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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Business. First Interstate BancSystem, Inc. (the “Parent Company” and collectively with its subsidiaries, the “Company”) is a financial and bank holding company that, through the branch offices of its bank subsidiary, provides a comprehensive range of banking products and services to individuals, businesses, municipalities, and other entities throughout Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Washington, and Wyoming. In addition to its primary emphasis on commercial and consumer banking services, the Company also offers trust, employee benefit, investment, and insurance services through its bank subsidiary. The Company is subject to competition from other financial institutions and nonbank financial companies, and is also subject to the regulations of various government agencies and undergoes periodic examinations by those regulatory authorities.
Basis of Presentation. The Company’s consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Parent Company and its operating subsidiaries. As of December 31, 2022, the Company had one significant subsidiary, First Interstate Bank (“FIB”). All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Certain reclassifications, none of which were material, have been made in the consolidated financial statements for 2021 and 2020 to conform to the 2022 presentation. These reclassifications did not change previously reported net income or stockholders’ equity.
Business Combinations. The Company accounts for all business combinations using the acquisition method of accounting. Under this method of accounting, acquired assets and assumed liabilities are included with the acquirer's accounts as of the date of acquisition, with any excess of purchase price over the fair value of the net assets acquired recognized as either finite lived intangibles or capitalized as goodwill. In addition, acquisition related costs and restructuring costs are recognized as period expenses as incurred. Fair values are subject to refinement over the measurement period, not to exceed one year after the closing date.
Equity Method Investments. The Company has investments in real estate joint ventures that are not consolidated because the Company does not own a majority voting interest, control the operations, or receive a majority of the losses or earnings of the joint venture. These joint ventures are accounted for using the equity method of accounting whereby the Company initially records its investment at cost (or fair value at the date of acquisition) and then subsequently adjusts the carrying value for the Company’s proportionate share of distributions and earnings or losses of the joint ventures.
Variable Interest Entities. The Company’s wholly-owned business trusts, FI Statutory Trust I (“Trust I”), FI Capital Trust II (“Trust II”), FI Statutory Trust III (“Trust III”), FI Capital Trust IV (“Trust IV”), FI Statutory Trust V (“Trust V”), FI Statutory Trust VI (“Trust VI”), Northwest Bancorporation Capital Trust I (“Trust VII”), GWB Capital Trust VI (“Trust VIII”), Sunstate Bancshares Trust II (Trust IX”), Great Western Statutory Trust IV (“Trust X”), HF Financial Capital Trust III (“Trust XI”), HF Trust IV (“Trust XII”), HF Trust V (“Trust XIII”), and HF Trust VI (“Trust XIV”) are variable interest entities for which the Company is not a primary beneficiary. Accordingly, the accounts of Trust I through Trust XIV are not included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements, and are instead accounted for using the equity method of accounting.
The Company has equity investments in variable interest Certified Development Entities (“CDEs”) which have received allocations under the New Markets Tax Credits Program. The underlying activities of the CDEs are community development projects designed primarily to promote community welfare, such as economic rehabilitation and development of low-income areas by providing housing, services, or jobs for residents. The maximum exposure to loss in the CDEs is the amount of equity invested and credit extended by the Company. The Company has credit protection in the form of indemnification agreements, guarantees, and collateral arrangements.
Assets Held in Fiduciary or Agency Capacity. The Company holds certain trust assets in a fiduciary or agency capacity. The Company also purchases and sells federal funds as an agent. These and other assets held in an agency or fiduciary capacity are not assets of the Company and, accordingly, are not included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
Use of Estimates. The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to change relate to the determination of the allowance for credit losses, the valuation of goodwill and intangible assets, and fair valuations of investment securities and other financial instruments.
Cash and Cash Equivalents. For purposes of reporting cash flows, cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, amounts due from banks, federal funds sold for less than three-month periods, and interest-bearing deposits in banks with original maturities of less than three months. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company had cash of $518.9 million and $2,166.1 million, respectively, on deposit with the Federal Reserve Bank (FRB). On March 15, 2020, the Federal Reserve reduced reserve requirement ratios to zero percent effective March 26, 2020. This action eliminated reserve requirements for all depository institutions.
Debt Security Investments. Investments in debt securities that the Company has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified as held-to-maturity and carried at amortized cost. Investments in debt securities that may be sold in response to or in anticipation of changes in interest rates and resulting prepayment risk, or other factors, are classified as available-for-sale and carried at fair value. The unrealized gains and losses on these securities are reported, net of applicable income taxes, as a separate component of stockholders’ equity and comprehensive income. Management determines the appropriate classification of securities at the time of purchase and at each reporting date management reassesses the appropriateness of the classification.
The amortized cost of debt securities classified as held-to-maturity or available-for-sale is adjusted for accretion of discounts to maturity and amortization of premiums over the estimated average life of the security, without anticipating prepayments, except for mortgage-backed securities where prepayments are anticipated, or in the case of callable securities, through the first call date, using the effective yield method. Such amortization and accretion is included in interest income. Realized gains and losses on sales are recorded on the trade date in investment securities gains and losses and determined using the specific identification method.
Accrued interest receivable on investment securities totaled $38.9 million and $16.6 million at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, and was reported in the accrued interest receivable line item on the consolidated balance sheets.
Allowance for Credit Losses - Held-to-Maturity Securities: Management measures expected credit losses on held-to-maturity debt securities on a collective basis by major security type. Accrued interest receivable on held-to-maturity debt securities is excluded from the estimate of credit losses. The estimate of expected credit losses considers historical credit loss information that is adjusted for current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts.
Management classifies the held-to-maturity portfolio into the following major security types:
U.S. Treasury notes. U.S. Treasury notes issued by the U.S. Department of the Treasury are guaranteed by the U.S. government with very little risk to default.
State, county, and municipal securities. Municipal bonds issued by municipal governments within the U.S. These types of securities are primarily composed of general obligation bonds, or municipal bonds backed by the credit and taxing power of the issuing jurisdiction and revenue obligation bonds, or municipal bonds that are financed by income-producing projects and are secured by a specified source of revenue. Municipal issues shall have at least a “BBB” rating by Moody's and/or Standard and Poor’s, or equivalent creditworthiness must be established prior to purchase. All non-rated or private placement securities must be analyzed and approved by the Company’s Credit Department and documented prior to purchase.
Obligations of U.S. government agencies and entities. Securities held by the Company are primarily issued by The Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, known as Freddie Mac, and The Federal National Mortgage Association, known as Fannie Mae, which are implicitly guaranteed by the U.S. government and are consistently highly rated by major rating agencies with very little risk to default.
U.S. agency residential and commercial mortgage -backed securities and Collateralized Mortgage Obligations. Residential and commercial mortgage -backed securities held by the Company are primarily issued by U.S. government agencies and entities. These securities are either explicitly or implicitly guaranteed by the U.S. government, are consistently highly rated by major rating agencies with very little risk to default. Collateralized mortgage obligations include agency and non-agency residential securities which carry ratings no lower than investment grade “BBB” and pass the federal financial institutions examinations test (Collateral Mortgage Obligation volatility test) at the time of purchase.
Corporate securities. Securities held by the Company are primarily comprised of corporate bonds (both senior and subordinated-debt) issued by a firm or public entity which carry ratings no lower than investment grade “BBB” or better by Moody’, Standard and Poor’s, or Kroll rating agencies. All corporate subordinated-debt securities are analyzed and approved by the Company prior to purchase.
Allowance for Credit Losses - Available-For-Sale Securities: For available-for-sale debt securities in an unrealized loss position, the Company first assesses whether it intends to sell, or it is more likely than not that it 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 income. For available-for-sale debt securities that do not meet the aforementioned criteria, the Company performs a qualitative assessment as to whether the decline in fair value has resulted from credit losses or other factors. In making this assessment, management considers the extent to which fair value is less than amortized cost, any changes to the rating of the security by a rating agency, and adverse conditions specifically related to the security, among other factors. If this assessment indicates that a credit loss exists, the present value of cash flows expected to be collected from the security are compared to the amortized cost basis of the security. If the present value of cash flows expected to be collected is less than the amortized cost basis, a credit loss exists and an allowance for credit losses is recorded for the credit loss, limited by the amount that the fair value is less than the amortized cost basis. Any impairment that has not been recorded through an allowance for credit losses is recognized in other comprehensive income.
Changes in the allowance for credit losses are recorded as provision for (or reversal of) credit loss expense. Losses are charged against the allowance when management believes the uncollectibility of an available-for-sale security is confirmed or when either of the criteria regarding intent or requirement to sell is met. Accrued interest receivable on available-for-sale debt securities is excluded from the estimate of credit losses.
Loans Held for Sale. The Company originates certain loans intended for sale in the secondary market. Conforming agency mortgage production is sold on a servicing retained basis. Certain loans, such as government guaranteed mortgage loans, are sold on a servicing released basis. Residential loans the Company originated with the intent to sell are classified as loans held for sale and recorded at fair value, determined individually, as of the balance sheet date. The loan’s fair value includes the servicing value of the loans as well as any accrued interest. The fair value of loans held for sale are primarily determined based on quoted prices for similar loans in active markets or outstanding commitments from third-party investors. Net unrealized losses, if any, are recorded as a valuation allowance and charged to non-interest income in the consolidated statements of operations. Net gains and losses on loan sales are recorded as a component of non-interest income.
Performing residential real estate loans that are held for sale are generally sold with servicing rights retained. Upon the sale of an originated loan, the mortgage servicing right is recorded at its estimated fair value.
Loans that are originated and classified as held for investment are periodically sold in order to manage liquidity, asset credit quality, interest rate risk, or concentration risk. Loans that are reclassified into loans held for sale from loans held for investment, due to a change in intent, are recorded at the lower of cost or fair value less cost to sell, except for certain loans which are recorded at fair value, determined individually, as of the balance sheet date. Any changes in fair value attributable to credit deterioration at the time of transfer are charged against the allowance for credit losses.
Loans Held for Investment. Loans that management has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity or payoff are reported at amortized cost or principal balance outstanding. Amortized cost is the principal balance outstanding, net of purchase premiums and discounts and deferred loan fees and costs. Loan origination fees, net of certain direct origination costs, are deferred and recognized in interest income using the level-yield method without anticipating prepayments.
Accrued interest receivable on loans held for investment totaled $76.5 million and $30.2 million at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, and was reported in the accrued interest receivable line item on the consolidated balance sheets. Interest income is accrued on the unpaid principal balance of underlying loans. Interest income on mortgage and commercial loans is discontinued and placed on nonaccrual status at the time the loan is 90 days delinquent unless the loan is well secured and in process of collection.
Mortgage loans that are 180 days past due and commercial loans are charged off to the extent principal or interest is deemed uncollectible. Consumer and credit card loans continue to accrue interest until they are charged off no later than 120 days past due unless the loan is in the process of collection. Past-due status is based on the contractual terms of the loan. In all cases, loans are placed on nonaccrual or charged off at an earlier date if collection of principal or interest is considered doubtful.
All interest accrued but not received for loans placed on nonaccrual is reversed against interest income. Interest received on such loans is accounted for on the cash-basis or cost-recovery method, until qualifying for return to accrual. Under the cost-recovery method, interest income is not recognized until the loan balance is reduced to zero. Under the cash-basis method, interest income is recorded when the payment is received in cash. Loans are returned to accrual status when all the principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current and when, in the opinion of management, the loans are estimated to be fully collectible as to both principal and interest.
Purchased Credit Deteriorated (“PCD”) Loans
The Company has loans acquired through acquisitions, some of which have experienced more than insignificant credit deterioration since origination. Loans that meet at least one of the following criteria are considered to have experienced more-than-insignificant credit deterioration since origination at the date of acquisition: 1) have experienced more than one delinquency of more than 60 days or 60+ days as of the acquisition date; 2) have been placed on nonaccrual status at any point since origination; 3) are special mention, substandard, doubtful as of the acquisition date; 4) have a Troubled Debt Restructuring (TDR) status as of the acquisition date; or 5) are in high-risk industries based on macroeconomic conditions and local market conditions of the acquired entity on the acquisition date. PCD loans are recorded at the amount paid for the loan. An allowance for credit losses is determined using the same methodology as other loans held for investment. The initial allowance for credit losses determined on a collective basis is allocated to individual loans. The sum of the loan’s purchase price and allowance for credit losses becomes its initial amortized cost basis. The difference between the initial amortized cost basis and the par value of the loan is a noncredit discount or premium, which is amortized into interest income over the life of the loan. Subsequent changes to the allowance for credit losses are recorded through provision expense.
Allowance for Credit Losses - Loans held for investment
The allowance for credit losses is a valuation account that is deducted from the loans’ amortized cost basis to present the net amount expected to be collected over the life of the loans. Loans are charged off against the allowance when management believes the uncollectibility of a loan balance is confirmed. When forecasting expected recoveries, the amounts should not exceed the aggregate of amounts that have previously been or are expected to be charged-off loans. The Company has elected to not forecast recoveries.
Management estimates the allowance balance using relevant available 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 estimation of expected credit losses. Adjustments to historical loss information are made for differences in current loan-specific risk characteristics such as differences in underwriting standards, portfolio mix, delinquency level, or term as well as for changes in environmental and economic conditions, such as changes in unemployment rates, property values, or other relevant factors.
The allowance for credit losses is measured on a collective (pool) basis when similar risk characteristics exist.
The Company applies Probability of Default (PD) and Loss Given Default (LGD) methodologies for all portfolio segments. The Company uses a Transition Matrix (TM) for PD components of the methodology and a historical average for the LGD components of methodology. The PD and LGD is applied to the current principal balance as of the reporting date. The TM determines the PD by tracking the historical movement of loans between loan risk tiers over a defined period of time. The Company currently has 17 portfolio segments for which we track monthly movement between either risk ratings or delinquency band.
While the TM functions similarly across all portfolio segments, generally speaking, commercial portfolios use the Company’s risk rating scale and consumer portfolios use the delinquency band. Loans using risk ratings are scored utilizing the Company’s risk rating scale. The risk rating scale is 1-10, with 1 being the best rating, 6 being a pass but on watch, and 7-10 being various stages of criticized loans. Risk ratings 8 or greater and in a non-accrual status are considered in a defaulted state. Loans using delinquency band are measured using a 5-grade band, with 1 being current and 5 being 90 or more days past due.
The LGD used as the basis for the estimate of credit losses is comprised of the Company’s historical loss experience from 2008 to the current period, based on a migration analysis of our historical loss experience, designed to account for credit deterioration. The model compares the most recent period losses to prior period defaults to calculate the LGD, which is averaged over the historical observations.
Economic scenarios and forecasts along with current portfolio conditions and trends are monitored and accounted for through the Company’s qualitative framework. The Company utilizes a one-year forecast period with immediate reversion to historical loss rates.
The Company segments the loan portfolio into pools based on the following risk characteristics: financial asset type, collateral type, loan characteristics, credit characteristics, outstanding loan balances, contractual terms and prepayment assumptions, vintage, industry of borrower and concentrations, and historical or expected credit loss.
The Company has identified the following portfolio segments and measures the allowance for credit losses using the following methods:
Portfolio segments using the Company’s risk ratings include the following:
Commercial real estate non-owner-occupied loans. These loans include a mix of variable and fixed rate non-farm, non-residential real estate loans secured by non-owner-occupied properties. Commercial real estate non-owner-occupied loans are generally secured by first liens on income-producing real estate and generally mature in less than 10 years.
Commercial real estate owner-occupied loans. Non-farm, non-residential real estate loans are generally secured by first liens on real estate where the owner occupant is the majority tenant of the property and generally mature in less than 10 years.
Commercial real estate multi-family loans. Commercial real estate multifamily loans are generally secured by first liens on income-producing rental real estate consisting of five or more residential dwelling units. Multi-family loans generally mature in less than 10 years.
Construction land acquisition and development loans. Construction land acquisition and development loans are primarily to commercial builders for residential lot development and the construction of single-family residences and commercial real estate properties. Construction loans are generally underwritten pursuant to pre-approved permanent financing. During the construction phase the borrower pays interest only. Construction land acquisition and development loans generally mature in three years or less.
Residential construction loans. Residential construction loans are primarily to commercial builders or owner occupants for the construction of single-family residences. Construction loans are generally underwritten pursuant to credit worthiness or pre-qualification for permanent financing. During the construction phase the borrower pays interest only. Residential construction loans generally transition to a permanent residential loan or mature in two years or less.
Commercial construction loans. Commercial construction loans are primarily to commercial builders for commercial real estate properties. Construction loans are generally underwritten pursuant to credit worthiness or pre-qualification for permanent financing. During the construction phase the borrower pays interest only. Commercial construction loans generally transition to a permanent commercial real estate loan or mature in two years or less.
Agricultural real estate loans. These include loans secured by farmland or ranchland consisting of short, intermediate, and long-term structures to experienced agriculturalists who have demonstrated management capabilities, established production and historical financial performance. Agricultural real estate loans generally mature in ten years or less.
Commercial and floor plan loans. The Company provides a mix of variable and fixed rate commercial loans in addition to loans to finance dealership floor inventories. The loans are typically made to small and medium-sized manufacturing, wholesale, retail, and service businesses for working capital needs and business expansions. Commercial loans generally include lines of credit, business credit cards, and loans with maturities of five years or less and outstanding balances tend to be cyclical in nature. The loans are generally made with business operations as the primary source of repayment, and are typically collateralized by inventory, accounts receivable, equipment, and/or personal guarantees. Commercial and floor plan loans generally mature in seven years or less.
Commercial purpose secured by 1-4 family loans. These include loans for commercial purposes secured by 1-4 family residential property. Commercial purpose loans secured by 1-4 family generally mature in seven years or less.
Agricultural loans. Agricultural loans generally consist of short and medium-term loans and lines of credit that are primarily used for crops, livestock, equipment, and general operations. Agricultural loans are ordinarily secured by assets such as livestock or equipment and are repaid from the operations of the farm or ranch. Agricultural loans generally have maturities of seven years or less, with operating lines for one production season.
Portfolio segments utilizing the delinquency bands include the following:
Consumer indirect loans. These include loan contracts advanced for the purchase of automobiles, boats, and other consumer goods from the consumer product dealer networks within the market areas we serve. Indirect dealer loans are generally secured by automobiles, recreational vehicles, boats, and other types of personal property and are made on an installment basis. Consumer indirect line loans generally mature in seven years or less.
Consumer direct and advance line loans. These loans are originated for a variety of purposes including the purchase of automobiles, boats and other consumer goods, home improvements, medical expenses, vehicle repairs, debt consolidation, and planned expenses. Consumer direct and advance line loans generally mature in seven years or less.
Consumer credit card loans. These are lines of credit offered to clients in our market areas that are generally floating rate loans and include both unsecured and secured lines. Consumer credit card loans generally do not have stated maturities but are reviewed periodically and are unconditionally cancellable.
Consumer home equity and home equity lines of credit (“HELOC”). These include home equity loans and lines of credit that are secured by residential property. Consumer home equity loans generally mature in 15 years or less and HELOC loans generally mature in 25 years or less.
Residential 1-4 family and multi-family lending. These are loans to finance the purchase or refinance of residential property which are typically secured by first liens, inclusive of 1-4 family as well as 5+ residential properties. Residential 1-4 family loans generally mature within 15 years but can be up to 30 years. Multi-family loans generally mature in 10 years or less.
Commercial credit card loans. These are lines of credit for commercial purposes that are generally floating rate loans and include both unsecured and secured lines. For CECL related segmentation, commercial credit card loans are modeled separately but are reported under Commercial. Commercial credit card loans generally do not have stated maturities but are reviewed periodically and are unconditionally cancellable.
Agricultural credit card loans. Lines of credit for agricultural purposes that are generally floating rate loans and are unsecured or secured. For CECL related segmentation, agricultural credit card loans are modeled separately but are reported under Commercial. Agricultural credit card loans generally do not have stated maturities but are reviewed periodically and are unconditionally cancellable.
Contractual Term. Expected credit losses are estimated over the contractual term of the loans, adjusted for expected prepayments when appropriate. The contractual term excludes expected extensions, renewals, and modifications unless either management has a reasonable expectation at the reporting date that a TDR will be executed with an individual borrower or the extension or renewal options are included in the original or modified contract at the reporting date and are not unconditionally cancellable by the Company.
A loan for which the terms have been modified resulting in a concession, and for which the borrower is experiencing financial difficulties, is considered to be a TDR. The allowance for credit loss on a TDR is measured using the same method as all other loans held for investment, except when the value of a concession is individually evaluated using the discounted cash flow method. When the value of a concession is measured using the discounted cash flow method, the allowance for credit loss is determined by discounting the expected future cash flows at the original interest rate of the loan.
Allowance for Credit Losses on Off-Balance Sheet Credit Exposures. The Company estimates expected credit losses over the contractual period in which the Company is exposed to credit risk via a contractual obligation to extend credit unless that obligation is unconditionally cancellable by the Company. Management considers our unused credit card lines and federal fund lines, extended to others, to be considered unconditionally cancellable.
The allowance for credit losses on off-balance sheet credit exposures is adjusted as a provision for credit loss expense. The estimate considers the likelihood that funding will occur and an estimate of expected credit losses on commitments expected to be funded over the estimated life.
The Company has identified commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit determined not to be unconditionally cancellable as categories with off-balance sheet credit exposures and uses the commitment balance, expected loss rate, and utilization rate as primary assumptions to develop the allowance for credit losses on those exposures. The loss rate expectation is the same for both the unfunded and funded portions of the credit exposure. The utilization rate represents management’s best estimate of the probability that the unfunded portion of the commitment will be funded given existing economic conditions.
Goodwill. The excess purchase price over the fair value of net assets from acquisitions, or goodwill, is evaluated for impairment at least annually and on an interim basis if an event or circumstance indicates that it is likely impairment has occurred. Goodwill impairment is determined by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying amount. In any given year the Company may elect to perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is in excess of its carrying value. If it is not more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is in excess of the carrying value, or if the Company elects to bypass the qualitative assessment, a quantitative impairment test is performed. In performing a quantitative test for impairment, the fair value of net assets is estimated based on analyses of the Company’s market value, discounted cash flows and peer values. The determination of goodwill impairment is sensitive to market-based economics and other key assumptions used in determining or allocating fair value. Variability in the market and changes in assumptions or subjective measurements used to allocate fair value are reasonably possible and may have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements or results of operations.
Core Deposit and Other Customer Relationship Intangibles. Intangible assets consist of core deposit intangibles and other customer relationship intangibles. Core deposit intangibles represent the intangible value of depositor relationships resulting from deposit liabilities assumed, as a result of acquisitions, and are amortized using an accelerated method based on the estimated weighted average useful lives of the related deposits, which is generally ten years. Other customer relationship intangibles represent the value of the identifiable intangible value assigned to customer relationships arising from acquired companies and are amortized using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life, which is 12 years.
Mortgage Servicing Rights. The Company recognizes the rights to service mortgage loans for others, whether acquired or internally originated. Mortgage servicing rights are initially recorded at fair value based on comparable market data and are amortized in proportion to and over the period of estimated net servicing income. Mortgage servicing rights are evaluated quarterly for impairment by discounting the expected future cash flows, taking into consideration the estimated level of prepayments based on current industry expectations and the predominant risk characteristics of the underlying loans including loan type, note rate, and loan term. Impairment adjustments, if any, are recorded through a valuation allowance.
Premises and Equipment. Buildings, furniture, and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation expense is computed using straight-line methods over estimated useful lives of 5 to 45 years for buildings and improvements and 3 to 15 years for furniture and equipment. Leasehold improvements and assets acquired under a financing lease are amortized over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or the terms of the related leases. Land is recorded at cost. Costs incurred for maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred.
We have leased branches and office space and have entered into various other agreements in conducting our business. Operating lease right-of-use assets are included within the Premises and Equipment line item and our operating lease liability is included within the Other Liabilities line item. Operating lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term, subject to any changes in the lease or expectations regarding the terms. Variable lease costs such as property taxes are expensed as incurred. Lease and non-lease components are accounted for separately as the amounts are readily determinable under our lease contracts. Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recorded on the balance sheet.
Upon adoption of ASU 2016-02, the Company elected to apply certain practical expedients whereby we did not reassess (i) whether any expired or existing contracts are or contain leases, (ii) the lease classification for any expired or existing leases, and (iii) initial direct costs for any existing leases. We elected the hindsight practical expedient to determine the lease term for existing leases.
In recognizing lease right-of use assets and related lease liabilities, we determine whether an agreement represents a lease and at commencement of the lease we evaluate each agreement to determine whether the lease is an operating or financing lease. Some of our lease agreements have contained renewal options, tenant improvement allowances, rent holidays, and rent escalation clauses. We hold one financing lease with the remaining leases classified as operating leases. Right-of-use lease assets represent our right to use the underlying asset for the lease term and the lease obligation represents our commitment to make the lease payments arising from the lease. Right-of-use lease assets and obligations are recognized at the commencement date based on the present value of remaining lease payments over the lease term. For the Company’s leases that do not provide an implicit rate, we use an estimated incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at the commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments. The right-of-use lease asset includes any lease payments made prior to commencement and excludes any lease incentives. The estimated lease term may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise that option.
Company-Owned Life Insurance. Key executive and group life insurance policies are recorded at their cash surrender value. Separate account group life insurance policies are subject to a stable value contract that offsets the impact of interest rate fluctuations on the market value of the policies and are recorded at the stabilized investment value. Increases in the cash surrender or stabilized investment value of insurance policies, as well as insurance proceeds received, are recorded as other non-interest income, and are not subject to income taxes.
Deferred Compensation Plan. The Company has a deferred compensation plan for the benefit of certain highly compensated officers and directors of the Company. The plan allows for discretionary employer contributions in excess of tax limits applicable to the Company’s 401(k) plan and the deferral of salary, short-term incentives, or director fees subject to certain limitations. Deferred compensation plan assets and liabilities are included in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets at fair value. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, deferred compensation plan assets were $18.7 million and $21.4 million, respectively. Corresponding deferred compensation plan liabilities were $18.7 million and $21.4 million as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets. Long-lived assets, including premises and equipment and certain identifiable intangibles, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. The amount of the impairment loss, if any, is based on the asset’s fair value. No impairment losses were recognized in 2022, 2021, or 2020.
Other Real Estate Owned (OREO). Real estate acquired in satisfaction of loans is initially carried at current fair value less estimated selling costs. Any excess of loan carrying value over the fair value of the real estate acquired is recorded as a charge to the allowance for credit losses. Subsequent declines in fair value less estimated selling costs are included in OREO expense. Subsequent increases in fair value less estimated selling costs are recorded as a reduction in OREO expense to the extent of recognized losses. Operating expenses, net of related income, and gains or losses on sales are included in OREO expense.
Restricted Equity Securities. The Company, as a member of the FRB and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines (“FHLB”), is required to maintain investments in each of the organization’s capital stock. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, restricted equity securities of the FRB of $93.6 million and $42.8 million, respectively, and restricted equity securities of the FHLB of $103.8 million and $10.6 million, respectively, in addition to other equity securities of $1.2 million and $0.4 million, respectively, were included in the consolidated balance sheets caption FHLB and FRB stock, at cost. No ready market exists for the FHLB and FRB restricted equity securities, and they have no quoted market values. Restricted equity securities are periodically reviewed for impairment based on ultimate recovery of par value.
The determination of whether a decline affects the ultimate recovery of par value is influenced by the significance of the decline compared to the cost basis of the restricted equity securities, length of time a decline has persisted, impact of legislative and regulatory changes on the issuing organizations, and the liquidity positions of the issuing organizations. Based on management’s assessment, no impairment losses were recorded on restricted equity securities during 2022, 2021, or 2020.
Derivatives and Hedging Activities. For asset and liability management purposes, the Company enters into interest rate swap contracts to hedge against changes in forecasted cash flows due to interest rate exposures. Interest rate swaps are contracts in which a series of interest payments are exchanged over a prescribed period. The notional amount upon which the interest payments are based is not exchanged.
The Company formally assesses, both at the hedge's inception and on an ongoing basis, whether the derivatives that are used in hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting changes in cash flows of hedged items. The gain or loss on cash flow hedging instruments is initially reported as a component of other comprehensive income and subsequently reclassified into earnings in the same period during which the transaction affects earnings.
When it is determined that a derivative is not highly effective as a hedge or that it has ceased to be a highly effective hedge, the Company discontinues hedge accounting prospectively when (a) it is determined that the derivative is no longer effective in offsetting changes in the cash flows of a hedged item (including forecasted transactions); (b) the derivative expires or is sold, terminated, or exercised; (c) the derivative is de-designated as a hedge instrument, because it is unlikely that a forecasted transaction will occur; or (d) management determines that designation of the derivative as a hedge instrument is no longer appropriate.
When hedge accounting is discontinued because it is probable that a forecasted transaction will not occur, the derivative will continue to be carried on the balance sheet at its fair value, and gains and losses that were accumulated in other comprehensive income will be recognized immediately in earnings. In all other situations in which hedge accounting is discontinued, the derivative will be carried at its fair value on the balance sheet, with subsequent changes in its fair value recognized in current-period earnings.
The Company also enters into certain interest rate swap contracts that are not designated as hedging instruments. These derivative contracts relate to transactions in which the Company enters into an interest rate swap with a client while at the same time entering into an offsetting interest rate swap with a third-party financial institution. Because the Company acts as an intermediary for the client, changes in the fair value of the underlying derivative contracts for the most part offset each other and do not significantly impact the Company’s results of operations.
In the normal course of business, the Company enters into interest rate lock commitments to finance residential mortgage loans that are not designated as accounting hedges. These commitments, which contain fixed expiration dates, offer the borrower an interest rate guarantee provided the loan meets underwriting guidelines and closes within the timeframe established by the Company. Interest rate risk arises on these commitments and subsequently closed loans if interest rates change between the time of the interest rate lock and the delivery of the loan to the investor. Loan commitments related to residential mortgage loans intended to be sold are considered derivatives and are marked to market through earnings. In addition to the effects of the change in market interest rate, the fair value measurement of the derivative also contemplates the expected cash flows to be received from the counterparty from the future sale of the loan.
The Company sells residential mortgage loans on either a best efforts or mandatory delivery basis. The Company mitigates the effect of the interest rate risk inherent in providing interest rate lock commitments by entering into forward loan sales contracts. During the interest rate lock commitment period, these forward loan sales contracts are marked to market through earnings and are not designated as accounting hedges. Exclusive of the fair value component associated with the projected cash flows from the loan delivery to the investor, the changes in fair value related to movements in market rates of the interest rate lock commitments and the forward loan sales contracts generally move in opposite directions, and the net impact of changes in these valuations on net income during the loan commitment period is generally inconsequential. When the loan is funded to the borrower, the interest rate lock commitment derivative expires and the Company records a loan held for sale. The forward loan sales contract acts as a hedge against the variability in cash to be received from the loan sale. The changes in measurement of the estimated fair values of the interest rate lock commitments and forward loan sales contracts are included in mortgage banking revenues in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.
Software. Capitalized software, stated at cost less accumulated amortization, includes purchased software, capitalizable application development costs associated with internally developed software, and cloud computing arrangements, including capitalizable implementation costs associated with hosting arrangements that are service contracts. Capitalized software is included in premises and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Amortization expense, generally computed on the straight-line method, is charged to furniture and equipment in the Consolidated Statements of Income over the estimated useful life of the software, generally three to five years, or the term of the hosting arrangement for implementation costs related to service contracts. Cloud computing arrangements include software as a service (SaaS), platform as a service (PaaS), infrastructure as a service (IaaS) and other similar hosting arrangements. The Company primarily utilizes SaaS and PaaS arrangements. Capitalized implementation costs of hosting arrangements that are service contracts were $3.4 million and $4.6 million at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
Earnings Per Common Share. Basic and diluted earnings per common share are calculated using a two-class method. Under the two-class method, basic earnings per common share is calculated by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period, excluding outstanding participating securities. Participating securities include non-vested performance restricted stock awards granted and all non-vested time restricted stock awards. Diluted earnings per common share is calculated by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding determined for the basic earnings per share calculation plus the dilutive effect of stock compensation using the treasury stock method.
Income Taxes. The Parent Company and its subsidiaries have elected to be included in a consolidated federal income tax return. For state income tax purposes, the combined taxable income of the Parent Company and its subsidiaries is apportioned among the states in which operations take place. Federal and state income taxes attributable to the subsidiaries, computed on a separate return basis, are paid to or received from the Parent Company.
The Company accounts for income taxes using the liability method. Under the liability method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on enacted income tax rates which will be in effect when the differences between the financial statement carrying values and tax bases of existing assets and liabilities are expected to be reported in taxable income.
Positions taken in the Company’s tax returns may be subject to challenge by the taxing authorities upon examination. Uncertain tax positions are initially recognized in the financial statements when it is more likely than not the position will be sustained upon examination by the tax authorities. Such tax positions are both initially and subsequently measured as the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon settlement with the tax authority, assuming full knowledge of the position and all relevant facts. The Company provides for interest and, in some cases, penalties on tax positions that may be challenged by the taxing authorities. Interest expense is recognized beginning in the first period that such interest would begin accruing. Penalties are recognized in the period that the Company claims the position in the tax return. Interest and penalties on income tax uncertainties are classified within income tax expense in the consolidated statements of income. With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal and state examinations by tax authorities for years before 2019. The Company had no material penalties as of December 31, 2022, 2021, or 2020.
Revenue Recognition. The Company recognizes revenue as it is earned based on contractual terms, as transactions occur, or as services are provided and collectability is reasonably assured. The principal source of revenue is interest income from loans and investments. The Company also earns non-interest income from various banking and financial services offered to its clients. Certain specific policies related to non-interest income include the following:
Wealth management and trust fee income
Wealth management and trust fee income represents monthly or other periodic fees due from wealth management clients as consideration for managing the clients’ assets. Wealth management and trust services include custody of assets, investment management, fees for trust services and similar fiduciary activities. Revenue is recognized when our performance obligation is completed. The Company does not earn performance-based incentives. Optional services such as estate settlement and other court appointed services are available to existing trust and asset management clients. The Company’s performance obligation for these transactional-based services is generally satisfied, and related revenue recognized, at a point in time.
Service charges on deposit accounts
Service charges on deposit accounts represent general service fees for account maintenance and activity- or transaction-based fees and consist of transaction-based revenue, time-based revenue (service period), item-based revenue or some other individual attribute-based revenue. Revenue is recognized when our performance obligation is completed for account maintenance services or when a transaction has been completed (such as a wire transfer or check orders). Payment for such performance obligations are generally received at a point in time when the performance obligations are satisfied.
Interchange and other fees
Interchange and other fees primarily represent debit and credit card income comprised of interchange fees earned whenever the Company’s debit and credit cards are processed through card payment networks such as MasterCard. ATM fees are primarily generated when a Company cardholder uses a non-Company ATM or a non-Company cardholder uses a Company ATM. Merchant services income primarily represents fees charged to merchants to process their debit and credit card transactions, in addition to account management fees. Swap fee income primarily represents income associated with the execution of dealer bank swap agreements. Other service charges include revenue from processing wire transfers, bill pay service, cashier’s checks, and other services. The Company’s performance obligation for interchange and other service charges are largely satisfied, and related revenue recognized, when completion of the services are rendered at a point in time.
Annuity and insurance commissions
Annuity and insurance commissions primarily represent commissions received on annuity and insurance product sales. The Company acts as an intermediary between the Company’s client and the insurance carrier. The Company’s performance obligation is generally satisfied upon the issuance of the annuity or insurance policy, the carrier then remits the commission payment to the Company, and the Company recognizes the revenue at a point in time.
Comprehensive Income (Loss). Comprehensive income (loss) includes net income, as well as other changes in stockholders’ equity that result from transactions and economic events other than those with shareholders. In addition to net income, the Company’s comprehensive income (loss) includes the after tax effect of changes in unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale investment securities and derivatives designated as fair value or cash flow hedges, and changes in the unamortized gain or loss on available-for-sale investment securities transferred to held-to-maturity.
Segment Reporting. An operating segment is defined as a component of a business for which separate financial information is available that is evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker in deciding how to allocate resources and evaluate performance. The “Segment Reporting” topic of the FASB ASC requires that public companies report certain information about operating segments. It also requires that public companies report certain information about their products and services, the geographic areas in which they operate, and their major clients. The Company is a holding company for a regional community bank, which offers a wide array of products and services to its clients. The Company has one reporting unit and one operating segment, community banking, which encompasses commercial and consumer banking services offered to individuals, businesses, municipalities and other entities.
Advertising Costs. Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Advertising expense was $3.8 million, $2.6 million, and $2.8 million in 2022, 2021, and 2020, respectively.        
Transfers of Financial Assets. 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 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.
Stock-Based Compensation. Compensation cost for all stock-based awards is measured at fair value on the date of grant and is recognized over the requisite service period for awards expected to vest. The impact of forfeitures of stock-based payment awards on compensation expense is recognized as forfeitures occur. Stock-based compensation expense of $9.6 million, $8.9 million, and $7.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020, respectively, is included in benefits expense in the Company’s consolidated statements of income. Related income tax deficiency (benefits) recognized for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020 were $0.2 million, $(0.5) million, and $(0.4) million, respectively, is included in income tax expense in the Company’s consolidated statements of income.
Fair Value Measurements. In general, fair value measurements are based upon quoted market prices, where available. If quoted market prices are not available, fair value measurements are estimated using relevant market information and other assumptions. Fair value estimates involve uncertainties and require some degree of judgment regarding interest rates, credit risk, prepayments and other factors. The use of different assumptions or estimation techniques may have a significant effect on the fair value amounts reported.