SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policy)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

The Company - Headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, the Company is the largest community banking organization headquartered in Virginia and, as of December 31, 2017, operated in all major banking markets throughout the Commonwealth. The Company is the holding company for Union Bank & Trust, which provides banking, trust, and wealth management services and, as of December 31, 2017, had a statewide presence of 111 bank branches and approximately 180 ATMs. Non-bank affiliates of the Company include: Union Mortgage Group, Inc., which provides a full line of mortgage products; Union Insurance Group, LLC, which provides various lines of insurance products; and Old Dominion Capital Management, Inc., which provides investment advisory services.

Principles of Consolidation

Principles of Consolidation - The accounting policies and practices of Union Bankshares Corporation and subsidiaries conform to GAAP and follow general practices within the banking industry. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company, which is a financial holding company and a bank holding company that owns all of the outstanding common stock of its banking subsidiary, Union Bank & Trust, which owns Union Insurance Group, LLC, Union Mortgage Group, Inc., and Old Dominion Capital Management, Inc. The Company’s Statutory Trusts, wholly owned subsidiaries of the Company, were formed for the purpose of issuing redeemable trust preferred capital notes in connection with two of the Company’s acquisitions prior to 2006. ASC 860, Transfers and Servicing, precludes the Company from consolidating Statutory Trusts I and II. The subordinated debts payable to the trusts are reported as liabilities of the Company. All significant inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated.

Variable Interest Entities

Variable Interest Entities - Current accounting guidance states that if a business enterprise is the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity, the assets, liabilities, and results of the activities of the variable interest entity should be included in the consolidated financial statements of the business enterprise. This interpretation explains how to identify variable interest entities and how an enterprise assesses its interest in a variable interest entity to decide whether to consolidate the entity. It also requires existing unconsolidated variable interest entities to be consolidated by their primary beneficiaries if the entities do not effectively disperse risks among parties involved. Variable interest entities that effectively disperse risks will not be consolidated unless a single party holds an interest or combination of interests that effectively recombines risks that were previously dispersed. Management has evaluated the Company’s investment in variable interest entities. The Company’s primary exposure to variable interest entities are the trust preferred securities structures. This accounting guidance has not had a material impact on the financial condition or operating results of the Company.

Use of Estimates

Use of Estimates - The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates. Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change in the near term relate to the determination of the ALL, the valuation of goodwill and intangible assets, OREO, deferred tax assets and liabilities, other-than-temporary impairment of securities, and the fair value of financial instruments.

Business Combinations

Business Combinations - Business combinations are accounted for under ASC 805, Business Combinations, using the acquisition method of accounting. The acquisition method of accounting requires an acquirer to recognize the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed at the acquisition date measured at their fair values as of that date. To determine the fair values, the Company utilizes third party valuations, appraisals, and internal valuations based on discounted cash flow analysis or other valuation techniques. Under the acquisition method of accounting, the Company will identify the acquiree and the closing date and apply applicable recognition principles and conditions. If they are necessary to implement its plan to exit an activity of an acquiree, costs that the Company expects, but is not obligated, to incur in the future are not liabilities at the acquisition date, nor are costs to terminate the employment or relocate an acquiree’s employees. The Company does not recognize these costs as part of applying the acquisition method. Instead, the Company recognizes these costs as expenses in its post-combination financial statements in accordance with other applicable GAAP.

Acquisition-related costs are costs the Company incurs to effect a business combination. Those costs include advisory, legal, accounting, valuation, and other professional or consulting fees. Some other examples of costs to the Company include systems conversions, integration planning consultants, and advertising costs. The Company will account for merger-related costs as expenses in the periods in which the costs are incurred and the services are received, with one exception. The costs to issue debt or equity securities will be recognized in accordance with other applicable accounting guidance. These merger-related costs are included on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income classified within the noninterest expense caption.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and Cash Equivalents - For purposes of reporting cash flows, the Company defines cash and cash equivalents as cash, cash due from banks, interest-bearing deposits in other banks, money market investments, other interest-bearing deposits, and federal funds sold.

Investment Securities

Investment Securities - Investment securities held by the Company are classified as either available for sale, held to maturity, or trading at the time of purchase and reassessed periodically, based on management’s intent. Additionally, the Company also holds restricted equity securities with the Federal Reserve Bank and FHLB, which are not subject to the investment security classifications.

Available for Sale - securities classified as available for sale are those debt and equity securities that management intends to hold for an indefinite period of time, including securities used as part of the Company’s asset/liability strategy, and that may be sold in response to changes in interest rates, liquidity needs, or other factors. Securities available for sale are reported at fair value, with unrealized gains or losses, net of deferred taxes, included in accumulated other comprehensive income in stockholders’ equity.

Held to Maturity - debt securities that the Company has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified as held to maturity and reported at amortized cost. Transfers of debt securities into the held to maturity category from the available for sale category are made at fair value at the date of transfer. The unrealized holding gain or loss at the date of transfer is retained in other comprehensive income and in the carrying value of the held to maturity securities. Such amounts are amortized over the remaining life of the security.

Trading - securities classified as held for trading are those debt and equity securities that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term and are reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses included in earnings. The Company has no securities in this category.

Restricted Stock, at cost - due to restrictions placed upon the Company’s common stock investments in the Federal Reserve Bank and FHLB, these securities have been classified as restricted equity securities and carried at cost. The FHLB required the Bank to maintain stock in an amount equal to 4.25% of outstanding borrowings and a specific percentage of the member’s total assets at December 31, 2017 and 2016. The Federal Reserve Bank requires the Company to maintain stock with a par value equal to 6% of its outstanding capital.

The Company regularly evaluates all securities whose values have declined below amortized cost to assess whether the decline in fair value represents an OTTI. Declines in the fair value of held to maturity and available for sale securities below their cost that are deemed to be other than temporary are reflected in earnings as realized losses. In estimating OTTI losses, an impairment is other-than-temporary if any of the following conditions exist: the entity intends to sell the security; it is more likely than not that the entity will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis; or, the entity does not expect to recover the security’s entire amortized cost basis (even if the entity does not intend to sell). If a credit loss exists, but an entity does not intend to sell the impaired debt security and is not more likely than not to be required to sell before recovery, the impairment is other-than-temporary and should be separated into a credit portion to be recognized in earnings and the remaining amount relating to all other factors recognized as other comprehensive loss. Gains and losses on the sale of securities are recorded on the trade date and are determined using the specific identification method. Purchased premiums and discounts are recognized in interest income using the interest method over the terms of the securities.

Loans Held for Sale

Loans Held for Sale - The Company records loans held for sale via the fair value option. For further information regarding the fair value method and assumptions, refer to Note 13 “Fair Value Measurements.” In addition, the Company requires a firm purchase commitment from a permanent investor before a loan can be closed, thus limiting interest rate risk. Net unrealized losses, if any, are recognized through a valuation allowance by charges to income. The change in fair value of loans held for sale is recorded as a component of “Mortgage banking income, net” within the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income.

Loans

Loans - The Company originates commercial and consumer loans to customers. A substantial portion of the loan portfolio is represented by commercial and residential real estate loans (including acquisition and development loans and residential construction loans) throughout its market area. The ability of the Company’s debtors to honor their contracts on such loans is dependent upon the real estate and general economic conditions in those markets, as well as other factors.

Loans that management has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity or pay-off generally are reported at their outstanding unpaid principal balances adjusted for any charge-offs, the ALL, and any deferred fees and costs on originated loans. Interest income is accrued on the unpaid principal balance. Loan origination fees, net of certain direct origination costs, are deferred and recognized as an adjustment of the related loan yield using the interest method.

Below is a summary of the current loan segments:

Construction and Land Development - construction loans generally made to commercial and residential builders for specific construction projects. The successful repayment of these types of loans is generally dependent upon (a) a commitment for permanent financing from the Company, or (b) from the sale of the constructed property. These loans carry more risk than both types of commercial real estate term loans due to the dynamics of construction projects, changes in interest rates, the long-term financing market, and state and local government regulations. As in commercial real estate term lending, the Company manages risk by using specific underwriting policies and procedures for these types of loans and by avoiding excessive concentrations to any one business or industry.

Also, included in this category are loans generally made to residential home builders to support their lot and home inventory needs. Repayment relies upon the successful performance of the underlying residential real estate project. This type of lending carries a higher level of risk as compared to other commercial lending. This class of lending manages risks related to residential real estate market conditions, a functioning first and secondary market in which to sell residential properties, and the borrower’s ability to manage inventory and run projects. The Company manages this risk by lending to experienced builders and developers by using specific underwriting policies and procedures for these types of loans and by avoiding excessive concentrations with any particular customer or geographic region.

Commercial Real Estate – Owner Occupied - term loans made to support owner occupied real estate properties that rely upon the successful operation of the business occupying the property for repayment. General market conditions and economic activity may affect these types of loans. In addition to using specific underwriting policies and procedures for these types of loans, the Company manages risk by avoiding concentrations to any one business or industry.

Commercial Real Estate – Non-Owner Occupied - term loans typically made to borrowers to support income producing properties that rely upon the successful operation of the property for repayment. General market conditions and economic activity may impact the performance of these types of loans. In addition to using specific underwriting policies and procedures for these types of loans, the Company manages risk by diversifying the lending to various lines of businesses, such as retail, office, office warehouse, and hotel as well as avoiding concentrations to any one business or industry.

Residential 1-4 Family - Mortgage - loans generally made to residential borrowers. The Residential 1-4 Family - Mortgage loan portfolio carries risks associated with the creditworthiness of the borrower and changes in loan-to-value ratios. The Company manages these risks through policies and procedures such as limiting loan-to-value ratios at origination, experienced underwriting, requiring standards for appraisers, and not making subprime loans.

Residential 1-4 Family - Commercial - loans made to commercial borrowers where the loan is secured by residential property. The Residential 1-4 Family - Commercial loan portfolio carries risks associated with the creditworthiness of the tenant, the ability to re-lease the property when vacancies occur, and changes in loan-to-value ratios. The Company manages these risks through policies and procedures, such as limiting loan-to-value ratios at origination, requiring guarantees, experienced underwriting, and requiring standards for appraisers.

Multifamily Real Estate - loans made to real estate investors to support permanent financing for multifamily residential income producing properties that rely on the successful operation of the property for repayment. This management mainly involves property maintenance and collection of rents due from tenants. This type of lending carries a lower level of risk, as compared to other commercial lending. In addition, underwriting requirements for multifamily properties are stricter than for other non-owner-occupied property types. The Company manages this risk by avoiding concentrations with any particular customer.

Commercial & Industrial - loans generally made to support the Company’s borrowers’ need for equipment/vehicle purchases and short-term or seasonal cash flow needs. Repayment relies upon the successful operation of the business. This type of lending carries a lower level of commercial credit risk, as compared to other commercial lending. The Company manages this risk by using general underwriting policies and procedures for these types of loans and by avoiding concentrations to any one business or industry.

HELOC - the consumer HELOC portfolio carries risks associated with the creditworthiness of the borrower and changes in loan-to-value ratios. The Company manages these risks through policies and procedures, such as limiting loan-to-value ratios at origination, using experienced underwriting, requiring standards for appraisers, and not making subprime loans.

Auto - the consumer indirect auto lending portfolio generally carries certain risks associated with the values of the collateral that management must mitigate. The Company focuses its indirect auto lending on one to two-year-old used vehicles where substantial depreciation has already occurred thereby minimizing the risk of significant loss of collateral values in the future. This type of lending places reliance on computer-based loan approval systems to supplement other underwriting standards.

Consumer and all other - portfolios carry risks associated with the creditworthiness of the borrower and changes in the economic environment. The Company manages these risks through policies and procedures such as experienced underwriting, maximum debt to income ratios, and minimum borrower credit scores. Loans that support small business lines of credit and agricultural lending are included in this category; however, neither are a material source of business for the Company.

Also included in this category are loans purchased through various third-party lending programs. These portfolios include consumer loans and carry risks associated with the borrower, changes in the economic environment, and the vendors themselves. The Company manages these risks through policies that require minimum credit scores and other underwriting requirements, robust analysis of actual performance versus expected performance, as well as ensuring compliance with the Company's vendor management program.

Nonaccruals, Past Dues, and Charge-offs

The policy for placing commercial loans on nonaccrual status is generally when the loan is 90 days delinquent unless the credit is well secured and in process of collection. Consumer loans are typically charged-off when management judges the loan to be uncollectible but generally no later than 120 days past due for non-real estate secured loans and 180 days for real estate secured loans. These loans are generally not placed on nonaccrual status prior to charge off. Commercial loans are typically written down to net realizable value when it is determined that the Company will be unable to collect the principal amount in full and the amount is a confirmed loss. All classes of loans are considered past due or delinquent when a contractual payment has not been satisfied. Loans are placed on nonaccrual status or charged off at an earlier date if collection of principal and interest is considered doubtful and in accordance with regulatory requirements. The process for charge-offs of impaired collateral dependent loans is discussed in detail within the “Allowance for Loan Losses” section of this Note.

For both the commercial and consumer loan segments, all interest accrued but not collected for loans placed on nonaccrual status or charged-off is reversed against interest income and accrual of interest income is terminated. Payments and interest on these loans are accounted for using the cost-recovery method by applying all payments received as a reduction to the outstanding principal balance until qualifying for return to accrual. Loans are returned to accrual status when all the principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current and future payments are reasonably assured. The determination of future payments being reasonably assured varies depending on the circumstances present with the loan; however, the timely payment of contractual amounts owed for six consecutive months is a primary indicator. The authority to move loans into or out of accrual status is limited to senior Special Assets Officers. Reclassification of certain loans may require approval of the Special Assets Loan Committee.

Allowance for Loan Losses

The provision for loan losses charged to operations is an amount sufficient to bring the ALL to an estimated balance that management considers adequate to absorb probable losses inherent in the portfolio. Loans are charged against the allowance when management believes the collectability of the principal is unlikely, while recoveries of amounts previously charged-off are credited to the ALL. Management’s determination of the adequacy of the ALL is based on an evaluation of the composition of the loan portfolio, the value and adequacy of collateral, current economic conditions, historical loan loss experience, and other risk factors. While management uses available information to recognize losses on loans, future additions to the allowance may be necessary based on changes in economic conditions, particularly those affecting real estate values. Management believes that the ALL is adequate.

The Company performs regular credit reviews of the loan portfolio to review the credit quality and adherence to its underwriting standards. The credit reviews consist of reviews by its Loan Review Group. Upon origination, each commercial loan is assigned a risk rating ranging from one to nine, with loans closer to one having less risk. This risk rating scale is the Company’s primary credit quality indicator. Consumer loans are generally not risk rated; the primary credit quality indicator for this loan segment is delinquency status. The Company has various committees that review and ensure that the ALL methodology is in accordance with GAAP and loss factors used appropriately reflect the risk characteristics of the loan portfolio.

The Company’s ALL consists of specific, general, and qualitative components.

Specific Reserve Component

The specific reserve component relates to impaired loans. A loan is considered impaired when, based on 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. Upon being identified as impaired, for loans not considered to be collateral dependent, an ALL is established when the discounted cash flows of the impaired loan are lower than the carrying value of that loan. The impairment of collateral dependent loans is measured based on the fair value of the underlying collateral, less selling costs, compared to the carrying value of the loan. If the Company determines that the value of an impaired collateral dependent loan is less than the recorded investment in the loan, it either recognizes an impairment reserve as a specific component to be provided for in the ALL or charges off the deficiency if it is determined that such amount represents a confirmed loss. Typically, a loss is confirmed when the Company is moving towards foreclosure (or final disposition).

The Company obtains independent appraisals from a pre-approved list of independent, third party appraisers located in the market in which the collateral is located. The Company’s approved appraiser list is continuously maintained to ensure the list only includes such appraisers that have the experience, reputation, character, and knowledge of the respective real estate market. At a minimum, it is ascertained that the appraiser is currently licensed in the state in which the property is located, experienced in the appraisal of properties similar to the property being appraised, has knowledge of current real estate market conditions and financing trends, and is reputable. The Company’s internal REVG, performs either a technical or administrative review of all appraisals obtained. A technical review will ensure the overall quality of the appraisal, while an administrative review ensures that all of the required components of an appraisal are present. Independent appraisals or valuations are updated every 12 months for all impaired loans. The Company’s impairment analysis documents the date of the appraisal used in the analysis. Adjustments to appraised values are only permitted to be made by the REVG. The impairment analysis is reviewed and approved by senior Credit Administration officers and the Special Assets Loan Committee. External appraisals are the primary source to value collateral dependent loans; however, the Company may also utilize values obtained through other valuation sources. These alternative sources of value are used only if deemed to be more representative of value based on updated information regarding collateral resolution. Impairment analyses are updated, reviewed, and approved on a quarterly basis at or near the end of each reporting period.

General Reserve Component

The general reserve component covers non-impaired loans and is quantitatively derived from an estimate of credit losses adjusted for various qualitative factors applicable to both commercial and consumer loan segments. The estimate of credit losses is a function of the net charge-off historical loss experience to the average loan balance of the portfolio averaged during a period that management has determined to be adequately reflective of the losses inherent in the loan portfolio. The Company has implemented a rolling 20-quarter look back period, which is re-evaluated on a periodic basis to ensure the reasonableness of the period being used.

The following table shows the types of qualitative factors management considers:



QUALITATIVE FACTORS
Portfolio	National / International	Local
Experience and ability of lending team	Interest rates	Level of economic activity
Pace of loan growth	Inflation	Unemployment
Footprint and expansion	Unemployment	Competition
Execution of loan risk rating process	Gross domestic product	Military/government impact
Degree of credit oversight	International uncertainty
Underwriting standards	Home Price Index
Delinquency levels in portfolio	Commercial Real Estate Price Index
Charge-off trends in portfolio
Credit concentrations / nature and volume of the portfolio

Impaired Loans

Impaired Loans – A loan is considered impaired when, based on 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. Factors considered in determining impairment include payment status, collateral value, and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due. Loans that experience insignificant payment delays and payment shortfalls generally are not classified as impaired. Management determines the significance of payment delays and payment shortfalls on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration all of the circumstances surrounding the loan and the borrower, including the length of the delay, the reasons for the delay, the borrower’s prior payment record, and the amount of the shortfall in relation to the principal and interest owed. Impairment is measured on a loan-by-loan basis by either the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, the loan’s obtainable market price, or the fair value of the collateral. The impairment loan policy is the same for all segments within the commercial loan segment.

For the consumer loan segment, large groups of smaller balance homogeneous loans are collectively evaluated for impairment. This evaluation subjects each of the Company’s homogenous pools to a historical loss factor derived from net charge-offs experienced over the preceding twenty quarters. The Company applies payments received on impaired loans to principal and interest based on the contractual terms until they are placed on nonaccrual status. All payments received are then applied to reduce the principal balance and recognition of interest income is terminated as previously discussed.

Acquired Loans

Acquired Loans – Acquired loans are recorded at their fair value at acquisition date without carryover of the acquiree’s previously established ALL, as credit discounts are included in the determination of fair value. The fair value of the loans is determined using market participant assumptions in estimating the amount and timing of both principal and interest cash flows expected to be collected on the loans and then applying a market-based discount rate to those cash flows. During evaluation upon acquisition, acquired loans are also classified as either acquired impaired (or PCI) or acquired performing.

Acquired impaired loans reflect credit quality deterioration since origination, as it is probable at acquisition that the Company will not be able to collect all contractually required payments. These PCI loans are accounted for under ASC 310-30, Receivables – Loans and Debt Securities Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality. The PCI loans are segregated into pools based on loan type and credit risk. Loan type is determined based on collateral type, purpose, and lien position. Credit risk characteristics include risk rating groups, nonaccrual status, and past due status. For valuation purposes, these pools are further disaggregated by maturity, pricing characteristics, and re-payment structure. PCI loans are written down at acquisition to fair value using an estimate of cash flows deemed to be collectible. Accordingly, such loans are no longer classified as nonaccrual even though they may be contractually past due because the Company expects to fully collect the new carrying values of such loans, which is the new cost basis arising from purchase accounting.

A loan will be removed from a pool (at its carrying value) only if the loan is sold, foreclosed, or assets are received in full satisfaction of the loan. For purposes of removing the loan from the pool, the carrying value is deemed to equal the amount of principal cash flows received in lieu of the loan balance. This treatment ensures that the percentage yield calculation used to recognize accretable yield on the pool of loans is not affected.

Quarterly, management performs a recast of PCI loans based on updated future expected cash flows, which are updated through reassessment of default rates, loss severity, and prepayment speed assumptions. The excess of the cash flows expected to be collected over a pool’s carrying value is considered to be the accretable yield and is recognized as interest income over the estimated life of the loan or pool using the effective yield method. The accretable yield may change due to changes in the timing and amounts of expected cash flows; these changes are disclosed in Note 4 “Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses.”

The excess of the undiscounted contractual balances due over the cash flows expected to be collected is considered to be the nonaccretable difference, which represents the estimate of credit losses expected to occur and was considered in determining the fair value of loan at the acquisition date. Any subsequent increases in expected cash flows over those expected at the acquisition date in excess of fair value are adjusted through an increase in the accretable yield on a prospective basis; any decreases in expected cash flows attributable to credit deterioration are recognized by recording a provision for loan losses.

The Company’s policy is to remove an individual loan from a pool based on comparing the amount received from its resolution with its contractual amount. Any difference between these amounts is absorbed by the nonaccretable difference for the entire pool. This removal method assumes that the amount received from resolution approximates pool performance expectations. The remaining accretable yield balance is unaffected and any material change in remaining effective yield caused by this removal method is addressed by the quarterly cash flow evaluation process for each pool. For loans that are resolved by payment in full, there is no release of the nonaccretable difference for the pool because there is no difference between the amount received at resolution and the contractual amount of the loan.

The PCI loans are and will continue to be subject to the Company’s internal and external credit review and monitoring. If further credit deterioration is experienced, such deterioration will be measured and the provision for loan losses will be increased.

At acquisition, loans with active revolving privileges are excluded from the PCI accounting; however, PCI loans do occasionally draw additional funds from the Company. These advances will increase the recorded investment of the PCI loan and will be accounted for with the other PCI loans.

Acquired performing loans are accounted for under ASC 310-20, Receivables – Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs. The difference between the fair value and unpaid principal balance of the loan at acquisition date (premium or discount) is amortized or accreted into interest income over the life of the loans. If the acquired performing loan has revolving privileges, it is accounted for using the straight-line method; otherwise, the effective interest method is used.

Troubled Debt Restructurings

Troubled Debt Restructurings - In situations where, for economic or legal reasons related to a borrower’s financial condition, the Company grants a concession in the loan structure to the borrower that it would not otherwise consider, the related loan is classified as a TDR. The Company strives to identify borrowers in financial difficulty early and work with them to modify their loan to more affordable terms as early as possible. These modified terms may include rate reductions, principal or interest forgiveness, extension of terms that are considered to be below market, conversion to interest only, and other actions intended to minimize the economic loss and to avoid foreclosure or repossession of the collateral. In cases where borrowers are granted new terms that provide for a reduction of either interest or principal, management measures any impairment on the restructuring as noted above for impaired loans. Restructured loans for which there was no rate concession, and therefore made at a market rate of interest, may subsequently be eligible to be removed from reportable TDR status in periods subsequent to the restructuring depending on the performance of the loan. The Company reviews previously restructured loans quarterly in order to determine whether any have performed, subsequent to the restructure, at a level that would allow for them to be removed from reportable TDR status. The Company generally would consider a change in this classification if the borrower is no longer experiencing financial difficulty, the loan is current or less than 30 days past due at the time the status change is being considered, the loan has performed under the restructured terms for a consecutive twelve-month period, and is no longer considered to be impaired. A loan may also be considered for removal from TDR status as a result of a subsequent restructure under certain restrictive circumstances. The removal of TDR designations must be approved by the Company's Special Asset Loan Committee.

Loans removed from reportable TDR status are collectively evaluated for impairment; due to the significant improvement in the expected future cash flows, these loans are grouped based on their primary risk characteristics, which is included in the Company's general reserve. Impairment is measured based on historical loss experience taking into consideration qualitative factors. The significant majority of these loans have been subject to new credit decisions due to the improvement in the expected future cash flows, the financial condition of the borrower, and other factors considered during the re-underwriting. The TDR activity during the year did not have a material impact on the Company’s ALL, financial condition, or results of operations.

Premises and Equipment

Premises and Equipment - Land is carried at cost. Premises and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization are computed using the straight-line method based on the type of asset involved. The Company’s policy is to capitalize additions and improvements and to depreciate the cost thereof over their estimated useful lives ranging from 3 to 50 years. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the life of the related lease or the estimated life of the related asset. Maintenance and repairs are expensed as they are incurred.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - The Company has an aggregate goodwill balance of $298.5 million associated with previous merger transactions. Goodwill is associated with the both the commercial banking and mortgage segments.

Goodwill resulting from business combinations prior to January 1, 2009 represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net assets of businesses acquired. Goodwill resulting from business combinations after January 1, 2009 is generally determined as the excess of the fair value of the consideration transferred, plus the fair value of any noncontrolling interests in the acquiree over the fair value of the net assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date. Goodwill and intangible assets acquired in a purchase business combination and determined to have an indefinite useful life are not amortized, but tested for impairment at least annually or more frequently if events and circumstances exists that indicate that a goodwill impairment test should be performed. The Company has selected April 30th as the date to perform the annual impairment test.

Intangible assets with definite useful lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives, which range from 4 to 14 years, to their estimated residual values. Goodwill is the only intangible asset with an indefinite life included on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Long-lived assets, including purchased intangible assets subject to amortization are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized in the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset. Assets to be disposed of would be separately presented on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets and reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell, would no longer depreciated. Management concluded that no circumstances indicating an impairment of these assets existed as of the balance sheet date.

The Company performed its annual impairment testing on April 30, 2017 and determined that there was no impairment to its goodwill or intangible assets. Management performed a review through December 31, 2017 and concluded that no factors indicating impairment existed as of the balance sheet date.

Other Real Estate Owned

Other Real Estate Owned - Assets acquired through, or in lieu of, loan foreclosure are held for sale and are initially recorded at fair value less selling costs at the date of foreclosure, establishing a new cost basis. When the carrying amount exceeds the acquisition date fair value less selling costs, the excess is charged off against the ALL. Subsequent to foreclosure, valuations are periodically performed by management and the assets are carried at the lower of carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell, any valuation adjustments occurring from post-acquisition reviews are charged to expense as incurred. Revenue and expenses from operations and changes in the valuation allowance are included in OREO and credit-related expenses, disclosed in a separate line item on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income.

Transfers of Financial Assets

Transfers of Financial Assets - Transfers of financial assets are accounted for as sales, when control over the assets has been surrendered. Control over transferred assets is deemed to be surrendered when (1) the assets have been isolated from the Company – put presumptively beyond reach of the transferor and its creditors, even in bankruptcy or other receivership, (2) the transferee obtains the right (free of conditions that constrain it from taking advantage of that right) to pledge or exchange the transferred assets, and (3) the Company does not maintain effective control over the transferred assets through an agreement to repurchase them before their maturity or the ability to unilaterally cause the holder to return specific assets.

Bank Owned Life Insurance

Bank Owned Life Insurance - The Company has purchased life insurance on certain key employees and directors. These policies are recorded at their cash surrender value and are included in a separate line item on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. Income generated from policies is recorded as noninterest income.

Derivatives

Derivatives - Derivatives are recognized as assets and liabilities on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets and measured at fair value. The Company’s derivatives are interest rate swap agreements and interest rate lock commitments. The Company’s hedging policies permit the use of various derivative financial instruments to manage interest rate risk or to hedge specified assets and liabilities. All derivatives are recorded at fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The Company may be required to recognize certain contracts and commitments as derivatives when the characteristics of those contracts and commitments meet the definition of a derivative. To qualify for hedge accounting, derivatives must be highly effective at reducing the risk associated with the exposure being hedged and must be designated as a hedge at the inception of the derivative contract. The Company considers a hedge to be highly effective if the change in fair value of the derivative hedging instrument is within 80% to 125% of the opposite change in the fair value of the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk. If derivative instruments are designated as hedges of fair values, and such hedges are highly effective, both the change in the fair value of the hedge and the hedged item are included in current earnings. Fair value adjustments related to cash flow hedges are recorded in other comprehensive income and are reclassified to earnings when the hedged transaction is reflected in earnings. Ineffective portions of hedges are reflected in earnings as they occur. Actual cash receipts and/or payments and related accruals on derivatives related to hedges are recorded as adjustments to the interest income or interest expense associated with the hedged item. During the life of the hedge, the Company formally assesses whether derivatives designated as hedging instruments continue to be highly effective in offsetting changes in the fair value or cash flows of hedged items. If it is determined that a hedge has ceased to be highly effective, the Company will discontinue hedge accounting prospectively. At such time, previous adjustments to the carrying value of the hedged item are reversed into current earnings and the derivative instrument is reclassified to a trading position recorded at fair value.

The Company enters into commitments to originate mortgage loans whereby the interest rate on the loan is determined prior to funding (rate lock commitments). Rate lock commitments on mortgage loans that are intended to be sold are considered to be derivatives. The period of time between issuance of a loan commitment, closing, and sale of the loan generally ranges from 30 to 120 days. The Company protects itself from changes in interest rates through the use of best efforts forward delivery commitments, whereby the Company commits to sell a loan at the time the borrower commits to an interest rate with the intent that the buyer has assumed interest rate risk on the loan. As a result, the Company is not exposed to material losses and will not realize significant gains related to its rate lock commitments due to changes in interest rates. The correlation between the rate lock commitments and the best efforts contracts is high due to their similarity.

The market value of rate lock commitments and best efforts contracts is not readily ascertainable with precision because rate lock commitments and best efforts contracts are not actively traded in stand-alone markets. The Company determines the fair value of rate lock commitments and best efforts contracts by measuring the change in the value of the underlying asset while taking into consideration the probability that the rate lock commitments will close. The fair value of the rate lock commitments is reported as a component of “Other Assets” in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets; the fair value of the Company’s best efforts forward delivery commitments is recorded as a component of “Other Liabilities” on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. Any impact to income is recorded in current period earnings as a component of “Mortgage banking income, net” on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income.

Affordable Housing Entities

Affordable Housing Entities - The Company invests in private investment funds that make equity investments in multifamily affordable housing properties that provide affordable housing tax credits for these investments. The activities of these entities are financed with a combination of invested equity capital and debt.

Loan Fees

Loan Fees - Fees collected and certain costs incurred related to loan originations are deferred and amortized as an adjustment to interest income over the life of the related loans. Deferred fees and costs are recorded as an adjustment to loans outstanding using a method that approximates a constant yield.

Stock Compensation Plan

Stock Compensation Plan - The Company has adopted ASC 718, Compensation – Stock Compensation, which requires the costs resulting from all stock-based payments to employees be recognized in the financial statements. For stock options, compensation cost is estimated at the date of grant, using the Black-Scholes option valuation model for determining fair value of stock options. No options were granted in 2017 or 2016. The market price of the Company’s common stock at the date of grant is used for nonvested stock awards.

The fair value of PSUs granted in 2017 and 2016 is determined and fixed on the grant date based on the Company’s stock price, adjusted for the exclusion of dividend equivalents. The Monte Carlo simulation valuation model was used to determine the grant date fair value of PSUs granted in 2017 and 2016.

ASC 718 requires the Company to estimate forfeitures when recognizing compensation expense and that this estimate of forfeitures be adjusted over the requisite service period or vesting schedule based on the extent to which actual forfeitures differ from such estimates. Changes in estimated forfeitures are recognized through a cumulative catch-up adjustment, which is recognized in the period of change, and also will affect the amount of estimated unamortized compensation expense to be recognized in future periods.

For more information and tables refer to Note 14 “Employee Benefits and Stock Based Compensation.”

Income Taxes

Income Taxes - Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are determined using the asset and liability (or balance sheet) method. Under this method, the net deferred tax asset or liability is determined based on the tax effects of the temporary differences between the book and tax bases of the various balance sheet assets and liabilities and gives current recognition to changes in tax rates and laws. Deferred taxes are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the opinion of management, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.

When tax returns are filed, it is highly certain that some positions taken would be sustained upon examination by the taxing authorities, while others are subject to uncertainty about the merits of the position taken or the amount of the position that would be ultimately sustained. The benefit of a tax position is recognized in the financial statements in the period during which, based on all available evidence, management believes it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination, including the resolution of appeals or litigation processes, if any. Tax positions taken are not offset or aggregated with other positions. Tax positions that meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold are measured as the largest amount of tax benefit that is more than 50% likely to be realized upon settlement with the applicable taxing authority. The portion of the benefits associated with tax positions taken that exceeds the amount measured as described above is reflected as a liability for unrecognized tax benefits on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets along with any associated interest and penalties that would be payable to the taxing authorities upon examination.

Interest and penalties associated with unrecognized tax benefits are classified as additional income taxes on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income.

Advertising Costs

Advertising Costs - The Company follows a policy of charging the cost of advertising to expense as incurred. Advertising costs are disclosed in a separate line item on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income.

Earnings Per Common Share

Earnings Per Common Share – Basic EPS is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the year. Diluted earnings per common share reflect additional common shares that would have been outstanding if dilutive potential common shares had been issued, as well as any adjustment to income that would result from the assumed issuance. Potential common shares that may be issued by the Company relate solely to outstanding stock options and restricted stock and are determined using the treasury stock method.

Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive Income - Comprehensive income represents all changes in equity that result from recognized transactions and other economic events of the period. Other comprehensive income (loss) refers to revenues, expenses, gains, and losses under GAAP that are included in comprehensive income but excluded from net income, such as unrealized gains and losses on certain investments in debt and equity securities and interest rate swaps.

Off Balance Sheet Credit Related Financial Instruments

Off Balance Sheet Credit Related Financial Instruments - In the ordinary course of business, the Company has entered into commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit. Such financial instruments are recorded when they are funded. For more information and tables refer Note 9 “Commitments and Contingencies.”

Fair Value

Fair Value - The Company follows ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, to record fair value adjustments to certain assets and liabilities and to determine fair value disclosures. This codification clarifies that fair value of certain assets and liabilities is an exit price, representing the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between willing market participants.

ASC 820 specifies a hierarchy of valuation techniques based on whether the inputs to those valuation techniques are observable or unobservable. Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect the Company’s market assumptions. The three levels of the fair value hierarchy under ASC 820 based on these two types of inputs are as follows: Level 1 valuation is based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities; Level 2 valuation is based on observable inputs including quoted prices in active markets for similar assets and liabilities, quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in less active markets, and model-based valuation techniques for which significant assumptions can be derived primarily from or corroborated by observable data in the markets; and Level 3 valuation is based on model-based techniques that use one or more significant inputs or assumptions that are unobservable in the market. These unobservable inputs reflect the Company’s assumptions about what market participants would use and information that is reasonably available under the circumstances without undue cost and effort.

For more specific information on the valuation techniques used by the Company to measure certain financial assets and liabilities recorded at fair value in the financial statements refer to Note 13 “Fair Value Measurements.”

Concentrations of Credit Risk

Concentrations of Credit Risk - Most of the Company’s activities are with customers located in portions of Central, Southwest, and Tidewater Virginia. Securities available for sale, loans, and financial instruments with off balance sheet risk also represent concentrations of credit risk and are discussed in Note 3 “Securities,” Note 4 “Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses,” and Note 9 “Commitments and Contingencies,” respectively.

Reclassifications

Reclassifications – The accompanying consolidated financial statements and notes reflect certain reclassifications in prior periods to conform to the current presentation.

Adoption of New Accounting Standards and Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Adoption of New Accounting Standards - In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, “Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting.” This ASU simplifies several aspects of the accounting for employee share based payment transactions, including the accounting for income taxes, forfeitures, and statutory tax withholding requirements, as well as classification in the statement of cash flows. The Company adopted this standard in the first quarter of 2017. The adoption of ASU 2016-09 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements - In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Topic 606.” This ASU revised guidance for the recognition, measurement, and disclosure of revenue from contracts with customers. The original guidance has been amended through subsequent accounting standard updates that resulted in technical corrections, improvements, and a one-year deferral of the effective date to January 1, 2018. The guidance, as amended, is applicable to all entities and, once effective, will replace significant portions of existing industry and transaction-specific revenue recognition rules with a more principles-based recognition model. Most revenue associated with financial instruments, including interest income, loan origination fees, and credit card fees, is outside the scope of the guidance. Gains and losses on investment securities, derivatives, and sales of financial instruments are similarly excluded from the scope. Entities can elect to adopt the guidance either on a full or modified retrospective basis. Full retrospective adoption will require a cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented. Modified retrospective adoption will require a cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the reporting period in which the entity first applies the new guidance. The Company plans to adopt this guidance on the effective date, January 1, 2018 via the modified retrospective approach. The Company has completed its assessment of the adoption of this ASU, noting the standard will result in expanded disclosures related to non-interest income and enhance the qualitative disclosures on the revenues within the scope of the new guidance. The Company has concluded the adoption of ASU 2014-09 will not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01, “Financial Instruments - Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities.” This ASU requires an entity to, among other things: (i) measure equity investments at fair value through net income, with certain exceptions; (ii) present in OCI the changes in instrument-specific credit risk for financial liabilities measured using the fair value option; (iii) present financial assets and financial liabilities by measurement category and form of financial asset; (iv) calculate the fair value of financial instruments for disclosure purposes based on an exit price and; (v) assess a valuation allowance on deferred tax assets related to unrealized losses of AFS debt securities in combination with other deferred tax assets. The ASU provides an election to subsequently measure certain nonmarketable equity investments at cost less any impairment and adjusted for certain observable price changes. The ASU also requires a qualitative impairment assessment of such equity investments and amends certain fair value disclosure requirements. This ASU is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is only permitted for the provision related to instrument-specific credit risk. The Company has completed its assessment of ASU No. 2016-01 and upon adoption there will be enhancements to the current financial instrument disclosures.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842).” This ASU requires lessees to put most leases on their balance sheets, but recognize expenses in the income statement in a manner similar to today’s accounting. The guidance also eliminates the real estate-specific provisions and changes the guidance on sale-leaseback transactions, initial direct costs, and lease executory costs for all entities. For lessors, the standard modifies the classification criteria and the accounting for sales-type and direct financing leases. This ASU is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently working to identify the complete lease population, including potential embedded leases. The adoption of this standard is expected to result in additional assets and liabilities, as the Company will be required to recognize operating leases on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Other implementation matters to be addressed include, but are not limited to, the determination of effects on the financial and capital ratios and the quantification of the impacts that this accounting guidance will have on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, “Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments.” This ASU updates the existing guidance to provide financial statement users with more decision-useful information about the expected credit losses on financial instruments and other commitments to extend credit held by a reporting entity at each reporting date. The amendment replaces the incurred loss impairment methodology in current GAAP with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses and required consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to inform credit loss estimates. The CECL model will replace the Company's current accounting for PCI and impaired loans. The guidance also amends the AFS debt securities OTTI model. The amendment is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. The Company is currently assessing the requirements and necessary changes to the existing credit loss estimation methods and identifying a complete set of data requirements and sources. The Company is currently evaluating the impact ASU No. 2016-13 will have on its consolidated financial statements. This guidance may result in material changes in the Company's accounting for credit losses on financial instruments.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-01, “Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business.” This ASU clarifies the definition of a business that appears in ASC 805, Business Combinations. Amendments narrow the definition and provide a framework for making judgments whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. The amendment to the Business Combinations Topic is intended to address concerns that the existing definition of a business has been applied too broadly and has resulted in many transactions being recorded as business acquisitions that in substance are more akin to asset acquisitions. ASU 2017-01 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those annual periods. The Company has concluded the adoption of ASU 2017-01 will not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-03, “Accounting Changes and Error Corrections (Topic 250) and Investments—Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323): Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to Staff Announcements at the September 22, 2016 and November 17, 2016 EITF Meetings (SEC Update).” This ASU incorporates into the Accounting Standards Codification recent SEC guidance about disclosing, under SEC SAB Topic 11.M, the effect on financial statements of adopting the revenue, leases, and credit losses standards. ASU 2017-03 is effective upon issuance. The Company has concluded the adoption of ASU 2017-03 will not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, “Intangibles—Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment.” This ASU simplifies accounting for goodwill impairments by eliminating step two (the implied fair value to carrying value of goodwill) from the existing goodwill impairment test. A goodwill impairment will now be the amount by which a reporting unit's carrying value exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of the goodwill. The effective date and transition requirements for the technical corrections will be effective for the Company for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. The Company has concluded the adoption of ASU 2017-04 will not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

In February 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-05, “Other Income—Gains and Losses from the Derecognition of Nonfinancial Assets (Subtopic 610-20): Clarifying the Scope of Asset Derecognition Guidance and Accounting for Partial Sales of Nonfinancial Assets.” This ASU conforms the derecognition guidance on nonfinancial assets with the model for transactions in the new revenue standard. The amendments will be effective for the Company for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company concluded that ASU 2017-05 will not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-08, “Receivables—Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs (Subtopic 310-20): Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities.” This ASU focuses on the amortization period for certain purchased callable debt securities held at a premium. The amendments shorten the amortization period for the premium to the earliest call date. The amendments will be effective for the Company for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company has concluded the adoption of ASU 2017-08 will not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-09, “Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Scope of Modification Accounting.” This ASU relates to changes in the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award. The amendments provide guidance about which changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award require an entity to apply modification accounting. The amendments will be effective for the Company for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted. The Company has concluded the adoption of ASU 2017-09 will not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-12, “Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities.” This ASU relates to any entity that elects to apply hedge accounting in accordance with current GAAP. The amendment simplifies the application of the hedge accounting guidance and improves the financial reporting of hedging relationships to better portray the economic results of an entity’s risk management activities in its financial statements. The amendments will be effective for the Company for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2018. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently assessing the impact ASU 2017-12 will have on its consolidated financial statements.