Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2020

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Credit Loss, Financial Instrument [Policy Text Block]

Recently Adopted Accounting Standards

In the six months ended June 30, 2020, the Company adopted the following new accounting guidance:

FASB ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, was issued on June 16, 2016. The ASU significantly changed estimates for credit losses related to financial assets measured at amortized cost and certain other contracts. For estimating credit losses, the FASB replaced the incurred loss model with the current expected credit loss (CECL) model, which accelerated recognition of credit losses. Additionally, credit losses relating to debt securities available-for-sale are recorded through an allowance for credit losses under the new standard. The Company is also required to provide additional disclosures related to the financial assets within the scope of the new standard.

The Company adopted the ASU provisions on a modified retrospective basis on January 1, 2020. Management evaluated available data, defined portfolio segments of loans with similar attributes, and selected loss estimate models for each identified loan portfolio segment. Management measured historical loss rates for each portfolio segment. Management also segmented debt securities held to maturity, selected methods to estimate losses for each segment, and measured a loss estimate. Agency mortgage-backed securities were assigned no credit loss allowance due to the perceived backing of government sponsored entities. Municipal securities were evaluated for risk of default based on credit rating and remaining term to maturity using Moody’s risk of default factors; Moody’s loss upon default factors were applied to the assumed defaulted principal amounts to estimate the amount for credit loss allowance. The adjustment to the allowance for credit losses was recorded through an offsetting after-tax adjustment to shareholders’ equity. The implementing entry increased allowance for credit losses by $2,017 thousand, reduced allowance for credit losses for unfunded credit commitments by $2,107 thousand and increased retained earnings by $52 thousand.

The following table summarizes the impact of adoption of ASU 2016-13.

	January 1, 2020
	Balance,		Impact of			As reported
	prior to adoption		adoption of			under
	of ASU 2016-13		ASU 2016-13			ASU 2016-13
	(In thousands)
Assets:
Allowance for credit losses on loans:
Commercial	$	4,959	$	3,385		$	8,344
Commercial real estate		4,064		618			4,682
Construction		109		(31	)		78
Residential real estate		206		(132	)		74
Consumer and other installment loans		6,445		1,878			8,323
Unallocated		3,701		(3,701	)		-
Allowance for credit losses on loans	$	19,484	$	2,017		$	21,501
Allowance for credit losses on debt securities held to maturity		-		16			16
Liabilities:
Allowance for credit losses for unfunded commitments		2,160		(2,107	)		53

Marketable Securities, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Debt Securities. Debt securities consist of the U.S. Treasury, securities of government sponsored entities, states, counties, municipalities, corporations, agency and non-agency mortgage-backed securities, and collateralized loan obligations. Securities transactions are recorded on a trade date basis. The Company classifies its debt securities in one of three categories: trading, available for sale or held to maturity. Trading securities are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term. Trading securities are recorded at fair value with unrealized gains and losses included in net income. Held to maturity debt securities are those securities which the Company has the ability and intent to hold until maturity. Held to maturity debt securities are recorded at cost, adjusted for the amortization of premiums or accretion of discounts. Securities not included in trading or held to maturity are classified as available for sale debt securities. Available for sale debt securities are recorded at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses, net of the related tax effect, on available for sale debt securities are included in accumulated other comprehensive income. Accrued interest is recorded within other assets and reversed against interest income if it is not received.

The Company utilizes third-party sources to value its investment securities; securities individually valued using quoted prices in active markets are classified as Level 1 assets in the fair value hierarchy, and securities valued using quoted prices in active markets for similar securities (commonly referred to as “matrix” pricing) are classified as Level 2 assets in the fair value hierarchy. The Company validates the reliability of third-party provided values by comparing individual security pricing for securities between more than one third-party source. When third-party information is not available, valuation adjustments are estimated in good faith by Management and classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.

The Company follows the guidance issued by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, “Investing in Securities without Reliance on Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Agencies” (SR 12-15) and other regulatory guidance when performing investment security pre-purchase analysis or evaluating investment securities for credit loss. Credit ratings issued by recognized rating agencies are considered in the Company’s analysis only as a guide to the historical default rate associated with similarly-rated bonds.

To the extent that debt securities in the held-to-maturity portfolio share common risk characteristics, estimated expected credit losses are calculated in a manner like that used for loans held for investment. That is, for pools of such securities with common risk characteristics, the historical lifetime probability of default and severity of loss in the event of default is derived or obtained from external sources and adjusted for the expected effects of reasonable and supportable forecasts over the expected lives of the securities on those historical credit losses. Expected credit loss on each security in the held-to-maturity portfolio that do not share common risk characteristics with any of the pools of debt securities is individually evaluated and a reserve for credit losses is established at the difference between the discounted value of the expected future cash flows, based on the original effective interest rate, and the recorded amortized cost basis of the security. For certain classes of debt securities, the bank considers the history of credit losses, current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts, which may indicate that the expectation that nonpayment of the amortized cost basis is or continues to be zero. Therefore, for those securities, the bank does not record expected credit losses.

AFS debt securities in unrealized loss positions are evaluated for credit related loss at least quarterly. For AFS debt securities, a decline in fair value due to credit loss results in recording an allowance for credit losses to the extent the fair value is less than the amortized cost basis. Declines in fair value that have not been recorded through an allowance for credit losses, such as declines due to changes in market interest rates, are recorded through other comprehensive income, net of applicable taxes. Although these evaluations involve significant judgment, an unrealized loss in the fair value of a debt security is generally considered to not be related to credit when the fair value of the security is below the carrying value primarily due to changes in risk-free interest rates, there has not been significant deterioration in the financial condition of the issuer, and the Company does not intend to sell nor does it believe it will be required to sell the security before the recovery of its cost basis.

If the Company intends to sell a debt security or more likely than not will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis, the debt security is written down to its fair value and the write down is charged against the allowance for credit losses with any incremental loss reported in earnings.

Purchase premiums are amortized to the earliest call date and purchase discounts are amortized to maturity as an adjustment to yield using the effective interest method. Unamortized premiums, unaccreted discounts, and early payment premiums are recognized as a component of gain or loss on sale upon disposition of the related security. Interest and dividend income are recognized when earned. Realized gains and losses from the sale of available for sale securities are included in earnings using the specific identification method.

Cost Method Investments, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Nonmarketable Equity Securities. Nonmarketable equity securities include securities that are not publicly traded, such as Visa Class B common stock, and securities acquired to meet regulatory requirements, such as Federal Reserve Bank stock, which are restricted. These restricted securities are accounted for under the cost method and are included in other assets. The Company reviews those assets accounted for under the cost method at least quarterly. The Company’s review typically includes an analysis of the facts and circumstances of each investment, the expectations for the investment’s cash flows and capital needs, the viability of its business model and any exit strategy. When the review indicates that impairment exists the asset value is reduced to fair value. The Company recognizes the estimated loss in noninterest income.

Financing Receivable [Policy Text Block]

Loans. Loans are stated at the principal amount outstanding, net of unearned discount and unamortized deferred fees and costs. Interest is accrued daily on the outstanding principal balances and included in other assets. Loans which are more than 90 days delinquent with respect to interest or principal, unless they are well secured and in the process of collection, and other loans on which full recovery of principal or interest is in doubt, are placed on nonaccrual status. Interest previously accrued on loans placed on nonaccrual status is charged against interest income. In addition, some loans secured by real estate and commercial loans to borrowers experiencing financial difficulties are placed on nonaccrual status even though the borrowers continue to repay the loans as scheduled. When the ability to fully collect nonaccrual loan principal is in doubt, payments received are applied against the principal balance of the loans on a cost-recovery method until such time as full collection of the remaining recorded balance is expected. Any additional interest payments received after that time are recorded as interest income on a cash basis. Nonaccrual loans are reinstated to accrual status when none of the loan’s principal and interest is past due and improvements in credit quality eliminate doubt as to the full collectability of both principal and interest, or the loan otherwise becomes well secured and in the process of collection. Certain consumer loans or auto receivables are charged off against the allowance for credit losses when they become 120 days past due.

A troubled debt restructuring (“TDR”) occurs when the Company, for reasons related to a borrower’s financial difficulties, grants a concession to the borrower it would not otherwise consider. The Company follows its general nonaccrual policy for TDRs. Performing TDRs are reinstated to accrual status when improvements in credit quality eliminate the doubt as to full collectability of both principal and interest. Under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, banks may elect to deem that loan modifications do not result in TDRs if they are (1) related to the novel coronavirus disease; (2) executed on a loan that was not more than 30 days past due as of December 31, 2019; and (3) executed between March 1, 2020, and the earlier of (A) 60 days after the date of termination of the National Emergency or (B) December 31, 2020.

Loans and Leases Receivable, Allowance for Loan Losses Policy [Policy Text Block]

Allowance for Credit Losses. The Company extends loans to commercial and consumer customers primarily in Northern and Central California. These lending activities expose the Company to the risk borrowers will default, causing loan losses. The Company’s lending activities are exposed to various qualitative risks. All loan segments are exposed to risks inherent in the economy and market conditions. Significant risk characteristics related to the commercial loan segment include the borrowers’ business performance and financial condition, and the value of collateral for secured loans. Significant risk characteristics related to the commercial real estate segment include the borrowers’ business performance and the value of properties collateralizing the loans. Significant risk characteristics related to the construction loan segment include the borrowers’ performance in successfully developing the real estate into the intended purpose and the value of the property collateralizing the loans. Significant risk characteristics related to the residential real estate segment include the borrowers’ financial wherewithal to service the mortgages and the value of the property collateralizing the loans. Significant risk characteristics related to the consumer loan segment include the financial condition of the borrowers and the value of collateral securing the loans.

The preparation of these financial statements requires Management to estimate the amount of expected losses over the expected contractual life of our existing loan portfolio and establish an allowance for credit losses. Loan agreements generally include a maturity date, and the Company considers the contractual life of a loan agreement to extend from the date of origination to the contractual maturity date. In estimating credit losses, Management must exercise significant judgment in evaluating information deemed relevant. The amount of ultimate losses on the loan portfolio can vary from the estimated amounts. Management follows a systematic methodology to estimate loss potential in an effort to reduce the differences between estimated and actual losses.

The allowance for credit losses is established through provisions for credit losses charged to income. Losses on loans are charged to the allowance for credit losses when all or a portion of the recorded amount of a loan is deemed to be uncollectible. Recoveries of loans previously charged off are credited to the allowance when realized. The Company’s allowance for credit losses is maintained at a level considered adequate to provide for expected losses based on historical loss rates adjusted for current and expected conditions over a forecast period. These include conditions unique to individual borrowers, as well as overall credit loss experience, the amount of past due, nonperforming and classified loans, recommendations of regulatory authorities, prevailing economic conditions, or credit protection agreements and other factors.

Loans that share common risk characteristics are segregated into pools based on common characteristics, which is primarily determined by loan, borrower, or collateral type. Historical loss rates are determined for each pool. For consumer installment loans, primarily secured by automobiles, historical loss rates are determined using a vintage methodology, which tracks losses based on period of origination. For commercial, construction, and commercial real estate, historical loss rates are determined using an open pool methodology where losses are tracked over time for all loans included in the pool at the historical measurement date. Historical loss rates are adjusted for factors that are not reflected in the historical loss rates that are attributable to national or local economic or industry trends which have occurred but have not yet been recognized in past loan charge-off history, estimated losses based on management’s reasonable and supportable expectation of economic trends over a forecast horizon of up to two years, and other factors that impact credit loss expectations that are not reflected in the historical loss rates. Other factors include, but are not limited to, the effectiveness of the Company’s loan review system, adequacy of lending Management and staff, loan policies and procedures, problem loan trends, and concentrations of credit. At the end of the two-year forecast period loss rates revert immediately to the historical loss rates. The results of this analysis are applied to the amortized cost of the loans included within each pool.

Loans that do not share risk characteristics with other loans in the pools are evaluated individually. A loan is considered ‘collateral-dependent’ when the borrower is experiencing financial difficulty and repayment is expected to be provided substantially through the operation or sale of the collateral. A credit loss reserve for collateral-dependent loans is established at the difference between the amortized cost basis in the loan and the fair value of the underlying collateral adjusted for costs to sell. For other individually evaluated loans that are not collateral dependent, a credit loss reserve is established at the difference between the amortized cost basis in the loan and the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate. The impact of an expected TDR modification is included in the allowance for credit losses when management determines a TDR modification is likely.

Accrued interest is recorded in other assets and is excluded from the estimation of expected credit loss. Accrued interest is reversed through interest income when amounts are determined to be uncollectible, which generally occurs when the underlying receivable is placed on nonaccrual status or charged off.

Off-Balance-Sheet Credit Exposure, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Liability for Off-Balance Sheet Credit Exposures. Off-balance sheet credit exposures relate to letters of credit and unfunded loan commitments for commercial, construction and consumer loans. The Company maintains a separate allowance for credit losses from off-balance-sheet credit exposures, which is included within other liabilities on the consolidated statements of financial condition. Increases or reductions to the Company’s allowance for credit losses from off-balance sheet credit exposures are recorded in other expenses. Management estimates the amount of expected losses by estimating expected usage exposures that are not unconditionally cancellable by the Company and applying the loss factors used in the allowance for credit loss methodology to estimate the liability for credit losses related to unfunded commitments. No credit loss estimate is reported for off-balance-sheet credit exposures that are unconditionally cancellable by the Company or for undrawn amounts under such arrangements that may be drawn prior to the cancellation of the arrangement.

Currently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements [Policy Text Block]

FASB ASU 2018-13, Fair Value Measurements (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement, was issued August 2018. The ASU is part of the disclosure framework project, where the primary focus is to improve the effectiveness of disclosures in the financial statements. The ASU removes, modifies and adds disclosure requirements related to Fair Value Measurements.

The provisions of the ASU were effective January 1, 2020 with the option to early adopt any removed or modified disclosures upon issuance of the ASU. The Company early adopted the provisions to remove and/or modify relevant disclosures in the “Fair Value Measurements” note to the unaudited consolidated financial statements. The requirement to include additional disclosures was adopted by the Company January 1, 2020. The additional disclosures did not affect the financial results upon adoption.

New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

FASB ASU 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes, was issued December 2019. The ASU is intended to simplify various aspects related to accounting for income taxes, eliminates certain exceptions to the general principles in ASC Topic 740 related to intra-period tax allocation, simplifies when companies recognize deferred taxes in an interim period, and clarifies certain aspects of the current guidance to promote consistent application. This guidance effective for public entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, and for interim period within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. This guidance is applicable to the Company’s fiscal year beginning January 1, 2021. The Company is currently evaluating the potential effects of this guidance on its consolidated financial statements.

FASB ASU 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes, was issued March 2020. The ASU provides optional expedients and exceptions for applying GAAP to loan and lease agreements, derivative contracts, and other transactions affected by the anticipated transition away from LIBOR toward new interest rate benchmarks. For transactions that are modified because of reference rate reform and that meet certain scope guidance (i) modifications of loan agreements should be accounted for by prospectively adjusting the effective interest rate and the modification will be considered "minor" so that any existing unamortized origination fees/costs would carry forward and continue to be amortized and (ii) modifications of lease agreements should be accounted for as a continuation of the existing agreement with no reassessments of the lease classification and the discount rate or remeasurements of lease payments that otherwise would be required for modifications not accounted for as separate contracts. ASU 2020-04 also provides numerous optional expedients for derivative accounting. ASU 2020-04 is effective March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. An entity may elect to apply ASU 2020-04 for contract modifications as of January 1, 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 within the Codification, the amendments in this ASU must be applied prospectively for all eligible contract modifications for that Topic or Industry Subtopic. The Company is currently evaluating the impacts of this ASU and has not yet determined whether LIBOR transition and this ASU will have material effects on our business operations and consolidated financial statements.