Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2020

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

Accounting Standards Adopted in 2020

        In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU” or “Update”) 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. The provisions of this Update became effective for the Company for all annual and interim periods beginning January 1, 2020.

        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. The FASB issued this Update, 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 amendments in this Update became effective for all interim and annual reporting periods for the Company on January 1, 2020. The Company adopted the provisions within this Update in conjunction with the implementation of Accounting Standard Codification (“ASC”) 326, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses, as discussed below, including: (i) the election to not measure credit losses on accrued interest receivable when such balances are written-off in a timely manner when deemed uncollectable and (ii) the election to not include the balance of accrued interest receivable as part of the amortized cost of a loan, but rather to present it separately in the consolidated statements of financial position.

        In May 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-05, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326) - Targeted Transition Relief. This Update was issued to allow entities that have certain financial instruments within the scope of ASC 326-20, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses - Measured at Amortized Cost, to make an irrevocable election to elect the fair value option for those instruments in ASC 825-10, Financial Instruments - Overall upon the adoption of ASC 326, which for the Company was January 1, 2020. The fair value option is not applicable to held-to-maturity debt securities. Entities are required to make this election on an instrument-by-instrument basis. The Company did not elect the fair value option for any of its financial assets upon the adoption of ASC 326 on January 1, 2020.

The Company has developed an expected credit loss estimation model in accordance with ASC 326. The Company implemented the model through a cross-functional effort steered by a CECL Committee, related sub-committees and working groups. These committees, sub-committees and working groups, collectively, were primarily comprised of senior management and staff members from our finance, credit, lending, internal audit, risk management and IT functional areas.

Depending on the nature of each identified pool of financial assets with similar risk characteristics, the Company employs the use of a probability of default (“PD”) and loss given default (“LGD”) discounted cash flow methodology for commercial real estate and commercial loans, and a loss-rate methodology for retail loans, in order to estimate expected future credit losses. The Company’s model incorporates reasonable and supportable economic forecasts into the estimate of expected credit losses, which requires significant judgment. Management leverages economic projections from a reputable and independent third party to inform its reasonable and supportable economic forecasts.

Effective January 1, 2020, the Company adopted the provisions of ASC 326 through the application of the modified retrospective transition approach, and recorded a net decrease of $45.6 million to the beginning balance of retained earnings as of January 1, 2020 for the cumulative effect adjustment, reflecting an initial adjustment to the allowance for credit losses (“ACL”) of $64.0 million, net of related deferred tax assets arising from temporary differences of $18.3 million, commonly referred to as the “Day 1” adjustment. The Day 1 adjustment to the ACL is reflective of expected lifetime credit losses associated with the composition of financial assets within in the scope of ASC 326 as of January 1, 2020, which is comprised of loans held for investment and off-balance sheet credit exposures at January 1, 2020, as well as management’s current expectation of future economic conditions. Management did not have any qualitative adjustments as of January 1, 2020. The Day 1 adjustment was comprised of $55.7 million for loans held for investment and $8.3 million for off-balance sheet commitments for a total of $64.0 million. The Day 1 adjustment to the ACL for loans held for investment consists of $16.1 million for investor loans secured by real estate, $27.6 million for business real estate secured loans, $9.5 million for commercial loans and $2.5 million for retail loans. The majority of the Day 1 increase in the ACL for loans held for investment is attributable primarily to the life of loan loss impact and addition 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.  Please also see Note 3 - Significant Accounting Policies, for a discussion on the Company’s accounting policy for the ACL, Note 6 - Loans Held for Investment and Note 7 - Allowance for Credit Losses, for additional information on the Company’s ACL, as well as other related disclosures.

The Company’s assessment of held-to-maturity and available-for-sale investment securities as of January 1, 2020 indicated that an ACL was not required. The Company determined the likelihood of default on held-to-maturity investment securities was remote, and the amount of expected non-repayment on those investments was zero. The Company also analyzed available-for-sale investment securities that were in an unrealized loss position as of January 1, 2020 and determined the decline in fair value for those securities was not related to credit, but rather related to changes in interest rates and general market conditions. As such, no ACL was recorded for held-to-maturity and available-for-sale securities as of January 1, 2020.

In accordance with ASC 326-10-65, upon the adoption of ASC 326, the Company did not reassess purchased loans with credit deterioration (previously classified as purchased credit impaired (“PCI”) loans under ASC 310-30), as there were no such loans on January 1, 2020.

Additionally, there were no investment securities with previously recorded other-than-temporary impairment as of January 1, 2020.

As previously mentioned, in conjunction with the adoption of ASC 326, the Company made an accounting policy election not to measure an ACL on accrued interest receivables in accordance with ASC 326-20-30-5A. When accrued interest receivable is deemed to be uncollectable, the Company promptly reverses such balances through current period interest income in the period deemed uncollectable. Additionally, the Company has also elected not to include the balance of accrued interest receivable in the amortized cost basis of financial assets within the scope of ASC 326. Accrued interest receivable will continue to be presented separately in the consolidated financial statements.

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 1 adverse regulatory capital effects of ASU 2016-13. Additionally, in March 2020, the U.S. federal bank regulatory agencies issued an interim final rule that provides banking organizations an option to delay the estimated CECL impact on regulatory capital for an additional two years for a total transition period of up to five years to provide regulatory relief to banking organizations to better focus on supporting lending to creditworthy households and businesses in light of recent strains on the U.S. economy as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, entities have the option to gradually phase in the full effect of CECL on regulatory capital over a five-year transition period. The Company implemented its CECL model commencing January 1, 2020 and elected to phase in the full effect of CECL on regulatory capital over the five-year transition period.

The following table illustrates the impact of the adoption of the CECL model under ASC 326 on the Company’s consolidated statements of financial position as of January 1, 2020:

	January 1, 2020
	Pre-CECL Adoption		Impact of CECL Adoption		As Reported Under CECL
	(Dollars in thousands)
Assets:
Allowance for credit losses on debt securities:
Held-to-maturity	$	—	$	—	$	—
Available-for-sale	—		—		—
Allowance for credit losses on loans:
Investor loans secured by real estate	9,027		16,072		25,099
Business loans secured by real estate	5,492		27,572		33,064
Commercial loans	20,118		9,519		29,637
Retail loans	1,061		2,523		3,584
Deferred tax (liabilities) assets	(1,371)		18,346		16,975
Liabilities:
Allowance for credit losses on off-balance sheet credit exposures	$	3,279	$	8,285	$	11,564
Stockholders' equity:
Retained earnings	$	396,051	$	(45,625)	$	350,426

        In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848)—Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting. In response to concerns about structural risks of interbank offered rates (“IBORs”), and, particularly, the risk of cessation of the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”), regulators around the world have undertaken reference rate reform initiatives to identify alternative reference rates that are more observable or transaction-based and less susceptible to manipulation. The amendments in this Update provide optional guidance for a limited time to ease the potential burden in accounting for (or recognizing the effects of) reference rate reform on financial reporting as well as optional expedients and exceptions for applying GAAP to contracts, hedging relationships and other transactions affected by reference rate reform if certain criteria are met. The amendments in this Update apply only to contracts and hedging relationships that reference LIBOR or another reference rate expected to be discontinued due to reference rate reform. The expedients and exceptions provided by the amendments do not apply to contract modifications made and hedging relationships entered into or evaluated after December 31, 2022. The amendments in this Update are elective and became effective upon issuance for all entities.

        An entity may elect to apply the amendments for contract modifications by Topic or Industry Subtopic as of any date from the beginning of an interim period that includes or is subsequent to March 12, 2020, or prospectively from a date within an interim period that includes or is subsequent to March 12, 2020, up to the date that the financial statements are available to be issued. Once elected for a Topic or an Industry Subtopic, the amendments in this Update must be applied prospectively for all eligible contract modifications for that Topic or Industry Subtopic. The Company has not yet made a determination on whether it will make this election and is currently tracking the exposure as of each reporting period and assessing the significance of impact towards implementing any necessary modification in consideration of the election of this amendment.

        An entity may elect to apply the amendments in this Update to eligible hedging relationships existing as of the beginning of the interim period that includes March 12, 2020 and to new eligible hedging relationships entered into after the beginning of the interim period that includes March 12, 2020. The Company does not currently engage in hedging related transactions, and as such, the amendments included in this Update have not had an impact on the Company’s financial statements.

        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 following disclosure requirements for public companies were modified in Topic 820:

•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 became effective for the Company beginning on January 1, 2020. This ASU did not have a material effect on the Company’s financial statements.

        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:

•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.

•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.

•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 became effective for the Company beginning on January 1, 2020. This ASU did not have a material effect on the Company’s financial statements.

Recent Accounting Guidance Not Yet Effective

        In January 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-01, Investments—Equity Securities (Topic 321), Investments—Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323), and Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815)—Clarifying the Interactions between Topic 321, Topic 323 and Topic 815. The amendments in this Update clarify the interaction of the accounting for equity securities under Topic 321 and investments under the equity method of accounting in Topic 323, as well as the accounting for certain forward contracts and purchased options accounted for under Topic 815. The amendments clarify that an entity should consider observable transactions that require it to either apply or discontinue the equity method of accounting for the purposes of applying the measurement alternative in accordance with Topic 321 immediately before applying or upon discontinuing the equity method. The amendments within this Update also clarify that when applying the guidance in paragraph 815-10-15-141(a) an entity should not consider whether, upon the settlement of the forward contract or exercise of the purchased option, individually or with existing investments, the underlying securities would be accounted for under the equity method in Topic 323 or the fair value option in accordance with the financial instruments guidance in Topic 825. An entity also would evaluate the remaining characteristics in paragraph 815-10-15-141 to determine the accounting for those forward contracts and purchased options. The amendments within this Update become effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted, including early adoption in an interim period, (1) for public business entities for periods for which financial statements have not yet been issued and (2) for all other entities for periods for which financial statements have not yet been made available for issuance. The Company is evaluating the impact of this Update on its financial statements.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition. The Company accounts for certain of its revenue streams in accordance with ASC 606 - Revenue from Contracts with Customers. Revenue streams within the scope of and accounted for under ASC 606 include: service charges and fees on deposit accounts, debit card interchange fees, trust administrative fees, fees from other services the Bank provides its customers and gains and losses from the sale of other real estate owned and property, premises and equipment. ASC 606 requires revenue to be recognized when the Company satisfies related performance obligations by transferring to the customer a good or service. The recognition of revenue under ASC 606 requires the Company to first identify the contract with the customer, identify the performance obligations, determine the transaction price, allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations and finally recognize revenue when the performance obligations have been satisfied and the good or service has been transferred. The majority of the Company’s contracts with customers associated with revenue streams that are within the scope of ASC 606 are considered short-term in nature and can be canceled at any time by the customer or the Bank, such as a deposit account agreement. Other more significant revenue streams for the Company such as interest income on loans and investment securities are specifically excluded from the scope of ASC 606 and are accounted for under other applicable U.S. GAAP.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. 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 an indefinite useful life 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 has a policy to test goodwill for impairment annually in the fourth quarter of each year, or more frequently if events or circumstances lead management to believe the value of goodwill may be impaired. Impairment testing is performed at the reporting unit level, which is considered the Company level as management has identified the Company is its sole reporting unit as of the date of the consolidated balance sheets. Management’s assessment of goodwill first consists of a qualitative assessment to determine if it is more likely than not the fair value of the Company’s equity is below its carrying value. Should the results of this analysis indicate it is likely the fair value of the Company’s equity is below its carrying value, the Company performs a quantitative assessment of goodwill to determine the fair value of the reporting unit and compares it to its carrying value. If the fair value of the reporting unit is below its carrying value, the Company would then compare the implied fair value of the reporting unit goodwill to its carrying value to determine the amount of impairment to recognize. Impairment losses are recorded as a charge to noninterest expense. Intangible assets with definite useful lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives to their estimated residual values. Goodwill is the only intangible asset with an indefinite life on our balance sheet. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic and the deterioration of economic conditions as a result, the Company performed a goodwill impairment assessment as of June 30, 2020. The Company’s goodwill impairment assessment consisted of a qualitative analysis to first determine if it is more likely than not the estimated fair value of the Company exceeds its carrying value. The results of this analysis indicated no impairment of goodwill. Additionally, as part of the Company’s qualitative analysis, the Company looked at market related data as additional corroborating evidence in its assessment of whether it was more likely than not the carrying value of the Company exceeds its estimated fair value. This assessment of market related data included an initial assessment of the fair value of the Company’s equity as compared to its carrying value with the assistance from an independent third party. The assessment of market related data included factors such as: the Company’s stock price on an actual, 15-day and 30-day average basis as of June 30, 2020, and an implied 40% market participant acquisition premium, which was based upon control premiums for regional banks during the 2008 and 2009 financial crisis. This initial assessment of the fair value of the Company’s equity through observations of market related data provided additional supporting evidence as of June 30, 2020 that the carrying value of goodwill was not impaired.Other intangible assets consist of core deposit intangible (“CDI”) and customer relationship intangible assets associated with PENSCO arising from whole bank acquisitions, and are amortized on either an accelerated basis, reflecting the pattern in which the economic benefits of the intangible assets are consumed or otherwise used up, or on a straight-line amortization method over their estimated useful lives, which range from 6 to 11 years.

Leases

Leases. The Company accounts for its leases in accordance with ASC 842, which requires the Company to record liabilities for future lease obligations as well as assets representing the right to use the underlying leased asset. Leases with a term of 12 months or less are accounted for using straight-line expense recognition with no liability or asset being recorded for such leases. Other than short-term leases, the Company classifies its leases as either finance leases or operating leases. Leases are classified as finance leases when any of the following are met: (a) the lease transfers ownership of the underlying asset to the lessee by the end of the lease term, (b) the lease contains an option to purchase the underlying asset that the lessee is reasonably certain to exercise, (c) the term of the lease represents a major part of the remaining life of the underlying asset, (d) the present value of the future lease payments equals or exceeds substantially all of the fair value of the underlying asset or (e) the underling leased asset is expected to have no alternative use to the lessor at the end of the lease term due to its specialized nature. When the Company’s assessment of a lease does not meet the foregoing criteria, and the term of the lease is in excess of 12 months, the lease is classified as an operating lease. 

        Liabilities to make lease payments and right-of-use assets are determined based on the total contractual base rents for each lease, discounted at the rate implicit in the lease or at the Company’s estimated incremental borrowing rate if the rate is not implicit in the lease. The Company measures future base rents based on the minimum payments specified in the lease agreement, giving consideration for periodic contractual rent increases which are based on an escalation rate or a specified index. When future rent payments are based on an index, the Company uses the index rate observed at the time of lease commencement to measure future lease payments. Liabilities to make lease payments are accounted for using the interest method, which are reduced by periodic rent payments, net of interest accretion. Right-of-use assets for finance leases are amortized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease, while right-of-use assets for operating leases are amortized over the term of the lease by amounts that represent the difference between periodic straight-line lease expense and periodic interest accretion on the related liability to make lease payments. Expense recognition for finance leases is representative of the sum of periodic amortization of the associated right-of-use asset as well as the periodic interest accretion on the liability to make lease payments. Expense recognition for operating leases is recorded on a straight-line basis. As of June 30, 2020, all of the Company’s leases were classified as either operating leases or short-term leases.

        From time to time the Company leases portions of the space it leases to other parties through sublease transactions. Income received from these transactions is recorded on a straight-line basis over the term of the sublease.

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

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. 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. 

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.

Allowance for Credit Losses on Investment Securities

Allowance for Credit Losses on Investment Securities. The ACL on investment securities is determined for both the held-to-maturity and available-for-sale classifications of the investment portfolio in accordance with ASC 326. For available-for-sale investment securities, the Company performs a quarterly qualitative evaluation for securities in an unrealized loss position to determine if, for those investments in an unrealized loss position, the decline in fair value is credit related or non-credit related. In determining whether a security’s decline in fair value is credit related, the Company considers a number of factors including, but not limited to: (i) the extent to which the fair value of the investment is less than its amortized cost; (ii) the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer; (iii) downgrades in credit ratings; (iv) payment structure of the security, (v) the ability of the issuer of the security to make scheduled principal and interest payments and (vi) general market conditions which reflect prospects for the economy as a whole, including interest rates and sector credit spreads. If it is determined that the unrealized loss can be attributed to credit loss, the Company records the amount of credit loss through a charge to provision for credit losses in current period earnings. However, the amount of credit loss recorded in current period earnings is limited to the amount of the total unrealized loss on the security, which is measured as the amount by which the security’s fair value is below its amortized cost. If it is likely the Company will be required to sell the security in an unrealized loss position, the total amount of the loss is recognized in current period earnings. Unrealized losses deemed non-credit related, the Company records the loss, net of tax, through accumulated other comprehensive income.

The Company determines expected credit losses on available-for-sale and held-to-maturity securities through a discounted cash flow approach, using the security’s effective interest rate. However, as previously mentioned, the measurement of credit losses on available-for-sale securities only occurs when, through the Company’s qualitative assessment, it is determined all or a portion of the unrealized loss is deemed to be credit related. The Company’s discounted cash flow approach incorporates assumptions about the collectability of future cash flows. The amount of credit loss is measured as the amount by which the security’s amortized cost exceeds the present value of expected future cash flows. Credit losses on available-for-sale securities are measured on an individual basis, while credit losses on held-to-maturity securities are measured on a collective basis according to shared risk characteristics. Credit losses on held-to-maturity securities are only recognized at the individual security level when the Company determines a security no longer possesses risk characteristics similar to others in the portfolio. The Company does not measure credit losses on an investment’s accrued interest receivable, but rather promptly reverses from current period earnings the amount of accrued interest that is no longer deemed collectable. Accrued interest receivable for investment securities is included in accrued interest receivable balances in the consolidated statements of financial condition.

Loans Held for Investment/Investor Loans Secured by Real Estate/Acquired Loans

Loans Held for Investment. Loans held for investment are loans the Company has the ability and intent to hold until their maturity. These loans are carried at amortized cost, including discounts and premiums on purchased and acquired loans, and net deferred loan origination fees and costs. Purchase discounts and premiums and net deferred loan origination fees and costs on loans are accreted or amortized as an adjustment of yield, using the interest method, over the expected lives of the loans. Income recognition of deferred loan fees and costs is discontinued for loans placed on nonaccrual. Any remaining discounts, premiums, 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. 

The Company accrues interest on loans using the interest method and only 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 promptly reversed against current period interest income, and as such an ACL for accrued interest receivable is not established. 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.

Investor Loans Secured by Real Estate:

•Commercial real estate non-owner-occupied - Commercial real estate (“CRE”) non-owner-occupied includes loans for which the Company holds real property as collateral, but where the borrower does not occupy the underlying property. The primary risks associated with these loans include the borrower’s inability to pay, material decreases in the value of the real estate that is being held as collateral, significant increases in interest rates, which may make the real estate loan unprofitable to the borrower, changes in market rents and vacancy of the underlying property. Real estate loans may be more adversely affected by conditions in the real estate markets or in the general economy.

•Multifamily - Multifamily loans are secured by multi-tenant (5 or more units) residential real properties. Payments on multifamily loans are dependent on the successful operation or management of the properties, and repayment of these loans may be subject to adverse conditions in the real estate market or the economy.

•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.

Business Loans Secured by Real Estate:

•Commercial real estate owner-occupied - CRE owner-occupied includes loans for which the Company holds real property as collateral and where the underlying property is occupied by the borrower, such as with a place of business. These loans are primarily underwritten based on the cash flows of the business and secondarily on the real estate. The primary risks associated with CRE owner-occupied 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.

•Franchise secured by real estate - Franchise real estate secured loans are business loans secured by real property occupied by franchised restaurants, generally quick-service restaurants. These loans are primarily underwritten based on the cash flows of the business and secondarily on the real estate.  

•Small Business Administration (“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% of the loan amount for loans up to $150,000 and 75% 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. Certain loans classified as SBA are secured by commercial real estate property. SBA loans secured by hotels are included in the segment investor loans secured by real estate, and SBA loans secured by all other forms of real estate are included in the business loans secured by real estate segment. All other SBA loans are included in the commercial loans segment below, and are secured by business assets.

Commercial Loans:

•Commercial and industrial (including franchise commercial loans) (“C&I”) - Loans 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. Franchise credit facilities not secured by real estate and Home Owners’ Association (“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.

•SBA Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) loans - Federally guaranteed loans designed to assist small and medium sized businesses through the disruptions in business brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Paycheck Protection Program is part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act that was signed into law in March 2020. The loans are designed to help businesses meet the on-going costs associated with running and maintaining a business through the COVID-19 pandemic and provide the potential for forgiveness of the loan if the borrower uses the funds for certain purposes, such maintaining employees on payroll for a specified period of time. Additionally, the PPP allows for a deferral period until the date when the amount of loan forgiveness is determined and remitted to the lender. For borrowers who do not apply for forgiveness, the loan deferral period is 10 months after the applicable forgiveness period ends.

Retail Loans:

•One-to-four family - Although we do not originate, we have acquired first lien single family loans through bank acquisitions. 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 to the borrower.

•Consumer loans - In addition to consumer loans acquired through our various bank acquisitions, we originate a limited number of consumer loans, generally for banking clients 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.

Acquired Loans. Loans acquired through a purchase or a business combination are recorded at their fair value at the acquisition date. The Company performs an assessment of acquired loans to first determine if such loans have experienced more than insignificant deterioration in credit quality since their origination and thus should be classified and accounted for as purchased credit deteriorated (“PCD”) loans. For loans that have not experienced more than insignificant deterioration in credit quality since origination, referred to as non-PCD loans, the Company records such loans at fair value, with any resulting discount or premium accreted or amortized into interest income over the remaining life of the loan using the interest method. Additionally, upon the purchase or acquisition of non-PCD loans, the Company measures and records an ACL based on the Company’s methodology for determining the ACL. The ACL for non-PCD loans is recorded through a charge to the provision for credit losses in the period in which the loans were purchased or acquired.

Acquired loans that are classified as PCD are acquired at fair value, which includes any resulting premiums or discounts. Premiums and discounts are amortized or accreted into interest income over the remaining life of the loan using the interest method. Unlike non-PCD loans, the initial ACL for PCD loans is established through an adjustment to the acquired loan balance and not through a charge to the provision for credit losses in the period in which the loans were acquired. The ACL for PCD loans is determined with the use of the Company’s ACL methodology. Characteristics of PCD loans include: delinquency, downgrade in credit quality since origination, loans on nonaccrual status and/or other factors the Company may become aware of through its initial analysis of acquired loans that may indicate there has been more than insignificant deterioration in credit quality since a loan’s origination. In connection with the Opus acquisition on June 1, 2020, the Company acquired PCD loans with an aggregate fair value of approximately $841.2 million, and recorded a ACL of approximately $21.2 million, which was added to the amortized cost of the loans.

Subsequent to acquisition, the ACL for both non-PCD and PCD loans are determined with the use of the Company’s ACL methodology in the same manner as all other loans.

Allowance for Credit Losses on Loans

Allowance for Credit Losses on Loans. The Company accounts for credit losses on loans in accordance with ASC 326, which requires the Company to record an estimate of expected lifetime credit losses for loans at the time of origination or acquisition. The ACL is maintained at a level deemed appropriate by management to provide for expected credit losses in the portfolio as of the date of the consolidated statements of financial condition. Estimating expected credit losses requires management to use relevant forward-looking information, including the use of reasonable and supportable forecasts. The measurement of the ACL is performed by collectively evaluating loans with similar risk characteristics. The Company measures the ACL on commercial real estate loans and commercial loans using a discounted cash flow approach, and a historical loss rate methodology is used to determine the ACL on retail loans. The Company’s discounted cash flow methodology incorporates a probability of default and loss given default model, as well as expectations of future economic conditions, using reasonable and supportable forecasts. Together, the probability of default and loss given default model with the use of reasonable and supportable forecasts generate estimates for cash flows expected to be collected over the estimated life of a loan. Estimates of future expected cash flows ultimately reflect assumptions made concerning net credit losses over the life of a loan. The use of reasonable and supportable forecasts requires significant judgment, such as selecting forecast scenarios and related scenario-weighting, as well as determining the appropriate length of the forecast horizon. Management leverages 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 Company’s ACL model reverts to long-term average loss rates for purposes of estimating expected cash flows beyond a period deemed reasonable and supportable. The Company forecasts economic conditions and expected credit losses over a two-year time horizon before reverting to long-term average loss rates. The duration of the forecast horizon, the period over which forecasts revert to long-term averages, 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 loan portfolio. Changes in economic forecasts, in conjunction with changes in loan specific attributes, impact a loan’s probability of default and loss given default, which can drive changes in the determination of the ACL.

Expectations of future cash flows are discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate. The resulting ACL represents the amount by which the loan’s amortized cost exceeds the net present value of a loan’s discounted cash flows. The ACL is recorded through a charge to provision for credit losses and is reduced by charge-offs, net of recoveries on loans previously charged-off. It is the Company’s policy to charge-off loan balances at the time they have been deemed uncollectable. Please also see Note 7 - Allowance for Credit Losses, of these consolidated financial statements for additional discussion concerning the Company’s ACL methodology.

The Company’s ACL model also includes adjustments for qualitative factors, where appropriate. Since historical information (such as historical net losses and economic cycles) may not always, by itself, provide a sufficient basis for determining future expected credit losses, the Company periodically considers the need for qualitative adjustments to the ACL. Qualitative adjustments may be related to and include, but not limited to factors such as: (i) management’s assessment of economic forecasts used in the model and how those forecasts align with management’s overall evaluation of current and expected economic conditions, (ii) organization specific risks such as credit concentrations, collateral specific risks, regulatory risks, and external factors that may ultimately impact credit quality, (iii) potential model limitations such as limitations identified through back-testing, and other limitations associated with factors such as underwriting changes, acquisition of new portfolios and changes in portfolio segmentation and (iv) management’s overall assessment of the adequacy of the ACL, including an assessment of model data inputs used to determine the ACL.

The Company has a credit portfolio review process designed to detect problem loans. Problem loans are typically those of a substandard or worse internal risk grade, and may consist of loans on nonaccrual status, troubled debt restructurings (“TDRs”), loans where the likelihood of foreclosure on underlying collateral has increased, collateral dependent loans and other loans where concern or doubt over the ultimate collectability of all contractual amounts due has become elevated. Such loans may, in the opinion of management, be deemed to no longer possess risk characteristics similar to other loans in the loan portfolio, and as such may require individual evaluation to determine an appropriate ACL for the loan. When a loan is individually evaluated, the Company typically measures the expected credit loss for the loan based on a discounted cash flow approach, unless the loan has been deemed collateral dependent. Collateral dependent loans are loans where the repayment of the loan is expected to come from the operation of and/or eventual liquidation of the underlying collateral. The ACL for collateral dependent loans is determined using estimates for the fair value of the underlying collateral, less costs to sell.

Although management uses the best information available to derive estimates necessary to measure an appropriate level of ACL, future adjustments to the ACL may be necessary due to economic, operating, regulatory and other conditions that may extend beyond the Company’s control.

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

The Company has segmented the loan portfolio according to loans that share similar attributes and risk characteristics. Each segment possesses varying degrees of risk based on, among other things, the type of loan, the type of collateral and the sensitivity of the borrower or industry to changes in external factors such as economic conditions. These segment groupings are: investor real estate secured loans, business real estate secured loans, commercial loans and retail loans. Within each segment grouping there are various classes of loans as disclosed below. The Company determines the ACL for loans based on this more detailed loan segmentation and classification. At June 30, 2020, the Company had the following detailed segmentation on classes of loans:

Troubled Debt Restructurings

Troubled Debt Restructurings (“TDRs”). From time-to-time, the Company makes modifications to certain loans when a borrower is experiencing financial difficulty. These modifications are made to alleviate temporary impairments in the borrower’s financial condition and/or constraints on the borrower’s ability to repay the loan, and to minimize potential losses to the Company. Modifications typically include: changes in the amortization terms of the loan, reductions in interest rates, acceptance of interest only payments and, in limited cases, concessions to the outstanding loan balance. Such loans are typically placed on nonaccrual status and are returned to accrual status when all contractual amounts past due have been brought current, the loan has performed under the modified terms of the loan agreement for a period of at least six months and the ultimate collectability of all contractual amounts due under the modified terms of the loan agreement is no longer in doubt. The Company typically measures the ACL for TDRs on an individual basis when the loans are deemed to no longer share similar risk characteristics with other loans in the portfolio. The determination of the ACL for TDRs is based on a discounted cash flow approach for both those measured collectively and individually, unless the loan is deemed collateral dependent, which requires measurement of the ACL based on the fair value of the collateral less cost to sell.The CARES Act, signed into law on March 27, 2020, permits financial institutions to suspend requirements under GAAP for loan modifications to borrowers affected by COVID-19 that would otherwise be characterized as TDRs and suspend any determination related thereto if (i) the loan modification is made between March 1, 2020 and the earlier of December 31, 2020 or 60 days after the end of the coronavirus emergency declaration and (ii) the applicable loan was not more than 30 days past due as of December 31, 2019. The Company has elected to apply this guidance to qualifying loan modifications.

Other Real Estate Owned (“OREO”)

Other Real Estate Owned (“OREO”). Real estate properties acquired through, or in lieu of, loan foreclosure are recorded at fair value, less cost to sell, with any excess of the loan’s amortized cost balance over the fair value of the property recorded as a charge against the ACL. 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 non-interest expense in 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.

Use of Estimates

Use of Estimates. The preparation of 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. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Fair Value Measurement

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.

        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 to measure financial assets and liabilities on a recurring basis, as well as the general classification of these instruments pursuant to the fair value hierarchy.

        Investment securities – Investment securities are generally valued based upon quotes obtained from independent third-party pricing services, which use 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.

        Interest rate swaps – 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 majority of inputs used in deriving the fair value of these derivative contracts, the valuation of derivatives is classified as Level 2.

Equity Warrant assets – The Company acquired equity warrant assets as a result of acquisition of Opus. Opus received equity warrant assets through its lending activities as part of loan origination fees. The warrants provide the Bank the right to purchase a specific number of equity shares of the underlying company’s equity at a certain price before expiration and contain net settlement terms qualifying as derivatives under ASC Topic 815. The Company has chosen to account for equity warrants under the fair value option, an irrevocable election under which the changes to the fair value of these assets are recognized in earnings. The fair value of equity warrant assets is determined using a Black-Scholes option pricing model and are classified as Level 3 with the fair value hierarchy due to the extent of unobservable inputs. The key assumptions used in determining the fair value include the exercise price of the warrants, valuation of the underlying entity's outstanding stock, expected term, risk-free interest rate, marketability discount for private company warrants, and price volatility.

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis

        Individually evaluated Loans (impaired loans prior to adoption of ASC 326) – A loan is individually evaluated for expected credit losses when it is probable that payment of interest and principal will not be made in accordance with the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Individually evaluated loans 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 nonaccrual 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 at the date of transfer. 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 allowance for credit losses.

        The fair value of individually evaluated loans and other real estate owned were determined using Level 3 assumptions, and represents individually evaluated loan and other real estate owned balances for which a specific reserve has been established or on which a write down has been taken. For real estate loans, 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 individually evaluated loans and other real estate owned to determine fair value. In determining the net realizable value of the underlying collateral for individually evaluated loans, the Company will then discount the valuation to cover both market price fluctuations and selling costs, typically ranging from 7% to 10% of the collateral value, that 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. For non-real estate loans, fair value of the loan’s collateral may be determined using an appraisal, net book value per the borrower’s financial statements, or aging reports, adjusted or discounted based on management’s historical knowledge, changes in market conditions and management’s expertise and knowledge of the client and client’s business.

Variable Interest Entities

The Company is involved with variable interest entities (“VIEs”) through its loan securitization activities, affordable housing investments that qualify for the low income housing tax credit (“LIHTC”) and trust subsidiaries, which have issued trust preferred securities. The Company evaluates its interests in these entities to determine whether they meet the definition of a VIE and whether the Company is required to consolidate these entities. A VIE is consolidated by its primary beneficiary, which is the party that has both (i) the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the VIE and (ii) a variable interest that could potentially be significant to the VIE. To determine whether or not a variable interest the Company holds could potentially be significant to the VIE, the Company considers both qualitative and quantitative factors regarding the nature, size and form of the Company's involvement with the VIE. The Company has determined that its interests in these entities meet the definition of variable interests.