowance are reported with mortgage banking income on the income statement. The fair values of servicing rights are subject to significant fluctuations as a result of changes in estimated and actual prepayment speeds and default rates and losses. The carrying value of mortgage servicing rights, which is included with other assets in the consolidated balance sheet, was $3.5 million and $3.8 million as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Mortgage loans serviced for others are not included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The unpaid principal balances of these loans were $351.0 million and $337.9 million at December 31, 2020 and 2019. Custodial escrow balances maintained in connection with serviced loans were $1.7 million and $1.6 million at year end 2020 and 2019, respectively. Servicing fee income (loss), which is included in loan and service fees on the income statement, is recorded for fees earned for servicing loans. Fees earned for servicing loans are based on a contractual percentage of the outstanding principal amount of the loan and are recorded as income when earned. Transfers of Financial Assets: Transfers of financial assets are accounted for as sales, when control over the assets has been relinquished. Control over transferred assets is deemed to be surrendered when the assets have been isolated from the Company, the transferee obtains the right (free of conditions that constrain it from taking advantage of that right) to pledge or exchange the transferred assets and the Company does not maintain effective control over the transferred assets through an agreement to repurchase them before their maturity. Mortgage Banking Derivatives: Commitments to fund mortgage loans (interest rate locks) to be sold into the secondary market and forward commitments for the future delivery of these mortgage loans are accounted for as free-standing derivatives. Fair values of these mortgage derivatives are estimated based on changes in mortgage interest rates from the date the interest on the loan is locked. The Company enters into forward commitments for the future delivery of mortgage loans when interest rate locks are entered into, in order to hedge the change in interest rates resulting from its commitments to fund the loans. Changes in fair values of these derivatives are included in mortgage banking income. Interest Rate Swap Derivatives: The Company offers a derivative product to certain creditworthy commercial banking customers. This product allows the commercial banking customers to enter into an agreement with the Company to swap a variable rate loan to a fixed rate. These derivative products are designed to reduce, eliminate or modify the borrower’s interest rate exposure. The extension of credit incurred in connection with these derivative products is subject to the same approval and underwriting standards as traditional credit products. The Company limits its risk exposure by simultaneously entering into a similar, offsetting swap agreement with a separate, well-capitalized and highly rated counterparty previously approved by the Company’s Asset Liability Committee. By using these interest rate swap arrangements, the Company is also better insulated from the interest rate risk associated with underwriting fixed-rate loans and is better able to meet customer demand for fixed rate loans. These derivative contracts are not designated against specific assets or liabilities and, therefore, do not qualify for hedge accounting. The derivatives are recorded as assets and liabilities on the balance sheet at fair value with changes in fair value recorded in non-interest income for both the commercial banking customer swaps and the related offsetting swaps. The fair value of the derivative instruments incorporates a consideration of credit risk (in accordance with ASC 820), resulting in some potential volatility in earnings each period. NOTE 1 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued) The notional amount of the combined interest rate swaps with customers and counterparties at December 31, 2020 and 2019 was $819.1 million and $349.6 million, respectively. The fair value of the interest rate swap asset was $21.8 million and $7.3 million and the fair value of the interest rate swap liability was $21.8 million and $7.9 million at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The Company is a party in risk participation transactions of interest rate swaps, which had a total notional amount of $5.0 million at December 31, 2020. Bank Owned Life Insurance: At December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company owned $90.4 million and $79.8 million, respectively, of life insurance policies on certain officers to provide a life insurance benefit for these officers. At December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company also owned $4.8 million and $4.0 million, respectively, of variable life insurance on certain officers related to a deferred compensation plan. Bank owned life insurance is recorded at the amount that can be realized under the insurance contract at the balance sheet date, i.e., the cash surrender value adjusted for other changes or other amounts due that are probable at settlement. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets: All goodwill on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet resulted from business combinations prior to January 1, 2009 and represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of acquired tangible assets and liabilities and identifiable intangible assets. Goodwill is not amortized, but assessed at least annually for impairment and any such impairment will be recognized in the period identified. FHLB and Federal Reserve Bank Stock: FHLB and Federal Reserve Bank stock are carried at cost in other assets, classified as a restricted security and are periodically evaluated for impairment based on ultimate recoverability of par value. Both cash and stock dividends are reported as income. Repurchase Agreements: Substantially all repurchase agreement liabilities represent amounts advanced by various customers. Securities are pledged to cover these liabilities, which are not covered by federal deposit insurance. This product was discontinued during 2019. Long-term Assets: Premises and equipment, and other long-term assets are reviewed for impairment when events indicate their carrying amount may not be recoverable from future undiscounted cash flows. If impaired, the assets are recorded at fair value. Benefit Plans: The Company has a noncontributory defined benefit pension plan, which covered substantially all employees until the plan was frozen effective April 1, 2000. Funding of the plan equals or exceeds the minimum funding requirement determined by the actuary. Pension expense is the net of interest cost, return on plan assets and amortization of gains and losses not immediately recognized. Benefits are based on years of service and compensation levels. The Company maintains a 401(k) profit sharing plan for all employees meeting certain age and service requirements. The Company contributions are based upon the percentage of budgeted net income earned during the year. An employee deferred compensation plan is available to certain employees with returns based on investments in mutual funds. The Company maintains a directors’ deferred compensation plan. Effective January 1, 2003, the directors’ deferred compensation plan was amended to restrict the deferral to be in stock only and deferred directors’ fees are included in equity. The Company acquires shares on the open market and records such shares as treasury stock. NOTE 1 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued) Stock Based Compensation: Compensation cost is recognized for stock options and restricted stock awards issued to employees, based on the fair value of these awards at the date of grant. A Black-Scholes model is utilized to estimate the fair value of stock options, while the market price of the Company’s common stock at the date of grant adjusted for the present value of expected dividends is used for restricted stock awards. Compensation cost is recognized over the required service period, generally defined as the vesting period. Certain of the restricted stock awards are performance based, as more fully discussed in Note 15 – Stock Based Compensation. Income Taxes: Annual consolidated federal and state income tax returns are filed by the Company. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are determined using the liability (or balance sheet) method. Income tax expense is recorded based on the amount of taxes due on its tax return plus net deferred taxes computed based upon the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between carrying amounts and tax basis of assets and liabilities, using enacted tax rates. A valuation allowance, if needed, reduces deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized. A tax position is recognized as a benefit only if it is “more likely than not” that the tax position would be sustained in a tax examination, with a tax examination being presumed to occur. The amount recognized is the largest amount of tax benefit that is more likely of being realized on examination than not. For tax positions not meeting the “more likely than not” test, no tax benefit is recorded. The Company recognizes interest and/or penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense. Off-Balance Sheet Financial Instruments: Financial instruments include credit instruments, such as commitments to make loans and standby letters of credit, issued to meet customer financing needs. The face amount for these items represents the exposure to loss, before considering customer collateral or ability to repay. Such financial instruments are recorded when they are funded. The fair value of standby letters of credit is recorded as a liability during the commitment period. Earnings Per Common Share: Basic earnings per common share is net income divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per common share includes the dilutive effect of additional potential common shares issuable under stock options, restricted stock awards and warrants. Earnings and dividends per share are restated for all stock splits and dividends through the date of issue of the financial statements. The common shares included in treasury stock for 2020 and 2019 were 473,660 and 178,741 shares, respectively. Common stock that has been purchased under the directors’ deferred compensation plan, described above, is included in the treasury stock total and represented 184,559 and 178,741 shares of treasury stock as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Because these shares are held in trust for the participants, they are treated as outstanding when computing the weighted-average common shares outstanding for the calculation of both basic and diluted earnings per share. During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company repurchased 289,101 of its common shares at a weighted average price of $34.63 per share. Treasury stock is carried at cost. Comprehensive Income: Comprehensive income consists of net income and other comprehensive income (loss). Other comprehensive income (loss) includes unrealized gains and losses on securities available-for-sale and changes in the funded status of the pension plan, which are also recognized as separate components of equity. NOTE 1 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued) Loss Contingencies: Loss contingencies, including claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business, are recorded as liabilities when the likelihood of loss is probable and an amount or range of loss can be reasonably estimated. Management does not believe there currently are such matters that will have a material effect on the financial statements. Restrictions on Cash: The Federal Reserve Bank eliminated the reserve requirement for all depository institutions in March of 2020. Therefore, the Company was not required to have cash on hand or on deposit with the Federal Reserve Bank to meet regulatory reserve and clearing requirements at year-end 2020. The Company was required to have $28.9 million of cash on hand or on deposit with the Federal Reserve Bank to meet regulatory reserve and clearing requirements at year end 2019. The Company met this requirement for 2019. Dividend Restriction: Banking regulations require maintaining certain capital levels and may limit the dividends paid by the Bank to the Company or by the Company to its stockholders. These restrictions currently pose no practical limit on the ability of the Bank or Company to pay dividends at historical levels. Fair Value of Financial Instruments: Fair values of financial instruments are estimated using relevant market information and other assumptions, as more fully disclosed in Note 5 - Fair Value. Fair value estimates involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment regarding interest rates, credit risk, prepayments and other factors, especially in the absence of broad markets for particular items. Changes in assumptions or in market conditions could significantly affect the estimates. Operating Segments: The Company’s chief decision-makers monitor and evaluate financial performance on a Company-wide basis. All of the Company’s financial service operations are similar and considered by management to be aggregated into one reportable operating segment. While the Company has assigned certain management responsibilities by region and business-line, the Company’s chief decision-makers monitor and evaluate financial performance on a Company-wide basis. The majority of the Company’s revenue is from the business of banking and the Company’s assigned regions have similar economic characteristics, products, services and customers. Accordingly, all of the Company’s operations are considered by management to be aggregated in one reportable operating segment. Adoption of New Accounting Standards: In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04 “Intangibles - Goodwill and Other - Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment.” These amendments eliminate Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. The amendments also eliminate the requirements for any reporting unit with a zero or negative carrying amount to perform a qualitative assessment and, if it fails that qualitative test, to perform Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test. An entity still has the option to perform the qualitative assessment for a reporting unit to determine if the quantitative impairment test is necessary. The Company adopted this new accounting standard on January 1, 2020. Adopting this standard did not have an impact on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations. NOTE 1 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued) In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-13 “Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement.” These amendments modify the disclosure requirements in Topic 820 as follows: Removals: the amount of and reasons for transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy; the policy for timing of transfers between levels; and the valuation processes for Level 3 fair value measurements. Modifications: for investments in certain entities that calculate net asset value, an entity is required to disclose the timing of liquidation of an investee’s assets and the date when restrictions from redemption might lapse only if the investee has communicated the timing to the entity or announced the timing publicly; and the amendments clarify that the measurement uncertainty disclosure is to communicate information about the uncertainty in measurement as of the reporting date. Additions: the changes in unrealized gains and losses for the period included in other comprehensive income for recurring Level 3 fair value measurements held at the end of the reporting period; and the range and weighted average of significant unobservable inputs used to develop Level 3 fair value measurements. The guidance is effective for all entities for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019. The amendments on changes in unrealized gains and losses, the range and weighted average of significant unobservable inputs used to develop Level 3 fair value measurements, and the narrative description of measurement uncertainty should all be applied prospectively for only the most recent interim or annual period presented in the initial year of adoption. All other amendments should be applied retrospectively to all periods presented upon their effective date. The Company adopted ASU 2018-13 on January 1, 2020 and it did not have a material impact on its financial condition or results of operations. In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-15 “Intangibles - Goodwill and Other - Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract.” These amendments align the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contact with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software (and hosting arrangements that include an internal-use software license). The accounting for the service element of a hosting arrangement that is a service contract is not affected by these amendments. Early adoption is permitted. The Company adopted ASU 2018-15 on January 1, 2020 and it did not have a material impact on its financial condition or results of operations. Newly Issued But Not Yet Effective Accounting Standards: In June 2016, the FASB issued guidance related to credit losses on financial instruments. This update, commonly referred to as the CECL methodology, will change the accounting for credit losses on loans and debt securities. Under the new guidance, the Company’s measurement of expected credit losses is to be based on information about past events, including historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts that affect the collectability of the reported amount. For loans, this measurement will take place at the time the financial asset is first added to the balance sheet and periodically thereafter. This differs significantly from the “incurred loss” model previously required, but still permitted, under GAAP, which delays recognition until it is probable a loss has been incurred. In addition, the guidance will modify the other-than-temporary impairment model for available-for-sale debt securities to require an allowance for credit impairment instead of a direct write-down, which will allow for reversal of credit impairments in future periods. This guidance is effective, subject to optional delay discussed below, for the Company for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods in those fiscal years. The Company implemented the CECL methodology and ran it concurrently with the historical incurred method. Under a provision provided by the CARES Act, the Company elected to delay the adoption of FASB’s new rule covering the CECL standard. On December 27, 2020, President Trump signed into law the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021. This law extended relief for troubled debt restructurings and provided for further delay of the current expected credit losses adoption under the CARES Act to January 1, 2022, with early adoption permitted. The Company elected to remain on the incurred loan loss methodology for 2020. The Company will adopt the CECL standard during the first quarter of 2021, effective January 1, 2021. NOTE 1 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued) The Company’s day one adjustment to the allowance for credit losses will be an increase in the allowance for credit losses of $9.1 million an offset, net of taxes, to stockholders’ equity. The calculation will require approval by the loan review committee and board of directors in accordance with the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting. Additionally, the Company has evaluated the need to recognize an allowance for credit impairment for available-for-sale debt securities. The impact on available-for-sale debt securities is subject to a limitation, which is based on the fair value of the debt securities. When evaluating the credit quality of our existing portfolio, the Company does not expect the allowance for credit impairment for available-for-sale securities to be significant. The future impact of CECL on the Company’s allowance for credit losses and provision expense subsequent to the initial adoption will depend on changes in the loan portfolio, economic conditions and refinements to key assumptions including economic forecasting and qualitative factors. In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-14 “Compensation — Retirement Benefits — Defined Benefit Plans — General (Topic 715-20): Disclosure Framework — Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans.” The ASU updates the annual disclosure requirements for employers that sponsor defined benefit pension or other postretirement benefit plans by adding, clarifying and removing certain disclosures. These amendments are effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2020, for public business entities, and are to be applied on a retrospective basis to all periods presented. Management has reviewed the standard and does not anticipate ASU 2018-14 will have a material impact on its financial statements. In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12 “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes.” These amendments remove specific exceptions to the general principles in Topic 740 in GAAP. It eliminates the need for an organization to analyze whether the following apply in a given period: exception to the incremental approach for intraperiod tax allocation; exceptions to accounting for basis differences where there are ownership changes in foreign investments; and exception in interim period income tax accounting for year-to-date losses that exceed anticipated losses. It also improves financial statement preparers’ application of income tax-related guidance and simplifies GAAP for: franchise taxes that are partially based on income; transactions with a government that result in a step up in the tax basis of goodwill; separate financial statements of legal entities that are not subject to tax; and enacts changes in tax laws in interim periods. The guidance is effective for public business entities for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2020. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is assessing ASU 2019-12 and its impact on its financial statements. On March 12, 2020, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (“ASC 848”): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting. ASC 848 contains optional expedients and exceptions for applying generally accepted accounting principles to contract modifications and hedging relationships, subject to meeting certain criteria, that reference LIBOR or another reference rate expected to be discontinued. The Company has formed a cross-functional project team to lead the transition from LIBOR to a planned adoption of reference rates which could include Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”), amongst other indexes. The Company has identified loans that will renew prior to 2021 and will obtain updated reference rate language at the time of renewal. Additionally, management is utilizing the timeline guidance published by the Alternative Reference Rates Committee to develop internal milestones during this transitional period. The Company has adhered to the International Swaps and Derivatives Association 2020 IBOR Fallbacks Protocol that was released on October 23, 2020. The guidance under ASC-848 will be available for a limited time, generally through December 31, 2022. The Company expects to adopt the LIBOR transition relief allowed under this standard. Reclassifications: Certain amounts appearing in the financial statements and notes thereto for prior periods have been reclassified to conform with the current presentation. The reclassifications had no effect on net income or stockholders’ equity as previously reported.

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

NOTE 1 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Nature of Operations and Principles of Consolidation:

The consolidated financial statements include Lakeland Financial Corporation (the “Holding Company”) and its wholly owned subsidiaries, Lake City Bank (the “Bank”) and LCB Risk Management, Inc., together referred to as (the “Company”). On December 18, 2006, LCB Investments II, Inc. was formed as a wholly owned subsidiary of the Bank incorporated in Nevada to manage a portion of the Bank’s investment portfolio beginning in 2007. On December 21, 2006, LCB Funding, Inc., a real estate investment trust incorporated in Maryland, was formed as a wholly owned subsidiary of LCB Investments II, Inc. On December 28, 2012, LCB Risk Management, Inc., a captive insurance company incorporated in Nevada, was formed as a wholly owned subsidiary of the Holding Company. All intercompany transactions and balances are eliminated in consolidation.

The Company provides financial services through the Bank, a full-service commercial bank with 50 branch offices in fifteen counties in Northern and Central Indiana. The Company provides commercial, retail, trust and investment services to its customers. Commercial products include commercial loans and technology-driven solutions to meet commercial customers’ treasury management needs such as internet business banking and on-line treasury management services. Retail banking clients are provided a wide array of traditional retail banking services, including lending, deposit and investment services. Retail lending programs are focused on mortgage loans, home equity lines of credit and traditional retail installment loans. The Company provides credit card services to retail and commercial customers through its retail card program and merchant processing activity. The Company provides wealth advisory and trust clients with traditional personal and corporate trust services. The Company also provides retail brokerage services, including an array of financial and investment products such as annuities and life insurance. Other financial instruments, which represent potential concentrations of credit risk, include deposit accounts in other financial institutions.

Use of Estimates:

To prepare financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), management makes estimates and assumptions based on available information. These estimates and assumptions affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and the disclosures provided and future results could differ.

Cash Flows:

Cash and cash equivalents include cash, demand deposits in other financial institutions and short-term investments and certificates of deposit with maturities of 90 days or less. Cash flows are reported net for customer loan and deposit transactions, and short-term borrowings.

Securities:

Securities are classified as available-for-sale when they might be sold before maturity. Securities available-for-sale are carried at fair value, with unrealized holding gains and losses reported in other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax. Securities are classified as held-to-maturity and carried at amortized cost when management has the positive intent and ability to hold them to maturity.

Purchase premiums or discounts are recognized in interest income using the interest method over the terms of the securities or over estimated lives for mortgage-backed securities. Gains and losses on sales are based on the amortized cost of the security sold and recorded on the trade date. For securities in an unrealized loss position, management considers the extent and duration of the unrealized loss, and the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer. Management also assesses whether it intends to sell, or it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell, a security in an unrealized loss position before recovery of its amortized cost basis. If either of the criteria regarding intent or requirement to sell is met, the entire difference between amortized cost and fair value is recognized as impairment through earnings. For debt securities that do not meet the aforementioned criteria, the amount of impairment is split into two components as follows: 1) other-than-temporary impairment (OTTI) related to credit loss, which must be recognized in the income statement and 2) OTTI related to other factors, which is recognized in other comprehensive income. The credit loss is defined as the difference between the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected and the amortized cost basis. Equity securities which are included in other assets, are carried at fair value with changes in fair value recorded through earnings.

NOTE 1 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

Real Estate Mortgage Loans Held-for-Sale:

Loans held for sale are reported at the lower of cost or fair value on an aggregate basis. Net unrealized losses, if any, are recorded as a valuation allowance and charged to earnings.

Loan sales occur on the delivery date agreed to in the relevant commitment agreement. The Company retains servicing on the majority of loans sold. The carrying value of loans sold is reduced by the amount allocated to the servicing right. The gain or loss on the sale of loans is the difference between the carrying value of the loans sold and the funds received from the sale.

Loans:

Loans that management has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity or payoff are reported at the principal balance outstanding, net of unearned interest, deferred loan fees and costs, and an allowance for loan losses.

Interest income is reported on the interest method and includes amortization of net deferred loan fees and costs over the loan term. All classes of commercial and industrial, commercial real estate and multi-family residential, agri-business and agricultural, other commercial and consumer 1-4 family mortgage loans for which collateral is insufficient to cover all principal and accrued interest are reclassified as nonaccrual loans, on or before the date when the loan becomes 90 days delinquent. When a loan is classified as a nonaccrual loan, interest on the loan is no longer accrued, all unpaid accrued interest is reversed and interest income is subsequently recorded on the cash-basis or cost-recovery method. Accrual status is resumed when all contractually due payments are brought current and future payments are reasonably assured. Other consumer loans are not placed on a nonaccrual status since these loans are charged-off when they have been delinquent from 90 to 180 days, and when the related collateral, if any, is not sufficient to offset the indebtedness. Nonaccrual loans and loans past due 90 days still on accrual include both smaller balance homogeneous loans that are collectively evaluated for impairment and individually classified impaired loans.

The recorded investment in loans is the loan balance net of unamortized deferred loan fees and costs. The total amount of accrued interest on loans as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 was $14.6 million and $11.5 million.

Allowance for Loan Losses:

The allowance for loan losses is a valuation allowance for probable incurred credit losses. Loan losses are charged against the allowance when management believes the inability to fully collect a loan balance is confirmed. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance. The Company has an established process to determine the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses that generally includes consideration of the following factors: changes in the nature and volume of the loan portfolio, overall portfolio quality and current economic conditions that may affect the borrowers’ ability to repay. Consideration is not limited to these factors, although they represent the most commonly cited factors. This evaluation is inherently subjective, as it requires estimates that are susceptible to significant revision as more information becomes available or as future events change. Allocations of the allowance may be made for specific loans, but the entire allowance is available for any loan that, in management’s judgment, should be charged-off.

The allowance consists of specific and general components. The specific component relates to loans that are individually classified as impaired. The general component covers non-impaired loans and is based on historical loss experience, subject to a floor, adjusted for current factors. A detailed analysis is performed on loans that are classified but determined not to be impaired which incorporates different scenarios where the risk that the borrower will be unable or unwilling to repay its debt in full or on time is combined with an estimate of loss in the event the borrower cannot pay to develop non-specific allocations for such loan pools. The historical loss experience is determined by portfolio segment and is based on the actual loss history experienced by the Company over the most recent three years, subject to a floor. This loss experience is supplemented with other qualitative factors based on the risks present for each portfolio segment. These factors include consideration of the following: levels of, and trends in, delinquencies and impaired loans; trends in volume and terms of loans; effects of any changes in risk selection and underwriting standards; other changes in lending policies, procedure, and practices; experience, ability, and depth of lending management and other relevant staff; national and local economic trends and conditions; industry conditions; and effects of changes in credit concentrations. The following portfolio segments have been identified: commercial and industrial, commercial real estate and multi-family residential, agri-business and agricultural, other commercial, consumer 1-4 family mortgage and other consumer. The risk characteristics of each of the identified portfolio segments are as follows:

NOTE 1 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

Commercial and Industrial – Borrowers may be subject to industry conditions including decreases in product demand; increases in material or other production costs that cannot be immediately recaptured in the sales or distribution cycle; interest rate increases that could have an adverse impact on profitability; non-payment of credit that has been extended under normal vendor terms for goods sold or services; and interruption related to the importing or exporting of production materials or sold products.

Commercial Real Estate and Multi-Family Residential – Borrowers may be subject to potential adverse market conditions that cause a decrease in market value or lease rates; the potential for environmental impairment from events occurring on subject or neighboring properties; and obsolescence in location or function. Multi-Family Residential is also subject to adverse market conditions associated with a change in governmental or personal funding sources for tenants; over supply of units in a specific region; a shift in population; and reputational risks. Construction and Land Development risks include slower absorption than anticipated on speculative projects; deterioration in market conditions that may impact a project’s value; unforeseen costs not considered in the original construction budget; or any other factors that may impact the completion or success of the project.

Agri-business and Agricultural – Borrowers may be subject to adverse market or weather conditions including changes in local or foreign demand; lower yields than anticipated; political or other impact on storage, distribution or use; foreign trade policies, including tariffs; and exposure to increasing commodity prices which result in higher production, distribution or exporting costs.

Other Commercial – Borrowers may be subject to the uninterrupted flow of funds to states and other political subdivisions for the purpose of debt repayments on loans held by the Bank.

Consumer 1-4 Family Mortgage – Borrowers may be subject to adverse employment conditions in the local economy leading to increased default rates; decreased market values from oversupply in a geographic area; and impact to borrowers’ ability to maintain payments in the event of incremental rate increases on adjustable rate mortgages.

Other Consumer – Borrowers may be subject to adverse employment conditions in the local economy which may lead to higher default rates; and decreases in the value of underlying collateral.

A loan is impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Loans, for which the terms have been modified and a concession has been granted for borrowers experiencing financial difficulties, are considered troubled debt restructurings and classified as impaired and may be either accruing or non-accruing. Nonaccrual troubled debt restructurings follow the same policy as described above for other loans. Impairment for troubled debt restructurings is measured at the present value of estimated future cash flows using the loan’s effective rate at inception or at discounted collateral value for collateral dependent loans. Impairment is evaluated individually or in total for smaller-balance loans of similar nature such as all classes of consumer 1-4 family and other consumer loans, and individually for all classes of commercial and industrial, commercial real estate and multi-family, agri-business and agricultural and other commercial loans. The Company analyzes commercial loans individually by classifying the loans as to credit risk. This analysis is performed on a quarterly basis for Special Mention, Substandard and Doubtful grade loans and annually on Pass grade loans over $250,000. Factors considered by management in determining impairment include payment status, collateral value and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due. Loans that experience insignificant payment delays and payment shortfalls generally are not classified as impaired. Management determines the significance of payment delays and payment shortfalls on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration all of the circumstances surrounding the loan and the borrower, including the length of the delay, the reasons for the delay, the borrower’s prior payment record, and the amount of the shortfall in relation to the principal and interest owed. If a loan is impaired, a portion of the allowance may be allocated so that the loan is reported, net, at the present value of estimated future cash flows using the loan’s existing rate or at the fair value of collateral less anticipated costs to sell if repayment is expected solely from the collateral. All classes of commercial and industrial, commercial real estate and multifamily residential, agri-business and agricultural, other commercial and consumer 1-4 family mortgage loans that become delinquent beyond 90 days are analyzed and a charge-off is taken when it is determined that the underlying collateral, if any, is not sufficient to offset the indebtedness.

NOTE 1 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

Troubled debt restructured loans are considered for removal from troubled debt restructuring status in the year following modification or at time of subsequent restructuring for loans with cumulative principal forgiveness if the interest rate is considered a market rate at the time of modification and it has been performing according to the terms of the modification for a reasonable period of time long enough to observe an ability to repay under the modified terms. If removed from troubled debt restructuring status, the loan continues to be evaluated for impairment with either the present value of estimated future cash flows using the loan’s effective rate at inception or at discounted collateral value for collateral dependent loans. In addition, troubled debt restructured loans with subsequent modifications that do not have cumulative principal forgiveness are considered for removal from troubled debt restructuring status at the time of the subsequent modification if the following circumstances exist: (1) at the time of the subsequent restructuring, the borrower is not experiencing financial difficulties; (2) under the terms of the subsequent restructuring agreement no concession has been granted to the borrower; and (3) the subsequent restructuring agreement includes market terms that are no less favorable than those that would be offered for comparable new debt. Upon meeting these criteria, the loan is no longer individually evaluated for impairment and is no longer disclosed as a troubled debt restructuring.

Investments in Limited Partnerships:

The Company enters into and invests in limited partnerships in order to invest in affordable housing projects to support Community Reinvestment Act activities and secondarily to obtain available tax benefits. The Company is a limited partner in these investments and, as such, the Company is not involved in the management or operation of such investments. These investments are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. Under the equity method of accounting, the Company records its share of the partnership’s earnings or losses in its income statement and adjusts the carrying amount of the investments on the consolidated balance sheet. These investments are evaluated for impairment when events indicate the carrying amount may not be recoverable. The investments recorded at December 31, 2020 and 2019 were $9.2 million and $6.7 million, respectively and are included with other assets in the consolidated balance sheet. The Company also has a commitment to fund an additional $2.6 million at December 31, 2020 in two of the limited partnerships compared to $1.6 million at December 31, 2019, which is included with other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet.

Foreclosed Assets:

Assets acquired through loan foreclosure are initially recorded at fair value less costs to sell when acquired, establishing a new cost basis. These assets are subsequently accounted for at lower of cost or fair value less estimated costs to sell. If fair value declines, a valuation allowance is recorded through expense. Costs incurred after acquisition are expensed. At December 31, 2020 and 2019, the balance of other real estate owned was $316,000 and is included with other assets on the consolidated balance sheet.

Land, Premises and Equipment, Net:

Land is carried at cost. Premises and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed on the straight-line method over the useful lives of the assets. Premises and improvements assets have useful lives between 5 and 40 years. Equipment and furniture assets have useful lives between 3 and 7 years.

Loan Servicing Rights:

Servicing rights are recognized separately when they are acquired through sales of loans. When mortgage loans are sold, servicing rights are initially recorded at fair value with the income statement effect recorded in mortgage banking income. Fair value is based on a valuation model that calculates the present value of estimated future net servicing income. All classes of servicing assets are subsequently measured using the amortization method which requires servicing rights to be amortized into noninterest income in proportion to, and over the period of, the estimated future net servicing income of the underlying loans. The amortization of servicing rights is netted against mortgage banking income. Servicing fees totaled $1.2 million, $1.1 million and $1.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Late fees and ancillary fees related to loan servicing are not material.

NOTE 1 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

Servicing rights are evaluated for impairment based upon the fair value of the rights as compared to carrying amount. Impairment is determined by stratifying rights into groupings based on predominant risk characteristics, such as loan type, term and interest rate. Any impairment of a grouping is reported as a valuation allowance, to the extent that fair value is less than the carrying amount. If the Company later determines that all or a portion of the impairment no longer exists for a particular grouping, a reduction of the allowance may be recorded as an increase to income. Changes in the valuation allowance are reported with mortgage banking income on the income statement. The fair values of servicing rights are subject to significant fluctuations as a result of changes in estimated and actual prepayment speeds and default rates and losses.

The carrying value of mortgage servicing rights, which is included with other assets in the consolidated balance sheet, was $3.5 million and $3.8 million as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

Mortgage loans serviced for others are not included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The unpaid principal balances of these loans were $351.0 million and $337.9 million at December 31, 2020 and 2019. Custodial escrow balances maintained in connection with serviced loans were $1.7 million and $1.6 million at year end 2020 and 2019, respectively.

Servicing fee income (loss), which is included in loan and service fees on the income statement, is recorded for fees earned for servicing loans. Fees earned for servicing loans are based on a contractual percentage of the outstanding principal amount of the loan and are recorded as income when earned.

Transfers of Financial Assets:

Transfers of financial assets are accounted for as sales, when control over the assets has been relinquished. Control over transferred assets is deemed to be surrendered when the assets have been isolated from the Company, the transferee obtains the right (free of conditions that constrain it from taking advantage of that right) to pledge or exchange the transferred assets and the Company does not maintain effective control over the transferred assets through an agreement to repurchase them before their maturity.

Mortgage Banking Derivatives:

Commitments to fund mortgage loans (interest rate locks) to be sold into the secondary market and forward commitments for the future delivery of these mortgage loans are accounted for as free-standing derivatives. Fair values of these mortgage derivatives are estimated based on changes in mortgage interest rates from the date the interest on the loan is locked. The Company enters into forward commitments for the future delivery of mortgage loans when interest rate locks are entered into, in order to hedge the change in interest rates resulting from its commitments to fund the loans. Changes in fair values of these derivatives are included in mortgage banking income.

Interest Rate Swap Derivatives:

The Company offers a derivative product to certain creditworthy commercial banking customers. This product allows the commercial banking customers to enter into an agreement with the Company to swap a variable rate loan to a fixed rate. These derivative products are designed to reduce, eliminate or modify the borrower’s interest rate exposure. The extension of credit incurred in connection with these derivative products is subject to the same approval and underwriting standards as traditional credit products. The Company limits its risk exposure by simultaneously entering into a similar, offsetting swap agreement with a separate, well-capitalized and highly rated counterparty previously approved by the Company’s Asset Liability Committee. By using these interest rate swap arrangements, the Company is also better insulated from the interest rate risk associated with underwriting fixed-rate loans and is better able to meet customer demand for fixed rate loans. These derivative contracts are not designated against specific assets or liabilities and, therefore, do not qualify for hedge accounting. The derivatives are recorded as assets and liabilities on the balance sheet at fair value with changes in fair value recorded in non-interest income for both the commercial banking customer swaps and the related offsetting swaps. The fair value of the derivative instruments incorporates a consideration of credit risk (in accordance with ASC 820), resulting in some potential volatility in earnings each period.

NOTE 1 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

The notional amount of the combined interest rate swaps with customers and counterparties at December 31, 2020 and 2019 was $819.1 million and $349.6 million, respectively. The fair value of the interest rate swap asset was $21.8 million and $7.3 million and the fair value of the interest rate swap liability was $21.8 million and $7.9 million at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

The Company is a party in risk participation transactions of interest rate swaps, which had a total notional amount of $5.0 million at December 31, 2020.

Bank Owned Life Insurance:

At December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company owned $90.4 million and $79.8 million, respectively, of life insurance policies on certain officers to provide a life insurance benefit for these officers. At December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company also owned $4.8 million and $4.0 million, respectively, of variable life insurance on certain officers related to a deferred compensation plan. Bank owned life insurance is recorded at the amount that can be realized under the insurance contract at the balance sheet date, i.e., the cash surrender value adjusted for other changes or other amounts due that are probable at settlement.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets:

All goodwill on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet resulted from business combinations prior to January 1, 2009 and represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of acquired tangible assets and liabilities and identifiable intangible assets. Goodwill is not amortized, but assessed at least annually for impairment and any such impairment will be recognized in the period identified.

FHLB and Federal Reserve Bank Stock:

FHLB and Federal Reserve Bank stock are carried at cost in other assets, classified as a restricted security and are periodically evaluated for impairment based on ultimate recoverability of par value. Both cash and stock dividends are reported as income.

Repurchase Agreements:

Substantially all repurchase agreement liabilities represent amounts advanced by various customers. Securities are pledged to cover these liabilities, which are not covered by federal deposit insurance. This product was discontinued during 2019.

Long-term Assets:

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

Benefit Plans:

The Company has a noncontributory defined benefit pension plan, which covered substantially all employees until the plan was frozen effective April 1, 2000. Funding of the plan equals or exceeds the minimum funding requirement determined by the actuary. Pension expense is the net of interest cost, return on plan assets and amortization of gains and losses not immediately recognized. Benefits are based on years of service and compensation levels.

The Company maintains a 401(k) profit sharing plan for all employees meeting certain age and service requirements. The Company contributions are based upon the percentage of budgeted net income earned during the year.

An employee deferred compensation plan is available to certain employees with returns based on investments in mutual funds.

The Company maintains a directors’ deferred compensation plan. Effective January 1, 2003, the directors’ deferred compensation plan was amended to restrict the deferral to be in stock only and deferred directors’ fees are included in equity. The Company acquires shares on the open market and records such shares as treasury stock.

NOTE 1 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

Stock Based Compensation:

Compensation cost is recognized for stock options and restricted stock awards issued to employees, based on the fair value of these awards at the date of grant. A Black-Scholes model is utilized to estimate the fair value of stock options, while the market price of the Company’s common stock at the date of grant adjusted for the present value of expected dividends is used for restricted stock awards. Compensation cost is recognized over the required service period, generally defined as the vesting period. Certain of the restricted stock awards are performance based, as more fully discussed in Note 15 – Stock Based Compensation.

Income Taxes:

Annual consolidated federal and state income tax returns are filed by the Company. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are determined using the liability (or balance sheet) method. Income tax expense is recorded based on the amount of taxes due on its tax return plus net deferred taxes computed based upon the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between carrying amounts and tax basis of assets and liabilities, using enacted tax rates. A valuation allowance, if needed, reduces deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized.

A tax position is recognized as a benefit only if it is “more likely than not” that the tax position would be sustained in a tax examination, with a tax examination being presumed to occur. The amount recognized is the largest amount of tax benefit that is more likely of being realized on examination than not. For tax positions not meeting the “more likely than not” test, no tax benefit is recorded.

The Company recognizes interest and/or penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense.

Off-Balance Sheet Financial Instruments:

Financial instruments include credit instruments, such as commitments to make loans and standby letters of credit, issued to meet customer financing needs. The face amount for these items represents the exposure to loss, before considering customer collateral or ability to repay. Such financial instruments are recorded when they are funded. The fair value of standby letters of credit is recorded as a liability during the commitment period.

Earnings Per Common Share:

Basic earnings per common share is net income divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per common share includes the dilutive effect of additional potential common shares issuable under stock options, restricted stock awards and warrants. Earnings and dividends per share are restated for all stock splits and dividends through the date of issue of the financial statements. The common shares included in treasury stock for 2020 and 2019 were 473,660 and 178,741 shares, respectively. Common stock that has been purchased under the directors’ deferred compensation plan, described above, is included in the treasury stock total and represented 184,559 and 178,741 shares of treasury stock as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Because these shares are held in trust for the participants, they are treated as outstanding when computing the weighted-average common shares outstanding for the calculation of both basic and diluted earnings per share. During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company repurchased 289,101 of its common shares at a weighted average price of $34.63 per share. Treasury stock is carried at cost.

Comprehensive Income:

Comprehensive income consists of net income and other comprehensive income (loss). Other comprehensive income (loss) includes unrealized gains and losses on securities available-for-sale and changes in the funded status of the pension plan, which are also recognized as separate components of equity.

NOTE 1 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

Loss Contingencies:

Loss contingencies, including claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business, are recorded as liabilities when the likelihood of loss is probable and an amount or range of loss can be reasonably estimated. Management does not believe there currently are such matters that will have a material effect on the financial statements.

Restrictions on Cash:

The Federal Reserve Bank eliminated the reserve requirement for all depository institutions in March of 2020. Therefore, the Company was not required to have cash on hand or on deposit with the Federal Reserve Bank to meet regulatory reserve and clearing requirements at year-end 2020. The Company was required to have $28.9 million of cash on hand or on deposit with the Federal Reserve Bank to meet regulatory reserve and clearing requirements at year end 2019. The Company met this requirement for 2019.

Dividend Restriction:

Banking regulations require maintaining certain capital levels and may limit the dividends paid by the Bank to the Company or by the Company to its stockholders. These restrictions currently pose no practical limit on the ability of the Bank or Company to pay dividends at historical levels.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments:

Fair values of financial instruments are estimated using relevant market information and other assumptions, as more fully disclosed in Note 5 - Fair Value. Fair value estimates involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment regarding interest rates, credit risk, prepayments and other factors, especially in the absence of broad markets for particular items. Changes in assumptions or in market conditions could significantly affect the estimates.

Operating Segments:

The Company’s chief decision-makers monitor and evaluate financial performance on a Company-wide basis. All of the Company’s financial service operations are similar and considered by management to be aggregated into one reportable operating segment. While the Company has assigned certain management responsibilities by region and business-line, the Company’s chief decision-makers monitor and evaluate financial performance on a Company-wide basis. The majority of the Company’s revenue is from the business of banking and the Company’s assigned regions have similar economic characteristics, products, services and customers. Accordingly, all of the Company’s operations are considered by management to be aggregated in one reportable operating segment.

Adoption of New Accounting Standards:

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04 “Intangibles - Goodwill and Other - Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment.” These amendments eliminate Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. The amendments also eliminate the requirements for any reporting unit with a zero or negative carrying amount to perform a qualitative assessment and, if it fails that qualitative test, to perform Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test. An entity still has the option to perform the qualitative assessment for a reporting unit to determine if the quantitative impairment test is necessary. The Company adopted this new accounting standard on January 1, 2020. Adopting this standard did not have an impact on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.

NOTE 1 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-13 “Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement.” These amendments modify the disclosure requirements in Topic 820 as follows:

Removals: the amount of and reasons for transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy; the policy for timing of transfers between levels; and the valuation processes for Level 3 fair value measurements.

Modifications: for investments in certain entities that calculate net asset value, an entity is required to disclose the timing of liquidation of an investee’s assets and the date when restrictions from redemption might lapse only if the investee has communicated the timing to the entity or announced the timing publicly; and the amendments clarify that the measurement uncertainty disclosure is to communicate information about the uncertainty in measurement as of the reporting date.

Additions: the changes in unrealized gains and losses for the period included in other comprehensive income for recurring Level 3 fair value measurements held at the end of the reporting period; and the range and weighted average of significant unobservable inputs used to develop Level 3 fair value measurements.

The guidance is effective for all entities for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019. The amendments on changes in unrealized gains and losses, the range and weighted average of significant unobservable inputs used to develop Level 3 fair value measurements, and the narrative description of measurement uncertainty should all be applied prospectively for only the most recent interim or annual period presented in the initial year of adoption. All other amendments should be applied retrospectively to all periods presented upon their effective date. The Company adopted ASU 2018-13 on January 1, 2020 and it did not have a material impact on its financial condition or results of operations.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-15 “Intangibles - Goodwill and Other - Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract.” These amendments align the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contact with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software (and hosting arrangements that include an internal-use software license). The accounting for the service element of a hosting arrangement that is a service contract is not affected by these amendments. Early adoption is permitted. The Company adopted ASU 2018-15 on January 1, 2020 and it did not have a material impact on its financial condition or results of operations.

Newly Issued But Not Yet Effective Accounting Standards:

In June 2016, the FASB issued guidance related to credit losses on financial instruments. This update, commonly referred to as the CECL methodology, will change the accounting for credit losses on loans and debt securities. Under the new guidance, the Company’s measurement of expected credit losses is to be based on information about past events, including historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts that affect the collectability of the reported amount. For loans, this measurement will take place at the time the financial asset is first added to the balance sheet and periodically thereafter. This differs significantly from the “incurred loss” model previously required, but still permitted, under GAAP, which delays recognition until it is probable a loss has been incurred. In addition, the guidance will modify the other-than-temporary impairment model for available-for-sale debt securities to require an allowance for credit impairment instead of a direct write-down, which will allow for reversal of credit impairments in future periods. This guidance is effective, subject to optional delay discussed below, for the Company for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods in those fiscal years.

The Company implemented the CECL methodology and ran it concurrently with the historical incurred method. Under a provision provided by the CARES Act, the Company elected to delay the adoption of FASB’s new rule covering the CECL standard. On December 27, 2020, President Trump signed into law the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021. This law extended relief for troubled debt restructurings and provided for further delay of the current expected credit losses adoption under the CARES Act to January 1, 2022, with early adoption permitted. The Company elected to remain on the incurred loan loss methodology for 2020. The Company will adopt the CECL standard during the first quarter of 2021, effective January 1, 2021.

NOTE 1 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

The Company’s day one adjustment to the allowance for credit losses will be an increase in the allowance for credit losses of $9.1 million an offset, net of taxes, to stockholders’ equity. The calculation will require approval by the loan review committee and board of directors in accordance with the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting. Additionally, the Company has evaluated the need to recognize an allowance for credit impairment for available-for-sale debt securities. The impact on available-for-sale debt securities is subject to a limitation, which is based on the fair value of the debt securities. When evaluating the credit quality of our existing portfolio, the Company does not expect the allowance for credit impairment for available-for-sale securities to be significant.

The future impact of CECL on the Company’s allowance for credit losses and provision expense subsequent to the initial adoption will depend on changes in the loan portfolio, economic conditions and refinements to key assumptions including economic forecasting and qualitative factors.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-14 “Compensation — Retirement Benefits — Defined Benefit Plans — General (Topic 715-20): Disclosure Framework — Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans.” The ASU updates the annual disclosure requirements for employers that sponsor defined benefit pension or other postretirement benefit plans by adding, clarifying and removing certain disclosures. These amendments are effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2020, for public business entities, and are to be applied on a retrospective basis to all periods presented. Management has reviewed the standard and does not anticipate ASU 2018-14 will have a material impact on its financial statements.

In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12 “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes.” These amendments remove specific exceptions to the general principles in Topic 740 in GAAP. It eliminates the need for an organization to analyze whether the following apply in a given period: exception to the incremental approach for intraperiod tax allocation; exceptions to accounting for basis differences where there are ownership changes in foreign investments; and exception in interim period income tax accounting for year-to-date losses that exceed anticipated losses. It also improves financial statement preparers’ application of income tax-related guidance and simplifies GAAP for: franchise taxes that are partially based on income; transactions with a government that result in a step up in the tax basis of goodwill; separate financial statements of legal entities that are not subject to tax; and enacts changes in tax laws in interim periods. The guidance is effective for public business entities for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2020. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is assessing ASU 2019-12 and its impact on its financial statements.

On March 12, 2020, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (“ASC 848”): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting. ASC 848 contains optional expedients and exceptions for applying generally accepted accounting principles to contract modifications and hedging relationships, subject to meeting certain criteria, that reference LIBOR or another reference rate expected to be discontinued. The Company has formed a cross-functional project team to lead the transition from LIBOR to a planned adoption of reference rates which could include Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”), amongst other indexes. The Company has identified loans that will renew prior to 2021 and will obtain updated reference rate language at the time of renewal. Additionally, management is utilizing the timeline guidance published by the Alternative Reference Rates Committee to develop internal milestones during this transitional period. The Company has adhered to the International Swaps and Derivatives Association 2020 IBOR Fallbacks Protocol that was released on October 23, 2020. The guidance under ASC-848 will be available for a limited time, generally through December 31, 2022. The Company expects to adopt the LIBOR transition relief allowed under this standard.

Reclassifications:

Certain amounts appearing in the financial statements and notes thereto for prior periods have been reclassified to conform with the current presentation. The reclassifications had no effect on net income or stockholders’ equity as previously reported.