

NOTE 1 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Business: Fulton Financial Corporation ("Parent Company") is a multi-bank financial holding company which provides a full range of banking and financial services to businesses and consumers through its four wholly owned banking subsidiaries: Fulton Bank, N.A., Fulton Bank of New Jersey, The Columbia Bank and Lafayette Ambassador Bank. In addition, the Parent Company owns the following non-bank subsidiaries: Fulton Financial Realty Company, Central Pennsylvania Financial Corp., FFC Management, Inc., FFC Penn Square, Inc. and Fulton Insurance Services Group, Inc. Collectively, the Parent Company and its subsidiaries are referred to as the Corporation.

The Corporation’s primary sources of revenue are interest income on loans, investment securities and other interest-earning assets and fee income earned on its products and services. Its expenses consist of interest expense on deposits and borrowed funds, provision for credit losses, other operating expenses and income taxes. The Corporation’s primary competition is other financial services providers operating in its region. Competitors also include financial services providers located outside the Corporation’s geographic market as a result of the growth in electronic delivery systems. The Corporation is subject to the regulations of certain federal and state agencies and undergoes periodic examinations by such regulatory authorities.

The Corporation offers, through its banking subsidiaries, a full range of retail and commercial banking services in Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey and Virginia. Industry diversity is the key to the economic well-being of these markets, and the Corporation is not dependent upon any single customer or industry.

Basis of Financial Statement Presentation: The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("U.S. GAAP") and include the accounts of the Parent Company and all wholly owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. The preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosed amount of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The Corporation evaluates subsequent events through the date of the filing of this report with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC").

Federal Reserve Bank ("FRB") and Federal Home Loan Bank Stock: Certain of the Corporation's wholly owned banking subsidiaries are members of the FRB and Federal Home Loan Bank and are required by federal law to hold stock in these institutions according to predetermined formulas. These restricted investments are carried at cost on the consolidated balance sheets and are periodically evaluated for impairment. Each of the Corporation’s subsidiary banks is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank for the region encompassing the headquarters of the subsidiary bank. Memberships are maintained with the Atlanta, New York and Pittsburgh regional Federal Home Loan Banks (collectively referred to as the "FHLB").

Investments: Debt securities are classified as held to maturity at the time of purchase when the Corporation has both the intent and ability to hold these investments until they mature. Such debt securities are carried at cost, adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts using the effective yield method. The Corporation does not engage in trading activities, however, since the investment portfolio serves as a source of liquidity, most debt securities and all marketable equity securities are classified as available for sale. Securities available for sale are carried at estimated fair value with the related unrealized holding gains and losses reported in shareholders’ equity as a component of other comprehensive income, net of tax. Realized securities gains and losses are computed using the specific identification method and are recorded on a trade date basis.

Securities are evaluated periodically to determine whether declines in value are other-than-temporary. Impaired debt securities are determined to be other-than-temporarily impaired if the Corporation concludes at the balance sheet date that it has the intent to sell, or believes it will more likely than not be required to sell, an impaired debt security before a recovery of its amortized cost basis. Credit losses on other-than-temporarily impaired debt securities are recorded through earnings, regardless of the intent or the requirement to sell. Credit loss is measured as the difference between the present value of an impaired debt security’s expected cash flows and its amortized cost. Non-credit related other-than-temporary impairment charges are recorded as decreases to accumulated other comprehensive income as long as the Corporation has no intent or expected requirement to sell the impaired debt security before a recovery of its amortized cost basis.

Fair Value Option: The Corporation has elected to measure mortgage loans held for sale at fair value. Derivative financial instruments related to mortgage banking activities are also recorded at fair value, as detailed under the heading "Derivative Financial Instruments," below. The Corporation determines fair value for its mortgage loans held for sale based on the price that secondary market investors would pay for loans with similar characteristics, including interest rate and term, as of the date fair value is measured. Changes in fair values during the period are recorded as components of mortgage banking income on the consolidated statements of income. Interest income earned on mortgage loans held for sale is classified in interest income on the consolidated statements of income.

Loans and Financing Receivables: Loan and lease financing receivables are stated at their principal amount outstanding, except for mortgage loans held for sale, which are carried at fair value. Interest income on loans is accrued as earned. Unearned income on lease financing receivables is recognized on a basis which approximates the effective yield method.

In general, a loan is placed on non-accrual status once it becomes 90 days delinquent as to principal or interest. In certain cases a loan may be placed on non-accrual status prior to being 90 days delinquent if there is an indication that the borrower is having difficulty making payments, or the Corporation believes it is probable that all amounts will not be collected according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. When interest accruals are discontinued, unpaid interest previously credited to income is reversed. Non-accrual loans may be restored to accrual status when all delinquent principal and interest has been paid currently for six consecutive months or the loan is considered secured and in the process of collection. The Corporation generally applies payments received on non-accruing loans to principal until such time as the principal is paid off, after which time any payments received are recognized as interest income. If the Corporation believes that all amounts outstanding on a non-accrual loan will ultimately be collected, payments received subsequent to its classification as a non-accrual loan are allocated between interest income and principal.

A loan that is 90 days delinquent may continue to accrue interest if the loan is both adequately secured and is in the process of collection. Past due status is determined based on contractual due dates for loan payments. An adequately secured loan is one that has collateral with a supported fair value that is sufficient to discharge the debt, and/or has an enforceable guarantee from a financially responsible party. A loan is considered to be in the process of collection if collection is proceeding through legal action or through other activities that are reasonably expected to result in repayment of the debt or restoration to current status in the near future.

Loans and lease financing receivables deemed to be a loss are written off through a charge against the allowance for loan losses. Closed-end consumer loans are generally charged off when they become 120 days past due (180 days for open-end consumer loans) if they are not adequately secured by real estate. All other loans are evaluated for possible charge-off when it is probable that the balance will not be collected, based on the ability of the borrower to pay and the value of the underlying collateral. Principal recoveries of loans previously charged off are recorded as increases to the allowance for loan losses.

Loan Origination Fees and Costs: Loan origination fees and the related direct origination costs are deferred and amortized over the life of the loan as an adjustment to interest income generally using the effective yield method. For mortgage loans sold, net loan origination fees and costs are included in the gain or loss on sale of the related loan.

Troubled Debt Restructurings ("TDRs"): Loans whose terms are modified are classified as TDRs if it is determined that those borrowers are experiencing financial difficulty and the Corporation grants the borrowers concessions. Concessions, whether negotiated or imposed by bankruptcy, granted under a TDR typically involve a temporary deferral of scheduled loan payments, an extension of a loan’s stated maturity date or a reduction in the interest rate. Non-accrual TDRs can be restored to accrual status if principal and interest payments, under the modified terms, are current for six consecutive months after modification.

Allowance for Credit Losses: The allowance for credit losses consists of the allowance for loan losses and the reserve for unfunded lending commitments. The allowance for loan losses represents management’s estimate of incurred losses in the loan portfolio as of the balance sheet date and is recorded as a reduction to loans. The reserve for unfunded lending commitments represents management’s estimate of incurred losses in its unfunded loan commitments and other off-balance sheet credit exposures, such as letters of credit, and is recorded in other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. The allowance for credit losses is increased by charges to expense, through the provision for credit losses, and decreased by charge-offs, net of recoveries. Management believes that the allowance for loan losses and the reserve for unfunded lending commitments are adequate as of the balance sheet date; however, future changes to the allowance or reserve may be necessary based on changes in any of the factors discussed in the following paragraphs.

Maintaining an appropriate allowance for credit losses is dependent upon various factors, including the ability to identify potential problem loans in a timely manner. For commercial loans, commercial mortgages and construction loans to commercial borrowers, an internal risk rating process is used. The Corporation believes that internal risk ratings are the most relevant credit quality indicator for these types of loans. The migration of loans through the various internal risk rating categories is a significant component of the allowance for credit loss methodology for these loans, which bases the probability of default on this migration. Assigning risk ratings involves judgment. The Corporation's loan review officers provide a separate assessment of risk rating accuracy. Risk ratings may be changed based on the ongoing monitoring procedures performed by loan officers or credit administration staff, or if specific loan review assessments identify a deterioration or an improvement in the loan.

The following is a summary of the Corporation's internal risk rating categories:


•	Pass: These loans do not currently pose undue credit risk and can range from the highest to average quality, depending on the degree of potential risk.


•	Special Mention: These loans have a heightened credit risk, but not to the point of justifying a classification of substandard. Loans in this category are currently acceptable, but are nevertheless potentially weak.


•	Substandard or Lower: These loans are inadequately protected by current sound worth and paying capacity of the borrower. There exists a well-defined weakness or weaknesses that jeopardize the normal repayment of the debt.

The Corporation does not assign internal risk ratings for smaller balance, homogeneous loans, such as: home equity, residential mortgage, consumer, lease receivables and construction loans to individuals secured by residential real estate. For these loans, the most relevant credit quality indicator is delinquency status. The migration of loans through the various delinquency status categories is a significant component of the allowance for credit loss methodology for these loans, which bases the probability of default on this migration.

The Corporation’s allowance for loan losses includes: 1) specific allowances allocated to loans evaluated for impairment under the Financial Accounting Standards Board's (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Section 310-10-35; and 2) allowances calculated for pools of loans evaluated for impairment under ASC Subtopic 450-20.

A loan is considered to be impaired if it is probable that all amounts will not be collected according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Impaired loans consist of all loans on non-accrual status and accruing TDRs. An allowance for loan losses is established for an impaired loan if its carrying value exceeds its estimated fair value. Impaired loans to borrowers with total outstanding commitments greater than or equal to $1.0 million are evaluated individually for impairment. Impaired loans to borrowers with total outstanding commitments less than $1.0 million are pooled and evaluated for impairment collectively.

All loans evaluated for impairment under FASB ASC Section 310-10-35 are measured for losses on a quarterly basis. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, substantially all of the Corporation’s impaired loans to borrowers with total outstanding loan balances greater than or equal to $1.0 million were measured based on the estimated fair value of each loan’s collateral. Collateral could be in the form of real estate, in the case of impaired commercial mortgages and construction loans, or business assets, such as accounts receivable or inventory, in the case of commercial and industrial loans. Commercial and industrial loans may also be secured by real property.

For loans secured by real estate, estimated fair values are determined primarily through appraisals performed by state certified third-party appraisers, discounted to arrive at expected net sale proceeds. For collateral dependent loans, estimated real estate fair values are also net of estimated selling costs. When a real estate secured loan becomes impaired, a decision is made regarding whether an updated appraisal of the real estate is necessary. This decision is based on various considerations, including: the age of the most recent appraisal; the loan-to-value ratio based on the original appraisal; the condition of the property; the Corporation’s experience and knowledge of the real estate market; the purpose of the loan; market factors; payment status; the strength of any guarantors; and the existence and age of other indications of value such as broker price opinions, among others. The Corporation generally obtains updated appraisals performed by state certified third-party appraisers for impaired loans secured predominantly by real estate every 12 months.

As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, approximately 89% and 94%, respectively, of impaired loans with principal balances greater than or equal to $1.0 million, whose primary collateral is real estate, were measured at estimated fair value using appraisals performed by state certified third-party appraisers that had been updated within the preceding 12 months.

When updated appraisals are not obtained for loans secured by real estate and evaluated for impairment under ASC Section 310-10-35, fair values are estimated based on the original appraisal values, as long as the original appraisal indicated an acceptable loan-to-value position and, in the opinion of the Corporation's internal credit administration staff, there has not been a significant deterioration in the collateral value since the original appraisal was performed. Collateral could also be in the form of business assets, such as accounts receivable or inventory, in the case of commercial and industrial loans. Commercial and industrial loans may also be secured by real property.

For impaired loans with principal balances greater than or equal to $1.0 million secured by non-real estate collateral, such as accounts receivable or inventory, estimated fair values are determined based on borrower financial statements, inventory listings, accounts receivable agings or borrowing base certificates. Indications of value from these sources are generally discounted based on the age of the financial information or the quality of the assets. Liquidation or collection discounts are applied to these assets based upon existing loan evaluation policies.

All loans not evaluated for impairment under ASC Section 310-10-35 are evaluated for impairment under ASC Subtopic 450-20, using a pooled loss evaluation approach. Loans are segmented into pools with similar characteristics and a consistently developed loss factor is then applied to all loans in these pools. Certain portfolio segments are further disaggregated and evaluated collectively for impairment based on class segments. For commercial loans, class segments include loans secured by collateral and unsecured loans. Construction loan class segments include loans secured by commercial real estate, loans to commercial borrowers secured by residential real estate and loans to individuals secured by residential real estate. Consumer loan class segments are based on collateral types and include direct consumer installment loans, home equity loans and indirect automobile loans.

The Corporation segments its loan portfolio by general loan type, or "portfolio segments," as presented in the table under the heading, "Loans, net of unearned income," within Note 4, "Loans and Allowance for Credit Losses." Certain portfolio segments are further disaggregated and evaluated collectively for impairment based on "class segments," which are largely based on the type of collateral underlying each loan. For commercial loans, class segments include loans secured by collateral and unsecured loans. Construction loan class segments include loans secured by commercial real estate, loans to commercial borrowers secured by residential real estate and loans to individuals secured by residential real estate. Consumer loan class segments are based on collateral types and include direct consumer installment loans and indirect automobile loans.

The Corporation calculates allowance for loan loss allocation needs for loans evaluated under ASC Subtopic 450-20 through the following procedures:

•

The loans are segmented into pools with similar characteristics, as noted above. Commercial loans, commercial mortgages and construction loans to commercial borrowers are further segmented into separate pools based on internally assigned risk ratings. Residential mortgages, home equity loans, consumer loans, and lease receivables are further segmented into separate pools based on delinquency status;


•	A loss rate is calculated for each pool through an analysis of historical losses as loans migrate through the various risk rating or delinquency categories. Estimated loss rates are based on a probability of default and a loss rate forecast;


•	The loss rate is adjusted to consider qualitative factors, such as economic conditions and trends; and


•	The resulting adjusted loss rate is applied to the balance of the loans in the pool to arrive at the allowance allocation for the pool.

The allocation of the allowance for credit losses is reviewed to evaluate its appropriateness in relation to the overall risk profile of the loan portfolio. The Corporation considers risk factors such as: local and national economic conditions; trends in delinquencies and non-accrual loans; the diversity of borrower industry types; and the composition of the portfolio by loan type. Prior to 2017, the Corporation maintained an unallocated allowance for credit losses for factors and conditions that exist at the balance sheet date, but are not specifically identifiable, and to recognize the inherent imprecision in estimating and measuring loss exposure. In 2017, enhancements were made to allow for the impact of these factors and conditions to be quantified in the allowance allocation process. Accordingly, an unallocated allowance for credit losses is no longer necessary. This change did not have a material impact on the Corporation's reserve for credit losses.

Premises and Equipment: Premises and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization. The provision for depreciation and amortization is generally computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets, which are a maximum of 50 years for buildings and improvements, 8 years for furniture and 5 years for equipment. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the useful life or the non-cancelable lease term.

Other Real Estate Owned ("OREO"): Assets acquired in settlement of mortgage loan indebtedness are recorded as OREO and are included in other assets on the consolidated balance sheets, initially at the lower of the estimated fair value of the asset, less estimated selling costs, or the carrying amount of the loan. Costs to maintain the assets and subsequent gains and losses on sales are included in other non-interest expense on the consolidated statements of income.

Mortgage Servicing Rights ("MSRs"): The estimated fair value of MSRs related to residential mortgage loans sold and serviced by the Corporation is recorded as an asset upon the sale of such loans. MSRs are amortized as a reduction to servicing income over the estimated lives of the underlying loans.

MSRs are stratified and evaluated for impairment by comparing each stratum's carrying amount to its estimated fair value. Fair values are determined through a discounted cash flows valuation completed by a third-party valuation expert. Significant inputs to the valuation include expected net servicing income, the discount rate and the expected lives of the underlying loans. Expected life is based on the contractual terms of the loans, as adjusted for prepayment projections. To the extent the amortized cost of the MSRs exceeds their estimated fair value, a valuation allowance is established through a charge against servicing income, included as a component of mortgage banking income on the consolidated statements of income. If subsequent valuations indicate that impairment no longer exists, the valuation allowance is reduced through an increase to servicing income.

Derivative Financial Instruments: The Corporation manages its exposure to certain interest rate and foreign currency risks through the use of derivatives. None of the Corporation's outstanding derivative contracts are designated as hedges and none are entered into for speculative purposes. Derivative instruments are carried at fair value, with changes in fair value recognized in earnings as components of non-interest income or non-interest expense on the consolidated statements of income.

Derivative contracts create counterparty credit risk with both the Corporation's customers and with institutional derivative counterparties. The Corporation manages counterparty credit risk through its credit approval processes, monitoring procedures and obtaining adequate collateral, when the Corporation determines it is appropriate to do so and in accordance with counterparty contracts.

Mortgage Banking Derivatives

In connection with its mortgage banking activities, the Corporation enters into commitments to originate certain fixed-rate residential mortgage loans for customers, also referred to as interest rate locks. In addition, the Corporation enters into forward commitments for the future sales or purchases of mortgage-backed securities to or from third-party counterparties to hedge the effect of changes in interest rates on the values of both the interest rate locks and mortgage loans held for sale. Forward sales commitments may also be in the form of commitments to sell individual mortgage loans at a fixed price at a future date. The amount necessary to settle each interest rate lock is based on the price that secondary market investors would pay for loans with similar characteristics, including interest rate and term, as of the date fair value is measured. Gross derivative assets and liabilities are recorded in other assets and other liabilities, respectively, on the consolidated balance sheets, with changes in fair values during the period recorded in mortgage banking income on the consolidated statements of income.

Interest Rate Swaps

The Corporation enters into interest rate swaps with certain qualifying commercial loan customers to meet their interest rate risk management needs. The Corporation simultaneously enters into interest rate swaps with dealer counterparties, with identical notional amounts and terms. The net result of these interest rate swaps is that the customer pays a fixed rate of interest and the Corporation receives a floating rate. These interest rate swaps are derivative financial instruments and the gross fair values are recorded in other assets and other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets, with changes in fair value during the period recorded in other non-interest expense on the consolidated statements of income. Fulton Bank, N.A. ("Fulton Bank"), the Corporation's largest banking subsidiary, exceeds $10 billion in total assets and is required to clear all eligible interest rate swap contracts with a central counterparty. As a result, Fulton Bank is subject to the regulations of Commodity Futures Trading Commission ("CFTC").

Foreign Exchange Contracts

The Corporation enters into foreign exchange contracts to accommodate the needs of its customers. Foreign exchange contracts are commitments to buy or sell foreign currency on a specific date at a contractual price. The Corporation limits its foreign exchange exposure with customers by entering into contracts with institutional counterparties to mitigate its foreign exchange risk. The Corporation also holds certain amounts of foreign currency with international correspondent banks ("Foreign Currency Nostro Accounts"). The Corporation limits the total overnight net foreign currency open positions, which is defined as an aggregate of all outstanding contracts and Foreign Currency Nostro Account balances, to $500,000. Gross fair values are recorded in other assets and other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets, with changes in fair values during the period recorded in other service charges and fees on the consolidated statements of income.

Balance Sheet Offsetting: Although certain financial assets and liabilities may be eligible for offset on the consolidated balance sheets because they are subject to master netting arrangements or similar agreements, the Corporation elects to not offset such qualifying assets and liabilities.

The Corporation is a party to interest rate swap transactions with financial institution counterparties and customers. Under these agreements, the Corporation has the right to net-settle multiple contracts with the same counterparty in the event of default on, or termination of, any one contract. Cash collateral is posted by the party with a net liability position in accordance with contract thresholds and can be used to settle the fair value of the interest rate swap agreements in the event of default. A daily settlement occurs through a clearing agent for changes in the fair value of centrally cleared derivatives. Not all of the derivatives are required to be cleared through a daily clearing agent. As a result, the total fair values of interest rate swap derivative assets and derivative liabilities recognized on the consolidated balance sheet are not equal and offsetting.

The Corporation is also a party to foreign currency exchange contracts with financial institution counterparties, under which the Corporation has the right to net-settle multiple contracts with the same counterparty in the event of default on, or termination of, any one contract. As with interest rate swap contracts, cash collateral is posted by the party with a net liability position in accordance with contract thresholds and can be used to settle the fair value of the foreign currency exchange contracts in the event of default. For additional details on Interest Rate Swaps and Foreign Exchange Contracts, see "Note 10 - Derivative Financial Instruments."

The Corporation also enters into agreements with customers in which it sells securities subject to an obligation to repurchase the same or similar securities, referred to as repurchase agreements. Under these agreements, the Corporation may transfer legal control over the assets but still maintain effective control through agreements that both entitle and obligate the Corporation to repurchase the assets. Therefore, repurchase agreements are reported as secured borrowings, classified in short-term borrowings on the consolidated balance sheets, while the securities underlying the repurchase agreements remain classified with investment securities on the consolidated balance sheets. The Corporation has no intention of setting off these amounts, therefore, these repurchase agreements are not eligible for offset.

Income Taxes: The Corporation accounts for income taxes in accordance with ASC Topic 740, "Income Taxes" ("ASC Topic 740"). Under ASC Topic 740, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax bases of existing assets and liabilities and are measured at the prevailing enacted tax rates that will be in effect when these differences are settled or realized. ASC Topic 740 also requires that deferred tax assets be reduced by a valuation allowance if it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.

The realizability of the net deferred tax assets is evaluated quarterly by assessing the valuation allowance and by adjusting the amount of the allowance, if necessary. The Corporation considers all available positive and negative evidence, including projected future taxable income and available tax planning strategies that could be implemented to realize the net deferred tax assets. The evaluation of both positive and negative evidence is a requirement pursuant to ASC Topic 740 in determining whether it is more-likely-than-not the net deferred tax assets will be realized. In the event the Corporation determines that the deferred income tax assets would be realized in the future in excess of their net recorded amount, an adjustment to the valuation allowance would be recorded, which would reduce the provision for income taxes.

ASC Topic 740 also creates a single model to address uncertainty in tax positions, and clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise's financial statements by prescribing the minimum recognition threshold a tax position is required to meet before being recognized in an enterprise's financial statements. It also provides guidance on derecognition, measurement, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition. The liability for unrecognized tax benefits is included in other liabilities within the consolidated balance sheets.

Effective January 1, 2018, the Corporation adopted ASC Update 2018-02, "Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income." This standards update permits a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income ("AOCI") to retained earnings of the stranded tax effects resulting from the application of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 ("Tax Act"), which changed the federal corporate income tax rate from a top rate of 35% to a flat rate of 21%. Upon adoption, the Corporation elected to reclassify $7.1 million of stranded tax effects from AOCI to retained earnings at the beginning of the period of adoption. The Corporation's policy for releasing income tax effects from accumulated other comprehensive income is to release them as investments are sold or mature and as pension and post-retirement liabilities are extinguished.

Stock-Based Compensation: The Corporation grants equity awards to employees, consisting of stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units ("RSUs") and performance-based restricted stock units ("PSUs") under its Amended and Restated Equity and Cash Incentive Compensation Plan ("Employee Equity Plan"). In addition, employees may purchase stock under the Corporation’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan ("ESPP").

The Corporation also grants stock equity awards to non-employee members of its board of directors under the 2011 Directors’ Equity Participation Plan ("Directors’ Plan"). Under the Directors’ Plan, the Corporation can grant equity awards to non-employee holding company and subsidiary bank directors in the form of stock options, restricted stock or common stock.

Stock option fair values are estimated through the use of the Black-Scholes valuation methodology as of the date of grant. Stock options carry terms of up to ten years. The Company has not issued stock options since 2014. The fair value of restricted stock, RSUs and a majority of PSUs are based on the trading price of the Corporation's stock on the date of grant. The fair value of certain PSUs are estimated through the use of the Monte Carlo valuation methodology as of the date of grant.

Equity awards issued under the Employee Equity Plan are generally granted annually and become fully vested over or after a three-year vesting period. The vesting period for non-performance-based awards represents the period during which employees are required to provide service in exchange for such awards. Equity awards under the Directors' Plan generally vest immediately upon grant. Certain events, as defined in the Employee Equity Plan and the Directors' Plan, result in the acceleration of the vesting of equity awards. Restricted stock, RSUs and PSUs earn dividends during the vesting period, which are forfeitable if the awards do not vest.

The fair value of stock options, restricted stock and RSUs granted to employees is recognized as compensation expense over the vesting period for such awards. Compensation expense for PSUs is also recognized over the vesting period, however, compensation expense for PSUs may vary based on the expectations for actual performance relative to defined performance measures.

Net Income Per Share: Basic net income per common share is calculated as net income divided by the weighted average number of shares outstanding.

Diluted net income per share is calculated as net income divided by the weighted average number of shares outstanding plus the incremental number of shares added as a result of converting common stock equivalents, calculated using the treasury stock method. The Corporation’s common stock equivalents consist of outstanding stock options, restricted stock, RSUs and PSUs. PSUs are required to be included in weighted average diluted shares outstanding if performance measures, as defined in each PSU award agreement, are met as of the end of the period.

A reconciliation of weighted average common shares outstanding used to calculate basic and diluted net income per share follows:



	2018	2017	2016
	(in thousands)
Weighted average common shares outstanding (basic)	175,395	174,721	173,325
Impact of common stock equivalents	1,148	1,211	1,093
Weighted average common shares outstanding (diluted)	176,543	175,932	174,418

In 2016, 534,000 stock options were excluded from the diluted earnings per share computation as their effect would have been anti-dilutive. There were no stock options excluded from the diluted net income per share computation in 2018 and 2017.

Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information: The Corporation does not have any operating segments which require disclosure of additional information. While the Corporation owns four separate banks, each engages in similar activities, provides similar products and services, and operates in the same general geographic area. The Corporation’s non-banking activities are immaterial and, therefore, separate information is not required to be disclosed.

Financial Guarantees: Financial guarantees, which consist primarily of standby and commercial letters of credit, are accounted for by recognizing a liability equal to the fair value of the guarantees and crediting the liability to income over the term of the guarantee. Fair value is estimated based on the fees currently charged to enter into similar agreements with similar terms.

Business Combinations and Intangible Assets: The Corporation accounts for its acquisitions using the purchase accounting method. Purchase accounting requires that all assets acquired and liabilities assumed, including certain intangible assets that must be recognized, be recorded at their estimated fair values as of the acquisition date. Any purchase price exceeding the fair value of net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill.

Goodwill is not amortized to expense, but is tested for impairment at least annually. A quantitative annual impairment test is not required if, based on a qualitative analysis, the Corporation determines that the existence of events and circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that goodwill is not impaired. Write-downs of the balance, if necessary as a result of the impairment test, are charged to expense in the period in which goodwill is determined to be impaired. The Corporation performs its annual test of goodwill impairment as of October 31st of each year. If certain events occur which indicate goodwill might be impaired between annual tests, goodwill must be tested when such events occur. Based on the results of its annual impairment tests, the Corporation concluded that there was no impairment in 2018, 2017 or 2016. See "Note 6 - Goodwill and Intangible Assets," for additional details.

Intangible assets are amortized over their estimated lives. Some intangible assets have indefinite lives and are, therefore, not amortized. All intangible assets must be evaluated for impairment if certain events occur. Any impairment write-downs are recognized as non-interest expense on the consolidated statements of income.

Variable Interest Entities ("VIEs"): ASC Topic 810 provides guidance on when to consolidate certain VIEs in the financial statements of the Corporation. VIEs are entities in which equity investors do not have a controlling financial interest or do not have sufficient equity at risk for the entity to finance activities without additional financial support from other parties. VIEs are assessed for consolidation under ASC Topic 810 when the Corporation holds variable interests in these entities. The Corporation consolidates VIEs when it is deemed to be the primary beneficiary. The primary beneficiary of a VIE is determined to be the party that has the power to make decisions that most significantly affect the economic performance of the VIE and has the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits that in either case could potentially be significant to the VIE.

Subsidiary Trusts

The Parent Company owns all of the common stock of three subsidiary trusts, which have issued securities (Trust Preferred Securities) in conjunction with the Parent Company issuing junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures to the trusts. The terms of the junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures are the same as the terms of the Trust Preferred Securities ("TruPS"). The Parent Company’s obligations under the debentures constitute a full and unconditional guarantee by the Parent Company of the obligations of the trusts. The provisions of ASC Topic 810 related to subsidiary trusts, as interpreted by the SEC, disallow consolidation of subsidiary trusts in the financial statements of the Corporation. As a result, TruPS are not included on the Corporation’s consolidated balance sheets. The junior subordinated debentures issued by the Parent Company to the subsidiary trusts, which have the same total balance and rate as the combined equity securities and TruPS issued by the subsidiary trusts, remain in long-term debt. See "Note 9 - Short-Term Borrowings and Long-Term Debt," for additional information.

Tax Credit Investments

The Corporation makes investments in certain community development projects that generate tax credits under various federal programs, including qualified affordable housing projects, New Markets Tax Credit ("NMTC") projects and historic rehabilitation projects (collectively, "Tax Credit Investments"). These investments are made throughout the Corporation's market area as a means of supporting the communities it serves. The Corporation typically acts as a limited partner or member of a limited liability company in its Tax Credit Investments and does not exert control over the operating or financial policies of the partnership or limited liability company. Tax credits earned are subject to recapture by federal taxing authorities based upon compliance requirements to be met at the project level.

Because the Corporation owns 100% of the equity interests in its New Markets Tax Credit investments, these investments were consolidated based on FASB ASC Topic 810 as of December 31, 2018 and 2017. Investments in affordable housing projects were not consolidated based on management's assessment of the provisions of FASB ASC Topic 810.

Tax Credit Investments are tested for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that the carrying amount of the investment will not be realized. An impairment loss is measured as the amount by which the current carrying value exceeds its aggregated remaining value of the tax benefits of the investment. There were no impairment losses recognized for the Corporation’s Tax Credit Investments in 2018, 2017 or 2016. For additional details, see "Note 12 - Income Taxes."

Fair Value Measurements: ASC Topic 820 establishes a fair value hierarchy for the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure assets and liabilities at fair value using the following three categories (from highest to lowest priority):


•	Level 1 - Inputs that represent quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.


•	Level 2 - Inputs that represent quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, or quoted prices for identical instruments in non-active markets. Also includes valuation techniques whose inputs are derived principally from observable market data other than quoted prices, such as interest rates or other market-corroborated means.


•	Level 3 - Inputs that are largely unobservable, as little or no market data exists for the instrument being valued.

The Corporation has categorized all assets and liabilities required to be measured at fair value on both a recurring and nonrecurring basis into the above three levels. See "Note 18 - Fair Value Measurements," for additional details.

Effective January 1, 2018, the Corporation adopted ASC Update 2016-01, "Financial Instruments - Overall: Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities." ASC Update 2016-01 provides guidance regarding the income statement impact of equity investments held by an entity and the recognition of changes in fair value of financial liabilities when the fair value option is elected. This update requires equity investments to be measured at fair value, with changes recorded in net income. It also requires the use of the exit price notion when measuring the fair value of financial instruments for disclosure purposes. The adoption of this update did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

In 2008, the Corporation received Class B restricted shares of Visa, Inc. ("Visa") as part of Visa’s initial public offering. In accordance with the ASC Update 2016-01, these securities are considered equity securities without readily determinable values. As such, the approximately 133,000 Visa Class B shares remaining that the Corporation owned as of December 31, 2018 are carried at a zero cost basis.

Revenue Recognition: Effective January 1, 2018, the Corporation adopted ASC Update 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers" using the modified retrospective method applied to all open contracts as of January 1, 2018 with no material impact on its consolidated financial statements. This update established a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. The core principle prescribed by this standards update is that an entity recognizes revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services.

The sources of revenue for the Corporation are interest income from loans and investments, net of interest expense on deposits and borrowings, and non-interest income. Non-interest income is earned from various banking and financial services that the Corporation offers through its subsidiary banks. Revenue is recognized as earned based on contractual terms, as transactions occur, or as services are provided. Following is further detail of the various types of revenue the Corporation earns and when it is recognized:

Interest income: Interest income is recognized on an accrual basis according to loan agreements, securities contracts or other such written contracts.

Investment management and trust services: Consists of trust commission income, brokerage income, money market income and insurance commission income. Trust commission income consists of advisory fees that are based on market values of clients' managed portfolios and transaction fees for fiduciary services performed, both of which are recognized as earned. Brokerage income includes advisory fees which are recognized as earned on a monthly basis and transaction fees that are recognized when transactions occur. Money market income is based on the balances held in trust accounts and is recognized monthly. Insurance commission income is earned and recognized when policies are originated. Currently, no investment management and trust service income is based on performance or investment results.

Service charges on deposit accounts: Consists of cash management, overdraft, non-sufficient fund fees and other service charges on deposit accounts. Revenue is primarily transactional and recognized when earned, at the time the transactions occur.

Other service charges and fees: Consists of branch fees, automated teller machine fees, debit card income and merchant services fees. These fees are primarily transactional, and revenue is recognized when transactions occur. Also included in other service charges and fees are letter of credit fees, foreign exchange income and commercial loan interest rate swap fees.

Mortgage banking income: Consists of gains or losses on the sale of residential mortgage loans and mortgage loan servicing income.

Other Income: Includes credit card income, gains on sales of Small Business Association ("SBA") loans, cash surrender value of life insurance, and other miscellaneous income.

Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash: In 2018, the Corporation adopted ASC Update 2016-18, "Statement of Cash Flows - Restricted Cash". This standards update provides guidance regarding the presentation of restricted cash in the statement of cash flows. The update requires companies to include amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents, along with cash and cash equivalents, when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. It also requires an entity to disclose the nature of the restrictions on cash and cash equivalents.

As a result of the adoption of ASC Update 2016-18, in the fourth quarter of 2018 cash and cash equivalents, as included in the consolidated statements of cash flows, include those amounts presented in “cash and due from banks” and “interest-bearing deposits with other banks” on the consolidated balance sheets. All periods presented in the consolidated statements of cash flows have been revised to conform to this presentation. This had no impact on net income, net income per share or retained earnings.

Cash and cash equivalents includes restricted cash. Restricted cash comprises cash balances required to be maintained with the Federal Reserve Bank, based on customer transaction deposit account levels, and cash balances provided as collateral on derivative and other contracts. See Note 2, “Restrictions on Cash and Cash Equivalents” for additional information.

The Corporation determined that the total amounts of beginning-of-period and end-of-period cash and restricted cash, and the changes in other interest-earning assets presented in the consolidated statements of cash flows in the Form 10-Q’s filed for the periods ended March 31, 2018, June 30, 2018 and September 30, 2018 were immaterially misstated. Total restricted cash balances presented in the footnotes to the consolidated statements of cash flows were properly stated. The immaterial corrections of cash and restricted cash within the consolidated statements of cash flows, as shown in the following tables, had no impact on the amounts of “cash and due from banks” and “interest-bearing deposits with other banks” presented on the consolidated balance sheets.



		Three Months Ended March 31						Six Months Ended June 30						Nine Months Ended September 30
		2018			2017			2018			2017			2018			2017
As Reported:		(in thousands)
	Decrease (increase) in other interest-earning assets	$	86,760		$	(59,135	)	$	(3,480	)	$	(71,845	)	$	(49,225	)	$	(376,696	)
	Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	36,715			(279,869		)	(217,199		)	(656,240		)	(478,766		)	(1,202,312		)
	Net (decrease) increase in cash and restricted cash	(8,140		)	(24,919		)	(1,793		)	5,920			(33,465		)	(41,112		)
	Cash and restricted cash - beginning of period	108,291			118,763			246,726			236,887			246,726			236,887
	Cash and restricted cash - end of period	100,151			93,844			244,933			242,807			213,261			195,775

As Corrected:
	Decrease (increase) in other interest-earning assets	$	59,034		$	(76,087	)	$	4,312		$	(57,819	)	$	(39,974	)	$	(341,385	)
	Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	8,989			(296,821		)	(209,407		)	(642,214		)	(469,515		)	(1,167,001		)
	Net (decrease) increase in cash and restricted cash	(35,866		)	(41,871		)	5,999			19,946			(24,214		)	(5,801		)
	Cash and restricted cash - beginning of period	159,304			144,812			159,304			144,812			159,304			144,812
	Cash and restricted cash - end of period	123,438			102,941			165,303			164,758			135,090			139,011

Effective January 1, 2018 the Corporation adopted ASC Update 2016-15, "Statement of Cash Flows - Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments." This standards update provides guidance regarding the presentation of certain cash receipts and cash payments in the statement of cash flows, addressing eight specific cash flow classification issues, in order to reduce existing diversity in practice. The adoption of this update did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

Defined Benefit Pension: Net periodic pension costs are funded based on the requirements of federal laws and regulations. The determination of net periodic pension costs is based on assumptions about future events that will affect the amount and timing of required benefit payments under the plan. These assumptions include demographic assumptions such as retirement age and mortality, a discount rate used to determine the current benefit obligation, form of payment election and a long-term expected rate of return on plan assets. Net periodic pension expense includes interest cost, based on the assumed discount rate, an expected return on plan assets, amortization of prior service cost or credit and amortization of net actuarial gains or losses. For the Corporation, there is no service cost as the plan was curtailed in 2008, with no additional benefits accruing. Net periodic pension cost is recognized in salaries and employee benefits on the consolidated statements of income.

In March 2017, the FASB issued ASC Update No. 2017-07, "Compensation - Retirement Benefits: Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost.” This standards update requires a company to present service cost separately from the other components of net benefit cost. In addition, the update provides explicit guidance on how to present the service cost component and the other components of net benefit cost in the income statement and allows only the service cost component of net benefit cost to be eligible for capitalization. This update was effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Corporation adopted this standards update effective with its March 31, 2018 quarterly report on Form 10-Q and the adoption of this update did not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards:



Standard	Description	Date of Anticipated Adoption	Effect on Financial Statements
ASC Update 2016-02 Leases (Topic 842)	This update requires a lessee to recognize for all leases with an initial term greater than twelve months: (1) a “right-of-use” asset, which is an asset that represents the lessee’s right to use, or control the use of, a specified asset for the lease term; and (2) a lease liability, which is a lessee’s obligation to make lease payments arising from a lease, measured on a discounted basis. ASC Update 2016-02 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018. In July 2018, the FASB also issued amendments to ASC Update 2016-02 (ASC Updates 2018-10 and 2018-11), which allow for an alternative transition method that eliminates the requirement to restate the earliest prior period presented in an entity’s financial statements. Entities that elect this transition method still adopt ASC Update 2016-02 using the modified retrospective transition method, but they recognize a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption rather than in the earliest period presented. In December of 2018, the FASB issued an additional amendment to this update (ASC Update 2018-20) which narrows the scope on sales taxes and other similar taxes collected from lessees, certain lessor costs and recognition of variable payments for contracts with lease and nonlease components. This update requires lessors to classify leases as a sales-type, direct financing or operating. Substantially all of the Corporation's leasing activities as lessor are under direct financing leases and it does not expect the new standard to have a material effect on its financial statements related to these leases.	First Quarter 2019	The Corporation is adopting this update effective with its March 31, 2020 quarterly report on Form 10-Q using the alternative transition method. The Corporation applied the package of practical expedients permitted within the new standard, which, among other things, allows it to carryforward the historical lease classification, initial direct costs for leases that commenced before the effective date, and the ability to use hindsight in evaluating lessee options to extend or terminate a lease or to purchase the underlying asset. Based on preliminary evaluation, the right-of-use asset and corresponding lease obligation liability, are each expected to be between $105 million to $115 million at adoption. The Corporation will continue to evaluate other impacts of adoption but does not anticipate these to be material.
ASC Update 2016-13 Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments	The new impairment model prescribed by this standards update is a single impairment model for all financial assets (i.e., loans and held to maturity investments). The recognition of credit losses would be based on an entity’s current estimate of expected losses (referred to as the Current Expected Credit Loss model, or "CECL"), as opposed to recognition of losses only when they are probable under current U.S. GAAP. This update also requires new disclosures for financial assets measured at amortized cost, loans and available-for-sale debt securities. Entities will apply the standard's provisions as a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the first reporting period in which the guidance is adopted. This adjustment will also be recognized in regulatory capital. This update is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted. In November 2018, the FASB issued ASC Update 2018-19, “Codifications Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses” which clarifies that receivables arising from operating leases are accounted for using lease guidance and not as financial instruments.	First Quarter of 2020	The Corporation intends to adopt these standards updates effective with its March 31, 2020 quarterly report on Form 10-Q. The Corporation is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of this update on its consolidated financial statements and disclosures. While the Corporation is currently unable to reasonably estimate the impact of this update, it expects that the impact of adoption could be significantly influenced by the composition, characteristics and quality of its loan portfolio as well as the prevailing economic conditions and forecasts as of the adoption date. The Corporation’s steering committee and working group, which are comprised of individuals from various functional areas, are assessing processes, portfolio segmentation, systems requirements and solutions and resources to implement this new accounting standard. Current activities also include data gathering and building loss models. The Corporation anticipates it will begin full parallel runs of the new processes and controls in mid-2019. In addition, the Corporation has engaged a third-party consultant to assist with these implementation efforts.



Standard	Description	Date of Anticipated Adoption	Effect on Financial Statements
ASC Update 2017-04 Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment	The FASB issued this update to simplify the subsequent quantitative measurement of goodwill by eliminating Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test. Instead, identifying and measuring impairment will take place in a single quantitative step. In addition, no separate qualitative assessment for reporting units with zero or negative carrying amounts is required. Entities must disclose the existence of these reporting units and the amount of goodwill allocated to them. This update should be applied on a prospective basis, and an entity is required to disclose the nature of and reason for the change in accounting principle upon transition. This update is effective for annual or interim goodwill impairment tests in reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted.	Fourth Quarter of 2020, in line with its annual impairment testing in October of each year	The Corporation does not expect the adoption of this update to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements. The Corporation has not been required to perform step 2 since its 2012 impairment testing.
ASC Update 2018-13 Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement	This update changes the fair value measurement disclosure requirements of ASC Topic 820 "Fair Value Measurement." Among other things, the update modifies the disclosure objective paragraphs of ASC 820 to eliminate: (1) "at a minimum" from the phrase "an entity shall disclose at a minimum;" and (2) other similar disclosure requirements to promote the appropriate exercise of discretion by entities.	First Quarter 2020	The Corporation intends to adopt this standards update effective with its March 31, 2020 quarterly report on Form 10-Q. This standard will impact the Corporation's Fair Value Measurement disclosure but the Corporation does not expect the adoption of this update to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.
ASC Update 2018-14 Compensation - Retirement Benefits - Defined Benefit Plans - General (Subtopic 715-20): Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans	This update amends ASC Topic 715-20 to add, remove, and clarify disclosure requirements related to defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans. This update is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2020. Early adoption is permitted.	First Quarter 2021	The Corporation intends to adopt this standards update effective with its March 31, 2021 quarterly report on Form 10-Q. This standard will impact the Corporation's disclosure relating to employee benefit plans, but the Corporation does not expect the adoption of this update to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.
ASC Update 2018-15 Intangibles - Goodwill and Other - Internal Use Software (Topic 350-40): Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That is a Service Contract	This update requires a customer in a cloud computing arrangement that is a service contract to follow the internal-use software guidance in ASC Subtopic 350-40 to determine which implementation costs to capitalize as assets. This update is effective for annual or interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted.	First Quarter 2020	The Corporation intends to adopt this standards update effective with its March 31, 2020 quarterly report on Form 10-Q and does not expect the adoption of this update to have an impact on its consolidated financial statements.

Reclassifications: Certain amounts in the 2017 and 2016 consolidated financial statements and notes have been reclassified to conform to the 2018 presentation. On the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, the net change in tax credit investments is presented as cash flows from investing activities. Prior to 2018, these cash flows were presented as cash flows from operating activities, included in the net increase (decrease) in other liabilities. The presentation of the cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 were changed to conform to this presentation, resulting in a $28.9 million and $40.7 million decrease, respectively, in net cash flows used in investing activities and a corresponding increase in net cash flows provided by operating activities. The change had no impact on net income or retained earnings.