Basis of Presentation (Policies)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2015

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

Consolidation

As used in these notes as well as in Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, references to “Isabella,” the “Corporation”, “we,” “our,” “us,” and similar terms refer to the consolidated entity consisting of Isabella Bank Corporation and its subsidiaries. Isabella Bank Corporation refers solely to the parent holding company, and Isabella Bank or the “Bank” refer to Isabella Bank Corporation’s subsidiary, Isabella Bank.

Basis of Accounting

The accompanying unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with GAAP for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In our opinion, all adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2015 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2015. For further information, refer to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.

Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per common share represents income available to common shareholders divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per common share reflects additional common shares that would have been outstanding if dilutive potential common shares had been issued. Potential common shares that may be issued relate solely to outstanding shares in the Directors Plan.

Available-for-sale Securities

As of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, we conducted an analysis to determine whether any AFS securities currently in an unrealized loss position should be other-than-temporarily impaired. Such analyses considered, among other factors, the following criteria:

• Has the value of the investment declined more than what is deemed to be reasonable based on a risk and maturity adjusted discount rate?

• Is the investment credit rating below investment grade?

• Is it probable the issuer will be unable to pay the amount when due?

• Is it more likely than not that we will have to sell the security before recovery of its cost basis?

• Has the duration of the investment been extended?

Nonaccrual Loan Status

The accrual of interest on commercial, agricultural, and residential real estate loans is discontinued at the time the loan is 90 days or more past due unless the credit is well-secured and in the process of collection. Upon transferring the loans to nonaccrual status, we perform an evaluation to determine the net realizable value of the underlying collateral. This evaluation is used to help determine if any charge-offs are necessary. Consumer loans are typically charged-off no later than 180 days past due. Past due status is based on contractual terms of the loan. In all cases, loans are placed on nonaccrual status or charged-off at an earlier date if collection of principal or interest is considered doubtful.

For loans that are placed on nonaccrual status or charged-off, all interest accrued in the current calendar year, but not collected, is reversed against interest income while interest accrued in prior calendar years, but not collected, is charged against the ALLL. Loans may be returned to accrual status after six months of continuous performance.

Loans Receivable

Loans that we have the intent and ability to hold in our portfolio are reported at their outstanding principal balance adjusted for any charge-offs, the ALLL, and any deferred fees or costs. Interest income is accrued over the term of the loan based on the principal amount outstanding. Loan origination fees and certain direct loan origination costs are capitalized and recognized as a component of interest income over the term of the loan using the level yield method.

Commercial and agricultural loans include loans for commercial real estate, commercial operating loans, farmland and agricultural production, and states and political subdivisions. Repayment of these loans is dependent upon the successful operation and management of a business. We minimize our risk by limiting the amount of direct credit exposure to any one borrower to $15,000. Borrowers with direct credit needs of more than $15,000 are serviced through the use of loan participations with other commercial banks. Commercial and agricultural real estate loans commonly require loan-to-value limits of 80% or less. Depending upon the type of loan, past credit history, and current operating results, we may require the borrower to pledge accounts receivable, inventory, and property and equipment. Personal guarantees are generally required from the owners of closely held corporations, partnerships, and sole proprietorships. In addition, we require annual financial statements, prepare cash flow analyses, and review credit reports.

We offer adjustable rate mortgages, construction loans, and fixed rate residential real estate loans which have amortization periods up to a maximum of 30 years. We consider the anticipated direction of interest rates, balance sheet duration, the sensitivity of our balance sheet to changes in interest rates, and overall loan demand to determine whether or not to sell fixed rate loans to Freddie Mac.

Our lending policies generally limit the maximum loan-to-value ratio on residential real estate loans to 97% of the lower of the appraised value of the property or the purchase price, with the condition that private mortgage insurance is required on loans with loan-to-value ratios in excess of 80%.

Underwriting criteria for residential real estate loans include:

• Evaluation of the borrower’s ability to make monthly payments.

• Evaluation of the value of the property securing the loan.

• Ensuring the payment of principal, interest, taxes, and hazard insurance does not exceed 28% of a borrower’s gross income.

• Ensuring all debt servicing does not exceed 36% of income.

• Verification of acceptable credit reports.

• Verification of employment, income, and financial information.

Appraisals are performed by independent appraisers and reviewed for appropriateness. All mortgage loan requests are reviewed by our mortgage loan committee or through a secondary market underwriting system; loans in excess of $500 require the approval of our Internal Loan Committee, the Executive Loan Committee, the Board of Directors’ Loan Committee, or the Board of Directors.

Consumer loans include secured and unsecured personal loans. Loans are amortized for a period of up to 12 years based on the age and value of the underlying collateral. The underwriting emphasis is on a borrower’s perceived intent and ability to pay rather than collateral value. No consumer loans are sold to the secondary market.

Allowance for Loan Losses

The ALLL is established as losses are estimated to have occurred through a provision for loan losses charged to earnings. Loan losses are charged against the ALLL when we believe the uncollectability of the loan balance is confirmed. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the ALLL.

The appropriateness of the ALLL is evaluated on a quarterly basis and is based upon a periodic review of the collectability of the loans in light of historical experience, the nature and volume of the loan portfolio, adverse situations that may affect the borrower’s ability to repay, estimated value of any underlying collateral, and prevailing economic conditions. This evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires estimates that are susceptible to significant revision as more information becomes available.

The primary factors behind the determination of the level of the ALLL are specific allocations for impaired loans, historical loss percentages, as well as unallocated components. Specific allocations for impaired loans are primarily determined based on the difference between the loan’s outstanding balance to the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, the loan’s obtainable market price, or the fair value of the collateral, less cost to sell. Historical loss allocations are calculated at the loan class and segment levels based on a migration analysis of the loan portfolio over the preceding five years. The unallocated component of the allowance reflects the margin of imprecision inherent in the underlying assumptions used in the methodologies for estimating specific and general losses in the portfolio.

Internal Credit Risk Ratings

Internally assigned credit risk ratings are reviewed, at a minimum, when loans are renewed or when management has knowledge of improvements or deterioration of the credit quality of individual credits. Descriptions of the internally assigned credit risk ratings for commercial and agricultural loans are as follows:

1. EXCELLENT – Substantially Risk Free

Credit has strong financial condition and solid earnings history, characterized by:

• High liquidity, strong cash flow, low leverage.

• Unquestioned ability to meet all obligations when due.

• Experienced management, with management succession in place.

• Secured by cash.

2. HIGH QUALITY – Limited Risk

Credit with sound financial condition and a positive trend in earnings supplemented by:

• Favorable liquidity and leverage ratios.

• Ability to meet all obligations when due.

• Management with successful track record.

• Steady and satisfactory earnings history.

• If loan is secured, collateral is of high quality and readily marketable.

• Access to alternative financing.

• Well defined primary and secondary source of repayment.

• If supported by guaranty, the financial strength and liquidity of the guarantor(s) are clearly evident.

3.HIGH SATISFACTORY – Reasonable Risk

Credit with satisfactory financial condition and further characterized by:

• Working capital adequate to support operations.

• Cash flow sufficient to pay debts as scheduled.

• Management experience and depth appear favorable.

• Loan performing according to terms.

• If loan is secured, collateral is acceptable and loan is fully protected.

4. LOW SATISFACTORY – Acceptable Risk

Credit with bankable risks, although some signs of weaknesses are shown:

• Would include most start-up businesses.

• Occasional instances of trade slowness or repayment delinquency – may have been 10-30 days slow within the past year.

• Management’s abilities are apparent, yet unproven.

• Weakness in primary source of repayment with adequate secondary source of repayment.

• Loan structure generally in accordance with policy.

• If secured, loan collateral coverage is marginal.

• Adequate cash flow to service debt, but coverage is low.

To be classified as less than satisfactory, only one of the following criteria must be met.

5. SPECIAL MENTION – Criticized

Credit constitutes an undue and unwarranted credit risk but not to the point of justifying a classification of substandard. The credit risk may be relatively minor yet constitute an unwarranted risk in light of the circumstances surrounding a specific loan:

• Downward trend in sales, profit levels, and margins.

• Impaired working capital position.

• Cash flow is strained in order to meet debt repayment.

• Loan delinquency (30-60 days) and overdrafts may occur.

• Shrinking equity cushion.

• Diminishing primary source of repayment and questionable secondary source.

• Management abilities are questionable.

• Weak industry conditions.

• Litigation pending against the borrower.

• Collateral or guaranty offers limited protection.

• Negative debt service coverage, however the credit is well collateralized and payments are current.

6. SUBSTANDARD – Classified

Credit where the borrower’s current net worth, paying capacity, and value of the collateral pledged is inadequate. There is a distinct possibility that we will implement collection procedures if the loan deficiencies are not corrected. In addition, the following characteristics may apply:

• Sustained losses have severely eroded the equity and cash flow.

• Deteriorating liquidity.

• Serious management problems or internal fraud.

• Original repayment terms liberalized.

• Likelihood of bankruptcy.

• Inability to access other funding sources.

• Reliance on secondary source of repayment.

• Litigation filed against borrower.

• Collateral provides little or no value.

• Requires excessive attention of the loan officer.

• Borrower is uncooperative with loan officer.

7.VULNERABLE – Classified

Credit is considered “Substandard” and warrants placing on nonaccrual status. Risk of loss is being evaluated and exit strategy options are under review. Other characteristics that may apply:

• Insufficient cash flow to service debt.

• Minimal or no payments being received.

• Limited options available to avoid the collection process.

• Transition status, expect action will take place to collect loan without immediate progress being made.

8. DOUBTFUL – Workout

Credit has all the weaknesses inherent in a “Substandard” loan with the added characteristic that collection and/or liquidation is pending. The possibility of a loss is extremely high, but its classification as a loss is deferred until liquidation procedures are completed, or reasonably estimable. Other characteristics that may apply:

• Normal operations are severely diminished or have ceased.

• Seriously impaired cash flow.

• Original repayment terms materially altered.

• Secondary source of repayment is inadequate.

• Survivability as a “going concern” is impossible.

• Collection process has begun.

• Bankruptcy petition has been filed.

• Judgments have been filed.

• Portion of the loan balance has been charged-off.

Impaired Loans

Loans may be classified as impaired if they meet one or more of the following criteria:

1. There has been a charge-off of its principal balance (in whole or in part);

2. The loan has been classified as a TDR; or

3. The loan is in nonaccrual status.

Impairment is measured on a loan-by-loan basis for commercial and agricultural loans by comparing the loan’s outstanding balance to the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, the loan’s obtainable market price, or the fair value of the collateral, less cost to sell, if the loan is collateral dependent. Large groups of smaller balance homogeneous loans are collectively evaluated for impairment. Impairment is measured on a loan-by-loan basis for residential real estate and consumer loans by comparing the loan’s unpaid principal balance to the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate.

We do not recognize interest income on impaired loans in nonaccrual status. For impaired loans not classified as nonaccrual, interest income is recognized daily, as earned, according to the terms of the loan agreement and the principal amount outstanding.

Troubled Debt Restructurings

Loan modifications are considered to be TDRs when the modification includes terms outside of normal lending practices to a borrower who is experiencing financial difficulties.

Typical concessions granted include, but are not limited to:

1. Agreeing to interest rates below prevailing market rates for debt with similar risk characteristics.

2. Extending the amortization period beyond typical lending guidelines for loans with similar risk characteristics.

3. Forgiving principal.

4. Forgiving accrued interest.

To determine if a borrower is experiencing financial difficulties, factors we consider include:

1. The borrower is currently in default on any of their debt.

2. The borrower would likely default on any of their debt if the concession was not granted.

3. The borrower’s cash flow was insufficient to service all of their debt if the concession was not granted.

4. The borrower has declared, or is in the process of declaring, bankruptcy.

5. The borrower is unlikely to continue as a going concern (if the entity is a business).