Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

Glacier Bancorp, Inc. (“Company”) is a Montana corporation headquartered in Kalispell, Montana. The Company provides a full range of banking services to individuals and businesses in Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, Utah and Washington through its wholly-owned bank subsidiary, Glacier Bank (“Bank”). The Company offers a wide range of banking products and services, including transaction and savings deposits, real estate, commercial, agriculture and consumer loans and mortgage origination services. The Company serves individuals, small to medium-sized businesses, community organizations and public entities.

The preparation of 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 disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change include: 1) the determination of the allowance for loan and lease losses (“ALLL” or “allowance”); 2) the valuation of investment securities; 3) the valuation of real estate acquired in connection with foreclosures or in satisfaction of loans; and 4) the evaluation of goodwill impairment. For the determination of the ALLL and real estate valuation estimates, management obtains independent appraisals (new or updated) for significant items. Estimates relating to investment valuations are obtained from independent third parties. Estimates relating to the evaluation of goodwill for impairment are determined based on internal calculations using significant independent party inputs.

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements of the Company include the parent holding company, the Bank and all variable interest entities (“VIE”) for which the Company has both the power to direct the VIE’s significant activities and the obligation to absorb a majority of the expected losses and/or receive a majority of the expected residual returns. The Bank consists of thirteen bank divisions, a treasury division and an information technology division. The treasury division includes the Bank’s investment portfolio and wholesale borrowings and the information technology division includes the Bank’s internal data processing and information technology expenses. The Bank divisions operate under separate names, management teams and directors. The Company considers the Bank to be its sole operating segment as the Bank 1) engages in similar bank business activity from which it earns revenues and incurs expenses; 2) the operating results of the Bank are regularly reviewed by the Chief Executive Officer (i.e., the chief operating decision maker) who makes decisions about resources to be allocated to the Bank; and 3) financial information is available for the Bank. All significant inter-company transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

In October 2015, the Company completed its acquisition of Cañon Bank Corporation and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Cañon National Bank, a community bank based in Cañon City, Colorado (collectively, “Cañon”). In February 2015, the Company completed its acquisition of Montana Community Banks, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Community Bank, Inc., a community bank based in Ronan, Montana (collectively, “CB”). In August 2014, the Company completed its acquisition of FNBR Holding Corporation and its wholly-owned subsidiary, First National Bank of the Rockies, a community bank based in Grand Junction, Colorado (collectively, “FNBR”). In July 2013, the Company completed its acquisition of North Cascades Bancshares, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiary, North Cascades National Bank, a community bank based in Chelan, Washington. In May 2013, the Company acquired Wheatland Bankshares, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiary, First State Bank, a community bank based in Wheatland, Wyoming. The transactions were accounted for using the acquisition method, and their results of operations have been included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements as of the acquisition dates.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, cash held as demand deposits at various banks and the Federal Reserve Bank (“FRB”), interest bearing deposits, federal funds sold, and liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less. The Bank is required to maintain an average reserve balance with either the FRB or in the form of cash on hand. The required reserve balance at December 31, 2015 was $34,309,000.

Investment Securities

Debt securities for which the Company has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified as held-to-maturity and are carried at amortized cost. Debt and equity securities held primarily for the purpose of selling in the near term are classified as trading securities and are reported at fair market value, with unrealized gains and losses included in income. Debt and equity securities not classified as held-to-maturity or trading are classified as available-for-sale and are reported at fair value with unrealized gains and losses, net of income taxes, as a separate component of other comprehensive income. Premiums and discounts on investment securities are amortized or accreted into income using a method that approximates the interest method. The objective of the interest method is to calculate periodic interest income at a constant effective yield. The Company does not have any investment securities classified as trading securities.

The Company reviews and analyzes the various risks that may be present within the investment portfolio on an ongoing basis, including market risk and credit risk. Market risk is the risk to an entity’s financial condition resulting from adverse changes in the value of its holdings arising from movements in interest rates, foreign exchange rates, equity prices or commodity prices. The Company assesses the market risk of individual securities as well as the investment portfolio as a whole. Credit risk, broadly defined, is the risk that an issuer or counterparty will fail to perform on an obligation. A security is investment grade if the issuer has an adequate capacity to meet its commitment over the expected life of the investment, i.e., the risk of default is low and full and timely repayment of interest and principal is expected. To determine investment grade status for securities, the Company conducts due diligence of the creditworthiness of the issuer or counterparty prior to acquisition and ongoing thereafter consistent with the risk characteristics of the security and the overall risk of the investment portfolio. Credit quality due diligence takes into account the extent to which a security is guaranteed by the U.S. government and other agencies of the U.S. government. The depth of the due diligence is based on the complexity of the structure, the size of the security, and takes into account material positions and specific groups of securities or stratifications for analysis and review of similar risk positions. The due diligence includes consideration of payment performance, collateral adequacy, internal analyses, third party research and analytics, external credit ratings and default statistics.

For additional information relating to investment securities, see Note 2.

Temporary versus Other-Than-Temporary Impairment

The Company assesses individual securities in its investment portfolio for impairment at least on a quarterly basis, and more frequently when economic or market conditions warrant. An investment is impaired if the fair value of the security is less than its carrying value at the financial statement date. If impairment is determined to be other-than-temporary, an impairment loss is recognized by reducing the amortized cost for the credit loss portion of the impairment with a corresponding charge to earnings for a like amount.

In evaluating impaired securities for other-than-temporary impairment losses, management considers 1) the severity and duration of the impairment; 2) the credit ratings of the security; and 3) the overall deal structure, including the Company’s position within the structure, the overall and near term financial performance of the issuer and underlying collateral, delinquencies, defaults, loss severities, recoveries, prepayments, cumulative loss projections, discounted cash flows and fair value estimates.

In evaluating debt securities for other-than-temporary impairment losses, management assesses whether the Company intends to sell the security or if it is more-likely-than-not that the Company will be required to sell the debt security. In so doing, management considers contractual constraints, liquidity, capital, asset/liability management and securities portfolio objectives. If impairment is determined to be other-than-temporary and the Company does not intend to sell a debt security, and it is more-likely-than-not the Company will not be required to sell the security before recovery of its cost basis, it recognizes the credit component of an other-than-temporary impairment of a debt security in earnings and the remaining portion (noncredit portion) in other comprehensive income, net of tax. For held-to-maturity debt securities, the amount of an other-than-temporary impairment recorded in other comprehensive income for the noncredit portion of a previous other-than-temporary impairment is amortized prospectively, as an increase to the carrying amount of the security, over the remaining life of the security on the basis of the timing of future estimated cash flows of the security.

Loans Held for Sale

Loans held for sale generally consist of long-term, fixed rate, conforming, single-family residential real estate loans and are carried at the lower of cost or estimated fair value in the aggregate. Net unrealized losses, if any, are recognized by charges to non-interest income. A sale is recognized when the Company surrenders control of the loan and consideration, is received in exchange. A gain is recognized in non-interest income to the extent the sales price exceeds the carrying value of the sold loan.

Loans Receivable

Loans that are intended to be held-to-maturity are reported at the unpaid principal balance less net charge-offs and adjusted for deferred fees and costs on originated loans and unamortized premiums or discounts on acquired loans. Fees and costs on originated loans and premiums or discounts on acquired loans are deferred and subsequently amortized or accreted as a yield adjustment over the expected life of the loan utilizing the interest method. The objective of the interest method is to calculate periodic interest income at a constant effective yield. Anticipated prepayments are not included when applying the interest method. When a loan is paid off prior to maturity, the remaining fees and costs on originated loans and premiums or discounts on acquired loans are immediately recognized into interest income.

The Company’s loan segments, which are based on the purpose of the loan, include residential real estate, commercial, and consumer loans. The Company’s loan classes, a further disaggregation of segments, include residential real estate loans (residential real estate segment), commercial real estate and other commercial loans (commercial segment), and home equity and other consumer loans (consumer segment).

Loans that are thirty days or more past due based on payments received and applied to the loan are considered delinquent. Loans are designated non-accrual and the accrual of interest is discontinued when the collection of the contractual principal or interest is unlikely. A loan is typically placed on non-accrual when principal or interest is due and has remained unpaid for ninety days or more. When a loan is placed on non-accrual status, interest previously accrued but not collected is reversed against current period interest income. Subsequent payments on non-accrual loans are applied to the outstanding principal balance if doubt remains as to the ultimate collectability of the loan. Interest accruals are not resumed on partially charged-off impaired loans. For other loans on nonaccrual, interest accruals are resumed on such loans only when they are brought fully current with respect to interest and principal and when, in the judgment of management, the loans are estimated to be fully collectible as to both principal and interest.

The Company considers impaired loans to be the primary credit quality indicator for monitoring the credit quality of the loan portfolio. Loans are designated impaired when, based upon current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect the scheduled payments of principal or interest when due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement and, therefore, the Company has serious doubts as to the ability of such borrowers to fulfill the contractual obligation. Impaired loans include non-performing loans (i.e., non-accrual loans and accruing loans ninety days or more past due) and accruing loans under ninety days past due where it is probable payments will not be received according to the loan agreement (e.g., troubled debt restructuring). Interest income on accruing impaired loans is recognized using the interest method. The Company measures impairment on a loan-by-loan basis in the same manner for each class within the loan portfolio. An insignificant delay or shortfall in the amounts of payments would not cause a loan or lease to be considered impaired. The Company determines the significance of payment delays and shortfalls on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration all of the facts and circumstances surrounding the loan and the borrower, including the length and reasons for the delay, the borrower’s prior payment record, and the amount of the shortfall in relation to the principal and interest due.

Note 1. Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

A restructured loan is considered a troubled debt restructuring (“TDR”) if the creditor, for economic or legal reasons related to the debtor’s financial difficulties, grants a concession to the debtor that it would not otherwise consider. The Company periodically enters into restructure agreements with borrowers whereby the loans were previously identified as TDRs. When such circumstances occur, the Company carefully evaluates the facts of the subsequent restructure to determine the appropriate accounting and under certain circumstances it may be acceptable not to account for the subsequently restructured loan as a TDR. When assessing whether a concession has been granted by the Company, any prior forgiveness on a cumulative basis is considered a continuing concession. A TDR loan is considered an impaired loan and a specific valuation allowance is established when the fair value of the collateral-dependent loan or present value of the loan’s expected future cash flows (discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate based on the original contractual rate) is lower than the carrying value of the impaired loan. The Company has made the following types of loan modifications, some of which were considered a TDR:


•	reduction of the stated interest rate for the remaining term of the debt;


•	extension of the maturity date(s) at a stated rate of interest lower than the current market rate for newly originated debt having similar risk characteristics; and


•	reduction of the face amount of the debt as stated in the debt agreements.

The Company recognizes that while borrowers may experience deterioration in their financial condition, many continue to be creditworthy customers who have the willingness and capacity for debt repayment. In determining whether non-restructured or unimpaired loans issued to a single or related party group of borrowers should continue to accrue interest when the borrower has other loans that are impaired or are TDRs, the Company on a quarterly or more frequent basis performs an updated and comprehensive assessment of the willingness and capacity of the borrowers to timely and ultimately repay their total debt obligations, including contingent obligations. Such analysis takes into account current financial information about the borrowers and financially responsible guarantors, if any, including for example:


•	analysis of global, i.e., aggregate debt service for total debt obligations;


•	assessment of the value and security protection of collateral pledged using current market conditions and alternative market assumptions across a variety of potential future situations; and


•	loan structures and related covenants.

For additional information relating to loans, see Note 3.

Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses

Based upon management’s analysis of the Company’s loan portfolio, the balance of the ALLL is an estimate of probable credit losses known and inherent within the Bank’s loan portfolio as of the date of the consolidated financial statements. The ALLL is analyzed at the loan class level and is maintained within a range of estimated losses. Determining the adequacy of the ALLL involves a high degree of judgment and is inevitably imprecise as the risk of loss is difficult to quantify. The determination of the ALLL and the related provision for loan losses is a critical accounting estimate that involves management’s judgments about all known relevant internal and external environmental factors that affect loan losses. The balance of the ALLL is highly dependent upon management’s evaluations of borrowers’ current and prospective performance, appraisals and other variables affecting the quality of the loan portfolio. Individually significant loans and major lending areas are reviewed periodically to determine potential problems at an early date. Changes in management’s estimates and assumptions are reasonably possible and may have a material impact upon the Company’s consolidated financial statements, results of operations or capital.

Risk characteristics considered in the ALLL analysis applicable to each loan class within the Company's loan portfolio are as follows:

Residential Real Estate. Residential real estate loans are secured by owner-occupied 1-4 family residences. Repayment of these loans is primarily dependent on the personal income and credit rating of the borrowers. Credit risk in these loans is impacted by economic conditions within the Company’s market areas that affect the value of the property securing the loans and affect the borrowers' personal incomes. Mitigating risk factors for this loan class include a large number of borrowers, geographic dispersion of market areas and the loans are originated for relatively smaller amounts.

Commercial Real Estate. Commercial real estate loans typically involve larger principal amounts, and repayment of these loans is generally dependent on the successful operation of the property securing the loan and/or the business conducted on the property securing the loan. Credit risk in these loans is impacted by the creditworthiness of a borrower, valuation of the property securing the loan and conditions within the local economies in the Company’s diverse, geographic market areas.

Note 1. Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

Commercial. Commercial loans consist of loans to commercial customers for use in financing working capital needs, equipment purchases and business expansions. The loans in this category are repaid primarily from the cash flow of a borrower’s principal business operation. Credit risk in these loans is driven by creditworthiness of a borrower and the economic conditions that impact the cash flow stability from business operations across the Company’s diverse, geographic market areas.

Home Equity. Home equity loans consist of junior lien mortgages and first and junior lien lines of credit (revolving open-end and amortizing closed-end) secured by owner-occupied 1-4 family residences. Repayment of these loans is primarily dependent on the personal income and credit rating of the borrowers. Credit risk in these loans is impacted by economic conditions within the Company’s market areas that affect the value of the residential property securing the loans and affect the borrowers' personal incomes. Mitigating risk factors for this loan class are a large number of borrowers, geographic dispersion of market areas and the loans are originated for terms that range from 10 years to 15 years.

Other Consumer. The other consumer loan portfolio consists of various short-term loans such as automobile loans and loans for other personal purposes. Repayment of these loans is primarily dependent on the personal income of the borrowers. Credit risk is driven by consumer economic factors (such as unemployment and general economic conditions in the Company’s diverse, geographic market area) and the creditworthiness of a borrower.

The ALLL consists of a specific valuation allowance component and a general valuation allowance component. The specific component relates to loans that are determined to be impaired and individually evaluated for impairment. The Company measures impairment on a loan-by-loan basis based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, except when it is determined that repayment of the loan is expected to be provided solely by the underlying collateral. For impairment based on expected future cash flows, the Company considers all information available as of a measurement date, including past events, current conditions, potential prepayments, and estimated cost to sell when such costs are expected to reduce the cash flows available to repay or otherwise satisfy the loan. For alternative ranges of cash flows, the likelihood of the possible outcomes is considered in determining the best estimate of expected future cash flows. The effective interest rate for a loan restructured in a TDR is based on the original contractual rate. For collateral-dependent loans and real estate loans for which foreclosure or a deed-in-lieu of foreclosure is probable, impairment is measured by the fair value of the collateral, less estimated cost to sell. The fair value of the collateral is determined primarily based upon appraisal or evaluation of the underlying real property value.

The general valuation allowance component relates to probable credit losses inherent in the balance of the loan portfolio based on historical loss experience, adjusted for changes in trends and conditions of qualitative or environmental factors. The historical loss experience is based on the previous twelve quarters loss experience by loan class adjusted for risk characteristics in the existing loan portfolio. The same trends and conditions are evaluated for each class within the loan portfolio; however, the risk characteristics are weighted separately at the individual class level based on the Company’s judgment and experience.

The changes in trends and conditions evaluated for each class within the loan portfolio include the following:


•	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;


•	changes in global, national, regional, and local economic and business conditions and developments that affect the collectability of the portfolio, including the condition of various market segments;


•	changes in the nature and volume of the portfolio and in the terms of loans;


•	changes in experience, ability, and depth of lending management and other relevant staff;


•	changes in the volume and severity of past due and nonaccrual loans;


•	changes in the quality of the Company’s loan review system;


•	changes in the value of underlying collateral for collateral-dependent loans;


•	the existence and effect of any concentrations of credit, and changes in the level of such concentrations; and


•	the effect of other external factors such as competition and legal and regulatory requirements on the level of estimated credit losses in the Company’s existing portfolio.

The ALLL is increased by provisions for loan losses which are charged to expense. The portions of loan balances determined by management to be uncollectible are charged off as a reduction of the ALLL and recoveries of amounts previously charged off are credited as an increase to the ALLL. The Company’s charge-off policy is consistent with bank regulatory standards. Consumer loans generally are charged off when the loan becomes over 120 days delinquent. Real estate acquired as a result of foreclosure or by deed-in-lieu of foreclosure is classified as real estate owned until such time as it is sold.

Note 1. Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

At acquisition date, the assets and liabilities of acquired banks are recorded at their estimated fair values which results in no ALLL carried over from acquired banks. Subsequent to acquisition, an allowance will be recorded on the acquired loan portfolios for further credit deterioration, if any.

Premises and Equipment

Premises and equipment are accounted for at cost less depreciation. Depreciation is computed on a straight-line method over the estimated useful lives or the term of the related lease. The estimated useful life for office buildings is 15 - 40 years and the estimated useful life for furniture, fixtures, and equipment is 3 - 10 years. Interest is capitalized for any significant building projects. For additional information relating to premises and equipment, see Note 4.

Leases

The Company leases certain land, premises and equipment from third parties under operating and capital leases. The lease payments for operating lease agreements are recognized on a straight-line basis. The present value of the future minimum rental payments for capital leases is recognized as an asset when the lease is formed. Lease improvements incurred at the inception of the lease are recorded as an asset and depreciated over the initial term of the lease and lease improvements incurred subsequently are depreciated over the remaining term of the lease. For additional information relating to leases, see Note 4.

Other Real Estate Owned

Property acquired by foreclosure or deed-in-lieu of foreclosure is initially recorded at fair value, less estimated selling cost, at acquisition date (i.e., cost of the property). The Company is considered to have received physical possession of residential real estate property collateralizing a consumer mortgage loan upon the occurrence of either the Company obtaining legal title to the property or the borrower conveying all interest in the property through a deed-in-lieu or similar agreement. Fair value is determined as the amount that could be reasonably expected in a current sale between a willing buyer and a willing seller in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Subsequent to the initial acquisition, if the fair value of the asset, less estimated selling cost, is less than the cost of the property, a loss is recognized in other expense and the asset carrying value is reduced. Gain or loss on disposition of other real estate owned (“OREO”) is recorded in non-interest income or non-interest expense, respectively. In determining the fair value of the properties on the date of transfer and any subsequent estimated losses of net realizable value, the fair value of other real estate acquired by foreclosure or deed-in-lieu of foreclosure is determined primarily based upon appraisal or evaluation of the underlying property value.

Long- Lived Assets

Long-lived Assets

Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. An asset is deemed impaired if the sum of the expected future cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the asset. If impaired, an impairment loss is recognized in other expense to reduce the carrying value of the asset to fair value. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, no long-lived assets were considered impaired.

Business Combinations and Intangible Assets

Acquisition accounting requires the total purchase price to be allocated to the estimated fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed, including certain intangible assets. Goodwill is recorded if the purchase price exceeds the net fair value of assets acquired and a bargain purchase gain is recorded in other income if the net fair value of assets acquired exceeds the purchase price.

Adjustment of the allocated purchase price may be related to fair value estimates for which all information has not been obtained of the acquired entity known or discovered during the allocation period, the period of time required to identify and measure the fair values of the assets and liabilities acquired in the business combination. The allocation period is generally limited to one year following consummation of a business combination.

Core deposit intangible represents the intangible value of depositor relationships resulting from deposit liabilities assumed in acquisitions and is amortized using an accelerated method based on an estimated runoff of the related deposits. The core deposit intangible is evaluated for impairment and recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that its carrying amount may not be recoverable, with any changes in estimated useful life accounted for prospectively over the revised remaining life. For additional information relating to core deposit intangibles, see Note 5.

The Company tests goodwill for impairment at the reporting unit level annually during the third quarter. The Company has identified that each of the bank divisions are reporting units (i.e., components of the Glacier Bank operating segment) given that each division has a separate management team that regularly reviews its respective division financial information; however, the reporting units are aggregated into a single reporting unit due to the reporting units having similar economic characteristics.

Note 1. Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

The goodwill of a reporting unit is tested for impairment between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more-likely-than-not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. Examples of events and circumstances that could trigger the need for interim impairment testing include:


•	a significant change in legal factors or in the business climate;


•	an adverse action or assessment by a regulator;


•	unanticipated competition;


•	a loss of key personnel;


•	a more-likely-than-not expectation that a reporting unit or a significant portion of a reporting unit will be sold or otherwise disposed of; and


•	the testing for recoverability of a significant asset group within a reporting unit.

For the goodwill impairment assessment, the Company has the option, prior to the two-step process, to first assess qualitative factors 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 a reporting unit is less than its carrying value. The Company opted to bypass the qualitative assessment for its 2015 and 2014 annual goodwill impairment testing and proceed directly to the two-step goodwill impairment test. The goodwill impairment two-step process requires the Company to make assumptions and judgments regarding fair value. In the first step, the Company calculates an implied fair value based on a control premium analysis. If the implied fair value is less than the carrying value, the second step is completed to compute the impairment amount, if any, by determining the “implied fair value” of goodwill. This determination requires the allocation of the estimated fair value of the reporting units to the assets and liabilities of the reporting units. Any remaining unallocated fair value represents the “implied fair value” of goodwill, which is compared to the corresponding carrying value of goodwill to compute impairment, if any.

For additional information relating to goodwill, see Note 5.

Non-Marketable Equity Securities

Non-marketable equity securities primarily consist of Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) stock. FHLB stock is restricted because such stock may only be sold to FHLB at its par value. Due to restrictive terms, and the lack of a readily determinable market value, FHLB stock is carried at cost. The investments in FHLB stock are required investments related to the Company’s borrowings from FHLB. FHLB obtains its funding primarily through issuance of consolidated obligations of the FHLB system. The U.S. government does not guarantee these obligations, and each of the regional FHLBs is jointly and severally liable for repayment of each other’s debt.

Bank-Owned Life Insurance

The Company maintains bank-owned life insurance policies on certain current and former employees and directors, which are recorded at their cash surrender values as determined by the insurance carriers. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, the carrying value associated with these policies is $49,534,000 and $46,030,000, respectively, and is recorded in other assets in the Company’s statements of financial position. The appreciation in the cash surrender value of the policies is recognized as a component of other non-interest income in the Company’s statements of operations.

Derivatives and Hedging Activities

For asset and liability management purposes, the Company has entered into interest rate swap agreements to hedge against changes in forecasted cash flows due to interest rate exposures. The interest rate swaps are recognized as assets or liabilities on the Company’s statements of financial condition and measured at fair value. Fair value estimates are obtained from third parties and are based on pricing models. The Company does not enter into interest rate swap agreements for trading or speculative purposes.

The Company takes into account the impact of bilateral collateral and master netting agreements that allows the Company to settle all interest rate swap agreements held with a single counterparty on a net basis, and to offset the net interest rate swap derivative position with the related collateral when recognizing interest rate swap derivative assets and liabilities.

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 swap agreements are derivative instruments and convert a portion of the Company’s forecasted variable rate debt to a fixed rate (i.e., cash flow hedge) over the payment term of the interest rate swap. The effective portion of the gain or loss on the 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. The ineffective portion of the gain or loss on derivative instruments, if any, is recognized in earnings. For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, the Company’s cash flow hedges were determined to be fully effective.

Note 1. Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

Interest rate derivative financial instruments receive hedge accounting treatment only if they are designated as a hedge and are expected to be, and are, highly effective in substantially reducing interest rate risk arising from the assets and liabilities identified as exposing the Company to risk. Derivative financial instruments that do not meet specified hedging criteria are recorded at fair value with changes in fair value recorded in income. The Company’s interest rate swaps are considered highly effective and currently meet the hedge accounting criteria.

Cash flows resulting from the interest rate derivative financial instruments that are accounted for as hedges of assets and liabilities are classified in the Company’s cash flow statement in the same category as the cash flows of the items being hedged. For additional information relating to interest rate swap agreements, see Note 10.

The Company also has residential real estate derivatives for commitments to fund certain residential real estate loans (interest rate locks) to be sold into the secondary market and forward commitments for the future delivery of residential real estate loans to third party investors on a best efforts basis. It is the Company’s practice to enter into forward commitments for the future delivery of residential real estate loans when interest rate lock commitments are entered into in order to economically hedge the effect of changes in interest rates resulting from its commitments to fund the loans. These derivatives are not designated in hedge relationships. Such derivatives are short-term in nature and changes in fair value are not recorded as gains on sale of loans because the change is not significant.

Stock-based Compensation

Stock-based compensation awards granted, comprised of stock options and restricted stock awards, are valued at fair value and compensation cost is recognized on a straight-line basis, net of estimated forfeitures, over the requisite service period of each award. For additional information relating to stock-based compensation, see Note 12.

Advertising and Promotion

Advertising and promotion costs are recognized in the period incurred.

Income Taxes

The Company’s income tax expense consists of current and deferred income tax expense. Current income tax expense reflects taxes to be paid or refunded for the current period by applying the provisions of enacted tax law to earnings or losses. Deferred income tax expense results from changes in deferred assets and liabilities between periods. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for estimated future income tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in income tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.

Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance if, based on the weight of available evidence, it is more-likely-than-not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The term more-likely-than-not means a likelihood of more than fifty percent. The recognition threshold considers the facts, circumstances, and information available at the reporting date and is subject to the Company’s judgment. In assessing the need for a valuation allowance, the Company considers both positive and negative evidence. For additional information relating to income taxes, see Note 15.

Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive income consists of net income and other comprehensive income (“OCI”). OCI includes unrealized gains and losses, net of tax effect, on available-for-sale securities and derivatives used for cash flow hedges.

Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period presented. Diluted earnings per share is computed by including the net increase in shares as if dilutive outstanding stock options were exercised and restricted stock awards were vested, using the treasury stock method. For additional information relating to earnings per share, see Note 17.

Reclassifications

Certain reclassifications have been made to the 2014 and 2013 financial statements to conform to the 2015 presentation.

Impact of Recent Authoritative Accounting Guidance

The Accounting Standards Codification^™ (“ASC”) is the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (“FASB”) officially recognized source of authoritative GAAP applicable to all public and non-public non-governmental entities. Rules and interpretive releases of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) under the authority of the federal securities laws are also sources of authoritative GAAP for the Company as an SEC registrant. All other accounting literature is non-authoritative. The following paragraphs provide descriptions of recently adopted or newly issued but not yet effective accounting standards that could have a material effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

In January 2016, FASB amended FASB ASC Topic 825, Financial Instruments. The amendments in this Update address certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure of financial instruments. The amendments are effective for public business entities for the first interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is only permitted under certain circumstances outlined in the amendments. A reporting entity should apply the amendments by means of a cumulative-effect adjustment to the Company’s statement of financial condition as of the beginning of the reporting year of adoption. The amendments related to equity securities without readily determinable fair values should be applied prospectively. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of these amendments, but does not expect them to have a material effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

In September 2015, FASB amended FASB ASC Topic 805, Business Combinations. The amendments in this Update require that an acquirer recognize adjustments to provisional amounts that are identified during the measurement period in the reporting period in which the adjustments are necessary. The amendments in this Update require that the acquirer record, in the same period’s financial statements, the effect on earnings of changes in depreciation, amortization, or other income effects, if any, as a result of the change to the provisional amounts, calculated as if the accounting had been completed at the acquisition date. The amendments in this Update require an entity to present separately on the face of the income statement or disclose in the notes the portion of the amount recorded in current-period earnings by line item that would have been recorded in previous reporting periods if the adjustment to the provisional amounts had been recognized as of the acquisition date. The amendments should be applied prospectively to all periods presented and are effective for public business entities for annual periods and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2015. The Company has evaluated the impact of these amendments and determined there would not be a material effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

In February 2015, FASB amended FASB ASC Topic 810, Consolidation. The amendments in this Update make targeted changes to the current consolidation guidance and end a deferral available for investment companies. The amendments modify the evaluation of whether limited partnerships and similar legal entities are VIEs or voting interest entities. Consolidation conclusions may change for entities that already are VIEs due to changes in how entities would analyze related-party relationships and fee arrangements. The amendments relax existing criteria for determining when fees paid to a decision maker or service provider do not represent a variable interest by focusing on whether those fees are “at market.” The amendments eliminate both the consolidation model specific to limited partnerships and the current presumption that a general partner controls a limited partnership. Application of the new amendments could result in some entities being deconsolidated or considered a VIE and subject to additional disclosures. The amendments are effective for public business entities for the first interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period with any adjustments reflected as of the beginning of the reporting year that includes the interim period. A reporting entity may apply the amendments using a modified retrospective approach by recording a cumulative-effect adjustment to equity as of the beginning of the reporting year of adoption or may apply the amendments retrospectively. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of these amendments, but does not expect them to have a material effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

In August 2014, FASB amended FASB ASC Subtopic 310-40, Receivables - Troubled Debt Restructurings by Creditors. The amendment requires that a mortgage loan be derecognized and that a separate other receivable be recognized upon foreclosure if the following conditions are met: 1) The loan has a government guarantee that is not separable from the loan before foreclosure; 2) At the time of foreclosure, the creditor has the intent to convey the real estate property to the guarantor and make a claim on the guarantee, and the creditor has the ability to recover under that claim; and 3) At the time of foreclosure, any amount of the claim that is determined on the basis of the fair value of the real estate is fixed. Upon foreclosure, the separate other receivable should be measured based on the amount of the loan balance (principal and interest) expected to be recovered from the guarantor. The amendment is effective for public business entities for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2014. An entity can elect to adopt the amendments using either a prospective transition method or a modified retrospective method as defined in the amendment. The Company has evaluated the impact of the adoption of this amendment and determined there was not a material effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

Note 1. Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

In June 2014, FASB amended FASB ASC Topic 860, Transfers and Servicing. The amendments in this Update require the following accounting changes: 1) change the accounting for repurchase-to-maturity transactions to secured borrowing accounting; and 2) for repurchase finance arrangements, require separate accounting for a transfer of a financial asset executed contemporaneously with a repurchase agreement with the same counterparty, which will result in a secured borrowing accounting for the repurchase agreement. The amendments also require certain disclosures for securities sold under agreements to repurchase (“repurchase agreements”), securities lending transactions, and repurchase-to-maturity transactions that are accounted for as secured borrowings. The accounting changes are effective for public business entities for the first interim or annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2014. Early application for public business entities is not permitted. The disclosure changes for repurchase agreements are effective for public business entities for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2014. The Company has evaluated the impact of the adoption of this amendment and determined there was not a material effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

In May 2014, FASB amended FASB ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. The amendments clarify the principals for recognizing revenue and develop a common revenue standard among industries. The new guidance establishes the following core principal: recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for goods or services. Five steps are provided for a company or organization to follow to achieve such core principle. The new guidance also includes a cohesive set of disclosure requirements that will provide users of financial statements with comprehensive information about the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. The entity should apply the amendments using one of two retrospective methods described in the amendment. Accounting Standards Update No 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) delayed the effective date for public entities to annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim reporting periods within that reporting period. Early application is permitted only as of annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim reporting periods within that reporting period. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of these amendments, but does not expect them to have a material effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

In January 2014, FASB amended FASB ASC Subtopic 310-40, Receivables - Troubled Debt Restructurings by Creditors. The amendment clarifies that an in substance repossession foreclosure occurs when a creditor is considered to have received physical possession of residential real estate property collateralizing a consumer mortgage loan, upon either 1) the creditor obtaining legal title to the residential real estate property upon completion of a foreclosure; or 2) the borrower conveying all interest in the residential real estate property to the creditor to satisfy that loan through completion of a deed-in-lieu of foreclosure or through a similar legal agreement. Additionally, the amendment requires interim and annual disclosure of both 1) the amount of foreclosed residential real estate property held by the creditor; and 2) the recorded investment in consumer mortgage loans collateralized by residential real estate property that are in the process of foreclosure according to local requirements of the applicable jurisdiction. The amendment is effective for public business entities for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2014. An entity can elect to adopt the amendments using either a modified retrospective transition method or a prospective transition method as defined in the amendment. The Company has evaluated the impact of the adoption of this amendment and determined there was not a material effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

In January 2014, FASB amended FASB ASC Topic 323, Investments - Equity Method and Joint Ventures. The amendments permit entities to make an accounting policy election for their investments in qualified affordable housing projects using the proportional amortization method if certain conditions are met. Under the proportional amortization method, an entity amortizes the initial cost of the investment in proportion to the tax credits and other tax benefits received and recognizes the net investment performance in the income statement as a component of income tax expense. The amendments should be applied retrospectively to all periods presented and are effective for public business entities for annual periods and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2014. The adoption of these amendments did not have a material effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.