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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Nature of Operations
The Bancorp is a publicly-owned registered bank holding company that has elected to be a financial holding company.  The Bancorp’s principal subsidiary is the Bank, a Rhode Island chartered financial institution founded in 1800. The Bank is the oldest community bank in the nation and the largest state-chartered bank headquartered in Rhode Island.

Washington Trust offers a full range of financial services, including commercial, residential and consumer lending, retail and commercial deposit products, and wealth management and trust services through its offices in Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Connecticut.

Basis of Presentation
The accounting and reporting policies of Washington Trust conform to GAAP and to general practices of the banking industry.

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Bancorp and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, except subsidiaries that are not deemed necessary to be consolidated. Through consolidation, intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.

The Bancorp owns the common stock of two capital trusts, which have issued trust preferred securities. These capital trusts are variable interest entities in which the Bancorp is not the primary beneficiary and, therefore, are not consolidated. The capital trust’s only assets are junior subordinated debentures issued by the Bancorp, which were acquired by the capital trusts using the proceeds from the issuance of the trust preferred securities and common stock. The Bancorp’s equity interest in the capital trusts, which is classified in other assets, and the junior subordinated debentures are included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Interest expense on the junior subordinated debentures is included in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Reclassification
Certain previously reported amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year’s presentation.

Use of Estimates
In preparing the financial statements, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the balance sheet and revenues and expenses for the period.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.  Management considers the ACL on loans to be a material estimate that is particularly susceptible to change.

Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents, as referenced in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, consists of cash and due from banks and short-term investments.

Cash and due from Banks
Cash and due from banks includes cash on hand, cash items in process of collection, cash on deposit at the FRBB and other correspondent banks, as well as cash pledged to derivative counterparties. Cash on deposit includes interest-bearing deposits held at correspondent banks of $74.5 million and $65.8 million, respectively, at December 31, 2023 and 2022. Cash collateral pledged to derivative counterparties represents restricted cash balances. See Note 9 for additional disclosure regarding cash collateral pledged to derivative counterparties.

Short-term Investments
Short-term investments consist of highly liquid investments with a maturity date of three months or less when purchased and are considered to be cash equivalents.  The Corporation’s short-term investments may be composed of overnight federal funds sold, securities purchased under resale agreements, money market mutual funds and U.S. Treasury bills.

Securities
Management determines the appropriate classification of securities at the time of purchase. Investments in debt securities that management has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified as held to maturity and carried at amortized cost. Securities not classified as held to maturity are classified as available for sale.  Securities available for sale
consist of debt securities that are available for sale to respond to changes in market interest rates, liquidity needs, changes in funding sources and other similar factors.  These assets are specifically identified and are carried at fair value.  Changes in fair value of available for sale securities, net of applicable income taxes, are reported as a separate component of shareholders’ equity.  Washington Trust does not currently have securities designated as held to maturity and also does not maintain a trading portfolio.

Premiums and discounts are amortized and accreted over the term of the securities on a method that approximates the level yield method.  The amortization and accretion is included in interest income on securities.  Interest income is recognized when earned.  Realized gains or losses from sales of securities are recorded on the trade date and are determined using the specific identification method.

The fair values of securities may be based on either quoted market prices or third-party pricing services.

The Corporation excludes accrued interest from the amortized cost basis of debt securities and reports accrued interest in other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Corporation also excludes accrued interest from the estimate of credit losses on debt securities.

A debt security is placed on nonaccrual status at the time any principal or interest payments become more than 90 days delinquent or if full collection of interest or principal becomes uncertain. Accrued interest for a debt security placed on nonaccrual is reversed against interest income.

Allowance for Credit Losses on Securities
For available for sale debt securities in an unrealized loss position, management first assesses whether the Corporation intends to sell, or if it is likely that the Corporation will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis. If either of the criteria regarding intent or requirement to sell is met, the security’s amortized cost basis is written down to fair value through a provision for credit losses recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income. For debt securities available for sale that do not meet either of these criteria, management evaluates whether the decline in fair value has resulted from credit losses or other factors. In making this assessment, management considers both quantitative and qualitative factors.

A substantial portion of available for sale debt securities held by the Corporation are obligations issued by U.S. government agency and U.S. government-sponsored enterprises, including mortgage-backed securities. These securities are either explicitly or implicitly guaranteed by the U.S. government, are highly rated by major credit rating agencies and have a long history of no credit losses. For these securities, management takes into consideration the long history of no credit losses and other factors to assess the risk of nonpayment even if the U.S. government were to default. As such, the Corporation utilized a zero credit loss estimate for these securities.

For available for sale debt securities that are not guaranteed by U.S. government agencies and U.S. government-sponsored enterprises, such as individual name issuer trust preferred debt securities and corporate bonds, management utilizes a third-party credit modeling tool based on observable market data, which assists management in identifying any potential credit risk associated with these available for sale debt securities. This model estimates probability of default, loss given default and exposure at default for each security. In addition, qualitative factors are also considered, including the extent to which fair value is less than amortized cost, changes to the credit rating of the security by a rating agency, and adverse conditions specifically related to the security, among other factors. If a credit loss exists based on the results of this assessment, an ACL (contra asset) is recorded, limited by the amount that the fair value is less than the amortized cost basis. Any impairment that has not been recorded through an ACL is considered market-related and is recognized in other comprehensive income, net of taxes.

Changes in the ACL on available for sale debt securities are recorded as provision for credit losses. Losses are charged against the ACL when management believes the uncollectability of an available for sale debt security is confirmed or when either of the criteria regarding intent or requirement to sell is met.

Federal Home Loan Bank Stock
The Bank is a member of the FHLB, which is a cooperative that provides services, including funding in the form of advances, to its member banking institutions. The primary reason for the Bank’s membership is to gain access to a reliable source of wholesale funding in order to manage interest rate risk. The purchase of FHLB stock is a requirement for a member to gain
access to funding and the Bank must own a minimum amount of FHLB stock, calculated periodically based primarily on its level of borrowings from the FHLB. The Bank purchases FHLB stock in proportion to the volume of funding received and views the purchases as a necessary long-term investment for the purposes of balance sheet liquidity and not for investment return.

No market exists for shares of FHLB stock and therefore, it is carried at cost.  FHLB stock may be redeemed at par value five years following termination of FHLB membership, subject to limitations which may be imposed by the FHLB or its regulator, the Federal Housing Finance Board, to maintain capital adequacy of the FHLB.  While the Bank currently has no intentions to terminate its FHLB membership, the ability to redeem its investment in FHLB stock would be subject to the conditions imposed by the FHLB.  The Bank monitors its investment to determine if impairment exists. Based on the capital adequacy and the liquidity position of the FHLB, management believes there is no impairment related to the carrying amount of FHLB stock included in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2023.

Mortgage Banking Activities
Mortgage Loans Held for Sale
Residential real estate mortgage loans originated and intended for sale in the secondary market are classified as held for sale. ASC 825, “Financial Instruments” allows for the irrevocable option to elect fair value accounting for the initial and subsequent measurement for certain financial assets and liabilities on a contract-by-contract basis that may otherwise not be required to be measured at fair value under other accounting standards. The Corporation has elected the fair value option for mortgage loans held for sale in order to better match changes in fair values of the loans with changes in the fair value of the derivative forward sale commitment contracts used to economically hedge them. Changes in the fair value of mortgage loans held for sale accounted for under the fair value option are included in mortgage banking revenues. Gains and losses on residential loan sales are recognized at the time of sale and are included in mortgage banking revenues. Upfront fees and costs related to mortgage loans held for sale for which the fair value option was elected are recognized in mortgage banking revenues as received / incurred and are not deferred.

Commissions received on mortgage loans brokered to various investors are recognized when received and are included in mortgage banking revenues.

Loan Servicing Rights
When residential real estate mortgage loans held for sale are sold with servicing retained, mortgage servicing right assets are recognized as separate assets. Mortgage servicing rights are originally recorded at fair value. Fair value is based on a valuation model that incorporates assumptions that market participants would use in estimating future net servicing income, such as the cost to service, the discount rate, ancillary income, prepayment speeds, and default rates and losses. Mortgage servicing rights are included in other assets and are amortized as an offset to mortgage banking revenues over the period of estimated net servicing income.

Mortgage servicing rights are periodically evaluated for impairment based on their fair value.  Impairment is measured on an aggregated basis by stratifying the rights based on homogeneous characteristics such as note rate and loan type. Any impairment is recognized through a valuation allowance and as a reduction to mortgage banking revenues.

Loans
Portfolio Loans
Loans are carried at the principal amount outstanding, adjusted by partial charge-offs and net of unamortized deferred loan origination fees and costs.  Interest income is accrued on a level yield basis based upon principal amounts outstanding, except for loans on nonaccrual status.  Deferred loan origination fees and costs are amortized as an adjustment to yield over the term of the related loans. For purchased loans, which did not show signs of credit deterioration at the time of purchase, interest income is also accrued on a level yield basis based upon principal amounts outstanding and is then further adjusted by accretion of any discount or amortization of any premium associated with the loans.

Nonaccrual Loans
Loans, with the exception of certain well-secured loans that are in the process of collection, are placed on nonaccrual status and interest recognition is suspended when such loans are 90 days or more overdue with respect to principal and/or interest, or sooner if considered appropriate by management. Well-secured loans are permitted to remain on accrual status provided that full collection of principal and interest is assured and the loan is in the process of collection. Loans are also placed on nonaccrual status when, in the opinion of management, full collection of principal and interest is doubtful. When loans are
placed on nonaccrual status, interest previously accrued but not collected is reversed against current period income.  Subsequent interest payments received on nonaccrual loans are applied to the outstanding principal balance of the loan or recognized as interest income depending on management’s assessment of the ultimate collectability of the loan. Loans are removed from nonaccrual status when they have been current as to principal and interest (generally for six months), the borrower has demonstrated an ability to comply with repayment terms, and when, in management’s opinion, the loans are considered to be fully collectible.

Troubled Loan Modifications
Effective January 1, 2023, a loan that has been modified is considered a TLM when the modification is made to a borrower experiencing financial difficulty and the modification has a direct impact to the contractual cash flows. If both of the aforementioned criteria are met, then the modification is considered a TLM and subject to the enhanced disclosure requirements.

In the course of resolving problem loans, the Corporation may choose to modify the contractual terms of loans to borrowers who are experiencing financial difficulty. Such modifications to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty may include modified contractual terms that have a direct impact to contractual cash flows, including principal forgiveness, interest rate reductions, maturity extensions, other-than-insignificant payment delays, or any combination thereof. Debt could be bifurcated with separate terms for each tranche of the TLM. Executing a TLM in lieu of aggressively enforcing the collection of the loan may benefit the Corporation by increasing the ultimate probability of collection. The following is a description of each type of modifications for a TLM:

Principal forgiveness results in the reduction in the outstanding principal balance of the loan and can result voluntarily through renegotiated contractual terms with the borrower or involuntarily through a bankruptcy proceeding.
An interest rate reduction results in the contractual interest rate being reduced from the original agreement.
A maturity extension represents an extension of the term of the loan beyond its original contractual maturity date.
An other-than-insignificant payment delay is a deferral arrangement with the borrower, which allows them to delay a scheduled loan payment to a later date. The Corporation considers that a three months or less payment delay generally would be considered insignificant.
A combination includes loans that have undergone more than one of the above loan modification types.

Nonaccrual loans that become TLMs generally remain on nonaccrual status for six months, subsequent to being modified, before management considers their return to accrual status. If a TLM is on accrual status prior to being modified, it is reviewed to determine if the modified loan should remain on accrual status.

TLMs are reported as such for at least one year from the date of the modification. If the TLM performs in accordance with the modified contractual terms for that period of time, it would be removed from this classification.

Troubled Debt Restructured Loans
Prior to the adoption of ASU 2022-02, a loan that had been modified or renewed was considered to be a TDR when two conditions were met: 1) the borrower was experiencing financial difficulty and 2) concessions were made for the borrower’s benefit that would not otherwise have been considered for a borrower or a transaction with similar credit risk characteristics. These concessions may have included modifications of the terms of the debt such as deferral of payments, extension of maturity, reduction of principal balance, reduction of the stated interest rate other than normal market rate adjustments, or a combination of these concessions. Debt could be bifurcated with separate terms for each tranche of the restructured debt. Restructuring of a loan in lieu of aggressively enforcing the collection of the loan may benefit the Corporation by increasing the ultimate probability of collection.

TDRs were classified as accruing or non-accruing based on management’s assessment of the collectability of the loan.  Loans that were already on nonaccrual status at the time of the restructuring generally remained on nonaccrual status for approximately six months before management considered such loans for return to accruing status.  Accruing restructured loans were placed into nonaccrual status if and when the borrower failed to comply with the restructured terms and management deemed it unlikely that the borrower would return to a status of compliance in the near term and full collection of principal and interest was in doubt.
TDRs were reported as such for at least one year from the date of the restructuring.  In years after the restructuring, TDRs were removed from this classification if the restructuring did not involve a below-market rate concession and the loan was performing in accordance with their modified contractual terms for a reasonable period of time.

Individually Analyzed Loans
Individually analyzed loans are individually assessed for credit impairment and include nonaccrual commercial loans, TLMs, as well as certain other loans based on the underlying risk characteristics and the discretion of management to individually analyze such loans. Prior to January 1, 2023, individually analyzed loans also included TDRs.

Allowance for Credit Losses on Loans
The ACL on loans is established through a provision for credit losses recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income. The ACL on loans is also increased by recoveries of amounts previously charged-off and is reduced by charge-offs on loans. Loan charge-offs are recognized when management believes the collectability of the principal balance outstanding is unlikely. Full or partial charge-offs on collateral dependent individually analyzed loans are generally recognized when the collateral is deemed to be insufficient to support the carrying value of the loan.

The ACL on loans is management’s estimate of expected lifetime credit losses on loans carried at amortized cost. The Corporation made an accounting policy election to exclude accrued interest from the amortized cost basis of loans and reports accrued interest in other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Corporation also excludes accrued interest from the estimate of credit losses on loans.

The level of the ACL on loans is based on management’s ongoing review of all relevant information, from internal and external sources, relating to past events, current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Historical credit loss experience provides the basis for the calculation of loss given default and the estimation of expected credit losses. As discussed further below, adjustments to historical information are made for differences in specific risk characteristics that may not be reflected in historical loss rates.

Management employs a process and methodology to estimate the ACL on loans that evaluates both quantitative and qualitative factors. In accordance with the Corporation’s ACL policy, the methodology is reviewed no less than annually. The methodology for evaluating quantitative factors consists of two basic components. The first component involves pooling loans into portfolio segments for loans that share similar risk characteristics. Pooled loan portfolio segments include CRE (including a commercial construction sub-segment), C&I, residential real estate, home equity and other consumer loans. The second component involves identifying individually analyzed loans that do not share similar risk characteristics with loans that are pooled into portfolio segments. Individually analyzed loans include nonaccrual commercial loans, TLMs, as well as certain other loans based on the underlying risk characteristics and the discretion of management to individually analyze such loans. Prior to January 1, 2023, individually analyzed loans included reasonably expected TDRs and executed TDRs.

For loans that are individually analyzed, the ACL is measured using a DCF method based upon the loan’s contractual effective interest rate, or at the loan’s observable market price, or, if the loan is collateral dependent, at the fair value of the collateral. Factors management considers when measuring the extent of expected credit loss include payment status, collateral value, borrower financial condition, guarantor support and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due. For collateral dependent loans for which repayment is to be provided substantially through the sale of the collateral, management adjusts the fair value for estimated costs to sell. For collateral dependent loans for which repayment is to be provided substantially through the operation of the collateral, estimated costs to sell are not incorporated into the measurement. Management may also adjust appraised values to reflect estimated market value declines or apply other discounts to appraised values for unobservable factors resulting from its knowledge of circumstances associated with the collateral.

For pooled loans, the Corporation utilizes a DCF methodology to estimate credit losses over the expected life of the loan. The life of the loan excludes expected extensions, renewals and modifications, unless the extension or renewal options are included in the original or modified contract terms and not unconditionally cancellable by the Corporation. The methodology incorporates a probability of default and loss given default framework. Default triggers include the loan has become past due by 90 or more days, a charge-off has occurred, the loan has been placed on nonaccrual status, the loan has been modified as a TLM (effective January 1, 2023; TDR prior to January 1, 2023), or the loan is risk-rated as special mention or classified. Loss given default is estimated based on historical credit loss experience. Probability of default is estimated utilizing a
regression model that incorporates econometric factors. Econometric factors are selected based on the correlation of the factor to historical credit losses for each portfolio segment.

The following table summarizes the econometric factors utilized for each loan portfolio segment as of the dates indicated:
Econometric Factors
Loan portfolio segment
At December 31, 2023
At December 31, 2022
CRE
NUR & GDP
NUR & GDP
C&I
NUR & GDP
NUR & GDP
Residential real estate
NUR & HPI
NUR & HPI
Home equity
NUR & HPI
NUR & HPI
Other consumer
GDP
GDP

To estimate the probability of default, the model utilizes forecasted econometric factors over a one-year reasonable and supportable forecast period. After the forecast period, the econometric factors revert to their historical mean on a straight-line basis over a one-year reversion period resulting in a constant default rate after the reversion period. The DCF methodology combines the probability of default, the loss given default, prepayment speeds and the remaining life of the loan to estimate a reserve for each loan. The sum of all the loan level reserves are aggregated for each portfolio segment and a loss rate factor is derived.

Quantitative loss factors are also supplemented by certain qualitative risk factors reflecting management’s view of how losses may vary from those represented by quantitative loss rates. The qualitative risk factors management considers include: 1) changes in lending policies and procedures, including changes in underwriting standards and collection, charge-off, and recovery practices not considered elsewhere in estimating credit losses; 2) changes in international, national, regional, and local economic and business conditions and developments that affect the collectability of the portfolio, including the condition of various market segments; 3) changes in the nature and volume of the portfolio and in the terms of loans; 4) changes in the experience, ability, and depth of lending management and other relevant staff; 5) changes in the volume and severity of past due loans, the volume of nonaccrual loans, and the volume and severity of adversely classified or rated loans; 6) changes in the quality of the institution’s credit review system; 7) changes in the value of underlying collateral for collateral dependent loans; 8) the existence and effect of any concentrations of credit, and changes in the level of such concentrations; and 9) the effect of other external factors such as legal and regulatory requirements on the level of estimated credit losses in the institution’s existing portfolio. Qualitative loss factors are applied to each portfolio segment with the range of amounts determined by historical loan charge-offs of a peer group of similar-sized regional banks.

Because the methodology is based upon historical experience and trends, current economic data, reasonable and supportable forecasts, as well as management’s judgment, factors may arise that result in different estimations. Deteriorating conditions or assumptions could lead to further increases in the ACL on loans, conversely improving conditions or assumptions could lead to further reductions in the ACL on loans. In addition, various regulatory agencies periodically review the ACL on loans. Such agencies may require additions to the allowance based on their judgments about information available to them at the time of their examination. The ACL on loans is an estimate, and ultimate losses may vary from management’s estimate.

Allowance for Credit Losses on Unfunded Commitments
The ACL on unfunded commitments is management’s estimate of expected lifetime credit losses over the expected contractual term in which the Corporation is exposed to credit risk via a contractual obligation to extend credit, unless that obligation is unconditionally cancellable by the Corporation. Unfunded commitments for home equity lines of credit and commercial demand loans are considered unconditionally cancellable for regulatory capital purposes and, therefore, are excluded from the calculation to estimate the ACL on unfunded commitments. For each portfolio, estimated loss rates and funding factors are applied to the corresponding balance of unfunded commitments. The estimated loss rates applied to unfunded commitments are the same quantitative and qualitative loss rates applied to the corresponding on-balance sheet amounts in determining the ACL on loans. The estimated funding factor applied to unfunded commitments represents the likelihood that the funding will occur and is based upon the Corporation’s average historical utilization rate for each portfolio.
The ACL on unfunded commitments is included in other liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The ACL on unfunded commitments is adjusted through a provision for credit losses recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Premises and Equipment
Land is carried at cost. Premises and equipment are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation for financial reporting purposes is calculated on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of assets.  For leasehold improvements, the estimated useful life is the shorter of the expected lease term or the estimated useful life of the improvement. Expected lease terms include lease renewal options to the extent that the exercise of such renewals is reasonably assured.  The estimated useful lives of premises and improvements range from 5 to 40 years. For furniture, fixtures and equipment, the estimated useful lives range from 3 to 20 years. Repairs and maintenance costs are charged to noninterest expense as incurred.

Leases
The Corporation has committed to rent premises used in business operations under non-cancelable operating leases and determines if an arrangement meets the definition of a lease upon inception. Operating leases are recorded on the balance sheet, through the recognition of an operating lease ROU asset and an operating lease liability at the commencement date of the new lease. ROU assets represent a right to use an underlying asset for the contractual lease term. Operating lease liabilities represent an obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease.

The Corporation’s leases do not provide an implicit interest rate, therefore the Corporation uses its incremental collateralized borrowing rates commensurate with the underlying lease terms to determine the present value of operating lease liabilities. The Corporation’s operating lease agreements contain both lease and non-lease components, which are generally accounted for separately. The Corporation’s lease agreements do not contain any residual value guarantees.

Operating leases with terms of 12 months or less are included in ROU assets and operating lease liabilities recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Operating lease terms include options to extend when it is reasonably certain that the Corporation will exercise such options, determined on a lease-by-lease basis.

Lease expense for operating leases is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Variable lease components, such as consumer price index adjustments, are expensed as incurred and not included in ROU assets and operating lease liabilities.

Bank-Owned Life Insurance
The investment in BOLI represents the cash surrender value of life insurance policies on the lives of certain employees who have provided positive consent allowing the Bank to be the beneficiary of such policies.  Increases in the cash value of the policies, as well as insurance proceeds received, are recorded in noninterest income and are not subject to income taxes.  The financial strength of the insurance carrier is reviewed prior to the purchase of BOLI and annually thereafter.

Goodwill and Identifiable Intangible Assets
Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the net fair value of the acquired businesses. Goodwill is not amortized, but is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level (defined as the segment level), at least annually in the fourth quarter or more frequently whenever events or circumstances occur that indicate that it is more-likely-than-not that an impairment loss has occurred. In assessing impairment, management has the option to perform a qualitative analysis to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more-likely-than-not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If, after assessing the totality of such events or circumstances, we determine it is not more-likely-than-not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then we would not be required to perform an impairment test.

The quantitative impairment analysis requires a comparison of each reporting unit’s fair value to its carrying value to identify potential impairment. Goodwill impairment exists when a reporting unit’s carrying value of goodwill exceeds its implied fair value. Significant judgment is applied when goodwill is assessed for impairment. This judgment includes, but may not be limited to, the selection of appropriate discount rates, the identification of relevant market comparables and the development of cash flow projections. The selection and weighting of the various fair value techniques may result in a higher or lower fair value. Judgment is applied in determining the weightings that are most representative of fair value.
Intangible assets identified in acquisitions consist of advisory contracts. The value attributed to intangible assets was based on the time period over which they are expected to generate economic benefits. Intangible assets are amortized over their estimated lives using a method that approximates the amount of economic benefits that are realized by the Corporation.

Intangible assets with definite lives are tested for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be fully recoverable.  If applicable, management tests each of the intangibles by comparing the carrying value of the intangible asset to the sum of undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the asset.  If the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its undiscounted cash flows, then an impairment loss would be recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds its fair value. Impairment would result in a write-down to the estimated fair value based on the anticipated discounted future cash flows. The remaining useful life of the intangible assets that are being amortized is also evaluated to determine whether events and circumstances warrant a revision to the remaining period of amortization.

Property Acquired through Foreclosure or Repossession
Property acquired through foreclosure or repossession is initially recorded at fair value less estimated costs to sell, resulting in a new cost basis.  Fair value of such assets is determined based on independent appraisals and other relevant factors.  The amount by which the recorded investment in the loan exceeds the fair value (net of estimated costs to sell) at the time of foreclosure or repossession is charged to the ACL on loans.  Subsequent to foreclosure or repossession, a valuation allowance is maintained for declines in market value and for estimated selling expenses.  Any subsequent increases in fair value of the property are recorded as a reduction to the valuation allowance, but not below zero. Upon sale of foreclosed property, any excess of the carrying value over the sales proceeds is recognized as a loss on sale. Any excess of sales proceeds over the carrying value of the foreclosed property is first applied as a recovery to the valuation allowance, if any, with the remainder being recognized as a gain on sale. Changes to the valuation allowance, expenses associated with ownership of these properties, and gains and losses from their sale are included in other noninterest expense.

Loans that are substantively repossessed include only those loans for which the Corporation has obtained control of the collateral, but has not completed legal foreclosure proceedings.

Investments in Real Estate Limited Partnerships
The Bank invests in real estate limited partnerships that renovate, own and operate low-income housing complexes. The Bank neither actively participates in the management of nor has a controlling interest in the real estate limited partnerships. The carrying value of such investments is recorded in other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Investments in real estate limited partnerships are accounted for using the proportional amortization method. Unfunded commitments for future capital contributions are recognized and recorded in other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Under the proportional amortization method, the investment is amortized over the same tax period and in proportion to the total tax benefits expected to be allocated to the Bank. The amortization is recognized as a component of income tax expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income. In addition, operating losses and tax credits generated by the partnership are also recorded as a reduction to income tax expense.

Other Equity Investments
The Corporation invests in equity investments without readily determinable fair value. Such equity investments are classified within other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The Corporation has elected to carry equity investments without readily determinable fair value at cost, less impairment, if any, plus or minus changes in observable prices. A qualitative impairment analysis for equity investments without readily determinable fair value is performed quarterly. If the equity investment is deemed to be impaired, an impairment loss is recognized in the amount by which the carrying value of the equity investment exceeds its estimated fair value. The impairment loss is recognized as a reduction of other noninterest income in the Consolidated Statement of Income. An impairment loss can be reversed in a subsequent period if there are observable transactions for the identical or similar investment of the same issuer at an amount that is greater than the carrying value of the investment that was established when the impairment loss was recognized. The reversal of any impairment loss or other changes resulting from observable transactions are recognized in other noninterest income in the Consolidated Statement of Income.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Other than Goodwill
Long-lived assets, including premises and equipment, operating lease ROU assets and investments in real estate limited partnerships, are tested for impairment whenever events or changes in business circumstances indicate that the carrying
amount may not be fully recoverable.  If impairment is determined to exist, any related impairment loss is calculated based on fair value.  Impairment losses on assets to be disposed of, if any, are based on the estimated proceeds to be received, less costs of disposal. An impairment loss is recognized within noninterest expense in the Consolidated Statement of Income. A previously recognized impairment loss cannot be reversed in a subsequent period.

Transfers and Servicing of Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities
The accounting for transfers and servicing of financial assets and extinguishments of liabilities is based on consistent application of a financial components approach that focuses on control.  This approach distinguishes transfers of financial assets that are sales from transfers that are secured borrowings.  Transfers of financial assets are accounted for as sales when control over the assets has been surrendered. Control over transferred assets is deemed to be surrendered when (1) the assets have been isolated from the Corporation, (2) the transferee obtains the right to pledge or exchange the transferred assets with no conditions that constrain the transferee and provide more than a trivial benefit to the Corporation, and (3) the Corporation does not maintain effective control over the transferred assets through an agreement to repurchase them before their maturity. If a transfer does not meet the criteria for a sale, the transfer is accounted for as a secured borrowing with a pledge of collateral.

Wealth Management AUA
AUA represents assets held in a fiduciary or agency capacity for wealth management clients and are not included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, as these are not assets of the Corporation.

Revenue from Contracts with Customers
ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, provides a revenue recognition framework for contracts with customers unless those contracts are within the scope of other accounting standards.

The Corporation recognizes revenue from contracts with customers by identifying the performance obligations in its contracts, determining the transaction price in the contract, allocating the transaction price to each performance obligation contained within the contract, as applicable, and then recognizing revenue from its contracts with customers when it satisfies its performance obligations. The performance obligations are generally satisfied as services are rendered and can either be satisfied at a point in time or over time.

Revenue that is earned at a point in time is derived from transactional information and is recognized as revenue immediately as the transactions occur or upon providing the service to complete the customer’s transaction. This includes card interchange fees (fee income related to debit card transactions), certain service charges on deposits accounts such as overdraft charges, ATM fees for customers, stop-payment fees, and certain other income such as wire transfer fees and ATM fees for non-customers.

Revenue that is earned over time is generally recognized over the term of the contract as services are performed and performance obligations are satisfied. Such revenue includes wealth management revenues, monthly service charges on deposit accounts and certain other income such as safe deposit box rental fees.

In certain cases, other parties are involved with providing services to our customers. If the Corporation is a principal in the transaction (providing services itself or through a third party on its behalf), revenues are reported based on the gross consideration received from the customer and any related expenses are reported gross in noninterest expense. If the Corporation is an agent in the transaction (referring customers to another party to provide services), the Corporation reports its net fee or commission retained as revenue.

For certain commissions and incentives, such as those paid to employees in our wealth management services and commercial banking segments in order to obtain customer contracts, contract cost assets are established. The contract cost assets are capitalized and amortized over the estimated useful life that the asset is expected to generate benefits. Contract cost assets are included in other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The amortization of contract cost assets is recorded within salaries and employee benefits expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Pension Costs
Pension benefits are accounted for using the net periodic benefit cost method, which recognizes the compensation cost of an employee’s pension benefit over that employee’s approximate service period.  Pension benefit costs and benefit obligations incorporate various actuarial and other assumptions, including discount rates, mortality, rates of return on plan assets and
compensation increases.  Management evaluates these assumptions on an annual basis and makes modifications to the assumptions based on current rates and trends when it is appropriate to so do.  The effect of modifications to those assumptions is recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) and amortized to net periodic cost over future periods.

The service cost component of net periodic benefit cost is recognized within salaries and employee benefits expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income. All other components of net periodic benefit cost are recognized in other noninterest expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

The funded status of defined benefit pension plans, measured as the difference between the fair value of plan assets and the projected benefit obligation, is recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.  The changes in the funded status of the defined benefit plans, including actuarial gains and losses and prior service costs and credits, are recognized in comprehensive income in the year in which the changes occur.

Share-Based Compensation
Share-based compensation plans provide for awards of stock options and other equity incentives, including restricted stock units and performance share units.

Compensation expense for awards is recognized over the service period based on the fair value at the date of grant and is included in salaries and employee benefits expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Grant date fair value for stock options is estimated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. Awards of restricted stock units and performance share units are valued at the fair market value of the Bancorp’s common stock as of the award date. Performance share unit compensation expense is based on the most recent performance assumption available and is adjusted as assumptions change. Forfeitures are recognized when they occur. Vesting of the awards may accelerate or may be subject to proportional vesting if there is a change in control, disability, retirement or death. Vested equity awards are issued from treasury stock, when available, or from authorized but unissued stock.

Excess tax benefits (expenses) result when tax return deductions differ from recognized share-based compensation cost that are determined using the grant-date fair value approach for financial statement purposes. Excess tax benefits (expenses) related to the settlement of share-based awards are recorded as a decrease (increase) to income tax expense in the Consolidated Income Statements and are classified in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows as an operating activity.

Dividends declared on restricted stock units issued under the 2013 Stock Option and Incentive Plan are nonforfeitable and paid quarterly in conjunction with dividends declared and paid to common shareholders. Dividends declared on restricted stock units issued under the 2022 Long Term Incentive Plan are accrued at each dividend declaration date and paid upon the issuance of the shares after the award vests. Dividends on performance share units are accrued at each dividend declaration date based on the most recent performance assumptions available and paid upon the issuance of the shares after the award vest.

Income Taxes
Income tax expense is determined based on the asset and liability method, whereby deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The impact of tax legislation changes is recognized as a component of income tax expense in the period of enactment. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to an amount, which is more-likely-than-not to be realizable.

Additionally, a liability for unrecognized tax benefits is recorded for uncertain tax positions taken by the Corporation on its tax returns for which there is less than a 50% likelihood of being recognized upon a tax examination. Interest related to unrecognized tax benefits is recorded in income tax expense.

Penalties, if incurred, would be recognized as a component of income tax expense.

Segment Reporting
The Corporation manages its operations through two reportable business segments, consisting of Commercial Banking and Wealth Management Services. Additional information on the segments is presented in Note 18.
Management uses an allocation methodology to allocate income and expenses to the business lines. Direct activities are assigned to the appropriate business segment to which the activity relates. Indirect activities, such as corporate, technology and other support functions, are allocated to business segments primarily based upon full-time equivalent employee computations.

Segment reporting results may be restated, when necessary, to reflect changes in organizational structure or allocation methodology. Any changes in estimates and allocations that may affect the reported results of any business segment will not affect the consolidated financial position or results of operations of the Corporation as a whole.

Earnings Per Common Share
EPS is calculated utilizing the two-class method.  The two-class method is an earnings allocation formula that determines earnings per share of each class of stock according to dividends and participation rights in undistributed earnings.  Share‑based awards that entitle holders to receive nonforfeitable dividends before vesting are considered participating securities (i.e., restricted stock units awarded under the 2013 Stock Option and Incentive Plan), not subject to performance-based measures. Undistributed income is allocated to common shareholders and participating securities under the two-class method based upon the proportion of each to the total weighted average shares available.  Under the two-class method, basic EPS is computed by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding.  Diluted EPS is computed using the weighted-average number of shares determined for the basic EPS computation plus the dilutive effect on common shares outstanding, using the treasury stock method.

Comprehensive Income
Comprehensive income is defined as all changes in equity, except for those resulting from transactions with shareholders.  Net income is a component of comprehensive income. All other components are referred to in the aggregate as other comprehensive income (loss). Other comprehensive income (loss) includes the after-tax effect of net changes in the fair value of securities available for sale, net changes in fair value of cash flow hedges and net changes in defined benefit pension plan obligations.

Guarantees
Standby letters of credit are considered a guarantee of the Corporation.  Standby letters of credit are conditional commitments issued to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party.  The credit risk involved in issuing standby letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending loan facilities to customers.  Under the standby letters of credit, the Corporation is required to make payments to the beneficiary of the letters of credit upon request by the beneficiary contingent upon the customer’s failure to perform under the terms of the underlying contract with the beneficiary.

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
Derivatives are recognized as either assets or liabilities on the balance sheet and are measured at fair value.  The accounting for changes in the fair value of derivatives depends on the intended use of the derivative and resulting designation.

For derivatives designated as cash flow hedges, the changes in the fair value are recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) and subsequently reclassified to earnings when gains or losses are realized.

For derivatives not designated as hedges, changes in fair value of the derivative instruments are recognized in earnings, in noninterest income.

Net accrued interest receivable or payable on derivatives that qualify for hedge accounting are recorded in interest income or interest expense based on the item being hedged.  Net accrued interest receivable or payable on derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting are reported in noninterest income.

When a cash flow hedge is discontinued, but the hedged cash flows or forecasted transaction is still expected to occur, changes in value that were accumulated in other comprehensive income (loss) are amortized or accreted into earnings over the same periods that the hedged transactions will affect earnings.

Fair Value Measurements
Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures”, establishes a
framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements.  The required disclosures about fair value measurements have been included in Note 10.