v3.25.2
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Restated)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]  
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Restated) SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (RESTATED)
Nature of Operations
Midland States Bancorp, Inc. is a diversified financial holding company headquartered in Effingham, Illinois. Our wholly owned banking subsidiary, Midland States Bank, has branches across Illinois and in Missouri, and provides a full range of commercial and consumer banking products and services, business equipment financing, merchant credit card services, trust and investment management services, and insurance and financial planning services.
Our principal business activity has been lending to and accepting deposits from individuals, businesses, municipalities and other entities. We have derived income principally from interest charged on loans and, to a lesser extent, from interest and dividends earned on investment securities. We have also derived income from noninterest sources, such as: fees received in connection with various lending and deposit services; wealth management services; mortgage loan originations, sales and servicing; and, from time to time, gains on sales of assets. Our principal expenses include interest expense on deposits and borrowings, operating expenses, such as salaries and employee benefits, occupancy and equipment expenses, data processing costs, professional fees and other noninterest expenses, provisions for credit losses and income tax expense.
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with GAAP and conform to predominant practices within the banking industry. Management of the Company has made a number of estimates and assumptions related to the reporting assets and liabilities to prepare the consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP. Actual results may differ from these estimates. Certain reclassifications of 2023 or 2022 amounts may have been made to conform to the 2024 presentation, but do not have an effect on net income or shareholders' equity.
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include a restatement of the financial statements (i) as of and for the year ended December 31, 2023 and (ii) for the year ended December 31, 2022 as referenced below.
Subsequent Events
    Management has evaluated subsequent events for recognition and disclosure through July 1, 2025, which is the date the financial statements were available to be issued.
Business Combinations
The Company accounts for business combinations under the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with ASC 805, Business Combinations. Under the acquisition method of accounting, tangible and intangible identifiable assets acquired, liabilities assumed and any noncontrolling interests in the acquiree are recorded at fair value as of the acquisition date. The Company includes the results of operations of the acquired company in the consolidated statements of income from the date of acquisition. Transaction costs and costs to restructure the acquired company are expensed as incurred. Goodwill is recognized as the excess of the acquisition price over the estimated fair value of the net assets acquired. If the fair value of the net assets acquired is greater than the acquisition price, a bargain purchase gain is recognized and recorded in noninterest income.
Restatement of prior period Financial Statements
In connection with the preparation of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, the Audit Committee, after discussion with management and the Company's independent registered public accounting firm, Crowe LLP, concluded that the Company's audited consolidated financial statements for the Restated Financial Periods should no longer be relied upon because of errors identified in such financial statements, as described below.
The errors relate to the Company’s accounting for loans originated pursuant to third-party loan origination programs. These programs go back as far as 2012. As part of these programs, the third-party providers offered various credit enhancements with respect to loans originated under the programs, including contributions to reserve accounts, yield maintenance and certain other payments. Historically, the Company accounted for all borrower payments and credit enhancement payments under these programs on a single unit, or net basis, with all such payments presented as interest income representing the Company’s effective yield on the portfolios. The Company has determined that these payments should instead
be accounted for on a separate unit of account, or gross basis, with loan yields and interest income recorded at the gross borrower loan rate, credit losses and associated provisions for credit losses recorded on a gross basis over the life of the loans, and with all credit enhancement payments recorded separately as a credit enhancement derivative.
As a result of the above, the Company is restating the financial statements (i) as of and for the year ended December 31, 2023 and (ii) for the year ended December 31, 2022, as presented in the audited financial statements as of and for the period ended December 31, 2024 in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The impact of the errors for years prior to January 1, 2022 have been adjusted through opening equity as of January 1, 2022 in the audited consolidated financial statements presented herein. See Note 25 - Restatement of Prior Period Financial Statements for additional information, including the impact on the specific accounts.
Cash and Cash Equivalents and Cash Flows
For the presentation in the accompanying consolidated statement of cash flows, cash and cash equivalents are defined as cash on hand, amounts due from banks, which includes amounts on deposit with the Federal Reserve, interest-bearing deposits with banks or other financial institutions and federal funds sold. Generally, federal funds are sold for one-day periods, but not longer than 30 days.
The following table summarizes supplemental cash flow information:
Years Ended December 31,
(dollars in thousands)202420232022
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Cash payments for:
Interest paid on deposits and borrowed funds$189,599 $159,139 $55,069 
Income tax paid (net of refunds)22,543 25,120 36,514 
Supplemental disclosures of noncash investing and financing activities:
Transfer of loans to loans held for sale406,561 — 103,357 
Transfer of loans to other real estate owned1,031 9,112 517 
Transfer of loan servicing rights, at lower of cost or market to loan servicing rights held for sale— — 23,995 
Transfer of loan servicing rights held for sale to loan servicing rights, at lower of cost or market— 20,745 — 
Right of use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations2,889 2,470 502 
Investment Securities
The Company classifies its debt investment securities as available for sale or held to maturity at the time of purchase. Securities held to maturity are those debt instruments which the Company has the positive intent and ability to hold until maturity. Securities held to maturity are recorded at cost, adjusted for the amortization of premiums or accretion of discounts. All other debt securities are classified as available for sale. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, all investment securities were classified as available for sale. Investment securities available for sale are recorded at fair value with the unrealized gains and losses, net of the related tax effect, included in other comprehensive income. The related accumulated unrealized holding gains and losses are reported as a separate component of shareholders’ equity until realized.
Purchase premiums are amortized over the estimated life or to the earliest call date and purchase discounts are accreted over the estimated life of the related investment security as an adjustment to yield using the effective interest method. Unamortized premiums, unaccreted discounts, and early payment premiums are recognized in interest income upon disposition of the related security. Interest and dividend income are recognized when earned. Realized gains and losses from the sale of investment securities available for sale are determined using the specific identification method and are included in noninterest income. Also, when applicable, realized gains and losses are reported as a reclassification adjustment, net of tax, in other comprehensive income.
Available-for-sale debt securities in an unrealized loss position are evaluated, at least quarterly, for impairment related to credit losses. The Company first assesses whether it intends to sell, or it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell, the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis. If either of the criteria regarding intent or requirement to sell is met, the security’s amortized cost basis is written down to fair value through income. For debt securities available for sale that do not meet the aforementioned criteria, the Company evaluates whether the decline in fair value has resulted from credit losses or other factors. In making this assessment, management considers the extent to which fair value is less than amortized cost, any
changes to the rating of the security by a rating agency, and adverse conditions specifically related to the security, among other factors. If this assessment indicates that a credit loss exists, and the present value of cash flows expected to be collected from the security is less than the amortized cost basis, an allowance for credit losses is recorded. Any impairment that has not been recorded through an allowance for credit losses is recorded in other comprehensive income. Accrued interest receivable on investment securities available for sale totaled $5.1 million and $4.3 million at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, and was reported in accrued interest receivable on the consolidated balance sheets. The estimate of credit losses excludes this accrued interest receivable. There was no allowance for credit losses recorded on investment securities available for sale at December 31, 2024 and 2023.
Equity Securities
Investments in stock of a publicly traded company or in mutual funds are classified as equity securities. Equity securities are recorded at fair value with unrealized gains and losses recognized in noninterest income.
Nonmarketable Equity Securities
Nonmarketable equity securities include the Bank’s required investments in the stock of the FHLB and the FRB. The Bank is a member of the FHLB system as well as its regional FRB. Members of the FHLB are required to own a certain amount of stock based on the level of borrowings and other factors. FHLB stock and FRB stock are both carried at cost, classified as a restricted security, and periodically evaluated for impairment based on ultimate recovery of par value. Both cash dividends and stock dividends are reported as interest income.
Loans
Loans that management has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity or payoff are classified as portfolio loans. Portfolio loans are carried at the principal balance outstanding, net of purchase premiums and discounts, and deferred loan fees and costs. Interest income is accrued on the unpaid principal balance. Accrued interest receivable on loans totaled $20.2 million and $29.9 million at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, and was reported in accrued interest receivable on the consolidated balance sheets.
Interest income on mortgage and commercial loans is discontinued and the loan is placed on nonaccrual status at the time the loan is 90 days delinquent unless the loan is well secured and in process of collection. Mortgage loans are charged-off at 180 days past due, and commercial loans are charged-off to the extent principal or interest is deemed uncollectible. Consumer loans continue to accrue interest until they are charged-off or at an earlier date if collection of principal or interest is considered doubtful.
All interest accrued but not received for loans placed on nonaccrual is reversed against interest income. Interest received on such loans is accounted for on the cost-recovery or cash-basis method, until qualifying for return to accrual. Under the cost-recovery method, interest income is not recognized until the loan balance is reduced to zero. Under the cash-basis method, interest income is recorded when the payment is received in cash. Loans are returned to accrual status when all the principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current and future payments are reasonably assured.
Leases. The Company provides financing leases to small businesses for purchases of business equipment. Under the direct financing method of accounting, the minimum lease payments to be received under the lease contract, together with the guaranteed residual values, which range from 1% to 45% of the cost of related equipment which average 3%, are recorded as lease receivables when the lease is signed and the leased property is delivered to the customer. The excess of the minimum lease payments and residual values over the cost of the equipment is recorded as unearned lease income. Unearned lease income is recognized over the term of the lease on a basis that results in an approximately level rate of return on the unrecovered lease investment.
PCD Loans. In the past the Company has purchased loans, some of which have experienced more than insignificant credit deterioration since origination. Purchased credit deteriorated loans are recorded at the amount paid. An allowance for credit losses on loans is determined using the same methodology as other loans held for investment. The initial allowance for credit losses on loans determined on a collective basis is allocated to individual loans. The sum of the loan’s purchase price and allowance for credit losses on loans 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. Subsequent changes to the allowance for credit losses on loans are recorded through provision expense for credit losses.
Nonperforming Loans. A loan is considered nonperforming when it is probable that we will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Nonperforming loans include loans on nonaccrual status and loans past due 90 days or more and still accruing interest.
Allowance for Credit Losses on Loans
The allowance for credit losses on loans 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. The amount of the allowance represents management's best estimate of current expected credit losses on loans considering available information, from internal and external sources, relevant to assessing collectability over the loans' contractual terms, adjusted for expected prepayments when appropriate.
Management estimates the allowance balance using relevant information, from internal and external sources, relating to historical credit loss experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. While historical credit loss experience provides the basis for the estimation of expected credit losses, adjustments to historical loss information may be made for differences in current loan-specific risk characteristics, environmental conditions or other relevant factors.
The allowance for credit losses on loans is measured on a collective basis and reflects impairment in groups of loans aggregated on the basis of similar risk characteristics. Loans that do not share risk characteristics are evaluated for expected credit losses on an individual basis and excluded from the collective evaluation. Expected credit losses for collateral dependent loans, including loans where the borrower is experiencing financial difficulty but foreclosure is not probable, are based on the fair value of the collateral at the reporting date, adjusted for selling costs as appropriate.
In calculating the allowance for credit losses, most loans are segmented into pools based upon similar characteristics and risk profiles and measured on a collective basis. Common characteristics and risk profiles may include internal credit ratings, risk ratings or classification, financial asset type, collateral type, size, industry of the borrower, historical or expected credit loss patterns, and reasonable and supportable forecast periods. We periodically reassess each pool to ensure the loans within the pool continue to share similar characteristics and risk profiles and to determine whether further segmentation is necessary.
The table below identifies the Company’s loan portfolio segments and classes.
SegmentClass
CommercialCommercial
Commercial Other
Commercial Real EstateCommercial Real Estate Non-Owner Occupied
Commercial Real Estate Owner Occupied
Multi-Family
Farmland
Construction and Land DevelopmentConstruction and Land Development
Residential Real EstateResidential First Lien
Other Residential
ConsumerConsumer
Consumer Other
Lease FinancingLease Financing
For each loan pool, we measure expected credit losses over the life of each loan utilizing a combination of models which measure (i) probability of default, the likelihood that loan will stop performing or default, (ii) loss given default, the expected loss rate for loans in default, (iii) assumed prepayment speed, the likelihood that a loan will prepay or pay-off prior to maturity, and (iv) exposure at default, the estimated outstanding principal balance of the loans upon default, including the expected funding of unfunded commitments outstanding as of the measurement date.
Expected credit losses are calculated as the product of probability of default (adjusted for prepayment), loss given default and exposure at default. This methodology builds on default probabilities already incorporated into our risk grading process by utilizing pool-specific historical loss rates to calculate expected credit losses. These pool-specific historical loss rates may be adjusted for current macroeconomic assumptions, as further discussed below, and other factors such as differences in underwriting standards, portfolio mix, or when historical asset terms do not reflect the contractual terms of the financial assets being evaluated as of the measurement date. Each time we measure expected credit losses, we assess the relevancy of historical loss information and consider any necessary adjustments to address any differences in asset-specific characteristics.
The measurement of expected credit losses is impacted by loan and borrower attributes and certain macroeconomic variables. Significant loan and borrower attributes utilized in our modeling processes include, among other things, (i) origination date, (ii) maturity date, (iii) payment type, (iv) collateral type and amount, (v) current risk grade, (vi) current unpaid balance and commitment utilization rate, (vii) payment status and delinquency history and (viii) expected recoveries of previously charged-off amounts. Significant macroeconomic variables utilized in our modeling processes include, among other things, (i) Gross Domestic Product, (ii) Consumer Price Index, (iii) selected market interest rates including U.S. Treasury rates, (iv) commercial and residential property prices and unemployment rates in Illinois and the U.S. as a whole, and (v) Retail Sales for the State of Illinois.
We have determined that we are reasonably able to forecast the macroeconomic variables used in our modeling processes with an acceptable degree of confidence for a total of two years with the last twelve months of the forecast period encompassing a reversion process whereby the forecasted macroeconomic variables are reverted to their historical mean utilizing a straight line basis. The macroeconomic variables utilized as inputs in our modeling processes were subjected to a variety of analysis procedures and were selected primarily based on statistical relevancy and correlation to our historical credit losses. By reverting these modeling inputs to their historical mean and considering loan and borrower specific attributes, our models are intended to yield a measurement of expected credit losses that reflects our average historical loss rates for periods subsequent to the twelve-month reversion period. The LGD is based on historical recovery averages for each loan pool, adjusted to reflect the current impact of certain macroeconomic variables as well as their expected changes over a two-year forecast period, with the final twelve months of the forecast period encompassing a reversion process, which management considers to be both reasonable and supportable. The same forecast and reversion periods are used for all macroeconomic variables in our models.
Management qualitatively adjusts model results for risk factors that are not considered within our modeling processes but are nonetheless relevant in assessing the expected credit losses within our loan pools. These Q-Factor adjustments may increase or decrease management's estimate of expected credit losses by a calculated percentage or amount based upon the estimated level of risk. The various risks that may be considered in making Q-Factor adjustments include, among other things, the impact of (i) changes in lending policies and procedures, including changes in underwriting standards and practices for collections, charge-offs, and recoveries, (ii) actual and expected changes in economic and business conditions and developments that affect the collectability of the loan pools, (iii) changes in the nature and volume of the loan pools and in the terms of the underlying loans, (iv) changes in the experience, ability, and depth of our lending management and staff, (v) changes in volume and severity of past due financial assets, the volume of non-accrual assets, and the volume and severity of adversely classified or graded assets, (vi) changes in the quality of our credit review function, (vii) changes in the value of the underlying collateral for loans that are non-collateral dependent, (viii) the existence, growth, and effect of any concentrations of credit and (ix) other factors such as the regulatory, legal and technological environments; competition; and events such as natural disasters or health pandemics.
In some cases, management may determine that an individual loan exhibits unique risk characteristics which differentiate the loan from other loans within our loan pools. In such cases, the loans are evaluated for expected credit losses on an individual basis and excluded from the collective evaluation. Specific allocations of the allowance for credit losses are determined by analyzing the borrower’s ability to repay amounts owed, collateral deficiencies, the relative risk grade of the loan and economic conditions affecting the borrower’s industry, among other things. A loan is considered to be collateral dependent when, based upon management's assessment, the borrower is experiencing financial difficulty and repayment is expected to be provided substantially through the operation or sale of the collateral. In such cases, expected credit losses are based on the fair value of the collateral at the measurement date, adjusted for estimated selling costs if satisfaction of the loan depends on the sale of the collateral. We reevaluate the fair value of collateral supporting collateral dependent loans on a quarterly basis.
Specific reserves reflect expected credit losses on loans identified for evaluation or individually considered nonperforming. These loans no longer have similar risk characteristics to collectively evaluated loans due to changes in credit risk, borrower circumstances, recognition of write-offs, or cash collections that have been fully applied to principal on the basis of nonaccrual policies. At a minimum, the population of loans subject to individual evaluation include individual loans where it is probable we will be unable to collect all amounts due, according to the original contractual terms. These include nonaccrual loans with a balance greater than $500,000, accruing loans 90 days past due or greater with a balance greater than $100,000, specialty lending relationships and other loans as determined by management. Allowance for credit losses for consumer and residential loans are, primarily, determined by meaningful pools of similar loans and are evaluated on a quarterly basis.
Loans Held for Sale
Loans held for sale consist of residential mortgage loans originated with the intent to sell as well as the GreenSky portfolio which the Company had committed to a plan to sell at December 31, 2024. Prior to 2023, loans held for sale also
included commercial FHA mortgage loans originated with the intent to sell. Loans held for sale are carried at fair value, determined individually, as of the balance sheet date. The Company believes the fair value method better reflects the economic risks associated with these loans. Fair value measurements on loans held for sale are based on quoted market prices for similar loans in the secondary market, market quotes from anticipated sales contracts and commitments, or contract prices from firm sales commitments. The changes in the fair value of loans held for sale are reflected in noninterest income on the consolidated statements of income.
Mortgage Repurchase Reserve
The Company sells residential mortgage loans to investors in the normal course of business. Residential mortgage loans sold to investors are predominantly conventional residential first lien mortgages originated under our usual underwriting procedures, and are sold on a nonrecourse basis. The Company’s agreements to sell residential mortgage loans usually require general representations and warranties on the underlying loans sold, related to credit information, loan documentation, collateral, and insurability, which if subsequently untrue or breached, could require the Company to indemnify or repurchase certain loans affected. The balance in the repurchase reserve at the balance sheet date reflects the estimated amount of potential loss the Company could incur from repurchasing a loan, as well as loss reimbursements, indemnification, and other “make whole” settlement resolutions. There were no losses as a result of make-whole requests and loan repurchases for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022. The liability for unresolved repurchase demands totaled $0.1 million at December 31, 2024 and 2023.
Premises and Equipment
Premises, furniture and equipment, and leasehold improvements are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation expense is computed principally on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Leasehold improvements are amortized on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the life of the asset or the lease term. Estimated useful lives for premises range from 10 to 40 years and for equipment range from 3 to 10 years. Maintenance and repairs are charged to operating expenses as incurred, while improvements that extend the useful life of assets are capitalized and depreciated over the estimated remaining life.
We periodically review the carrying value of our long-lived assets to determine if impairment has occurred or whether changes in circumstances have occurred that would require a revision to the remaining useful life. In making such determination, we evaluate the performance, on an undiscounted basis, of the underlying operations or assets which give rise to such amount.
Operating Lease Right of Use Assets and Liabilities
The Company determines if a lease is present at the inception of an agreement. Operating leases are capitalized at commencement and are discounted using the Company’s FHLB borrowing rate for a similar term borrowing unless the lease defines an implicit rate within the contract.
The operating lease right of use assets represent the Company’s right to use an underlying asset for the lease term, and the operating lease liabilities represent the obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Operating lease right of use assets and operating lease liabilities are recognized on the lease commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. No significant judgments or assumptions were involved in developing the estimated operating lease liabilities as the Company’s operating lease liabilities largely represent future rental expenses associated with operating leases and the borrowing rates are based on publicly available interest rates.
Other Real Estate Owned
OREO represents properties acquired through foreclosure or other proceedings and is initially recorded at fair value at the date of foreclosure less estimated costs of disposal, which establishes a new cost basis. After foreclosure, OREO is held for sale and is carried at the lower of cost or fair value less estimated costs of disposal. Any write-down to fair value at the time of transfer to OREO is charged to the allowance for credit losses on loans. Fair value for OREO is based on an appraisal performed upon foreclosure. Property is evaluated regularly to ensure the recorded amount is supported by its fair value less estimated costs to dispose. After the initial foreclosure appraisal, fair value is generally determined by an annual appraisal unless known events warrant adjustments to the recorded value. Revenue from the operations of OREO is included in other income in the consolidated statements of income, and expense and decreases in valuations are included in other real estate owned expense in the consolidated statements of income.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Goodwill resulting from a business combination is generally determined as the excess of the fair value of consideration transferred 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 exist that indicate that a goodwill impairment test should be performed.
Testing of goodwill impairment comprises a two-step process. The testing is performed on each of the two reporting units, the Banking reporting unit and the Wealth Management reporting unit. First, the Company performs a qualitative assessment to evaluate relevant events or circumstances to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If the Company determines that it is more likely than not that an impairment has occurred, it proceeds to the quantitative impairment test, whereby it calculates the fair value of the reporting unit and compares it with its carrying amount, including goodwill. In its performance of impairment testing, the Company has the unconditional option to proceed directly to the quantitative impairment test, bypassing the qualitative assessment. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds the fair value, the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds fair value, up to the carrying value of goodwill, is recorded through earnings as an impairment charge. If the results of the qualitative assessment indicate that it is not more likely than not that an impairment has occurred, or if the quantitative impairment test results in a fair value of the reporting unit that is greater than the carrying amount, then no impairment charge is recorded.
Annually, the Company performs an impairment test of goodwill as of August 31. During the year ended December 31, 2024, management performed quarterly qualitative assessments and an annual qualitative impairment test, as a result of the economic uncertainty and increased market volatility resulting from the elevated interest rate environment. The Company's annual impairment test of goodwill and other intangible assets did not identify any impairment.
The Company performed a quantitative impairment test on its Banking reporting unit as of December 31, 2024. The Company engaged a third-party service provider to assist Management with the determination of the fair value of the Company in the fourth quarter of 2024. The resulting calculation indicated that the fair value exceeded the carrying amount of the Company's Banking reporting unit by approximately 7% as of December 31, 2024, which resulted in a determination of no impairment loss.
Significant judgment is necessary in the determination of the fair value of a reporting unit. The income valuation methodology requires an estimation of future cash flows, considering the after-tax results of operations, the extent and timing of credit losses, and appropriate discount and growth rates. Actual future cash flows may differ from forecasted results based on the assumptions used.
In performing the discounted cash flow analysis, the Company utilized multi-year cash projections that rely on internal forecasts of loan and deposit growth, bond mix, financing composition, market pricing of securities, credit performance, forward interest rates, future returns driven by net interest margin, fee generation and expense incurrence, industry and economic trends, and other relevant considerations. The long-term growth rate used in the calculation of fair value was derived from published projections of the inflation rate, along with Management estimates.
The discount rate was calculated as the cost of equity capital using the modified capital asset pricing model, which includes variables including the risk-free interest rate, beta, equity risk premium, size premium, and company-specific risk premium.
Other intangible assets, which consist of core deposit and acquired customer relationship intangible assets, are typically amortized over a period ranging from 1 to 20 years using an accelerated method of amortization. On a periodic basis, we evaluate events and circumstances that may indicate a change in the recoverability of the carrying value.
Loan Servicing Rights
When loans are sold with servicing retained, a servicing rights asset is capitalized, which represents the, then current, fair value of future net cash flows expected to be realized for performing servicing activities. Loan servicing rights are carried at the lower of the initial capitalized amount, net of accumulated amortization, or estimated fair value.
Loan servicing rights do not trade in an active market with readily observable prices. The fair value of loan servicing rights and their sensitivity to changes in interest rates is influenced by the mix of the servicing portfolio and characteristics of each segment of the portfolio. The Company’s servicing portfolio consists of distinct portfolios of government-insured residential and commercial mortgages, conventional residential mortgages and SBA loans. The Company periodically evaluates
its loan servicing rights asset for impairment. Impairment is assessed based on the fair value of net servicing cash flows at each reporting date using estimated prepayment speeds of the underlying loans serviced and stratifications based on the risk characteristics of the underlying loans. To the extent the amortized cost of the mortgage servicing rights exceeds the estimated fair value by stratification, the Company records an impairment expense and reduces the carrying value of the loan servicing rights.
We recognize revenue from servicing residential mortgages, commercial FHA mortgages, and SBA loans as earned based on the specific contractual terms. This revenue, along with amortization of and changes in impairment on servicing rights, is reported in residential mortgage banking revenue and other noninterest income, respectively, in the consolidated statements of income.
Cash Surrender Value of Life Insurance Policies
We have purchased life insurance policies on the lives of certain officers and key employees and are the owner and beneficiary of the policies. These policies provide an efficient form of funding for long-term retirement and other employee benefits costs. These policies are recorded as cash surrender value of life insurance policies in the consolidated balance sheets at each policy’s respective cash surrender value, adjusted for other charges or other amounts due that are probable at settlement, with changes in value recorded in noninterest income in the consolidated statements of income.
Credit Enhancement Asset
The Company is party to third-party loan origination programs. As part of these programs the third-party providers offer various credit enhancements with respect to loans originated under the programs, including contributions to reserve accounts, yield maintenance and certain other payments. In accordance with accounting guidance, we estimate and record an allowance for expected losses for these loans. When the allowance for credit losses on loans is recorded, a credit enhancement derivative is also recorded on the balance sheet with a corresponding entry to noninterest income in recognition of the partner's legal commitment to indemnify or reimburse the Company. The credit enhancement asset is relieved as credit enhancement payments and recoveries are received from the partner or taken from the partner's cash reserve account.
Derivative Financial Instruments
At the inception of a derivative contract, the Company designates the derivative as one of three types based on the intentions and belief as to likely effectiveness as a hedge. These three types are (1) a hedge of the fair value of a recognized asset or liability or of an unrecognized firm commitment ("fair value hedge"), (2) a hedge of a forecasted transaction or the variability of cash flows to be received or paid related to a recognized asset or liability ("cash flow hedge"), or (3) instruments that do not meet the accounting definition of a hedge. For a fair value hedge, the gain or loss on the derivative, as well as the offsetting loss or gain on the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk, are recognized in current earnings as fair values change. For a cash flow hedge, the gain or loss on the derivative is reported in other comprehensive income and is reclassified into earnings in the same periods during with the hedged transaction affects earnings.
All derivatives are recognized on the consolidated balance sheet as a component of other assets or other liabilities at their fair value. On the date the derivative contract is entered into, the derivative is designated as a hedge of a forecasted transaction or of the variability of cash flows to be received or paid related to a recognized asset or liability cash flow hedge. Changes in the fair value of a derivative that is highly effective as, and that is designated and qualifies as, a cash flow hedge are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income, until earnings are affected by the variability of cash flows (e.g., when periodic settlements on a variable-rate asset or liability are recorded in earnings).
We formally document all relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as the risk-management objective and strategy for undertaking various hedged transactions. This process includes linking all derivatives that are designated as cash flow hedges to specific assets and liabilities on the balance sheet or forecasted transactions. We also formally assess, both at the hedge’s inception and on an ongoing basis, whether the derivatives that are used in hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting changes in cash flows or fair value of hedged items.
Hedge accounting is prospectively discontinued when (a) it is determined that the derivative is no longer effective in offsetting changes in the cash flows of a hedged item (including forecasted transactions); (b) the derivative expires or is sold, terminated, or exercised; (c) the derivative is no longer designated as a hedge instrument because it is unlikely that a forecasted transaction will occur; or (d) management determines that designation of the derivative as a hedge instrument is no longer appropriate.
When hedge accounting is discontinued because it is probable that a forecasted transaction will not occur, the derivative will continue to be carried on the consolidated balance sheet at its fair value, and gains and losses that were in accumulated other comprehensive income will be recognized immediately in earnings. In all other situations in which hedge accounting is discontinued, the derivative will be carried at its fair value on the consolidated balance sheet, with subsequent changes in its fair value recognized in current-period earnings.
The Company also enters into interest rate lock commitments, which are agreements to originate mortgage loans whereby the interest rate on the loan is determined prior to funding and the customers have locked into that interest rate. Interest rate lock commitments for mortgage loans that will be held for sale are carried at fair value on the consolidated balance sheet with changes in fair value reflected in residential mortgage banking revenue. The Company also has forward loan sales commitments related to its interest rate lock commitments and its loans held for sale. Forward loan sales commitments that meet the definition of a derivative are recorded at fair value in the consolidated balance sheet with changes in fair value reflected in residential mortgage banking revenue.
Allowance for Credit Losses on Unfunded Commitments
In the ordinary course of business, the Company has entered into credit-related financial instruments consisting of commitments to extend credit, commercial letters of credit and standby letters of credit. The notional amount of these commitments is not reflected in the consolidated financial statements until they are funded.
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 allowance for credit losses on unfunded commitments is adjusted as a provision for credit loss expense on the consolidated income statement. The estimate includes consideration of the likelihood that funding will occur and an estimate of expected credit losses on commitments expected to be funded over its estimated life. Expected utilization rates are compared to the current funded portion of the total commitment amount as a practical expedient for funded exposure at default. The allowance for credit losses on unfunded commitments totaled $4.6 million and $3.5 million at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Income Taxes
We file consolidated federal and state income tax returns, with each organization computing its taxes on a separate return basis. The provision for income taxes is based on income as reported in the consolidated financial statements.
Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are computed annually for differences between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities that will result in taxable or deductible amounts in the future. The deferred tax assets and liabilities are computed based on enacted tax laws and rates applicable to the periods in which the differences are expected to affect taxable income. Deferred tax assets 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. Income tax expense is the tax payable or refundable for the period plus or minus the change during the period in deferred tax assets and liabilities.
When tax returns are filed, it is highly certain that some positions taken will 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 consolidated 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 of being realized upon settlement with the applicable taxing authority. Should the accrual of any interest or penalties relative to unrecognized tax benefits be necessary, it is our policy to record such accruals in other income or expense. The Company evaluated its tax positions and concluded that it had taken no uncertain tax positions that require adjustment in the consolidated financial statements.
Share-Based Compensation Plans
Compensation cost for share-based payment awards is based on the fair value of the award at the date of grant. The fair value of stock options is estimated at the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option pricing model. The fair value of restricted stock is determined based on the Company’s current market price on the date of grant. Compensation cost is recognized in the consolidated financial statements on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period, which is generally defined as the vesting period. Additionally, the Company accounts for forfeitures as they occur.
Comprehensive Income
Comprehensive income is defined as net income plus transactions and other occurrences that are the result of non-owner changes in equity. Non-owner equity changes include unrealized gains and losses on available for sale securities and changes in the fair value of cash flow hedges. These are components of comprehensive income and do not have an impact on the Company’s net income.
Earnings per Share
Earnings per share are calculated utilizing the two-class method. Basic earnings per share are calculated by dividing the sum of distributed earnings to common shareholders and undistributed earnings allocated to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per share are calculated by dividing the sum of distributed earnings to common shareholders and undistributed earnings allocated to common shareholders by the weighted average number of shares adjusted for the dilutive effect of common stock awards.
Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the parent company and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. Assets held for customers in a fiduciary or agency capacity, other than trust cash on deposit with the Bank, are not assets of the Company and, accordingly, are not included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
Accounting Guidance Adopted in 2024
FASB ASU No. 2023-02, Investments—Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323): Accounting for Investments in Tax Credit Structures Using the Proportional Amortization Method – In March 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-02, which allows for reporting entities to elect to account for qualifying tax equity investments using the proportional amortization method, regardless of the type of program the tax credits are related to. The ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023. The Company adopted this guidance on January 1, 2024 on a prospective basis. The adoption of this accounting pronouncement did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.
FASB ASU No. 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures - In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-07, which requires public entities to disclose significant segment expenses, an amount and description for other segment items, the title and position of the entity's chief operating decision maker and an explanation of how the chief operating decision maker uses the reported measures of profit or loss to assess segment performance, and, on an interim basis, certain segment related disclosures that previously were required only on an annual basis. The ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023 and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. The Company has updated the related disclosures for the current fiscal year.
Accounting Guidance Not Yet Adopted
FASB ASU No. 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures - In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-09, which requires public entities to disclose in their rate reconciliation table additional categories of information about federal, state and foreign income taxes and to provide more details about the reconciling items in some categories if items meet a quantitative threshold. The pronouncement also requires entities to disclose income taxes paid, net of refunds, disaggregated by federal, state and foreign taxes for annual periods and to disaggregate the information by jurisdiction based on a quantitative threshold, among other things. The ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024, with early adoption permitted. The Company will update the related disclosures upon adoption.
FASB ASU No. 2024-03, Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income - Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (Subtopic 220-40): Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses - In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-03 in order to improve the disclosures about a public business entity's expenses and address requests from investors for more detailed information about the types of expenses in commonly presented expense captions. The amendments in ASU 2024-03 require disclosure, in the notes to the financial statements, of specified information about certain costs and expenses in interim and year-end reporting periods. The amendments in this ASU apply to all public business entities and are effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2026, and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2027. Early adoption is permitted. The amendments are to be applied either (1) prospectively to financial statements issued for reporting periods after the effective date or (2) retrospectively to any or all prior periods presented in the financial statements. The Company will update the related disclosures upon adoption.