SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies) |
12 Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Dec. 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES [Abstract] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The Company |
The Company – Headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, Atlantic Union Bankshares Corporation (NYSE: AUB) is the holding company for Atlantic Union Bank and provides banking and related financial products and services to consumers and businesses. |
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| Basis of Financial Information |
Basis of Financial Information – The accounting policies and practices of Atlantic 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, Atlantic Union Bank, which owns Union Insurance Group, LLC, Atlantic Union Financial Consultants, LLC, and Atlantic Union Equipment Finance, Inc. 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 ACL and the fair value of financial instruments. |
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| Principles of Consolidation |
Principles of Consolidation – The accompanying consolidated financial statements include financial information related to the Company and entities in which it has a controlling financial interest and includes VOEs that are majority-owned subsidiaries and VIEs where the Company is the primary beneficiary, as applicable. In preparing the consolidated financial statements, all significant inter-company accounts and transactions are eliminated. Assets held in an agency or fiduciary capacity are not included in the consolidated financial statements. |
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| Segment Reporting |
Segment Reporting – Operating segments are components of a business where separate financial information is available and evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision makers in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. ASC 280, Segment Reporting, requires information to be reported about a company’s operating segments using a “management approach,” meaning it is based on the way management organizes segments internally to make operating decisions and assess performance. The Company has two reportable operating segments: Wholesale Banking and Consumer Banking, with corporate support functions such as corporate treasury and others included in Corporate Other.
The application and development of management reporting methodologies is a dynamic process subject to periodic enhancements. As these enhancements are made, financial results presented by each reportable segment may be periodically revised. Inter-segment transactions are recorded at cost and eliminated as part of the consolidation process. A management fee for operations and administrative support services is charged to all subsidiaries and eliminated in the consolidated totals.
The following is additional information on the methodologies used in preparing the operating segment results:
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| 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, short-term money market investments, other interest-bearing deposits, and federal funds sold. Restricted cash is comprised of cash maintained at various correspondent banks as collateral for the Company’s derivative portfolio and is included in interest-bearing deposits in other banks on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. |
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| Securities and Other Investments |
Securities and Other Investments – The Company purchases securities that are classified as trading, held to maturity, or available for sale based on management’s intent and will periodically reassess. Management determines the appropriate classification of debt and equity securities at the time of purchase. Amortization of purchase premiums or discounts on investment securities is included in interest income on the Consolidated Statements of Income. Premiums and discounts on investment securities are generally amortized on the level-yield method without anticipating prepayments, except for MBS where prepayments are anticipated. Premiums on callable debt securities are amortized to their earliest call date and discounts on callable debt securities are amortized to their maturity date. Gains and losses on sales are recorded on the trade date and determined using the specific identification method.
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| Variable Interest Entities |
Variable Interest Entities –A VIE is a corporation, partnership, limited liability company, or any other legal structure used to conduct activities or hold assets. VIEs by design, either lack sufficient equity to permit the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support from other parties or have equity investors that do not have the ability to make significant decisions relating to the entity’s operations through voting rights, do not have the obligation to absorb the expected losses, or do not have the right to receive the residual returns of the entity. Consolidation of a VIE is appropriate if a reporting entity holds a controlling financial interest in the VIE and is the primary beneficiary. The primary beneficiary of a VIE is the party that has both the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance, and through its interests in the VIE, the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. To assess whether the Company has the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance, the Company considers all relevant facts and circumstances, including its role in establishing the VIE and its ongoing rights and responsibilities. This assessment includes, first, identifying the activities that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance, and second, identifying which party, if any, has power over those activities. The Company has investments in certain partnerships and limited liability entities that have been evaluated and determined to be VIEs but the Company is not the primary beneficiary, and therefore, does not consolidate them. The investments in these entities are recorded in Other Assets on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet and consist primarily of growth-oriented private funds and tax equity investments. |
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| Loans Held for Sale |
Loans Held for Sale – LHFS are loans for which the Company does not have the intent or ability to hold for the foreseeable future and primarily consist of residential real estate loans originated for sale in the secondary market. Credit risk associated with such loans is mitigated by entering into sales commitments with third-party investors to purchase the loans when they are originated. This practice has the effect of minimizing the amount of such loans that are unsold and the interest rate risk at any point in time. The Company does not service these loans after they are sold. The Company records residential real estate LHFS under the fair value option. The Company may periodically have other non-residential real estate LHFS that are recorded using lower of amortized cost or fair value less costs to sell, and any write downs or subsequent recoveries are recognized through a valuation allowance and gains on sale are recorded in “Other operating income” on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income. |
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| Loans Held for Investment |
Loans Held for Investment – 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 ALLL, any deferred fees and costs on originated loans, and unamortized purchase discounts or premiums on acquired loans. Interest income is accrued on the unpaid principal balance. Loan origination fees, net of certain direct origination costs and purchase discounts and premiums, are deferred and recognized as an adjustment of the related loan yield using the effective interest method. The Company has two loan portfolio segments: Commercial and Consumer. These loan portfolio segments are further disaggregated into classes of financing receivable. Below is a summary of the current loan portfolios: Commercial:
Also included in this category are loans generally made to residential home builders to support their lot and home construction inventory needs. Repayment relies upon the sale 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 primary and secondary market in which to finance the sale of 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.
Consumer:
Nonaccruals, Past Dues, and Charge-offs: The policy for placing commercial and consumer 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. Non-real estate secured consumer 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. Loans in all classes of portfolios 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 is discussed in detail within the “Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses” section of this Note 1. For both the commercial and consumer loan portfolio 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 Special Assets managers and the Chief Credit Officer. |
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| Allowance for Credit Losses |
Allowance for Credit Losses – The ACL consists of the ALLL, reserve for unfunded commitments, and the allowance on securities. The Company’s ACL is governed by the Company’s Allowance Committee, which reports to the Audit Committee and contains representatives from the Company’s finance, credit, and risk teams, and is responsible for approving the Company’s estimate of expected credit losses and resulting ACL. The Allowance Committee considers the quantitative model results and qualitative factors when approving the final ACL. The Company’s ACL model is subject to the Company’s models risk management program, which is overseen by the Model Risk Management Committee that reports to the Company’s Board Risk Committee. Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses: The provision for loan losses is an amount sufficient to bring the ALLL to an estimated balance that management considers adequate to absorb expected losses in the portfolio. The ALLL is a valuation account that is deducted from the loans' amortized cost basis to present the net amount expected to be collected on the loans. Loans are charged off against the ALLL when management believes the amount is no longer collectible. Subsequent recoveries of previously charged off amounts are recorded as increases to the ALLL; however, expected recoveries are not to exceed the aggregate of amounts previously charged-off. The Company periodically reviews its internal policies and practices to enhance the process for estimating the ALLL. Effective September 30, 2023, the Company implemented certain changes to its ALLL estimation methodology, as described below. These changes did not have a significant impact on the overall ALLL estimate. For information regarding the Company’s ALLL methodology before September 30, 2023, see Note 1 “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” in the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” contained in Item 8 “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of the Company’s 2022 Form 10-K. Determining the Contractual Term: Expected credit losses are estimated over the contractual term of the loans, adjusted for expected prepayments when appropriate. The contractual term excludes expected extensions, renewals, and modifications unless the extensions or renewal options are included in the original or modified contract at the reporting date and are not unconditionally legally cancelable by the Company. The Company’s ALLL measures the expected lifetime loss using pooled assumptions and loan-level details for financial assets that share common risk characteristics and evaluates an individual reserve in instances where the financial assets do not share the same risk characteristics. Collectively Assessed Reserve Consideration: Loans that share common risk characteristics are considered collectively assessed. Loss estimates within the collectively assessed population are based on a combination of pooled assumptions and loan-level characteristics. The Company uses a loan-level probability of default/loss given default methodology for all loan portfolios. The Company considers various national economic variables in developing the ALLL. The national unemployment rate is used for all cohort models, regardless of portfolio type, and a second economic variable, such as national gross domestic product, national commercial real estate pricing index, national home price index, and national retail sales, is used for each model depending on the portfolio type. The ALLL quantitative estimate is sensitive to changes in the economic variable forecasts during the reasonable and supportable period. The Company’s ALLL is based on a two-year reasonable and supportable forecast period with a straight-line reversion over the next two years to long-term average loss factors. In determining forecasted expected losses, the Company uses Moody’s economic variable forecasts and applies probability weights to the related economic scenarios. The estimated loan losses that are forecasted using the methodology described above are then adjusted for changes in qualitative factors not inherently considered in the quantitative analysis. The qualitative factors include, among others, industry concentrations of the loan portfolio, expected changes to the economic forecasts, model imprecision, and factors related to credit administration. Because current economic conditions and forecasts can change and future events are inherently difficult to predict, the anticipated amount of estimated credit losses on loans, and therefore the appropriateness of the ALLL, could change significantly. It is difficult to estimate how potential changes in any one economic factor or input might affect the overall allowance because a wide variety of factors and inputs are considered in estimating the allowance and changes in those factors and inputs considered may not occur at the same rate and may not be consistent across all loan types. Additionally, changes in factors and inputs may be directionally inconsistent, such that an improvement in one factor may offset deterioration in others.
Individually Assessed Reserve Consideration: The Company individually assesses the reserve on loans where foreclosure is probable or loans that do not share risk characteristics. The individual reserve component relates to loans that have shown substantial credit deterioration as measured by nonaccrual status, risk rating, and/or delinquency status. In addition, the Company has elected the practical expedient that would include loans for individual assessment consideration if the repayment of the loan is expected substantially through the operation or sale of collateral because the borrower is experiencing financial difficulty. Where the expected source of repayment is from the sale of collateral, the ALLL is based on the fair value of the underlying collateral, less selling costs, compared to the amortized cost basis of the loan. If the ALLL is based on the operation of the collateral, the reserve is calculated based on the fair value of the collateral calculated as the present value of expected cash flows from the operation of the collateral, compared to the amortized cost basis. If the Company determines that the value of a collateral dependent loan is less than the recorded investment in the loan, the Company charges off the deficiency if it is determined that such amount is deemed uncollectible. Typically, a loss is confirmed when the Company is moving toward foreclosure or final disposition. The Company obtains appraisals from an approved list of independent, third-party appraisers located in the market in which the collateral is located. In some cases for special property types, the Company may obtain appraisals from appraisers who specialize in the property type nationwide that are located outside of the market where the collateral is located. The Company’s approved appraiser list is continuously maintained by the Company’s Real Estate Valuation Department, which seeks to ensure the list only includes such appraisers that have the experience, reputation, character, and knowledge of the respective real estate market and property type. 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 Real Estate Valuation Department, which reports to the Enterprise Risk Management group, performs either a technical or administrative review of all appraisals obtained in accordance with the Company’s Appraisal Policy. The Appraisal Policy mirrors the Federal regulations governing appraisals, specifically the Interagency Appraisal and Evaluation Guidelines and the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act. The Real Estate Valuation Department performs a technical review of the overall quality of the appraisal and an administrative review confirms that all of the required components of an appraisal are present. The Company obtains independent appraisals or valuations on all individually assessed loans and obtains an updated appraisal every twelve months. Adjustments to real estate appraised values are only permitted to be made by the Real Estate Valuation Department and must be approved by the Chief Appraiser. The individually assessed analysis is reviewed and approved by Special Assets managers. External valuation sources 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. The ALLL on loans individually assessed is updated, reviewed, and approved on a quarterly basis at or near the end of each reporting period. The Company performs regular credit reviews of the loan portfolio to review the credit quality and adherence to its underwriting standards. The credit reviews include annual commercial loan reviews performed by the Company’s commercial bankers in accordance with the commercial loan policy, relationship reviews that accompany annual loan renewals, and independent reviews by its Credit Risk 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 for commercial loans. Consumer loans are not risk rated unless past due status, bankruptcy, or other event results in the assignment of a Substandard or worse risk rating in accordance with the consumer loan policy. Delinquency status is the Company’s primary credit quality indicator for Consumer loans. Reserve for Unfunded Commitments: The Company estimates expected credit losses over the contractual period in which the Company is exposed to credit risk via a contractual obligation to extend credit, unless that obligation is unconditionally cancellable by the Company. The reserve for unfunded commitments is adjusted as a provision for credit loss expense and is measured using the same measurement objectives as the ALLL. The estimate includes consideration of the likelihood that funding will occur and an estimate of expected credit losses on commitments expected to be funded and is included in “Other Liabilities” on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. Credit Impairment and ACL on AFS Securities: The Company evaluates the fair value and credit quality of its AFS securities on at least a quarterly basis. In the event the fair value of a security falls below its amortized cost basis, the security is evaluated to determine whether the decline in value was caused by changes in market interest rates or security credit quality. The primary indicators of credit quality for the Company’s AFS portfolio are security type and credit rating, which are influenced by a number of security-specific factors that may include obligor cash flow, geography, seniority, structure, credit enhancement, and other factors. If unrealized losses are related to credit quality, the Company estimates the credit related loss by evaluating the present value of cash flows expected to be collected from the security with the amortized cost basis of the security. If the present value of cash flows expected to be collected is less than the amortized cost basis of the security and a credit loss exists, an ACL is recorded for the credit loss, limited by the amount that the fair value is less than amortized cost basis. Non-credit related declines in fair value are recognized in OCI, net of applicable taxes. Changes in the ACL are recorded as a provision for or reversal of credit loss expense. Charge-offs are recorded against the ACL when management believes the amount is no longer collectible. A debt security is placed on nonaccrual status at the time any principal or interest payments become 90 days delinquent. ACL on HTM Securities: The Company evaluates the credit risk of its HTM securities on at least a quarterly basis. The Company estimates expected credit losses on HTM debt securities on an individual basis based on the probability of default/loss given default methodology. The primary indicators of credit quality for the Company’s HTM portfolio are security type and credit rating, which is influenced by a number of factors including obligor cash flow, geography, seniority, and others. The majority of the Company’s HTM securities with credit risk are obligations of states and political subdivisions. |
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| Acquired Loans |
Acquired Loans – Acquired loans are recorded at their fair value at acquisition date without carryover of the acquiree’s previously established ALLL, 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 PCD or Non-PCD. Acquired loans are subject to the Company’s ALLL policy upon acquisition. For Non-PCD loans, 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 in accordance with ASC 310-20, Receivables – Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs. If the acquired performing loan has revolving privileges, it is accounted for using the straight-line method; otherwise, the effective interest method is used. PCD loans are loans that have experienced more-than-insignificant credit deterioration since origination. PCD loans are recorded at the amount paid. An ALLL is determined using the same methodology as other LHFI. The sum of the loan’s purchase price and ALLL becomes its initial amortized cost basis. The difference between the initial amortized cost basis and the par value of the loan is a noncredit discount or premium, which is amortized into interest income over the life of the loan under ASC 310-20, Receivables – Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs. If the loan has revolving privileges, the discount/premium is amortized/accreted using the straight-line method; otherwise, the effective interest method is used. Subsequent changes to the ALLL are recorded through provision expense. |
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| Loan Modifications |
Loan Modifications after the adoption of ASU No. 2022-02 – Effective January 1, 2023, the Company refers to loan modifications where the borrower is experiencing financial difficulty and the modification is in the form of principal forgiveness, interest rate reductions, term extensions, other-than-insignificant payment delays, or a combination of the above modifications, as troubled loan modifications, or TLMs. The Company accounts for TLMs consistently with its accounting policy for accounting for loan modifications. The ALLL on TLMs is measured using the same method as all other LHFI.
The Company evaluates all loan modifications according to the accounting guidance for loan refinancing and restructuring to determine whether the modification should be accounted for as a new loan or a continuation of the existing loan. If the modification meets the criteria to be accounted for as a new loan, any deferred fees and costs remaining prior to the modification are recognized in income and any new deferred fees and costs are recorded on the loan as part of the modification. If the modification does not meet the criteria to be accounted for as a new loan, any new deferred fees and costs resulting from the modification are added to the existing amortized cost basis of the loan.
The Company adopted the accounting guidance in ASU No. 2022-02 on January 1, 2023 that eliminates the recognition and measurement of TDRs. Upon adoption of this guidance, the Company no longer applies its TDR accounting policy and instead accounts for modifications in accordance with its loan modifications policy stated in the preceding paragraph. |
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| Troubled Debt Restructurings |
Troubled Debt Restructurings prior to the adoption of ASU No. 2022-02 – Prior to January 1, 2023, in situations where, for economic or legal reasons related to a borrower’s financial condition, the Company granted a concession in the loan structure to the borrower that it would not otherwise consider, the related loan was classified as a TDR. With the exception of loans with interest rate concessions, the ALLL on a TDR was measured using the same method as all other LHFI. For loans with interest rate concessions, the Company used a discounted cash flow approach using the original interest rate. Modified terms included extension of terms that were considered to be below market, conversion to interest only, and other actions intended to minimize the economic loss and avoid foreclosure or repossession of the collateral, such as rate reductions, and principal or interest forgiveness. Restructured loans with no rate concession were subsequently eligible to be removed from reportable TDR status in periods subsequent to the restructuring depending on the performance of the loan. The Company reviewed previously restructured loans quarterly in order to determine whether any had 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 was no longer experiencing financial difficulty, the loan was current or less than 30 days past due at the time the status change was being considered, and the loan had performed under the restructured terms for a consecutive twelve-month period. A loan was also considered for removal from TDR status as a result of a subsequent restructure under certain restrictive circumstances. The removal of TDR designations was approved by the Company's Special Asset Loan Committee. |
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| Financial Instruments with Off-Balance Sheet Risk |
Financial Instruments with Off-Balance Sheet Risk – The Company is a party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its customers and to reduce its own exposure to fluctuations in interest rates. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit and letters of credit. Such financial instruments are recorded when they are funded. Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to customers as long as there are no violations of any conditions established in the contracts. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. Because many of the commitments may expire without being completely drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. Letters of credit are conditional commitments issued by the Company to guarantee the performance of customers to third parties. The credit risk involved in issuing letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending loans to customers. These instruments involve elements of credit and interest rate risk in excess of the amount recognized on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. The contractual amounts of these instruments reflect the extent of the Company’s involvement in particular classes of financial instruments. The Company’s exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to the financial instruments for commitments to extend credit and letters of credit written is represented by the contractual amount of these instruments. The Company uses the same credit policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as it does for on-balance sheet instruments. Unless noted otherwise, the Company does not require collateral or other security to support off-balance sheet financial instruments with credit risk. The Company records an indemnification reserve based on historical statistics and loss rates related to mortgage loans previously sold. |
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| Accrued Interest Receivable |
Accrued Interest Receivable – The Company has elected to exclude accrued interest from the amortized cost basis in its determination of the ALLL, as well as the ACL reserve for securities. Accrued interest receivable is included in “Other Assets” on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company’s policy is to write-off accrued interest receivable through reversal of interest income when it becomes probable the Company will not be able to collect the accrued interest. |
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| 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 years to 40 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. |
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| Goodwill and Intangible Assets |
Goodwill and Intangible Assets – The Company follows ASC 350, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other, which prescribes the accounting for goodwill and intangible assets. The Company’s goodwill is associated with completed merger transactions. Goodwill 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 determined to have an indefinite useful life are not amortized and are tested for impairment at least annually or more frequently if events and circumstances exists that indicate that a goodwill impairment test should be performed. Goodwill is the only intangible asset with an indefinite life included on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company performs its goodwill impairment analysis annually on April 30th at the reporting unit level whereby the Company compares the estimated fair value of the reporting unit to its carrying value. If the estimated fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, goodwill is not considered impaired. The Company engages a third-party valuation specialist to assist management in performing its annual goodwill impairment analysis. To determine the fair value of a reporting unit, the Company utilizes a combination of two separate quantitative methods, the market value approach, which considers comparable publicly-traded companies, and the income approach which estimates future cash flows. Critical assumptions that are used as part of these calculations include: the selection of comparable publicly-traded companies and selection of market comparable acquisition transactions, the discount rate, the forecast of future earnings and cash flows of the reporting unit, economic conditions, which impact the assumptions related to interest, growth rates, loss rates, the cost savings expected to be realized by a market participant, the control premium associated with the reporting unit and a relative weight given to the valuations derived by the two valuation methods. In the normal course of business, the Company routinely monitors the impact of the changes in the financial markets and includes these assessments in our impairment process. Intangible assets with definite useful lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives, which range from 4 years to 10 years, to their estimated residual values. Core deposit intangibles are amortized using an accelerated method and other amortizable intangible assets are amortized using various methods. Long-lived assets, including 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 are 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, and no longer depreciated. |
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| Leases |
Leases – The Company enters into both lessor and lessee arrangements and determines if an arrangement is a lease at inception. As both a lessee and lessor, the Company elected the practical expedient to account for lease and non-lease components as a single lease component for all asset classes as permitted by ASC 842, Leases. Lessor Arrangements: The Company’s lessor arrangements consist of sales-type and direct financing leases for equipment made to our equipment finance customers. Lease payment terms are fixed and are typically payable in monthly installments. The lease arrangements may contain renewal options and purchase options that allow the lessee to purchase the leased equipment at the end of the lease term. The leases generally do not contain non-lease components. Prior to lease inception, the Company estimates the expected residual value of the leased property at the end of the lease term by considering both internal and third-party appraisals. In certain cases, the Company obtains lessee-provided partial or full residual value guarantees and third-party residual guarantees to reduce its residual asset risk. Residual value insurance is obtained on certain lease transactions for the Company to manage asset value risk. The Company’s ongoing risk management strategy for residual assets includes conducting regular reviews of estimated residual values.
The net investment in sales-type and direct financing leases consists of the carrying amount of the lease receivables plus unguaranteed residual assets, net of unearned income and any deferred selling profit on direct financing leases. The lease receivables include the lessor’s right to receive lease payments and the guaranteed residual asset value the lessor expects to derive from the underlying assets at the end of the lease term. The Company’s net investment in sales-type and direct financing leases are included in “Loans held for investment, net of deferred fees and costs” on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. Lease income is recorded in “Interest and fees on loans” on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income. Lessee Arrangements: The Company’s lessee arrangements consist of operating and finance leases; however, the majority of the leases have been classified as non-cancellable operating leases and are primarily for real estate leases. The Company’s real estate lease agreements do not contain residual value guarantees and most agreements do not contain restrictive covenants. The Company does not have any material arrangements where the Company is in a sublease contract.
Lessee arrangements with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The ROU assets and lease liabilities associated with operating and finance leases greater than 12 months are recorded in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets; ROU assets within “Other assets” and lease liabilities within “Other liabilities.” ROU assets represent the Company’s right to use an underlying asset over the course of the lease term and lease liabilities represent the Company’s obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. The initial measurement of lease liabilities and ROU assets are the same for operating and finance leases. Lease liabilities are recognized at the commencement date based on the present value of the remaining lease payments, discounted using the implicit rate, if available, or the incremental borrowing rate. As most of the Company’s leases do not provide an implicit rate, the Company uses an incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments. ROU assets are recognized at commencement date based on the initial measurement of the lease liability, any lease payments made excluding lease incentives, and any initial direct costs incurred. Most of the Company’s operating leases include one or more options to renew and if the Company is reasonably certain to exercise those options, it would be included in the measurement of the operating ROU assets and lease liabilities. Lease expense for operating lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term and recorded in “Occupancy expenses” on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income. Finance lease expenses consist of straight-line amortization expense of the ROU assets recognized over the lease term and interest expense on the lease liability. Total finance lease expenses for the amortization of the ROU assets are recorded in “Occupancy expenses” on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income and interest expense on the finance lease liability is recorded in “Interest on long-term borrowings” on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income. |
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| Borrowings |
Borrowings – The Company classifies all borrowings that will mature within a year from the date on which the Company enters into them as short-term borrowings. Total short-term borrowings consist primarily of securities sold under agreements to repurchase, which are secured transactions with customers and generally mature the day following the date sold, advances from the FHLB, federal funds purchased (which are secured overnight borrowings from other financial institutions), and other lines of credit. |
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| Foreclosed Properties |
Foreclosed Properties – Assets acquired through or in lieu of loan foreclosures 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 ALLL. Subsequent to foreclosure, valuations are periodically performed by management and the assets are carried at the lower of carrying amount or fair value less costs 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 “Other expenses” on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income. |
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| 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. |
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| 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. The Company is exposed to credit risk to the extent an insurance company is unable to fulfill its financial obligations under a policy. |
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| Derivatives |
Derivatives – The Company is exposed to economic risks arising from its business operations and uses derivatives primarily to manage risk associated with changing interest rates, to hedge specified assets and liabilities, and to assist customers with their risk management objectives. 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. The Company designates certain derivatives as hedging instruments in a qualifying hedge accounting relationship (cash flow or fair value hedge). The remaining derivatives are classified as free-standing derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting.
The Company accounts for its derivative financial instruments in accordance with ASC Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging. Derivatives are recognized at fair value and presented as “Other assets” and “Other liabilities” on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets as applicable. The related gains or losses are included in operating activities as changes in other assets and other liabilities in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow. Changes in fair value are recorded based on whether the derivative is designated and qualified for hedge accounting. For Cash Flow hedges, changes in fair value are recorded in OCI and are reclassified to Other Operating Income in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income when the hedged transaction is reflected in earnings. For Fair Value hedges, the change in the fair value of the hedge and the hedged item are included in Other operating income in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income. Changes in fair value on derivatives not designated for hedge accounting are included in Other operating income in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income. 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. For the over-the-counter derivatives cleared with central clearinghouses, the variation margin is treated as settlement of the related derivatives fair values.
Derivative instruments contain an element of credit risk that arises from the potential failure of a counterparty to perform according to the terms of the contract. The Company’s exposure to derivative counterparty credit risk at any point in time is equal to the amount reported as a derivative asset on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets assuming no recoveries of underlying collateral. The Company reduces counterparty risk through various mitigating measures including clearing certain over-the-counter derivatives with central clearinghouses through futures commission merchants due to applicable regulatory requirements and entering into legally enforceable master netting agreements and collateral agreements, where possible, with certain derivative counterparties to mitigate the risk of default on a bilateral basis. These bilateral agreements typically provide the right to offset exposures and require one counterparty to post collateral on derivative instruments in a net liability position to the other counterparty. The Company does not offset such financial instruments for financial reporting purposes, and these offsetting positions are not considered to be material to the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
Derivatives designated as accounting hedges: 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. 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.
Derivatives not designated as accounting hedges:
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| Stock Compensation Plan |
Stock Compensation Plan – The Company issues equity awards to employees and directors through either stock awards, RSAs, or PSUs. The Company complies with ASC 718, Compensation – Stock Compensation, which requires the costs resulting from all stock-based payments to employees be recognized in the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
The Company has outstanding stock options. The fair value of the stock options is estimated based on the date of issuance or acquisition using the Black-Scholes option valuation. The converted option price of the Company’s common stock at acquisition is used for determining the associated compensation expense for nonvested stock awards. Key assumptions used in the valuation are dividend yield, expected life, expected volatility, and the risk-free rate. The Company has elected to recognize forfeitures as they occur as a component of compensation expense as permitted by ASC 718, Compensation – Stock Compensation. |
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| Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities |
Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities – A liability for costs associated with exit or disposal activities, other than in a business combination, is recognized when the liability is incurred. The liability is measured at fair value, with adjustments for changes in estimated cash flows recognized in earnings.
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| Revenue from Contracts with Customers |
Revenue from Contracts with Customers – The majority of the Company’s noninterest income is accounted for in accordance with ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers and comes from short term contracts associated with fees for services provided on deposit accounts and credit cards and fiduciary and asset management fees from the Consumer and Wholesale Banking segments.
The Company’s performance obligations on revenue from deposit accounts and interchange fees from the Consumer and Wholesale Banking segments are generally satisfied immediately, when the transaction occurs, or by month-end. Performance obligations on revenue from fiduciary and asset management fees from the Consumer Banking segment are generally satisfied monthly or quarterly. For a majority of fee income on deposit accounts, the Company is a principal controlling the promised good or service before transferring it to the customer. For income related to most wealth management income, however, the Company is an agent responsible for arranging for the provision of goods and services by another party. Mortgage banking income is earned from the Consumer Banking segment when the originated loans are sold to an investor on the secondary market. The loans are classified as LHFS before being sold. The change in fair value of the residential real estate LHFS, loan commitments, and related derivatives is recorded as a component of “Mortgage banking income” on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income. |
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| 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. Deferred income tax assets are also recorded for any tax attributes, such as net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Any changes in tax rates and laws are reflected in the period of the enactment date. Deferred taxes are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the Company’s opinion, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The provision for current income tax expense is based upon the results of operations, adjusted for the effect of certain tax-exempt income and non-deductible expenses. In addition, certain items of income and expense are reported in different periods for financial reporting and tax return purposes.
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, the Company 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. The Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries file a federal consolidated income tax return; each entity provides for income taxes based on its contribution to income or loss of the consolidated group. |
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| Advertising Costs |
Advertising Costs – The Company expenses advertising costs as incurred. |
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| Earnings Per Common Share |
Earnings Per Common Share – Basic EPS is computed by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the year. Diluted EPS reflects 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. |
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| 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. |
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| Fair Value |
Fair Value – The Company follows ASC 820, Fair Value Measurement to record fair value adjustments to certain assets and liabilities and to determine fair value disclosures. Fair Value Hierarchy: 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:
Valuation Process: Level 2 AFS and HTM securities are valued by a third-party portfolio accounting service vendor whose primary source for security valuation is ICE, which evaluates securities based on market data. ICE utilizes evaluated pricing models that vary by asset class and include available trade, bid, and other market information. Generally, the methodology includes broker quotes, proprietary models, vast descriptive terms and conditions databases, as well as extensive quality controls. The vendor utilizes proprietary valuation matrices for valuing all municipal securities. The initial curves for determining the price, movement, and yield relationships within the municipal matrices are derived from industry benchmark curves or sourced from a municipal trading desk. The securities are further broken down according to issuer, credit support, state of issuance, and rating to incorporate additional spreads to the industry benchmark curves. The Company primarily uses the Bloomberg Valuation Service, an independent information source that draws on quantitative models and market data contributed from over 4,000 market participants, to validate third party valuations. Any material differences between valuation sources are researched by further analyzing the various inputs that are utilized by each pricing source.
The Company’s Level 3 HTM securities are comprised of asset-backed securities. Valuations of the asset-backed securities are provided by a third-party vendor specializing in the SBA markets, and are based on underlying loan pool information, market data, and recent trading activity for similar securities. The Company reviews the valuations for reasonableness in the context of market conditions and to similar bonds in the Company’s portfolio. Any material differences between valuation sources are researched by further analyzing the various inputs that are utilized by each pricing source.
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| Reclassifications |
Reclassifications – The accompanying consolidated financial statements and notes reflect certain reclassifications in prior periods to conform to the current presentation. |
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| Adoption of New Accounting Standards |
Adoption of New Accounting Standards – In March 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-02, Investments—Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323): Accounting for Investments in Tax Credit Structures Using the Proportional Amortization Method. Prior to the issuance of ASU 2023-02, companies could only apply the proportional amortization method to low-income-housing tax credit structures. Topic 323 allows for the expansion of use of the proportional amortization method to all tax equity investments that meet certain conditions. Under the proportional amortization method, the initial cost of the investment is amortized in proportion to the income tax credits and other income tax benefits received, and this net amount is presented as a component of income tax expense (benefit). The amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. The Company early adopted ASU 2023-02 effective October 1, 2023, and it did not have a significant impact on its consolidated financial statements. In March 2022, the FASB issued ASU No. 2022-01, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Fair Value Hedging - Portfolio Layer Method to allow nonprepayable financial assets to be included in a closed portfolio hedge using the portfolio layer method, and to allow multiple hedged layers to be designated for a single closed portfolio of financial assets or one or more beneficial interests secured by a portfolio of financial instruments. The amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company adopted ASU No. 2022-01 effective January 1, 2023, and it did not have a significant impact on its consolidated financial statements. In March 2022, the FASB issued ASU No. 2022-02, Financial Instruments- Credit Losses (Topic 326): Troubled Debt Restructurings and Vintage Disclosures. This ASU eliminates the accounting guidance for TDRs by creditors and instead requires that an entity evaluate whether a loan modification represents a new loan or a continuation of an existing loan, consistent with the accounting for other loan modifications. The amendment also introduces new disclosure requirements for modifications to loans made to a borrower experiencing financial difficulty in the form of principal forgiveness, interest rate reductions, term extensions, or other-than-insignificant payment delays. The Company refers to these modifications to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty as Troubled Loan Modifications, or TLMs. In addition, the amendments require that an entity disclose current-period gross write-offs by year of origination for financing receivables and net investments in leases within the scope of Subtopic 326-20. The amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company adopted the amendments of ASU 2022-02 effective January 1, 2023 on a prospective basis. In March 2020, the FASB issued ASC 848, Reference Rate Reform. This guidance provides temporary, optional guidance to ease the potential burden in accounting for reference rate reform associated with the LIBOR transition. LIBOR and other interbank offered rates are widely used benchmark or reference rates that have been used in the valuation of loans, derivatives, and other financial contracts. ASC 848 provides optional expedients and exceptions for applying GAAP to contract modifications and hedging relationships, subject to meeting certain criteria, that reference LIBOR or another reference rate expected to be discontinued. ASC 848 is intended to help stakeholders during the global market-wide reference rate transition period. The LIBOR cessation date for U.S. dollar settings was June 30, 2023. The amendments are effective as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2024 and can be adopted at an instrument level. The Company has elected the practical expedients provided in ASC 848 related to (1) accounting for contract modifications on its loans and securities tied to LIBOR and (2) asserting probability of the hedged item occurring, regardless of any expected modification in terms related to reference rate reform for the newly executed cash flow hedges. This amendment did not have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. |