Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Description of Business

Description of Business. Pacific Premier Bancorp, Inc., a Delaware corporation organized in 1997 (the “Corporation”), is a California-based bank holding company that owns 100% of the capital stock of Pacific Premier Bank, a California-chartered commercial bank (the “Bank,” and together with the Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries, the “Company”), the Corporation’s principal operating subsidiary. The Bank was incorporated and commenced operations in 1983.

The principal business of the Company is attracting deposits from the general public and investing those deposits, together with funds generated from operations and borrowings, primarily in business loans and real estate property loans. At December 31, 2019, the Company had 41 depository branches located in the counties of Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara, California, as well as Pima and Maricopa Counties, Arizona, Clark County, Nevada and Clark County, Washington. The Company is subject to competition from other financial institutions. The Company is subject to the regulations of certain governmental agencies and undergoes periodic examinations by those regulatory authorities.

Principles of Consolidation

Principles of Consolidation. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Corporation and its wholly-owned subsidiary the Bank. The Company accounts for its investments in its wholly-owned special purpose entities, Heritage Oaks Capital Trust II and Santa Lucia Bancorp (CA) Capital Trust under the equity method whereby the subsidiary’s net earnings are recognized in the Company’s Statement of Income and the investment in these entities is included in Other Assets on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. The Company is organized and operates as a single reporting segment, principally engaged in the commercial banking business. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Basis of Financial Statement Presentation

Basis of Financial Statement Presentation. The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (‘’U.S. GAAP’’). Certain amounts in the financial statements and related footnote disclosures for the prior years have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation with no impact to previously reported net income or stockholders’ equity.

Use of Estimates

Use of Estimates. The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, as well as the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Estimates may change as new information is obtained.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and Cash Equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, cash balances due from banks and federal funds sold. Interest bearing deposits with financial institutions represent primarily cash held at the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco. At December 31, 2019, there were no cash reserves required by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (“Federal Reserve”) for depository institutions based on the amount of deposits held. The Company maintains amounts due from banks that exceed federally insured limits. The Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts.

Securities

Securities. The Company has established written guidelines and objectives for its investing activities. At the time of purchase, management designates the security as either held to maturity, available-for-sale or held for trading based on the Company’s investment objectives, operational needs and intent. The investments are monitored to ensure that those activities are consistent with the established guidelines and objectives.

Securities Held-to-Maturity/Available-for-sale

Securities Available-for-Sale. Investments in debt securities that management has no immediate plan to sell, but which may be sold in the future, are carried at fair value. Premiums and discounts are amortized using the interest method over the remaining period to the call date for premiums or contractual maturity for discounts and, in the case of mortgage-backed securities, the estimated average life, which can fluctuate based on the anticipated prepayments on the underlying collateral of the securities. Unrealized holding gains and losses, net of tax, are recorded in a separate component of stockholders’ equity as accumulated other comprehensive income. Realized gains and losses on the sales of securities are determined on the specific identification method, recorded on a trade date basis based on the amortized cost basis of the specific security and are included in noninterest income as net gain (loss) on investment securities.

Securities Held-to-Maturity. Investments in debt securities that management has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are reported at cost and adjusted for periodic principal payments and the amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts, which are recognized in interest income using the interest method over the period of time remaining to investment’s maturity.

Impairment of Investments

Impairment of Investments. Quarterly, the Company evaluates investment securities in an unrealized loss position for OTTI. In determining whether a security’s decline in fair value is other-than-temporary, the Company considers a number of factors including: (i) the length of time and the extent to which the fair value of the investment has been less than its amortized cost; (ii) the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer; (iii) the intent and ability of the Company to hold the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for an anticipated recovery in fair value; (iv) downgrades in credit ratings; and (v) general market conditions which reflect prospects for the economy as a whole, including interest rates and sector credit spreads. If it is determined that an OTTI exists, and either the Company intends to sell the investment or it is likely the Company will be required to sell the investment before its anticipated recovery, the total amount of the OTTI, which is measured as the amount by which the investment’s amortized cost exceeds its fair value, is recognized in current period earnings. If the Company has the intent and ability to hold the investment and it is not more likely than not it will be required to sell the investment prior to an anticipated recovery of its amortized cost basis, the Company records in current period earnings the portion of OTTI deemed to be credit related, while the remaining portion of OTTI deemed to be non-credit related is recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax. Credit related OTTI losses are determined through a discounted cash flow analysis, which incorporates assumptions concerning the estimated timing and amounts of expected cash flows. Non-credit related OTTI losses result from other factors such as changes in interest rates and general market conditions. The presentation of OTTI in the consolidated financial statements is on a gross basis with a reduction in the gross amount for the portion of the loss deemed non-credit related, which is recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax.

Federal Home Loan Bank Stock

Federal Home Loan Bank Stock. The Bank is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank System. Members are required to own a certain amount of stock based on the level of borrowings and other factors, and may invest in additional amounts. FHLB stock is carried at cost and periodically evaluated for impairment based on ultimate recovery of par value. Both cash and stock dividends are recorded as a component of interest income.

Federal Reserve Bank Stock

Federal Reserve Bank Stock. The Bank is a member of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco (the “FRB”). FRB stock is carried at cost, classified as a restricted security, and periodically evaluated for impairment based on ultimate recovery of par value. Both cash and stock dividends are recorded as a component of interest income.

Loans Held for Sale

Loans Held for Sale. Loans that the Company has the intent to sell prior to maturity have been designated as held for sale at origination and are recorded at lower of cost or fair value. Gains or losses are recognized upon the sale of the loans on a specific identification basis.

Loan Servicing Assets

Loan Servicing Assets. Servicing assets are related to SBA loans sold and are recognized at the time of sale when servicing is retained with the income statement effect recorded in gains on sales of SBA loans. Servicing assets are initially recorded at fair value based on the present value of the contractually specified servicing fee, net of estimated servicing costs, over the estimated life of the loan, using a discount rate. The Company’s servicing costs approximates the industry average servicing costs of approximately 40 basis points. The servicing assets are subsequently amortized into noninterest income in proportion to, and over the period of, the estimated future net servicing income of the underlying loans. The Company periodically evaluates servicing assets for impairment based upon the fair value of the assets as compared to their carrying amount.

The Company typically sells the guaranteed portion of SBA loans and retains the unguaranteed portion (“retained interest”). A portion of the premium on sale of SBA loans is recognized as gain on sale of loans at the time of the sale by allocating the carrying amount between the asset sold and the retained interest, based on their relative fair values. The remaining portion of the premium is recorded as a discount on the retained interest and is amortized over the remaining life of the loan as an adjustment to yield. The retained interest, net of any discount, are included in loans held for investment—net of allowance for loan losses in the accompanying consolidated statements of financial condition.

Loans Held for Investment

Loans Held for Investment. Loans held for investment are loans the Company has the ability and intent to hold until their maturity. The loans are carried at amortized cost, net of discounts and premiums on purchased loans, deferred loan origination fees and costs and ALLL. Net deferred loan origination fees and costs on loans are amortized or accreted using the interest method over the expected life of the loans. Amortization of deferred loan fees and costs are discontinued for loans placed on nonaccrual. Any remaining deferred fees or costs and prepayment fees associated with loans that payoff prior to contractual maturity are included in loan interest income in the period of payoff. Loan commitment fees received to originate or purchase a loan are deferred and, if the commitment is exercised, recognized over the life of the loan using the interest method as an adjustment of yield or, if the commitment expires unexercised, recognized as income upon expiration of the commitment.

Interest on loans is recognized using the interest method and is only accrued if deemed collectible. Loans for which the accrual of interest has been discontinued are designated as nonaccrual loans. The accrual of interest on loans is discontinued when principal or interest is past due 90 days based on contractual terms of the loan or when, in the opinion of management, there is reasonable doubt as to collection of principal and or interest. When loans are placed on nonaccrual status, all interest previously accrued but not collected is reversed against current period interest income. Interest income generally is not recognized on nonaccrual loans unless the likelihood of further loss is remote. Interest payments received on nonaccrual loans are applied as a reduction to the loan principal balance. Interest accruals are resumed on such loans only when they are brought current with respect to interest and principal and when, in the judgment of management, the loans are estimated to be fully collectible as to all principal and interest.

A loan is considered to be impaired when it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due (principal and interest) according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. The Company reviews loans for impairment when the loan is classified as substandard or worse, delinquent 90 days, determined by management to be collateral dependent, or when the borrower files bankruptcy or is granted concession which qualifies as a troubled debt restructuring. Measurement of impairment is based on the loan’s expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, measured by reference to an observable market value, if one exists, or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is deemed collateral dependent. The Company measures impairment on a loan-by-loan basis. Loans for which impairment has been determined are generally charged-off at such time the loan is classified as a loss.

Allowance for Loan Losses

Allowance for Loan Losses. The Company maintains an ALLL at a level deemed appropriate by management to provide for known or probable incurred losses in the portfolio as of the date of the consolidated statements of financial condition. The Company has an internal loan review system and loss allowance methodology designed to provide for the detection of problem loans and an appropriate level of allowance to cover loan losses. Management’s determination of the adequacy of the ALLL is based on an evaluation of the composition of the portfolio, actual loss experience, industry charge-off experience on income property loans, current economic conditions and other relevant factors in the area in which the Company’s lending and real estate activities are based. These factors may affect the borrower’s ability to pay as well as the value of the underlying collateral securing loans. The allowance is calculated by applying loss factors to loans held for investment according to loan type and loan credit classification. The loss factors are based primarily upon the Bank’s historical loss experience and industry charge-off experience, and are evaluated on a quarterly basis.

At December 31, 2019, the following portfolio segments have been identified. Segments are groupings of similar loans at a level, for which the Company has adopted systematic methods of documentation for determining its allowance for loan losses:

• Commercial and industrial (including Franchise) - C&I loans are secured by business assets including inventory, receivables and machinery and equipment to businesses located generally in our primary market area. Loan types includes revolving lines or credit, term loans, seasonal loans and loans secured by liquid collateral such as cash deposits or marketable securities. HOA credit facilities are included in C&I loans. We also issue letters of credit on behalf of our customers. Risk arises primarily due to the difference between expected and actual cash flows of the borrowers. In addition, the recoverability of the Company’s investment in these loans is also dependent on other factors primarily dictated by the type of collateral securing these loans. The fair value of the collateral securing these loans may fluctuate as market conditions change. In the case of loans secured by accounts receivable, the recovery of the Company’s investment is dependent upon the borrower’s ability to collect amounts due from its customers.

• Commercial real estate (including owner occupied and non-owner occupied) - CRE loans include various type of loans which the Company holds real property as collateral. CRE lending activity is typically restricted to owner occupied or non-owner occupied. The primary risks of real estate loans include the borrower’s inability to pay, material decreases in the value of the real estate that is being held as collateral and significant increases in interest rates, which may make the real estate loan unprofitable to the borrower. Real estate loans may be more adversely affected by conditions in the real estate markets or in the general economy.

• SBA - We are approved to originate loans under the SBA’s Preferred Lenders Program (“PLP”). The PLP lending status affords us a higher level of delegated credit autonomy, translating to a significantly shorter turnaround time from application to funding, which is critical to our marketing efforts. We originate loans nationwide under the SBA’s 7(a), SBAExpress, International Trade and 504(a) loan programs, in conformity with SBA underwriting and documentation standards. SBA loans are similar to commercial business loans, but have additional credit enhancement provided by the U.S. Small Business Administration, for up to 85.00% of the loan amount for loans up to $150,000 and 75.00% of the loan amount for loans of more than $150,000. The Company originates SBA loans with the intent to sell the guaranteed portion into the secondary market on a quarterly basis.

• Agribusiness and farmland - We originate loans to the agricultural community to fund seasonal production and longer term investments in land, buildings, equipment, and livestock. Agribusiness loans are for the purpose of financing agricultural production to finance crops and livestock. Farmland loans include all land known to be used or usable for agricultural purposes, such as crop and livestock production and is secured by the land and improvements thereon.

• Multi-family - Loans secured by multi-family and commercial real estate properties generally involve a greater degree of credit risk than one-to-four family loans. Because payments on loans secured by multi-family and commercial real estate properties are often dependent on the successful operation or management of the properties, repayment of these loans may be subject to adverse conditions in the real estate market or the economy.

• One-to-four family - Although we do not originate, through our bank acquisitions, we have acquired first lien single family loans. The primary risks of one-to-four family loans include the borrower’s inability to pay, material decreases in the value of the real estate that is being held as collateral and significant increases in interest rates, which may make loans unprofitable.

• Construction and land - We originate loans for the construction of one-to-four family and multi-family residences and CRE properties in our primary market area. We concentrate our efforts on single homes and small infill projects in established neighborhoods where there is not abundant land available for development. Construction loans are considered to have higher risks due to construction completion and timing risk, and the ultimate repayment being sensitive to interest rate changes, government regulation of real property and the availability of long-term financing. Additionally, economic conditions may impact the Company’s ability to recover its investment in construction loans, as adverse economic conditions may negatively impact the real estate market, which could affect the borrower’s ability to complete and sell the project. Additionally, the fair value of the underlying collateral may fluctuate as market conditions change. We occasionally originate land loans located predominantly in California for the purpose of facilitating the ultimate construction of a home or commercial building. The primary risks include the borrower’s inability to pay and the inability of the Company to recover its investment due to a decline in the fair value of the underlying collateral.

• Consumer loans - In addition to consumer loans acquired through our various bank acquisitions, we originate a limited number of consumer loans, generally for banking customers only, which consist primarily of home equity lines of credit, savings account secured loans and auto loans. Repayment of these loans is dependent on the borrower’s ability to pay and the fair value of the underlying collateral.

Various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the Company’s ALLL and loan review process. Such agencies may require the Company to recognize additions to the allowance based on judgments different from those of management.  

In the opinion of management, and in accordance with the credit loss allowance methodology, the present allowance is considered adequate to absorb probable incurred credit losses as of the date of these consolidated financial statements. Additions and reductions to the allowance are reflected in current operations. Charge-offs recorded against the allowance, for all loan segments, are made when specific loans are considered uncollectible or are transferred to other real estate owned and the fair value of the property is less than the Company’s recorded investment in the loan. Recoveries of amounts previously charged-off are credited to the allowance.

Although management uses the best information available to make these estimates, future adjustments to the allowance may be necessary due to economic, operating, regulatory and other conditions that may extend beyond the Company’s control.

Purchased Credit Impaired Loans

Purchased Credit Impaired Loans. As part of business acquisitions, the Bank acquires certain loans that have shown evidence of credit deterioration since origination, referred to as PCI loans. These loans are recorded at the fair value, such that no ALLL is established upon their acquisition. The Company has elected to account for PCI loans individually. The Company estimates the amount and timing of expected cash flows for each purchased loan, and the expected cash flows in excess of the fair value is recorded as interest income over the remaining life of the loan and is referred to as the accretable yield. The excess of the loan’s contractual principal and interest over expected cash flows is not recorded and is referred to as the non-accretable difference. Periodically, the Company performs an evaluation of expected cash flows for PCI loans. Subsequent decreases in expected future cash flows beyond the expected cash flows as of the acquisition date are accounted for by establishing an ALLL for PCI loans through a charge to the provision for loan losses. If subsequent reforecasts indicate there has been a probable and significant increase in the level of expected future cash flows, the Company first reduces any previously established ALLL for PCI loans and then accounts for the remainder of the increase on a prospective basis through interest income as an adjustment to the accretable yield.

Other Real Estate Owned

Other Real Estate Owned. Real estate properties acquired through, or in lieu of, loan foreclosure are recorded at fair value, less estimated costs to sell, with any excess loan balance over the fair value of the property charged against the ALLL. The Company obtains an appraisal and/or market valuation on all other real estate owned at the time of possession. After foreclosure, valuations are periodically performed by management. Any subsequent declines in fair value are recorded as a charge to current period earnings with a corresponding write-down to the asset. All legal fees and direct costs, including foreclosure and other related costs are expensed as incurred.

Premises and Equipment

Premises and Equipment. Premises and equipment are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization are computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which range from forty years for buildings, seven years for furniture, fixtures and equipment, and three years for computer and telecommunication equipment. The cost of leasehold improvements is amortized using the straight-line method over the shorter of the estimated useful life of the asset or the term of the related leases.

The Company periodically evaluates the recoverability of long-lived assets, such as premises and equipment, to ensure the carrying value has not been impaired. Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell.

Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase

Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase. The Company enters into sales of securities under agreement to repurchase. These agreements are treated as financing arrangements and, accordingly, the obligations to repurchase the securities sold are reflected as liabilities in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. The securities collateralizing these agreements are delivered to several major national brokerage firms who arranged the transactions. The securities are reflected as assets in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. The brokerage firms may loan such securities to other parties in the normal course of their operations and agree to return the identical security to the Company at the maturity of the agreements.

Bank Owned Life Insurance

Bank Owned Life Insurance. BOLI is accounted for using the cash surrender value method and is recorded at its realizable value as an asset on the consolidated statements of financial condition. The Bank is the beneficiary under each policy. Changes in the cash surrender value of BOLI and the death benefits of an insured individual covered by these policies, after distribution to the insured’s beneficiaries, if any, are recorded as tax-exempt noninterest income on the consolidated statements of income.

Goodwill and Core Deposit Intangible

Goodwill and Core Deposit Intangible. Goodwill is generally determined as the excess of the fair value of the consideration transferred, plus the fair value of any noncontrolling interests in the acquiree, over the fair value of the net assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date. Goodwill and intangible assets acquired in a purchase business combination and determined to have indefinite useful lives are not amortized, but tested for impairment at least annually or more frequently if events and circumstances exist that indicate the necessity for such impairment tests to be performed. The Company typically performs its annual impairment testing in the fourth quarter. Intangible assets with definite useful lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives to their estimated residual values. As of December 31, 2019, goodwill is the only intangible asset with an indefinite life recorded in the Company’s consolidated statements of financial condition.

Core deposit intangible assets arising from whole bank acquisitions are amortized on either an accelerated basis, reflecting the pattern in which the economic benefits of the intangible asset is consumed or otherwise used up, or on a straight-line amortization method over their estimated useful lives, which ranges from six to eleven years.

Loan Commitments and Related Financial Instruments

Loan Commitments and Related Financial Instruments. Financial instruments include off-balance sheet credit instruments, such as commitments to make loans and commercial letters of credit, issued to meet customer financing needs. The face amount for these items represents the exposure to loss, before considering customer collateral or ability to repay. Such financial instruments are recorded when they are funded.

Subordinated Debentures

Subordinated Debentures. Long-term borrowings are carried at cost, adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts, which are recognized in interest expense using the interest method. Debt issuance costs are recognized in interest expense using the interest method over the life of the instrument.

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation. The Company issues various forms of stock-based compensation awards annually to officers and directors of the Company, including stock options, restricted stock awards and restricted stock units. The related compensation costs are recognized in the income statement based on the grant-date fair value over the period they are expected to vest, net of estimates for forfeitures. Estimates for forfeitures are based on the Company’s historical experience for each award type. A Black-Scholes model is utilized to estimate the fair value of stock options. The Black-Scholes model uses certain assumptions to determine grant-date fair value such as: expected volatility, expected term of the option, expected risk-free rate of interest and expected dividend yield on the Corporation’s common stock. The market price of the Corporation’s common stock at the grant-date is used for restricted stock awards in determining the grant-date fair value for those awards.

Restricted stock units are granted to officers of the Company, and represent stock-based compensation awards that when ultimately settled, result in the payment of cash or the issuance of shares of the Corporation’s common stock to the grantee. As with other stock-based compensation awards, compensation cost for restricted stock units is recognized over the period in which the awards are expected to vest. Certain of the Corporation’s restricted stock units contain vesting conditions which are based on pre-determined performance targets. The level at which the associated performance targets are achieved can impact the ultimate settlement of the award with the grantee and thus the level of compensation expense ultimately recognized. Certain of these awards contain a market condition whereby the vesting of the award is based on the Company’s performance, such as total shareholder return, relative to its peers over a specified period of time. The grant date fair value of market based restricted stock units is determined through the use of an independent third party which employs the use of a Monte Carlo simulation. The Monte Carlo simulation estimates grant date fair value using input assumptions similar to those used in the Black-Scholes model, however, it also incorporates into the grant date fair value calculation the probability that the performance targets will be achieved. The grant date fair value of restricted stock units that do not contain a market condition for vesting is based on the price of the Corporation’s common stock on the grant date.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in the Company’s financial statements or tax returns using the asset liability method. In estimating future tax consequences, all expected future events other than enactments of changes in the tax law or rates are considered. The effect on deferred taxes of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. Deferred tax assets are recognized for temporary differences that will result in deductible amounts in future years and for tax carryforwards if, in the opinion of management, it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will be realized. At December 31, 2019 and 2018, no valuation allowance was deemed necessary against the Company’s deferred tax assets.

A tax position is recognized as a benefit only if it is “more likely than not” that the tax position would be sustained in a tax examination, with a tax examination being presumed to occur. The amount recognized is the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized on examination. For tax positions not meeting the “more likely than not” test, no tax benefit is recorded. The Company recognizes interest and / or penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense.

Earnings per Share

Earnings per Share. Earnings per share of common stock is calculated on both a basic and diluted basis, based on the weighted average number of common and common equivalent shares outstanding. Basic earnings per share excludes potential dilution from common equivalent shares, such as those associated with stock-based compensation awards, and is computed by dividing net income allocated to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock, such as common equivalent shares associated with stock-based compensation awards, were exercised or converted into common stock that would then share in the net earnings of the Corporation. Potential dilution from common equivalent shares is determined using the treasury stock method, reflecting the potential settlement of stock-based compensation awards resulting in the issuance of additional shares of the Corporation’s common stock. Stock-based compensation awards that would have an anti-dilutive effect have been excluded from the determination of earnings per common share.

Restricted stock awards and restricted stock units are deemed participating securities by the Corporation, and therefore the Corporation computes earnings per common share using the two-class method. Under the two-class method, distributed and undistributed net earnings allocable to participating securities are deducted from net income to determine net income allocable to common shareholders, which is then used in the numerator of both basic and diluted earnings per share calculations. Participating securities are excluded from the denominator of both basic and diluted earnings per common share.

Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive Income. Comprehensive income is reported in addition to net income for all periods presented. Comprehensive income is a more inclusive financial reporting methodology that includes disclosure of other comprehensive income (loss) that historically has not been recognized in the calculation of net income. Unrealized gains and losses on the Company’s available-for-sale investment securities are required to be included in other comprehensive income or loss. Total comprehensive income (loss) and the components of accumulated other comprehensive income or loss are presented in the Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity and Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.

Loss Contingencies

Loss Contingencies. Loss contingencies, including claims and legal action arising in the ordinary course of business, are recorded as liabilities when the likelihood of loss is probable and an amount or range of loss can be reasonably estimated. Management does not believe there now are such matters that will have a material effect on the financial statements.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Fair Value of Financial Instruments. Fair values of financial instruments are estimated using relevant market information and other assumptions, as more fully disclosed in a separate note. Fair value is an exit price, representing the amount that would be received to sell an asset or transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. Fair value estimates involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment regarding interest rates, credit risk, prepayments, and other factors, especially in the absence of broad markets for particular items. Fair value measures are classified according to a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which is based on the observability of inputs used to measure fair value. GAAP requires the Company to maximize the use of observable inputs when measuring fair value. Changes in assumptions or in market conditions could significantly affect these estimates.

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis

Impaired Loans – A loan is considered impaired when it is probable that payment of interest and principal will not be made in accordance with the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Impairment is measured based on the fair value of the underlying collateral or the discounted expected future cash flows. Collateral generally consists of accounts receivable, inventory, fixed assets, real estate and cash. The Company measures impairment on all non-accrual loans for which it has reduced the principal balance to the value of the underlying collateral less the anticipated selling cost.

Other Real Estate Owned – OREO is initially recorded at the fair value less estimated costs to sell. This amount becomes the property’s new basis. Any fair value adjustments based on the property’s fair value less estimated costs to sell at the date of acquisition are charged to the ALLL.

The fair value of impaired loans and other real estate owned were determined using Level 3 assumptions, and represents impaired loan and other real estate owned balances for which a specific reserve has been established or on which a write down has been taken. Generally, the Company obtains third party appraisals (or property valuations) and/or collateral audits in conjunction with internal analysis based on historical experience on its impaired loans and other real estate owned to determine fair value. In determining the net realizable value of the underlying collateral for impaired loans, the Company will then discount the valuation to cover both market price fluctuations and selling costs the Company expected would be incurred in the event of foreclosure. In addition to the discounts taken, the Company’s calculation of net realizable value considered any other senior liens in place on the underlying collateral.

At December 31, 2019, substantially all of the Company’s impaired loans were evaluated based on the fair value of their underlying collateral based upon the most recent appraisal available to management. The Company completed partial charge-offs on certain impaired loans individually evaluated for impairment based on recent real estate appraisals and released the related specific reserves during the year ended December 31, 2019. The Company has recorded no specific reserve on loans deemed impaired at December 31, 2019.

The fair value of an asset or liability is the exchange price that would be received to sell that asset or paid to transfer that liability (exit price) in an orderly transaction occurring in the principal market (or most advantageous market in the absence of a principal market) for such asset or liability. In estimating fair value, the Company utilizes valuation techniques that are consistent with the market approach, the income approach, and/or the cost approach. Such valuation techniques are consistently applied. Inputs to valuation techniques include the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability. ASC Topic 825 requires disclosure of the fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities, including both those financial assets and financial liabilities that are not measured and reported at fair value on a recurring basis and a non-recurring basis. The methodologies for estimating the fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities that are measured at fair value are discussed below.

In accordance with accounting guidance, the Company groups its financial assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value in three levels, based on the markets in which the assets and liabilities are traded and the reliability of the assumptions used to determine fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements). The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are described as follows:

Level 1 - Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities.

Level 2 - Inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. These might include quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability (such as interest rates, prepayment speeds, volatilities, etc.) or model-based valuation techniques where all significant assumptions are observable, either directly or indirectly, in the market.

Level 3 - Valuation is generated from model-based techniques where one or more significant inputs are not observable, either directly or indirectly, in the market. These unobservable assumptions reflect the Company’s own estimates of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Valuation techniques may include use of matrix pricing, discounted cash flow models, and similar techniques.

Because no market exists for a significant portion of the Company’s financial instruments, fair value estimates are based on judgments regarding current economic conditions, risk characteristics of various financial instruments, and other factors. These estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment and, therefore, cannot be determined with precision. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the fair values presented. Management uses its best judgment in estimating the fair value of the Company’s financial instruments; however, there are inherent limitations in any estimation technique. Therefore, for substantially all financial instruments, the fair value estimates presented herein are not necessarily indicative of the amounts the Company could have realized in a sales transaction at December 31, 2019 and 2018.

A financial instrument’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Management maximizes the use of observable inputs and attempts to minimize the use of unobservable inputs when determining fair value measurements. Estimated fair values are disclosed for financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate fair value. These estimates are made at a specific point in time based on relevant market data and information about the financial instruments. These estimates do not reflect any premium or discount that could result from offering the Company’s entire holdings of a particular financial instrument for sale at one time, nor do they attempt to estimate the value of anticipated future business related to the instruments. In addition, the tax ramifications related to the realization of unrealized gains and losses can have a significant effect on fair value estimates and have not been considered in any of these estimates.

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

The following is a description of both the general and specific valuation methodologies used for certain instruments measured at fair value, as well as the general classification of these instruments pursuant to the valuation hierarchy.

Investment securities – Investment securities are generally valued based upon quotes obtained from an independent third-party pricing service, which uses evaluated pricing applications and model processes. Observable market inputs, such as, benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, issuer spreads, two-sided markets, benchmark securities, bids, offers and reference data are considered as part of the evaluation. The inputs are related directly to the security being evaluated, or indirectly to a similarly situated security. Market assumptions and market data are utilized in the valuation models. The Company reviews the market prices provided by the third-party pricing service for reasonableness based on the Company’s understanding of the market place and credit issues related to the securities. The Company has not made any adjustments to the market quotes provided by them and, accordingly, the Company categorized its investment portfolio within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Derivative assets and liabilities – The Company originates a variable rate loan and enters into a variable-to fixed interest rate swap with the customer. The Company also enters into an offsetting swap with a correspondent bank. These back-to-back swap agreements are intended to offset each other and allow the Company to originate a variable rate loan, while providing a contract for fixed interest payments for the customer. The net cash flow for the Company is equal to the interest income received from a variable rate loan originated with the customer. The fair value of these derivatives is based on a market standard discounted cash flow approach. Due to the observable nature of the inputs used in deriving the fair value of these derivative contracts, the valuation of interest rate swaps is classified as Level 2.

Reclassifications

Reclassifications. Some items in prior year financial statements were reclassified to conform to the current presentation. Reclassifications had no effect on prior year net income or stockholders’ equity.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Accounting Standards Adopted in 2019

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). This Update was issued to increase the transparency and comparability around lease obligations. Previously unrecorded off-balance sheet lease obligations and corresponding rights to use underlying leased assets are now recorded in the consolidated financial statements, accompanied by enhanced qualitative and quantitative disclosures in the notes to the consolidated financial statements. The Update is generally effective for public business entities in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years.

In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-08, Receivables - Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs (Subtopic 310-20): Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities. This Update amends guidance on the amortization period of premiums on certain purchased callable debt securities. The amendments shorten the amortization period of premiums on purchased callable debt securities to the earliest call date. This Update should be applied on a modified retrospective basis through a cumulative-effect adjustment to beginning retained earnings. The effective date of ASU 2017-08 is for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018. The adoption of this standard did not have a material effect on the Company’s operating results or financial condition.

In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-10, Codification Improvements to Topic 842, Leases and ASU 2018-11, Leases (Topic 842): Targeted Improvements. ASU 2018-10 provides improvements related to ASU 2016-02 to increase stakeholders’ awareness of the amendments to Topic 842 and to expedite the improvements. The amendments affect narrow aspects of the guidance issued in ASU 2016-02. ASU 2018-11 allows entities adopting ASU 2016-02 to choose an additional transition method, under which an entity initially applies the accounting guidance for leases under Topic 842 at the adoption date and recognizes a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption. Additionally, ASU 2018-11 allows an entity electing this additional transition method to continue to present comparative period financial statements in accordance with Topic 840 (current U.S. GAAP). ASU 2018-11 also allows lessors to not separate non-lease components from the associated lease component if certain conditions are met. The amendments in these updates became effective for annual periods as well as interim periods within those annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018.

The Company elected to apply the transition provisions of Topic 842 using the alternative transition method whereby comparative periods are not restated. The Company also elected to adopt the “package” of practical expedients in its transition to Topic 842, as specified in Accounting Standard Codification (“ASC”) 842-10-65. The results of this policy election are that the Company reflected the provisions of Topic 842 in its consolidated financial statements for the first time as of and for the period ended March 31, 2019 (the period of adoption). The Company measured and recorded liabilities to make lease payments as well as right-of-use assets in the period of adoption for leases that existed as of the transition date, and will continue to present all comparative periods under Topic 840. Under this elected transition method, the Company is not required to reassess the following as part of its transition to Topic 842: (1) whether any expired or existing contracts contain leases, (2) lease classifications for any existing or expired leases and (3) initial direct costs for any existing leases. Additionally, the Company elected to apply the use of hindsight in its assessment of the term for its leases upon transition, which allows for consideration of the Company’s option to extend or terminate a lease.

The Company adopted the provisions of Topic 842 on January 1, 2019, and in its transition to Topic 842, the Company initially recorded a liability to make future lease payments of approximately $45.7 million and right-of-use assets of $43.8 million. The difference of $1.9 million represents the accounting adjustments previously recorded under Topic 840 and Topic 805, as required by transition guidance in ASC 842-10-65. The Company was not required to record a cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings as part of its transition to Topic 842. The Company’s evaluation of lease obligations and service agreements under the new standard included an assessment of the appropriate classification and related accounting of each lease agreement, a review of applicability of the new standard to existing service agreements and gathering all essential lease data to facilitate the application of the new standard. The Company’s review indicated that all of its leases are classified as operating leases or short-term leases. In accordance with the provisions of Topic 842, liabilities to make future lease payments and right-of-use are only recorded for leases that are not considered short-term (leases with an original term of greater than 12 months). The Company records expense for its leases on a straight-line basis in accordance with the requirements under Topic 842 for operating leases. The Company’s expense recognition for its operating leases (including short-term leases) under Topic 842 has not differed significantly from that recorded under Topic 840. Right-of-use assets for operating leases are amortized over the lease term, and liabilities to make lease payments are accounted for using the interest method, both in accordance with Topic 842. Please also refer to Note 23 - Leases, for additional information related to the Company’s leases.

Recent Accounting Guidance Not Yet Effective

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. This Update replaces the incurred loss impairment model in current U.S. GAAP with a model that reflects current expected credit losses (“CECL”). The CECL model is applicable to the measurement of credit losses on financial assets measured at amortized cost, including loan receivables and held-to-maturity debt securities. CECL also requires credit losses on available-for-sale debt securities be measured through an allowance for credit losses when the fair value is less than the amortized cost basis. It also applies to off-balance sheet credit exposures. The Update requires that all expected credit losses for financial assets held at the reporting date be measured based on historical experience, current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts. The Update also requires enhanced disclosure, including qualitative and quantitative disclosures that provide additional information about significant estimates and judgments used in estimating credit losses. For SEC filers that are not smaller reporting companies, such as the Company, the Update is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019 and interim periods within those annual periods.

In April 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-04, Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses, Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging, and Topic 825, Financial Instruments. This Update was issued as part of an ongoing project on the FASB’s agenda for improving the Codification or correcting for its unintended application, which is specific to Updates: 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, 2016-01, Financial Instruments - Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, and 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities.

The effective date for the amendments will be the same as the effective date in ASU 2016-13. The Company is currently evaluating the effects of this Update on its financial statements and disclosures.

The Company has developed a new expected credit loss estimation model in accordance with ASU 2016-13. The Company’s CECL Committee and related sub-committees and working groups, which collectively are comprised of senior management and staff members from our finance, credit, lending, internal audit, risk management and IT departments have substantially completed cross-functional implementation activities. These activities focused on data capture, model development portfolio segmentation, policies, documentation and disclosure, validation and internal controls. As a result, we have completed our primary CECL model, and are working to refine the remaining facets of the model, which relate to qualitative adjustments. Additionally, the Company has designed controls over the process for estimating expected future credit losses, and is currently working to finalize testing of those controls. We have also completed a validation of our primary CECL model and the documentation review of our end-to-end processes during the fourth quarter of 2019. The Company has completed numerous iterations of model output utilizing data from interim periods starting with the fourth quarter of 2018, as part of the process to test and refine our model.

Depending on the nature of each identified pool of financial assets with similar risk characteristics, the Company is implementing a probability of default (“PD”) and loss given default (“LGD”) discounted cash flow methodology for its commercial based loans and a historical loss-rate methodology for its retail or consumer based loans to estimate expected future credit losses. Additionally, the Company is incorporating reasonable and supportable economic forecasts into the estimate of expected future credit losses which require significant judgment, such as selecting forecast scenarios and related scenario-weighting, as well as determining the appropriate length of the forecast horizon. Management intends to leverage economic projections from a reputable and independent third party to inform and provide its reasonable and supportable economic forecasts. Other internal and external indicators of economic forecasts may also be considered by management when developing the forecast metrics. The duration of the forecast horizon, the reversion period and the economic forecasts that management utilizes, as well as additional internal and external indicators of economic forecasts that management considers, may change over time depending on the nature and composition of our portfolio of financial assets.

The provisions of ASU 2016-13 became effective for the Company on January 1, 2020. Based on our loan portfolio at December 31, 2019 and management’s current expectation of future economic conditions, and certain qualitative adjustments, which we are currently working to refine, the Company believes its cumulative effect adjustment, resulting from the adoption of the new standard, will result in a pre-tax increase in the allowance for credit losses by an amount within a range of $50 million and $60 million. As mentioned, the Company is currently in the process of refining the remaining facets of its CECL model relating to qualitative adjustments, as well as completing the testing of internal controls over the CECL model, and as such, there is no assurance the cumulative effect adjustment to the allowance for credit losses and retained earnings will be within the foregoing range. The Company currently estimates the increase in the allowance for credit losses for loans is attributable primarily to the allocation of an allowance on acquired loans based on the methodology discussed above and secondarily to the incorporation of reasonable and supportable economic forecasts into the estimate of expected future credit losses to our commercial real estate and commercial owner-occupied loan portfolios, which have commercial real estate as the primary collateral source and longer contractual maturities relative to our loan portfolio as a whole. The ACL for held-to-maturity and available-for-sale investment securities upon the adoption of ASU 2016-13 is not material.

In February 2019, the U.S. federal bank regulatory agencies approved a final rule modifying their regulatory capital rules and providing an option to phase in over a three-year period the day-one regulatory capital effects of ASU 2016-13. The Company is currently evaluating the day-one regulatory capital effects and phase-in option upon the adoption of ASU 2016-13.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework-Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement. The amendments in this Update modify the disclosure requirements on fair value measurements in Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement.

The following disclosure requirements for public companies were removed from Topic 820:

• The amount of and reasons for transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy

• The policy for timing of transfers between levels

• The valuation processes for Level 3 fair value measurements

The amendments clarify that the measurement uncertainty disclosure is to communicate information about the uncertainty in measurement as of the reporting date.

The following disclosure requirements for public companies were added to Topic 820:

• The changes in unrealized gains and losses for the period included in other comprehensive income for recurring Level 3 fair value measurements held at the end of the reporting period

• The range and weighted average of significant unobservable inputs used to develop Level 3 fair value measurements. For certain unobservable inputs, an entity may disclose other quantitative information (such as the median or arithmetic average) in lieu of the weighted average if the entity determines that other quantitative information would be a more reasonable and rational method to reflect the distribution of unobservable inputs used to develop Level 3 fair value measurements

The amendments in this Update are effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. In addition, an entity may early adopt any of the removed or modified disclosures immediately and delay adoption of the new disclosures until the effective date. The Company is currently evaluating the effects of ASU 2018-13 on its financial statements and disclosures.

In March 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-01, Leases (Topic 842): Codification Improvements. This Update provides clarification on certain aspects of an entity’s implementation of Topic 842 including those that relate to:

(1) Determining the fair value of the underlying asset by lessors that are not manufacturers or dealers. The amendments related to this item carry forward from Topic 840 to Topic 842 an exception that allows lessors who are not manufacturers or dealers to use the cost of the underlying asset as its fair value.

(2) Presentation on the statement of cash flows - sales-type and direct financing leases. The amendments related to this item clarify that all principal payments received on leases by lessors in sales-type or direct financing lease transactions should be reflected in investing activities for entities such as depository and lending institutions within in the scope of Topic 942.

(3) Transition disclosures related to Topic 250, Accounting Changes and Error Corrections. The amendments related to this item clarify the FASB’s original intent by explicitly providing an exception to the paragraph 250-10-50-3 interim disclosure requirements in the Topic 842 transition disclosure requirements, which would otherwise require interim disclosures after the date of adoption of Topic 842 related to the impacts of the change on: (a) income from continuing operations, (b) net income, (c) any other financial statement line item and (d) any affected per-share amounts.

The amendments in this Update are effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020. Early adoption is permitted. The Company does not believe the effects of this ASU will have a material effect on the Company’s financial statements.

In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12, Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes, which include updates to Topic 740 - Income Taxes. The amendments to this Update include the removal of the following exceptions included in Topic 740:

(1) Exception to the incremental approach for intra-period tax allocation when there is a loss from continuing operations and income or a gain from other items (for example, discontinued operations or other comprehensive income);

(2) Exception to the requirement to recognize a deferred tax liability for equity method investments when a foreign subsidiary becomes an equity method investment;

(3) Exception to the ability not to recognize a deferred tax liability for a foreign subsidiary when a foreign equity method investment becomes a subsidiary, and

(4) Exception to the general methodology for calculating income taxes in an interim period when a year-to-date loss exceeds the anticipated loss for the year.

The amendments included in this update also require the following:

(1) Requiring that an entity recognize a franchise tax (or similar tax) that is partially based on income as an income-based tax and account for any incremental amount incurred as a non-income-based tax.

(2) Requiring that an entity evaluate when a step up in the tax basis of goodwill should be considered part of the business combination in which the book goodwill was originally recognized and when it should be considered a separate transaction.

(3) Specifying that an entity is not required to allocate the consolidated amount of current and deferred tax expense to a legal entity that is not subject to tax in its separate financial statements. However, an entity may elect to do so (on an entity-by-entity basis) for a legal entity that is both not subject to tax and disregarded by the taxing authority.

(4) Requiring that an entity reflect the effect of an enacted change in tax laws or rates in the annual effective tax rate computation in the interim period that includes the enactment date.

(5) Making minor Codification improvements for income taxes related to employee stock ownership plans and investments in qualified affordable housing projects accounted for using the equity method.

For public business entities, the Update is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2020 and interim periods within those annual periods. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is evaluating the impact of this Update on its consolidated financial statements.