Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

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SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The Company - Headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, Atlantic Union Bankshares Corporation (Nasdaq: AUB) is the holding company for Atlantic Union Bank. Atlantic Union Bank has 149 branches and approximately 170 ATMs located throughout Virginia, and in portions of Maryland and North Carolina. Middleburg Financial is a brand name used by Atlantic Union Bank and certain affiliates when providing trust, wealth management, private banking, and investment advisory products and services. Certain non-bank affiliates of Atlantic Union Bank include: Old Dominion Capital Management, Inc., and its subsidiary, Outfitter Advisors, Ltd., Dixon, Hubard, Feinour & Brown, Inc., and Middleburg Investment Services, LLC, which provide investment advisory and/or brokerage services; and Union Insurance Group, LLC, which offers various lines of insurance products.

Effective May 17, 2019, Union Bankshares Corporation changed its name to Atlantic Union Bankshares Corporation and Union Bank & Trust changed its name to Atlantic Union Bank.

Principles of Consolidation - 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, Old Dominion Capital Management, Inc., and Dixon, Hubard, Feinour & Brown, Inc. Atlantic Union Bank and subsidiary trusts 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 Trusts). The subordinated debts payable to the Trusts are reported as liabilities of the Company. All significant inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated.

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, foreclosed property and former bank premises, deferred tax assets and liabilities, other-than-temporary impairment of securities, and the fair value of financial instruments.

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. An entity is deemed to be the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity if that entity has both the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact its economic performance; and the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits that could potentially be significant to the variable interest entity. Management has evaluated the Company’s investment in variable interest entities. The Company’s primary exposure to variable interest entities are the Trusts. This accounting guidance has not had a material impact on the financial condition or operating results of the Company.

Business Combinations and Divestitures - 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.

Merger-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, contract terminations, 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. There is one exception to the aforementioned policy, which includes the costs to issue debt or equity securities, which 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 - 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 held by the Company are classified as either AFS or held to maturity at the time of purchase and reassessed periodically, based on management’s intent. Additionally, the Company also holds equity securities and restricted stock with the Federal Reserve Bank and FHLB, which are not subject to the investment security classifications.

Available for Sale - securities classified as AFS are those debt 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 AFS 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 carrying value. Transfers of debt securities into the held to maturity category from the AFS 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.

Equity Investments - Equity investments are accounted for using the equity method of accounting if the investment gives the Company the ability to exercise significant influence, but not control, over an investee. The Company’s share of the earnings or losses is reported by equity method investees and is classified as income from equity investees on our consolidated statements of earnings. Equity investments for which the Company does not have the ability to exercise significant influence are accounted for using the cost method of accounting. Under the cost method, investments are carried at cost and are adjusted only for other-than-temporary declines in fair value, certain distributions, and additional investments. Equity investments in unconsolidated entities with a readily determinable fair value that are not accounted for under the equity method will be measured at fair value through net income.

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, 2019 and 2018. 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 AFS 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 - 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 14 “Fair Value Measurements.” In addition, the Company requires a firm purchase commitment from an 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” within the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income. The Company records loans held for sale per the aforementioned policy as of the acquisition date of Access through the year 2019. During 2018, the Company did not have any loans held for sale, due to the wind down of UMG, as noted in Note 19 “Segment Reporting & Discontinued Operations"; therefore, any activity prior to this point would have been reported in discontinued operations.

Loans Held for Investment - 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 developers and 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 other lender, 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, industry, property type or market.

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.

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 property types, such as retail, office, office warehouse, and hotel as well as avoiding concentrations to any one business, industry, property type or market.

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, re-leasing upon tenant turnover 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 short-term or seasonal cash flow and equipment/vehicle purchases. Repayment relies upon the successful operation of the business. This type of lending typically 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.

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.

Residential 1-4 Family - Consumer - loans generally made to consumer residential borrowers. The Residential 1-4 Family - Consumer 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 - Revolving - the consumer 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. 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 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 and the Chief Credit Officer, though reclassification of certain loans may require approval of the Special Assets Loan Committee.

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 24 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.

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 include annual commercial loan reviews performed by the Company’s commercial bankers in accordance with CLP, relationship reviews that accompany annual loan renewals, and 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 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. 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.

Specifically, the Company’s Allowance Committee oversees the Company’s Allowance for Loan Losses (under the Incurred Loss Model framework) and will also oversee the Allowance for Credit Losses (under the CECL framework) processes. The Allowance Committee is the authoritative committee for all quarterly qualitative factors, ALL estimates and changes to the Company’s ALL methodology.

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

Specific Reserve Component

The specific reserve component relates to impaired loans. 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 significant 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, the Company 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 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 by the Company’s REVG 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, 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 FIRREA. 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 real estate 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 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. 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 24-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

Gross state product

Pace of loan growth

Inflation

Unemployment rate

Footprint and expansion

Unemployment

Home prices

Execution of loan risk rating process

Level of economic activity

CRE prices

Degree of credit oversight

Political and trade uncertainty

Underwriting standards

Asset prices

Delinquency levels in portfolio

Charge-off trends in portfolio

Credit concentrations / nature and volume of the portfolio

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 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.

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.

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 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. 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.

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 extension of terms that are considered to be below market, conversion to interest only, and other actions intended to minimize the economic loss to avoid foreclosure or repossession of the collateral, rate reductions, and principal or interest forgiveness. Restructured loans for which there was no rate concession, and therefore make at 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. 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. 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 continue to be evaluated for impairment. 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.

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 - The Company has an aggregate goodwill balance of $935.6 million associated with previous merger transactions, which is primarily associated with commercial banking.

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 10 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, 2019 and determined that there was no impairment to its goodwill. Management performed a review through December 31, 2019 and concluded that no impairment existed as of the balance sheet date.

Foreclosed Properties - 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 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 - 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. At December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company also had liabilities for post-retirement benefits payable to other partial beneficiaries under some of these life insurance policies of $12.1 million and $10.5 million, respectively. The Company is exposed to credit risk to the extent an insurance company is unable to fulfill its financial obligations under a policy.

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 Sheets. 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.

During the normal course of business, the Company enters into commitments to originate mortgage loans whereby the interest rate on the loan is determined prior to funding (“rate lock commitments”). The Company commits to deliver the loan if settlement occurs ("best efforts") or commits to deliver the locked loan in a binding ("mandatory") delivery program with an investor. Certain loans under interest rate lock commitments are covered under forward sales contracts of MBS. Rate lock commitments on mortgage loans that are intended to be sold in the secondary market and commitments to deliver loans to investors are considered to be derivatives. The Company uses these derivatives as part of an overall strategy to manage market risk primarily due to fluctuations in interest rates, and to capture improved margins resulting from the mandatory delivery of loans. As of December 31, 2018, there were no mortgage banking derivatives due to the wind down of Union Mortgage Group. Mortgage banking derivatives as of December 31, 2019 did not have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.

The market values of rate lock commitments and best efforts forward delivery commitments 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, delivery contracts, and forward sales contracts of MBS by measuring the change in the value of the underlying asset, while taking into consideration the probability that the rate lock commitments will close or will be funded. Certain risks arise from the forward delivery contracts in that the counterparties to the contracts may not be able to meet the terms of the contracts. Additional risks inherent in mandatory delivery programs include the risk that, if the Company does not close the loans subject to rate lock commitments, it will still be obligated to deliver MBS to the counterparty under the forward sales agreement.

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 and historic tax credits for these investments. The activities of these entities are financed with a combination of invested equity capital and debt. For the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company recognized amortization of $1.9 million and $922,000, respectively, and tax credits of $2.9 million and $1.1 million, respectively, associated with these investments within “Income tax expense” on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income. The carrying value of the Company’s

investments in these qualified affordable housing projects for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 were $29.6 million and $10.8 million, respectively. At December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company’s recorded liability totaled $12.0 million and $9.9 million, respectively, for the related unfunded commitments, which are expected to be paid from 2020 to 2036.

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 - The Company issues equity awards to employees and directors through either stock options, RSUs, 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 financial statements.

The Company did not issue stock options in 2018 or 2019; however, the Company assumed additional stock options with the acquisition of Access. For the options assumed, the fair value of the stock options is estimated based on the date of acquisition, using the Black-Scholes option valuation. The converted option price of the Company’s common stock at acquisition was used for determining the associated compensation expense for nonvested stock awards.  The valuation was used in 2019 to determine the valuation of the stock options.  The valuation employs the following assumptions:

•      Dividend yield - calculated as the ratio of forecasted dividend yield per share of common stock;

•      Expected life (term of the option) - based on the contractual life and vesting schedule for the respective option;

•      Expected volatility - based on the monthly historical volatility of the Company’s stock price over the expected life of the options; and

•      Risk-free interest rate - based upon the U. S. Department of the Treasury (the “Treasury”) bill yield curve, for periods within the contractual life of the option, in effect at the time of grant.

The fair value of PSUs granted in 2019 and 2018 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 was used to determine the grant date fair value of PSUs granted in 2019 and 2018.

The fair value of restricted stock is based on the trading price of the Company’s stock on the date of the grant.

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 16 “Employee Benefits and Stock Based Compensation.”

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. The Company did not record any material interest or penalties for the periods ending December 31, 2019, 2018, or 2017 related to tax positions taken. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, there were no accruals for uncertain tax positions. The Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries file a consolidated income tax return. Each entity provides for income taxes based on its contribution to income or loss of the consolidated group.

On December 22, 2017, the Tax Act was signed into law. Refer to Note 17 “Income Taxes” for additional information on the impact of the Tax Act.

Advertising Costs - The Company expenses advertising costs as incurred.

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 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 - 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 10 “Commitments and Contingencies.”

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 14 “Fair Value Measurements.”

Concentrations of Credit Risk - Most of the Company’s activities are with customers located in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Securities AFS, 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 12 “Stockholders’ Equity,” respectively.

Reclassifications – The accompanying consolidated financial statements and notes reflect certain reclassifications in prior periods to conform to the current presentation. Specifically, the Company reclassified Communication Expense from being separately presented to being contained within Other Expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Income. In addition, the Company reclassified loans from Residential 1-4 Family – Commercial to Residential 1-4 – Consumer based on a more accurate way to determine the segmentation of mortgage loans.

Adoption of New Accounting Standards - On January 1, 2019, the Company adopted ASU No. 2016-02, "Leases (Topic 842)." The adoption of this standard required lessees to recognize right of use assets and lease liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and disclose key information about leasing arrangements. The Company adopted this ASU on January 1, 2019 under the modified retrospective approach. The Company elected the package of practical expedients permitted under the transition guidance within the new standard, which allowed the Company to not reassess the lease classification of existing leases, as well as not reassess whether any expired or existing contracts are or contain a lease; and maintain consistent treatment of initial direct costs on existing leases. In addition, the Company elected the short-term lease exemption practical expedient in which leases with an initial term of twelve months or less are not recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company also elected the practical expedient related to accounting for lease and non-lease components as a single lease component. Adoption of this standard resulted in the Company recording a lease liability of $53.2 million and right of use assets of $48.9 million as of January 1, 2019. Operating leases have been included within other assets and other liabilities on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. The implementation of this standard resulted in a $1.1 million decrease to retained earnings. There was no impact on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Refer to Note 7 "Leases" for further discussion regarding the adoption.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-15, "Intangibles—Goodwill and Other—Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract." This ASU amends the Intangibles—Goodwill and Other Topic of the Accounting Standards Codification to align the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019; however, early adoption is permitted. The Company adopted this standard in the first quarter of 2019 using the prospective approach. The adoption of ASU 2018-15 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.