Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Use of Estimates

(a) Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements 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 revenues and expenses during the reporting periods.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change relate to the determination of the allowance for loan and lease losses, the assessment of other-than-temporary impairment of investment securities, the valuation of the goodwill for impairment, and the valuation of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in business combinations.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

(b) Cash and Cash Equivalents

For purposes of the consolidated statements of cash flows, cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, balances due from banks, and federal funds sold, all of which mature within ninety days.

Investment Securities

(c) Interest-bearing Time Deposits with Other Financial Institutions

Interest-bearing time deposits with other financial institutions consist of certificates of deposits in other financial institutions with maturities within one year.

(d) Investment Securities

Available-for-sale securities include debt securities which are reported at fair value, with unrealized holding gains and losses excluded from earnings being reported, net of deferred income taxes, as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) within shareholders’ equity.  Beginning January 1, 2018, upon adoption of ASU 2016-01, equity securities with readily determinable fair values are stated at fair value within other assets on the balance sheet, with realized and unrealized gains and losses reported in other expense on the income statement. For periods prior to January 1, 2018, equity securities were classified as available-for-sale and stated at fair value within investment securities available-for-sale on the balance sheet, with unrealized gains and losses reported as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax.

During 2017, Mid Penn added a held-to-maturity pool to its overall investment portfolio of debt securities, which are reported at amortized cost.  Unrealized holding gains and losses on held-to-maturity securities are excluded from earnings, and are not a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) within shareholders’ equity.      

Premiums and discounts on debt securities are amortized as an adjustment to interest income using the interest method.  Realized gains and losses on sales of investment securities are computed on the basis of specific identification of the cost of each security.     

Loans Held for Sale

(e) Loans Held for Sale

Mortgage loans originated and intended for sale in the secondary market are included in loans held for sale and are carried at fair value, as determined by outstanding commitments from investors.  Gains and losses on sales of mortgage loans are included in the Consolidated Statements of Income in mortgage banking income.    

Loans and Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses

(f) Loans and Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses

Loans receivable that management has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity or payoff are stated at their outstanding unpaid principal balances, net of an allowance for loan losses and any deferred fees or costs. Interest income is accrued on the unpaid principal balance.  Residential loans held for sale are carried at fair value and are included in loans held for sale on the balance sheet.  Loan origination fees, net of certain direct origination costs, are deferred and recognized as an adjustment of the yield (interest income) of the related loans.  These amounts are being amortized over the contractual life of the loan.  Premiums and discounts on purchased loans are amortized as adjustments to interest income using the effective yield method.

The loan portfolio is segmented into commercial and consumer loans.  Commercial loans consist of the following classes: commercial and industrial, commercial real estate, commercial real estate-construction and lease financing.  Consumer loans consist of the following classes: residential mortgage loans, home equity loans and other consumer loans.

For all classes of loans, the accrual of interest is discontinued when the contractual payment of principal or interest has become 90 days or more past due or management has serious doubts about further collectability of principal or interest, even though the loan is currently performing.  A loan may remain on accrual status if it is in the process of collection and is either guaranteed or well secured.  When a loan is placed on nonaccrual status, unpaid interest is credited to income.  Interest received on nonaccrual loans, including impaired loans, generally is either applied against principal or reported as interest income, according to management’s judgment as to the collectability of principal.  Generally, loans are restored to accrual status when the obligation is brought current, has performed in accordance with the contractual terms for a reasonable period of time (generally six months) and the ultimate collectability of the total contractual principal and interest is no longer in doubt.  The past due status of all classes of loans receivable is determined based on contractual due dates for loan payments.

Commercial and industrial

Mid Penn originates commercial and industrial loans.  Most of the Bank’s commercial and industrial loans have been extended to finance local and regional businesses and include short-term loans to finance machinery and equipment purchases, inventory, and accounts receivable.  Commercial loans also involve the extension of revolving credit for a combination of equipment acquisitions and working capital in expanding companies.

The maximum term for loans extended on machinery and equipment is based on the projected useful life of such machinery and equipment.  Generally, the maximum term on non-mortgage lines of credit is one year.  The loan-to-value ratio on such loans and lines of credit generally may not exceed 80% of the value of the collateral securing the loan.  The Bank’s commercial business lending policy includes credit file documentation and analysis of the borrower’s character, capacity to repay the loan, the adequacy of the borrower’s capital and collateral, as well as an evaluation of conditions affecting the borrower.  Analysis of the borrower’s past, present, and future cash flows is also an important aspect of the Bank’s current credit analysis.  Nonetheless, such loans are believed to carry higher credit risk than other extensions of credit.

Commercial and industrial loans typically are made on the basis of the borrower’s ability to make repayment from the cash flow of the borrower’s business.  As a result, the availability of funds for the repayment of commercial business loans may be substantially dependent on the success of the business itself, which, in turn, is likely to be dependent upon the general economic environment.  Mid Penn’s commercial and industrial loans are usually, but not always, secured by business assets and personal guarantees.  However, the collateral securing the loans may depreciate over time, may be difficult to appraise, and may fluctuate in value based on the success of the business.

Commercial real estate and commercial real estate - construction

Commercial real estate and commercial real estate construction loans generally present a higher level of risk than loans secured by one to four family residences.  This greater risk is due to several factors, including the concentration of principal in a limited number of loans and borrowers, the effect of general economic conditions on income producing properties, and the increased difficulty of evaluating and monitoring these types of loans.  In addition, the repayment of loans secured by commercial real estate is typically dependent upon the successful operation of the related real estate project.  If the cash flow from the project is reduced, the borrower’s ability to repay the loan may be impaired.

Residential mortgage

Mid Penn offers a wide array of residential mortgage loans for both permanent structures and those under construction.  The Bank’s residential mortgage originations are secured primarily by properties located in its primary market and surrounding areas.  Residential mortgage loans have terms up to a maximum of 30 years and with loan to value ratios up to 100% of the lesser of the appraised value of the security property or the contract price.  Private mortgage insurance is generally required in an amount sufficient to reduce the Bank’s exposure to at or below the 85% loan to value level.  Residential mortgage loans generally do not include prepayment penalties.

In underwriting residential mortgage loans, the Bank evaluates both the borrower’s ability to make monthly payments and the value of the property securing the loan.  Most properties securing real estate loans made by Mid Penn are appraised by independent fee appraisers.  The Bank generally requires borrowers to obtain title insurance and fire and property insurance (including flood insurance, if necessary) in an amount not less than the amount of the loan.  Real estate loans originated by the Bank generally contain a “due on sale” clause allowing the Bank to declare the unpaid principal balance due and payable upon the sale of the security property.

The Bank underwrites residential mortgage loans to the standards established by the secondary mortgage market, i.e., Fannie Mae, Ginnie Mae, Freddie Mac, or Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency standards, with the intention of selling the majority of residential mortgages originated into the secondary market.  In the event that the facts and circumstances surrounding a residential mortgage application do not meet all underwriting conditions of the secondary mortgage market, the Bank will evaluate the non-qualifying condition(s) and evaluate the potential risk of holding the residential mortgage in the Bank’s portfolio rather than rejecting the loan request.  In the event that the loan is held in the Bank’s portfolio, the interest rate on the residential mortgage typically would be increased to compensate for the added portfolio risk.

Consumer, including home equity

Mid Penn offers a variety of secured consumer loans, including home equity, automobile, and deposit secured loans.  In addition, the Bank offers other secured and unsecured consumer loans.  Most consumer loans are originated in Mid Penn’s primary market and surrounding areas.

The largest component of Mid Penn’s consumer loan portfolio consists of fixed rate home equity loans and variable rate home equity lines of credit.  Substantially all home equity loans and lines of credit are secured by second mortgages on principal residences.  The Bank will lend amounts, which, together with all prior liens, typically may be up to 85% of the appraised value of the property securing the loan.  Home equity term loans may have maximum terms up to 20 years while home equity lines of credit generally have maximum terms of five years.

Consumer loan terms vary according to the type and value of collateral, length of contract and creditworthiness of the borrower.  The underwriting standards employed by the Bank for consumer loans include an application, a determination of the applicant’s payment history on other debts, and an assessment of ability to meet existing obligations and payments on the proposed loan.  Although creditworthiness of the applicant is a primary consideration, the underwriting process also includes a comparison of the value of the collateral, if any, in relation to the proposed loan amount.

Consumer loans may entail greater credit risk than do residential mortgage loans, particularly in the case of consumer loans which are unsecured or are secured by rapidly depreciable assets, such as automobiles or recreational equipment.  In such cases, any repossessed collateral for a defaulted consumer loan may not provide an adequate source of repayment of the outstanding loan balance.  In addition, consumer loan collections are dependent on the borrower’s continuing financial stability, and thus are more likely to be affected by adverse personal circumstances.  Furthermore, the application of various federal and state laws, including bankruptcy and insolvency laws, may limit the amount that can be recovered on such loans.

Junior liens inherently have more credit risk by virtue of the fact that another financial institution may have a higher security position in the case of foreclosure liquidation of collateral to extinguish the debt.  Generally, foreclosure actions could become more prevalent if the real estate market weakens and property values deteriorate.

Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses

The allowance for credit losses consists of the allowance for loan and lease losses and the reserve for unfunded lending commitments. The allowance for loan and lease losses represents management’s estimate of losses inherent in the loan portfolio as of the balance sheet date and is recorded as a reduction to loans. The allowance for loan and lease losses is increased by the provision for loan and lease losses, and decreased by charge-offs, net of recoveries.  Loans deemed to be uncollectible are charged against the allowance for loan and lease losses, and subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance.  All, or part, of the principal balance of loans are charged off to the allowance as soon as it is determined that the repayment of all, or part, of the principal balance is highly unlikely.  Non-residential consumer loans are generally charged off no later than 120 days past due on a contractual basis, earlier in the event of bankruptcy, or if there is an amount deemed uncollectible.  Because all identified losses are immediately charged off, no portion of the allowance for loan and lease losses is restricted to any individual loan or groups of loans, and the entire allowance is available to absorb any and all loan losses. Mid Penn also estimates a reserve for unfunded lending commitments, which represents management’s estimate of losses inherent in its unfunded loan commitments and is recorded in other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet.  The reserve for unfunded loan commitments was $159,000 at December 31, 2018 and $105,000 at December 31, 2017.  

The allowance for credit losses is maintained at a level considered adequate to provide for losses that can be reasonably anticipated. Management performs a monthly evaluation of the adequacy of the allowance.  The allowance is based on Mid Penn’s past loan loss experience, known and inherent risks in the portfolio, adverse situations that may affect the borrower’s ability to repay, the estimated value of any underlying collateral, composition of the loan portfolio, current economic conditions, and other relevant factors.  This evaluation is inherently subjective, as it requires material estimates that may be susceptible to significant revision as more information becomes available.

The allowance consists of specific, general and unallocated components.  The specific component relates to loans that are classified as impaired.  For loans that are classified as impaired, an allowance is established when the discounted cash flows (“DCF”), collateral value, or observable market price of the impaired loan is lower than the carrying value of that loan.  The general component covers pools of loans by loan class including commercial loans not considered impaired, as well as smaller balance homogeneous loans, such as residential real estate, home equity and other consumer loans.  These pools of loans are evaluated for loss exposure based upon historical loss rates for each of these categories of loans, adjusted for qualitative factors.  These qualitative risk factors include changes in economic conditions, fluctuations in loan quality measures, changes in collateral values, changes in the experience of the lending staff and loan review systems, changes in lending policies and procedures, including underwriting standards, changes in the mix and volume of loans originated, the effect of other external factors, such as competition and legal and regulatory requirements on the level of estimated credit losses in the existing loan portfolio, and shifting industry or portfolio concentrations.

Each factor is assigned a value to reflect improving, stable or declining conditions based on management’s best judgment using relevant information available at the time of the evaluation.  Adjustments to the factors are supported through documentation of changes in conditions in a narrative accompanying the allowance for loan loss calculation.

Mid Penn generally considers a commercial loan (consisting of commercial and industrial, commercial real estate, commercial real estate-construction, and lease financing loan classes) to be impaired when it becomes 90 days or more past due and not in the process of collection or sooner when it is probable that Mid Penn will be unable to collect all contractual principal and interest due.  This methodology assumes the borrower cannot or will not continue to make additional payments.  At that time the loan would generally be considered collateral dependent as the DCF method would generally indicate no operating income available for evaluating the collateral position; therefore, most impaired loans are deemed to be collateral dependent.  In addition, Mid Penn’s rating system assumes any loans classified as nonaccrual, included in the substandard rating, to be impaired, and most of these loans are considered collateral dependent.

Mid Penn evaluates loans for charge-off on a monthly basis.  Policies that govern the recommendation for charge-off are unique to the type of loan being considered.  Commercial loans rated as substandard nonaccrual or lower will first have a collateral evaluation completed in accordance with the guidance on impaired loans.  Once the collateral evaluation has been completed, a specific allocation of allowance is made based upon the results of the evaluation.  The remaining balance remains a nonperforming loan with the original terms and interest rate intact.  In the event the loan is unsecured, the loan would have been charged-off at the recognition of impairment.  Commercial real estate loans rated as impaired will also have an initial collateral evaluation completed in accordance with the guidance on impaired loans.  An updated real estate valuation is ordered and the collateral evaluation is modified to reflect any variations in value.  A specific allocation of allowance is made for any anticipated collateral shortfall. The remaining balance remains a nonperforming loan with the original terms and interest rate intact.  The process of charge-off for residential mortgage loans begins upon a loan becoming delinquent for 90 days and not in the process of collection.  The existing appraisal is reviewed and a lien search is obtained to determine lien position and any instances of intervening liens.  A new appraisal of the property will be ordered if deemed necessary by management and a collateral evaluation is completed. The loan will then be charged down to the value indicated in the evaluation.  Consumer loans (including home equity loans and other consumer loans) are recommended for charge-off after reaching delinquency of 90 days and the loan is not in the process of collection.  The collateral shortfall of the consumer loan is recommended for charge-off at this point.

As noted above, Mid Penn assesses a specific allocation for commercial loans and commercial real estate loans.  The remaining balance remains a nonperforming loan with the original terms and interest rate intact.  In addition, Mid Penn takes a preemptive step when any commercial loan becomes classified under its internal classification system.  A preliminary collateral evaluation, in accordance with the guidance on impaired loans, is prepared using the existing collateral information in the loan file.  This process allows Mid Penn to review both the credit and documentation files to determine the status of the information needed to make a collateral evaluation.  This collateral evaluation is preliminary, but allows Mid Penn to determine if any potential collateral shortfalls exist.

It is Mid Penn’s policy to obtain updated third party valuations on all impaired loans collateralized by real estate as soon as practically possible of the credit being classified as substandard nonaccrual.  Prior to receipt of the updated real estate valuation, Mid Penn will use any existing real estate valuation to determine any potential allowance issues, and will update the allowance impact calculation upon receipt of the updated real estate valuation.  The Asset Recovery department employs an electronic tracking system to monitor the receipt of and need for updated appraisals.  To date, there have been no material time lapses noted with the above processes.

In some instances, Mid Penn is not holding real estate as collateral and is relying on business assets (personal property) for repayment.  In these circumstances a collateral inspection is performed by Mid Penn personnel to determine an estimated value.  The value is based on net book value, as provided by the financial statements, and discounted accordingly based on determinations made by management.  Occasionally, Mid Penn will employ an outside service to provide an estimate of fair value based on auction sales or private sales.  Management reviews the estimates of these third parties and discounts them accordingly based on management’s judgment, if deemed necessary.

Mid Penn’s practice of obtaining independent third party market valuations on the subject property as soon as practically possible of the credit being identified as impaired sometimes indicates that the loan to value ratio is sufficient to obviate the need for a specific allocation.  These circumstances are determined on a case by case analysis of the impaired loans.

Mid Penn actively monitors the values of collateral on impaired loans.  This monitoring may require the modification of collateral values over time or changing circumstances by some factor, either positive or negative, from the original values.  All collateral values will be assessed by management at least every twelve months for revaluation by an independent third party.

The unallocated component of the allowance for loan and lease losses allocation recognizes the inherent imprecision in our allowance for loan and lease loss methodology, or any alternative methodology, for estimating specific and general loan losses, including the unpredictable timing and amounts of charge-offs, the fact that historical loss averages do not necessarily correlate to unexpected changes to specific-credit or general portfolio cash flows and collateral values which could negatively impact unimpaired portfolio loss factors.  Also, the unallocated component covers several considerations that are not specifically measureable through either the specific and general components. For example, we believe that we could face credit risks and uncertainties, not reflected in recent historical losses or qualitative factor assessments, associated with unpredictable changes in economic growth or business conditions in our markets or for certain industries in which we have commercial loan borrowers, or unanticipated stresses to the values of real estate held as collateral.  Any or all of these additional issues can adversely affect our borrowers’ ability to timely repay their loans. Additionally, we have experienced continued strong commercial loan growth, including growth in newer markets where we have less of a loss history.  

Large groups of smaller balance homogeneous loans are collectively evaluated for impairment.  Accordingly, Mid Penn does not separately identify individual residential mortgage loans, home equity loans and other consumer loans for impairment disclosures, unless such loans are the subject of a troubled debt restructuring agreement.

Loans whose terms are modified are classified as troubled debt restructurings if the borrowers have been granted concessions and it is deemed that those borrowers are experiencing financial difficulty.  Concessions granted under a troubled debt restructuring generally involve a temporary reduction in interest rate or an extension of a loan’s stated maturity date.  Nonaccrual troubled debt restructurings are restored to accrual status if principal and interest payments, under the modified terms, are current for six consecutive months after modification.  Loans classified as troubled debt restructurings are designated as impaired.

The allowance calculation methodology includes further segregation of loan classes into risk rating categories.  The borrower’s overall financial condition, repayment sources, guarantors, and value of collateral, if appropriate, are evaluated annually for commercial loans or when credit deficiencies arise, such as delinquent loan payments.  Credit quality risk ratings include regulatory classifications of special mention, substandard, doubtful, and loss.  Loans criticized as special mention have potential weaknesses that deserve management’s close attention.  If uncorrected, the potential weaknesses may result in deterioration of the repayment prospects.  Loans classified substandard have a well-defined weakness or weaknesses that jeopardize the liquidation of the debt.  They include loans that are inadequately protected by the current sound net worth and paying capacity of the obligor or of the collateral pledged, if any.  Loans classified doubtful have all the weaknesses inherent in loans classified substandard with the added characteristic that collection or liquidation in full, on the basis of current conditions and facts, is highly improbable.  Loans classified as a loss are considered uncollectible and are charged to the allowance for loan losses.  Any loans not classified as noted above are rated pass.

In addition, Federal and State regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the Bank’s allowance for loan and lease losses and may require the Bank to recognize additions to the allowance based on their judgments about information available to them at the time of their examination, which may not be currently available to management.  Based on management’s comprehensive analysis of the loan portfolio, management believes the current level of the allowance for loan losses is adequate.

Acquired Loans

Loans that Mid Penn acquires in connection with business combinations are recorded at fair value with no carryover of the existing related allowance for loan losses.  Fair value of the loans involves estimating the amount and timing of principal and interest cash flows expected to be collected on the loans and discounting those cash flows at a market rate of interest.

On loans determined to purchase credit impaired, the excess of cash flows expected at acquisition over the estimated fair value is referred to as the accretable discount and is recognized into interest income over the remaining life of the loan.  The difference between contractually required payments at acquisition and the cash flows expected to be collected at acquisition is referred to as the nonaccretable discount.  These loans are accounted for under the Accounting Standard Codification (“ASC”) 310-30, Loans and Debt Securities Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality.  The nonaccretable discount includes estimated future credit losses expected to be incurred over the life of the loan.  Subsequent decreases to the expected cash flows will require Mid Penn to evaluate the need for an additional allowance for credit losses.  Subsequent improvement in expected cash flows will result in the reversal of a corresponding amount of the nonaccretable discount which Mid Penn will then reclassify as accretable discount that will be recognized into interest income over the remaining life of the loan.

Loans acquired through business combinations that do meet the specific criteria of ASC 310-30 are individually evaluated each period to analyze expected cash flows.  To the extent that the expected cash flows of a loan have decreased due to credit deterioration, Mid Penn establishes an allowance.

Loans acquired through business combinations that do not meet the specific criteria of ASC 310-30 are accounted for under ASC 310-20.  These loans are initially recorded at fair value, and include credit and interest rate marks associated with acquisition accounting adjustments.  Purchase premiums or discounts are subsequently amortized as an adjustment to yield over the estimated contractual lives of the loans.  There is no allowance for loan losses established at the acquisition date for acquired performing loans.  An allowance for loan losses is recorded for any credit deterioration in these loans subsequent to acquisition.

Acquired loans that met the criteria for impaired or nonaccrual of interest prior to the acquisition may be considered performing upon acquisition, regardless of whether the customer is contractually delinquent if Mid Penn expects to fully collect the new carrying value (i.e. fair value) of the loans.  As such, Mid Penn may no longer consider the loan to be nonaccrual or nonperforming and may accrue interest on these loans, including the impact of any accretable discount.  In addition, charge-offs on such loans would be first applied to the nonaccretable difference portion of the fair value adjustment.

Bank Premises and Equipment

(g) Bank Premises and Equipment

Land is carried at cost.  Buildings, furniture, fixtures, equipment, land improvements, and leasehold improvements are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation.  Depreciation is computed by the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets.  Building assets are depreciated using an estimated useful life of five to fifty years.  Furniture, fixtures, and equipment are depreciated using an estimated useful life of three to ten years.  Land improvements are depreciated over an estimated useful life of ten to twenty years.  Leasehold improvements are depreciated using an estimated useful life that is the lesser of the remaining life of the lease or ten to fifteen years.  Maintenance and normal repairs are charged to expense when incurred, while major additions and improvements are capitalized.  Gains and losses on disposals are reflected in current operations.  Bank premises and equipment designated as held for sale are carried at the lower of cost or market value.

Restricted Investments in Bank Stocks

(h) Restricted Investments in Bank Stocks

Restricted investments in bank stocks represent required investments in the common stock of correspondent banks.  As a member of the FHLB and Atlantic Community Bankers Bank (“ACBB”), the Bank is required to own restricted stock investments in these correspondent banks, which is carried at cost.  The level of stock ownership in the FHLB is adjusted by the FHLB throughout the year based upon the level of outstanding borrowings of the Bank (in general, the higher the amount of borrowings, the higher the amount of FHLB stock ownership requirement).   Total dividends received from the FHLB in 2018 and 2017 totaled $275,000 and $114,000, respectively.

Foreclosed Assets Held for Sale

(i) Foreclosed Assets Held for Sale

Foreclosed assets held for sale consist primarily of real estate acquired through, or in lieu of, foreclosure in settlement of debt, and are recorded at fair value less cost to sell at the date of transfer, establishing a new cost basis.  Any valuation adjustments required at the date of transfer are charged to the allowance for loan losses.  Subsequent to acquisition, foreclosed assets are carried at fair value less costs of disposal, based upon periodic evaluations that consider changes in market conditions and development and disposal costs.  Operating results from assets acquired in satisfaction of debt, including rental income less operating costs and gains or losses on the sale of, or the periodic evaluation of foreclosed assets, are recorded in noninterest expense.  As of December 31, 2018, Mid Penn had $844,000 of residential real estate held in other real estate owned.  There was also $211,000 in loans for which formal foreclosure proceedings were in process at December 31, 2018.  As of December 31, 2017, Mid Penn had $42,000 of residential real estate held in other real estate owned and $308,000 in loans for which formal foreclosure proceedings were in process.  

Mortgage Servicing Rights

(j) Mortgage Servicing Rights

Mortgage servicing rights are recognized as assets upon the sale of a mortgage loan.  A portion of the cost of the loan is allocated to the servicing right based upon relative fair value.  The fair value of servicing rights is based on the present value of estimated future cash flows of mortgages sold, stratified by rate and maturity date.  Assumptions that are incorporated in the valuation of servicing rights include assumptions about prepayment speeds on mortgages and the cost to service loans.  Servicing rights are reported in core deposit and other intangibles in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and are amortized over the estimated period of future servicing income to be received on the underlying mortgage loans.  The carrying amount of mortgage servicing rights was $106,000 and $126,000 at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.  Amortization expense is reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Income in intangible amortization and was $20,000, $18,000, and $30,000 for the years 2018, 2017, and 2016, respectively.  Servicing rights are evaluated for impairment based upon estimated fair value as compared to unamortized carrying value.  No servicing right impairments were identified or recorded for the three year period ended December 31, 2018.  The principal balance of loans serviced for others was $15,601,000 and $17,963,000 for December 31 2018 and 2017, respectively.

Investment in Limited Partnership

(k) Investment in Limited Partnership

Mid Penn is a limited partner in a partnership that provides low-income housing in Enola, Pennsylvania.  The carrying value of Mid Penn’s investment in the limited partnership was $233,000 at December 31, 2018 and $277,000 at December 31, 2017, net of amortization, using the straight-line method and is reported in other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.  Mid Penn’s maximum exposure to loss is limited to the carrying value of its investment.  Mid Penn received $76,000 in low-income housing tax credits for each of the tax years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016.

During the second quarter of 2018, Mid Penn entered into a commitment to purchase a limited partnership interest in a low-income housing project to construct thirty-seven apartments and common amenities in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania.  All of the units are intended to qualify for Federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (“LIHTCs”) as provided for in Section 42 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.  Mid Penn’s limited partner capital contribution commitment is $7,579,000, which will be paid in installments over the course of construction of the low-income housing facilities.  Each installment payment is conditional upon both Mid Penn’s review and approval of the installment payment certificate and continued compliance with the terms of the original partnership agreement. The investment in the limited partnership will be reported in other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheet and amortized over a ten year period.  The project has been conditionally awarded $861,000 in annual LIHTCs by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency, with a total anticipated LIHTC amount of $8,613,000 to be awarded to Mid Penn over the ten year amortization period.  Mid Penn’s commitment to initiate investments in the limited partnership interest was conditional upon (i) the review and approval of all closing documents, (ii) an opinion letter for tax counsel to the Partnership that the project qualifies for the LIHTCs, and (iii) review and approval by Mid Penn of other documents it deemed necessary. All such initial conditions were satisfied and Mid Penn began funding the investment during 2018.  As of December 31, 2018, the total investment in the limited partnership was $1,710,000 and was reported in other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

Income Taxes

(l) Income Taxes

Mid Penn accounts for income taxes in accordance with income tax accounting guidance ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes.

Current income tax accounting guidance results in two components of income tax expense: current and deferred. Current income tax expense reflects taxes to be paid or refunded for the current period by applying the provisions of the enacted tax law to the taxable income or excess of deductions over revenues. Mid Penn determines deferred income taxes using the liability (or balance sheet) method. Under this method, the net deferred tax asset or liability is based on the tax effects of the differences between the book and tax basis of assets and liabilities, and enacted changes in tax rates and laws are recognized in the period in which they occur.

Deferred income tax expense results from changes in deferred tax assets and liabilities between periods. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance if, based on the weight of the evidence available, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of a deferred tax asset will not be realized.

Mid Penn accounts for uncertain tax positions if it is more likely than not, based on the technical merits, that the tax position will be realized or sustained upon examination. The term more-likely-than-not means a likelihood of more than 50%; the terms examined and upon examination also include resolution of the related appeals or litigation processes, if any. A tax position that meets the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold is initially and subsequently measured as the largest amount of tax benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon settlement with a taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. The determination of whether or not a tax position has met the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold considers the facts, circumstances, and information available at the reporting date and is subject to management's judgment.

Mid Penn recognizes interest and penalties on income taxes, if any, as a component of income tax expense.

In December, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “TCJA”) was enacted reducing the corporate tax rate applicable to Mid Penn, for tax years beginning after 2017, to a flat 21 percent rate.  Though the reduced rate will provide tax savings to Mid Penn in future periods after 2017, the reduction resulted in a one-time $1,169,000 write-down of Mid Penn’s deferred tax asset in December 2017, because the deferred tax asset was previously valued based upon the projection of Mid Penn realizing a 34 percent future corporate tax rate benefit.  This write-down was included in Mid Penn’s income tax provision for the year ended December 31, 2017, as further discussed in Note 18 (Federal Income Taxes) to the consolidated financial statements.

Core Deposit Intangible

(m) Core Deposit Intangible

Core deposit intangible is a measure of the value of consumer demand and savings deposits acquired in business combinations accounted for as purchases.  The carrying amount of core deposit intangibles was $6,893,000 and $308,000 at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.  Amortization expense is reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Income in intangible amortization and was $1,188,000, $86,000, and $96,000 for the years 2018, 2017, and 2016, respectively.  The core deposit intangible for each respective acquisition (Phoenix in 2015, and Scottdale and First Priority in 2018) is being amortized over a ten-year period staring at the respective acquisition date and using a sum-of-the-year’s digits basis.  Core deposit intangibles are subject to impairment testing whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the need for such evaluation.

Goodwill

(n) Goodwill

Goodwill is the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of assets acquired in connection with past business acquisitions.  The goodwill balance at December 31, 2018 was comprised of, (i) $39,744,000 related to the July 31, 2018 First Priority acquisition, (ii) $19,178,000 related to the January 8, 2018 Scottdale acquisition and (iii) $3,918,000 recorded as a result of the Phoenix acquisition in 2015.  Goodwill is evaluated annually for impairment; however, if certain events occur which indicate goodwill might be impaired between annual tests, goodwill must be tested when such events occur.  In making this goodwill potential impairment assessment, Mid Penn considers a number of factors including operating results, business plans, economic projections, anticipated future cash flows, current market data, stock price, etc.  There are inherent uncertainties related to these factors and Mid Penn’s judgment in applying them to the analysis of goodwill impairment.  Changes in economic and operating conditions could result in goodwill impairment in future periods.  Mid Penn did not identify any impairment on its outstanding goodwill from its most recent evaluation, which was performed as of October 31, 2018 using a qualitative analysis.  In addition, Mid Penn did not identify any impairment in 2017 or 2016 using a similar qualitative analyses.  

Bank Owned Life Insurance

(o) Bank Owned Life Insurance

Mid Penn is the owner and beneficiary of bank-owned life insurance (“BOLI”) policies on current and former Mid Penn directors, as well as BOLI policies acquired through the Phoenix and First Priority acquisitions covering select Miners Bank and First Priority employees.  The earnings from the BOLI policies are an asset that can be liquidated, if necessary, with associated tax costs.  However, Mid Penn intends to hold these policies and, accordingly, Mid Penn has not provided deferred income taxes on the earnings from the increase in cash surrender value.

Mid Penn is also party to certain Split-Dollar Life Insurance Arrangements, and in accordance with GAAP, has accrued a liability related to the postretirement benefits covered by an endorsement split-dollar life insurance arrangement, and a liability for the future death benefit.

Marketing and Advertising Costs

(p) Marketing and Advertising Costs

Marketing and advertising costs are expensed as incurred.

Postretirement and Other Benefit Plans

(q) Postretirement Benefit Plans

Mid Penn follows the guidance in ASC Topic 715, Compensation-Retirement Benefits, related to postretirement benefit plans.  This guidance requires additional disclosures about defined benefit pension plans and other postretirement defined benefit plans.

As a result of the acquisition of Scottdale on January 8, 2018, Mid Penn assumed a noncontributory defined benefit pension plan covering certain former employees of Scottdale.  A liability of $345,000 representing the funded status of the plan was included in other liabilities as of December 31, 2018.  Additionally, for the year ended December 31, 2018, Mid Penn recognized $737,000 of settlement gains as a result of certain lump sum payouts to participants of the defined benefit pension plan.  The settlement gains were recorded in noninterest income as a component of other income for the year ended December 31, 2018.

(r) Other Benefit Plan

A funded contributory defined-contribution plan is maintained for substantially all employees.   The cost of the Mid Penn defined contribution plan is charged to current operating expenses and is funded annually.

During 2018, Mid Penn assumed the 401(k) plans of Scottdale and First Priority and, as of December 31, 2018, these 401(k) plans were managed by Mid Penn’s Human Resources and Trust areas.  These 401(k) plans were frozen and no contributions were made to the plans in 2018. The plans are being evaluated for either termination or merger into Mid Penn’s primary 401(k) plan.  

Trust Assets and Income

(s) Trust Assets and Income

Assets held by the Bank in a fiduciary or agency capacity for customers of the Trust Department are not included in the consolidated financial statements since such items are not assets of the Bank.  Trust assets under management totaled $125,567,000 and $124,354,000 at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.  Most trust income is recognized on the cash basis, which is not materially different than if it were reported on the accrual basis.

Comprehensive Income

(t) Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive income consists of net income and other comprehensive income (loss).  Other comprehensive income (loss) includes changes in unrealized gains and losses on securities available for sale arising during the period and reclassification adjustments for realized gains and losses on securities available for sale included in net income.  Mid Penn has an unfunded noncontributory defined benefit Plan for directors and other postretirement benefit Plans covering full-time employees.  These Plans utilize assumptions and methods to calculate the fair value of Plan assets and recognizing the overfunded and underfunded status of the Plans on its consolidated balance sheet.  Gains and losses, prior service costs and credits are recognized in other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, until they are amortized, or immediately upon curtailment.

Restricted stock

(u) Restricted Stock

On May 6, 2014, Mid Penn shareholders approved the 2014 Restricted Stock Plan (the “Plan”), which authorizes the issuance of awards that shall not exceed, in the aggregate, 100,000 shares of common stock.  Awards under the Plan are limited to employees and directors of the Company and the Bank selected by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors, to advance the best interest of Mid Penn and its shareholders.  

Share-based compensation expense relating to restricted stock is recognized on a straight-line basis over the vesting periods of the awards and is a component of salaries and benefits expense.  The restricted stock is non-voting and non-participating until the granted shares vest.  Once the shares vest, the recipient has full voting rights and is entitled to common stock dividends.

Earning Per Share

(v) Earnings Per Share

Earnings per share are computed by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each of the years presented.  The following data show the amounts used in computing basic earnings per share.

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
	2018		2017		2016
Net Income	$	10,596	$	7,089	$	7,804
Less:
Dividends on Series D preferred stock		102		—		—
Net income available to common shareholders	$	10,494	$	7,089	$	7,804
Weighted average common shares outstanding		7,071,091		4,236,616		4,229,284
Basic earnings per common share	$	1.48	$	1.67	$	1.85

There were no antidilutive shares used in the calculation at December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016.