Significant Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2024

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Significant Accounting Policies

Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of financial statement presentation

The accounting and reporting policies of Union Bankshares, Inc. and its Subsidiary (together, the Company) are in conformity with GAAP and general practices within the banking industry. The following is a description of the more significant policies.

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Union Bankshares, Inc., and its wholly owned subsidiary, Union Bank, headquartered in Morrisville, Vermont. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated. The Company utilizes the accrual method of accounting for financial reporting purposes.

The Company is a “smaller reporting company” and as permitted under the rules and regulations of the SEC, has elected to provide its audited consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, cash flows and changes in stockholders’ equity for a two year, rather than three year, period. The Company has also elected to provide certain other scaled disclosures in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, as permitted for smaller reporting companies.

Certain amounts in the 2023 consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.

The acronyms, abbreviations and capitalized terms identified below are used throughout this Annual Report on Form 10-K, including Parts I, II and III. The following is provided to aid the reader and provide a reference page when reviewing this Annual Report:

ACL:	Allowance for credit losses	FOMC:	Federal Open Market Committee
AFS:	Available-for-sale	GAAP:	Generally accepted accounting principles in the United States
ASC:	Accounting Standards Codification	GLBA:	Gramm-Leach-Bliley Financial Modernization Act of 1999
ASU:	Accounting Standards Update	HTM:	Held-to-maturity
BHCA:	Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended	HUD:	U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Board:	Board of Directors	ICS:	Insured Cash Sweeps of the IntraFi Network
bp or bps:	Basis point(s)	IRS:	Internal Revenue Service
Branch Acquisition:	The acquisition of three New Hampshire branches in May 2011	MBS:	Mortgage-backed security
BTFP:	Bank Term Funding Program	MPF:	Mortgage Partnership Finance Program
CDARS:	Certificate of Deposit Accounts Registry Service of the IntraFi Network	MSRs:	Mortgage servicing rights
CECL:	Current expected credit loss	NASDAQ:	NASDAQ Global Security Market
CFPB:	Consumer Financial Protection Bureau	OAO:	Other assets owned
COLI:	Company-owned life insurance	OCI:	Other comprehensive income (loss)
Company:	Union Bankshares, Inc. and Subsidiary	OFAC:	U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control
DCF:	Discounted cash flow	OREO:	Other real estate owned
DFR:	Vermont Department of Financial Regulation	RD:	USDA Rural Development
DIF:	Federal Deposit Insurance Fund	RSU:	Restricted stock unit
Dodd-Frank Act:	The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010	SBA:	U.S. Small Business Administration
DRIP:	Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan	SEC:	U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
EPS:	Earnings per share	SOX Act:	Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002
FASB:	Financial Accounting Standards Board	Union:	Union Bank, the sole subsidiary of Union Bankshares, Inc
FDIC:	Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation	USDA:	U.S. Department of Agriculture
FDICIA:	The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991	VA:	U.S. Veterans Administration
FHA:	U.S. Federal Housing Administration	2008 Plan:	2008 Amended and Restated Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan
FHLB:	Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston	2014 Equity Plan:	2014 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended
FRB:	Federal Reserve Board	2020 Plan:	2020 Amended and Restated Nonqualified Excess Plan
FHLMC/Freddie Mac:	Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation	2024 Equity Plan:	2024 Equity Incentive Plan

Nature of operations

The Company provides a variety of financial services to individuals, municipalities, commercial businesses and nonprofit customers through its branches, ATMs, telebanking, mobile and internet banking systems in northern Vermont and New Hampshire. This market area encompasses primarily retail consumers, small businesses, municipalities, agricultural producers and the tourism industry. The Company's primary deposit products are checking accounts, savings accounts, money market accounts, certificates of deposit and individual retirement accounts and its primary lending products are commercial, real estate, municipal and consumer loans. The Company also offers fiduciary and asset management services through its Wealth Management Group, an unincorporated division of Union.

Significant concentration of credit risk

The Company grants loans primarily to customers in Vermont and New Hampshire. Although it has a diversified loan portfolio, a large portion of the Company's loans are secured by commercial or residential real estate located in Vermont and New Hampshire, resulting in exposure to volatility with each state's real estate market. Additionally, the ability of borrowers to repay loans is highly dependent upon other economic factors throughout Vermont and New Hampshire. The Company typically requires the principals of any commercial borrower to obligate themselves personally on the loan.

Use of estimates in preparation of consolidated financial statements

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates. Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change in the near term and involve inherent uncertainties relate to the determination of the ACL on loans, the valuation of real estate acquired in connection with foreclosures or in satisfaction of loans, valuation of deferred tax assets, and asset impairment judgments, including the ACL on AFS debt securities. These estimates involve a significant degree of complexity and subjectivity and the amount of the change that is reasonably possible, should any of these estimates prove inaccurate, cannot be estimated.

Presentation of cash flows

For purposes of presentation in the consolidated statements of cash flows, cash and cash equivalents includes cash on hand, amounts due from banks (including cash items in process of clearing), federal funds sold (generally purchased and sold for one day periods) and overnight deposits.

Wealth management operations

Assets held by Union's Wealth Management Group in a fiduciary or agency capacity, other than trust cash on deposit with Union, are not included in these consolidated financial statements because they are not assets of Union or the Company.

Fair value measurement

The Company utilizes FASB ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement, as guidance for accounting for assets and liabilities carried at fair value. This standard defines fair value as the price that would be received, without adjustment for transaction costs, to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Fair value is a market based measurement that should be determined based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability. The guidance in FASB ASC Topic 820 establishes a three-level fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value. 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.

The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are:

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

•Level 2 - Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices in markets that are not active, or inputs that are observable, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability; and

•Level 3 - Prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable (i.e., supported by little or no market activity).

Investment securities

Debt securities the Company has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified as HTM and reported at amortized cost. Debt securities not classified as either HTM or trading are classified as AFS and reported at fair value. Debt securities purchased and held primarily for resale in the near future are classified as trading securities and are reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses included in earnings. The Company does not generally hold any securities classified as trading.

Accretion of discounts and amortization of premiums arising at acquisition on investment securities are included in income using the effective interest method over the life of the securities to the call date. Unrealized gains and losses on investment

securities AFS are excluded from earnings and reported in Accumulated OCI, net of tax and reclassification adjustment, as a separate component of stockholders' equity. The specific identification method is used to determine realized gains and losses on sales of AFS or trading securities.

Allowance for credit losses on AFS debt securities

AFS debt securities in unrealized loss positions are evaluated for impairment related to credit losses at least quarterly. For AFS debt securities in an unrealized loss position, management first assesses whether it intends to sell, or if it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis. If either of the criteria regarding intent or requirement to sell is met, the security’s amortized cost basis is written down to fair value through earnings. For AFS debt securities that do not meet the above criteria, management evaluates whether the decline in fair value has resulted from credit losses or other factors. In making this assessment, management considers the extent to which fair value is less than amortized cost, any changes to the rating of the security by a rating agency, and adverse conditions specifically related to the security and the issuer, among other factors. If this assessment indicates that a credit loss exists, management compares the present value of cash flows expected to be collected from the security with the amortized cost basis of the security. If the present value of cash flows expected to be collected is less than the amortized cost basis for the security, a credit loss exists and an ACL is recorded, limited to the amount by which the amortized cost basis of the security exceeds its fair value. Any impairment that has not been recorded through an ACL is recognized in other comprehensive income (loss), net of applicable taxes.

A change in the ACL on AFS debt securities is recorded as expense (credit) within the Credit loss expense on the consolidated statement of income. Losses are charged against the ACL when management believes the uncollectibility of an AFS debt security is confirmed based on the above described analysis. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, there was no ACL carried on the Company's AFS debt securities. Refer to Note 4 of the consolidated financial statements for further discussion.

Loans held for sale

Loans originated and intended for sale in the secondary market are carried at the lower of cost or estimated fair value in the aggregate. The estimated fair value of loans held for sale is based on current price quotes that determine the amount that the loans could be sold for in the secondary market. Loans transferred from held for sale to portfolio are transferred at the lower of cost or fair value in the aggregate. Sales are normally made without recourse. Gains and losses on the disposition of loans held for sale are determined on the specific identification basis. Net unrealized losses are recognized through a valuation allowance and charged to income.

Loans

Loans receivable that management has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity or payoff are reported at their unpaid principal balances, adjusted for any charge-offs, the ACL, and any deferred fees or costs on originated loans and unamortized premiums or discounts on purchased loans.

Loan interest income is accrued daily on outstanding balances. The following accounting policies, related to accrual and nonaccrual loans, apply to all portfolio segments and loan classes, which the Company considers to be the same. The accrual of interest is normally discontinued when management believes, after considering collection efforts and other factors, that the borrower's financial condition is such that collection of interest is doubtful. In general, loans that are 90 days or more past due are placed in nonaccrual, unless there are circumstances that cause management to believe the collection of interest is not doubtful. Generally, any unpaid interest previously accrued on those loans is reversed against current period interest income. A loan may be restored to accrual status when its financial status has significantly improved and there is no principal or interest past due. A loan may also be restored to accrual status if the borrower makes six consecutive monthly payments or the lump sum equivalent. Income on nonaccrual loans is generally not recognized unless a loan is returned to accrual status or after all principal has been collected. Interest payments received on such loans are generally applied as a reduction of the loan principal balance. Delinquency status is determined based on contractual terms for all portfolio segments and loan classes. Loans past due 30 days or more are considered delinquent. Loans are considered in process of foreclosure when a judgment of foreclosure has been issued by the court.

Loan origination fees and direct loan origination costs are deferred and amortized as an adjustment of the related loan's yield using methods that approximate the interest method. The Company generally amortizes these amounts over the estimated average life of the related loans.

The Company evaluates the risk characteristics of its loans based on regulatory call report code categories with segmentation based on the underlying collateral or purpose for certain loan types.

Allowance for credit losses on loans

The ACL on loans is a significant accounting estimate used in the preparation of the Company's consolidated financial statements. The level of the ACL on loans represents management's estimate of expected credit losses over the expected life of the loans at the balance sheet date. The expected life of the loans is based on the contractual term of the loans adjusted for estimated prepayments. The contractual life is calculated based on the maturity date and excludes expected extensions, renewals, and modifications.

The ACL on loans is a valuation account that is deducted from the amortized cost basis of loans to present the net amount expected to be collected on the loans. Loans, or portions thereof, are charged off against the ACL on loans when they are deemed uncollectible. The ACL on loans is comprised of reserves measured on a collective (pool) basis based on a lifetime loss-rate model when similar risk characteristics exist. Loans that do not share risk characteristics are evaluated on an individual basis, generally larger non-accruing commercial loans.

The Company uses the DCF method to estimate expected credit losses for all loan pools. For each of the loan segments, the Company generates cash flow projections at the instrument level wherein payment expectations are adjusted for estimated prepayment speed, curtailments, time to recovery, and loss rates. The modeling of expected prepayment speeds, curtailment rates, and time to recovery are based on historical benchmark data.

The Company uses regression analysis of historical internal and peer data to determine suitable loss drivers to utilize when modeling lifetime loss rates. This analysis also determines how expected loss rates will react to forecasted levels of the loss drivers. For all loan pools utilizing the DCF method, management utilizes and forecasts national unemployment as a loss driver.

For all DCF models, management has determined that four quarters represents a reasonable and supportable forecast period and reverts back to a historical loss rate over four quarters on a straight-line basis. Management leverages economic projections from a reputable and independent third party to inform its loss driver forecasts over the four-quarter forecast period.

The combination of adjustments for credit expectations (default and loss) and timing expectations (prepayment, curtailment, and time to recovery) produces an expected cash flow stream at the instrument level that represents the sum of expected losses to determine the estimated ACL on loans.

The ACL on loans evaluation also considers various qualitative factors, including changes in policy and/or underwriting standards, actual or expected changes in economic trends and conditions, changes in the nature and volume of the portfolio, changes in credit and lending staff/administration, problem loan trends, credit risk concentrations, loan review results, changes in the value of underlying collateral for loans, and changes in the regulatory and business environment.

Certain loans are individually evaluated for estimated credit losses, including those greater than $500 thousand that are classified as substandard or doubtful and are on nonaccrual or that have other unique characteristics differing from the segment. Specific reserves are established when appropriate for such loans based on the present value of expected future cash flows of the loan or the estimated realizable value of the collateral, if any.

Management may also adjust its assumptions to account for differences between expected and actual losses from period-to-period. The variability of management's assumptions could alter the ACL on loans materially and impact future results of operations and financial condition. The loss estimation models and methods used to determine the ACL are continually refined and enhanced.

The level of the ACL on loans represents management's estimate of expected credit losses over the expected life of the loans at the balance sheet date. For all loan classes, loan losses are charged against the ACL on loans when management believes the loan balance is uncollectible or in accordance with federal guidelines. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the ACL on loans.

Risk characteristics relevant to each portfolio segment are as follows:

•Residential real estate - Loans in this segment are collateralized by owner-occupied 1-4 family residential real estate, second and vacation homes, 1-4 family investment properties, home equity and second mortgage loans. Repayment is dependent on the credit quality of the individual borrower. The overall health of the economy, including unemployment rates and housing prices, could have an effect on the credit quality of this segment.

•Construction real estate - Loans in this segment include residential and commercial construction properties, commercial real estate development loans (while in the construction phase of the projects), land and land development loans. Repayment is dependent on the credit quality of the individual borrower and/or the underlying cash flows generated by the properties being constructed. The overall health of the economy, including unemployment rates, housing prices, vacancy rates and material costs, could have an effect on the credit quality of this segment.

•Commercial real estate - Loans in this segment are primarily properties occupied by businesses or income-producing properties. The underlying cash flows generated by the properties may be adversely impacted by a downturn in the economy as evidenced by a general slowdown in business or increased vacancy rates which, in turn, could have an effect on the credit quality of this segment. Management requests business financial statements at least annually and monitors the cash flows of these loans.

•Commercial - Loans in this segment are made to businesses and are generally secured by non-real estate assets of the business. Repayment is expected from the cash flows of the business. A weakened economy, and resultant decreased consumer or business spending, could have an effect on the credit quality of this segment.

•Consumer - Loans in this segment are made to individuals for personal expenditures, such as an automobile purchase, and include unsecured loans. Repayment is primarily dependent on the credit quality of the individual borrower. The overall health of the economy, including unemployment, could have an effect on the credit quality of this segment.

•Municipal - Loans in this segment are made to municipalities located within the Company's service area. Repayment is primarily dependent on taxes or other funds collected by the municipalities. Management considers there to be minimal risk surrounding the credit quality of this segment.

Mortgage banking

Residential real estate mortgages are originated by the Company both for its portfolio and for sale into the secondary market. The transfer of these financial assets is accounted for as a sale when control over the asset has been surrendered. Control is deemed to be surrendered when (i) the asset has been isolated from the Company, (ii) the transferee obtains the right (free of conditions that constrain it from taking advantage of that right) to pledge or exchange the transferred asset, and (iii) the Company does not maintain effective control over the transferred asset through an agreement to repurchase it before its maturity. The Company records the gain on sale of the financial asset within net gains on sales of loans held for sale, net in the consolidated statements of income.

Servicing assets are recognized as separate assets when servicing rights are acquired through the sale of residential mortgage loans with servicing rights retained. Capitalized servicing rights, which are reported in other assets on the consolidated balance sheets, are initially recorded at fair value and are amortized in proportion to, and over the period of, the estimated future servicing of the underlying mortgages (typically, the contractual life of the mortgage). The amortization of mortgage servicing rights is recorded as a reduction of loan servicing fee income within noninterest income on the consolidated statements of income.

Servicing assets are evaluated for impairment regularly based upon the fair value of the rights as compared to amortized cost. Impairment is determined by stratifying rights by predominant characteristics, such as interest rates and terms. Fair value is determined using prices for similar assets with similar characteristics, when available, or based upon discounted cash flows using market-based assumptions. Impairment of the servicing assets is recognized through a valuation allowance to the extent that fair value is less than the capitalized amount. If it is later determined that all or a portion of the impairment no longer exists, a reduction of the allowance may be recorded as noninterest income up to, but not in excess of, the prior impairment.

Servicing fee income is recorded for fees earned for servicing loans for investors. The fees are based on a contractual percentage of the outstanding principal or a fixed amount per loan and are recorded as income within noninterest income in the consolidated statements of income when earned.

Premises and equipment

Premises and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed principally by the straight line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. The cost of assets sold or otherwise disposed of and the related accumulated depreciation are eliminated from the accounts and the resulting gains or losses are reflected in the consolidated statements of income. Maintenance and repairs are charged to current expense as incurred and the costs of major renovations and betterments are capitalized. Construction in progress is stated at cost, which includes the cost of construction and other direct costs attributable to the construction. No provision for depreciation is made on construction in progress until such time as the relevant assets are completed and put into use.

Accrued interest

Accrued interest receivable balances are presented in Other assets on the consolidated balance sheets. Accrued interest is excluded from the measurement of the ACL on loans and AFS debt securities. The Company will continue to write-off accrued interest receivable by reversing interest income when a security or loan is placed in nonaccrual, which is generally when payments on a security or loan are 90 days or more past due.

Intangible assets

Intangible assets consist of goodwill amounting to $2.2 million, which represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired in the 2011 Branch Acquisition, and is reported in Other assets on the consolidated balance sheets. Goodwill is evaluated for impairment annually, in accordance with current authoritative accounting guidance. Management assesses qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the Company, in total, is less than its carrying amount. Management is not aware of any such events or circumstances that would cause it to conclude that the fair value of the Company is less than its carrying amount.

Federal Home Loan Bank stock

As a member of the FHLB, Union is required to invest in $100 par value stock of the FHLB in an amount to satisfy unpaid principal balances on qualifying loans, plus an amount to satisfy an activity based requirement. The stock is nonmarketable, and is redeemable by the FHLB at par value. Also, there is the possibility of future capital calls by the FHLB on member banks to ensure compliance with its capital plan. FHLB stock is reported in Other assets at its par value of $11.2 million and $3.1 million at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

Company-owned life insurance

COLI represents life insurance on the lives of certain current or former directors or employees who have provided positive consent allowing the Company to be the beneficiary of such policies. The Company utilizes COLI as tax-efficient funding for certain benefit obligations to its employees and directors, including obligations under one of the Company's nonqualified deferred compensation plans. (See Note 15.) The Company is the primary beneficiary of the insurance policies. Increases in the cash value of the policies, as well as any gain on insurance proceeds received, are recorded in Other income, and are not currently subject to income taxes. COLI is recorded at the cash value of the policies, less any applicable cash surrender charges (of which there are currently none). The Company reviews the financial strength of the insurance carriers prior to the purchase of COLI to ensure minimum credit ratings of at least investment grade. The financial strength of the carriers is reviewed annually and COLI with any individual carrier is limited by Company policy to 15% of the sum of Tier 1 Capital and allowable Tier 2 capital.

Investment in real estate limited partnerships

The Company has purchased various limited partnership interests in affordable housing partnerships. These partnerships were established to acquire, own and rent residential housing for elderly, low or moderate income residents in Vermont or in New Hampshire. GAAP permits an entity to amortize the initial cost of the investment in proportion to the amount of the tax credits and other tax benefits received and recognize the net investment performance in the statements of income as a component of income tax expense. There were no impairment losses during the year resulting from the forfeiture or ineligibility of tax credits related to qualified affordable housing project investments. (See Note 10.)

Advertising costs

The Company expenses advertising costs as incurred and they are included in Other expenses in the Company's consolidated statements of income.

Earnings per common share

Basic EPS is calculated based on the weighted average number of shares of common stock issued during the period, including DRIP shares issuable upon reinvestment of dividends, retroactively adjusted for stock splits and stock dividends, if any, and reduced for shares held in treasury. Diluted EPS is calculated after adjusting the denominator of the basic EPS calculation for the effect of the potential issuance of dilutive common shares under outstanding equity compensation grants during the period. (See Note 17.)

Income taxes

The Company prepares its federal income tax return on a consolidated basis. Federal income taxes are allocated to members of the consolidated group based on taxable income. The Company recognizes income taxes under the asset and liability method. This involves estimating the Company's actual current tax exposure as well as assessing temporary differences resulting from

differing treatment of items, such as timing of the deduction of expenses, for tax and GAAP purposes. These differences result in deferred tax assets and liabilities, which are netted and included in Other assets. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The Company must also assess the likelihood that any deferred tax assets will be recovered from future taxable income and to the extent that recovery is not likely, a valuation allowance must be established. A change in enacted federal income tax rates for future periods requires revaluation of deferred taxes. (See Note 14.)

Off-balance-sheet financial instruments

In the ordinary course of business, the Company is a party to off-balance-sheet financial instruments consisting of commitments to originate credit, unused lines of credit including commitments under credit card arrangements, commitments to purchase investment securities, commitments to invest in real estate limited partnerships, commercial letters of credit, standby letters of credit and risk-sharing commitments on certain sold loans. (See Notes 18 and 19.) Such financial instruments are recorded in the financial statements when they become fixed and certain.

Allowance for credit losses on off-balance sheet credit exposures

The ACL on off-balance sheet credit exposures is a component of Accrued interest and other liabilities on the Company's consolidated balance sheets and represents the estimate of probable credit losses inherent in unfunded commitments to extend credit as of the balance sheet date. Unfunded commitments to extend credit include unused portions of lines of credit, commitments to originate loans and standby and commercial letters of credit. The process used to determine the ACL for these exposures is consistent with the process for determining the ACL on loans, as adjusted for estimated funding probabilities. A charge or credit to Credit loss expense on the consolidated statements of income is made to account for the change in the ACL on off-balance sheet exposures between reporting periods.

Comprehensive income (loss)

Accounting principles generally require that recognized revenue, expenses, gains and losses be included in net income or loss. Certain changes in assets and liabilities, such as the after tax effect of unrealized gains and losses on debt securities AFS that do not exhibit credit related impairment, are not reflected in the consolidated statements of income. The cumulative effect of such items, net of tax effect, is reported as a separate component of the equity section of the consolidated balance sheets (Accumulated OCI) (See Note 24). OCI, along with net income, comprises the Company's total comprehensive income or loss.

Transfers of financial assets

Transfers of financial assets are accounted for as sales when control over the assets has been surrendered. Control over transferred assets is deemed to be surrendered when the assets have been isolated from the Company, the transferee obtains the right (free of conditions that constrain it from taking advantage of that right) to pledge or exchange the transferred assets, and the Company does not maintain effective control over the transferred assets through an agreement to repurchase them before their maturity.

Stock based compensation

Under the Company's 2014 Equity Plan, as amended, 150,000 shares of the Company’s common stock were authorized for equity awards of incentive stock options, nonqualified stock options, restricted stock and restricted stock units to eligible officers and (except for awards of incentive stock options) nonemployee directors. The 2014 Equity Plan has been replaced with the substantially similar 2024 Equity Plan, pursuant to which 250,000 shares of common stock have been reserved for issuance of equity compensation awards to eligible officers and nonemployee directors. Stock based compensation awards are measured at the fair value of the stock at the grant date and recognized as expense over the period in which they vest. (See Note 16.)

Segment reporting

Operating segments are the components of an entity for which separate financial information is available and evaluated regularly by management in order to allocate resources and assess performance. Management assesses consolidated financial results to make operating and strategic decisions, assess performance, and allocate resources. Therefore, the Company has determined that its business is conducted in one reportable segment and represents the consolidated financial statements of the Company.

The Company's reportable segment is determined by management based upon information provided about the Company's products and services offered, primarily banking operations. The segment is also distinguished by the level of information provided by management, who uses such information to review performance of various components of the business, which are then aggregated if operating performance, products/services, and customers are similar. Management will evaluate the financial performance of the Company's business components such as by evaluating revenue streams, significant expenses, and budget to actual results in assessing the Company's segment and in the determination of allocating resources. Management uses revenue streams to evaluate product pricing and significant expenses to assess performance and evaluate return on assets. Management uses consolidated net income to benchmark the Company against its competitors. The benchmarking analysis coupled with monitoring of budget to actual results are used in assessing performance and in establishing compensation. Loans, investments, and deposit product service fees provide the revenues in the banking operation. Interest expense, credit loss expense, and salaries and employee benefits, as reported on the consolidated statements of income, provide the significant expenses in the banking operation. All operations are domestic.

Accounting policies for segments are the same as those described herein. Segment performance is evaluated using consolidated net income. The measure of segment assets is reported on the consolidated balance sheets as total consolidated assets. Noncash items, such as depreciation and amortization, as well as expenditures for premises and equipment, are reported on the consolidated statements of cash flows.

Recent accounting pronouncements

In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting, and has issued subsequent amendments thereto, which provides temporary optional guidance to ease the potential burden in accounting for reference rate reform. The ASU provides optional expedients and exceptions for applying GAAP to contract modifications and hedging relationships, subject to meeting certain criteria, that reference LIBOR or another reference rate expected to be discontinued. It is intended to help stakeholders during the global market-wide reference rate transition period. The guidance is effective for all entities as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2024. The transition away from LIBOR did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In March 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-02, Investments-Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323): Accounting for Investments in Tax Credit Structures Using the Proportional Amortization Method. ASU No. 2014-01, Investments-Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323): Accounting for Investments in Qualified Affordable Housing Projects, previously introduced the option to apply the proportional amortization method to account for investments made primarily for the purpose of receiving income tax credits and other income tax benefits when certain requirements are met; however, this guidance limited the proportional amortization method to investments in low-income-housing tax credit (LIHTC) structures. The proportional amortization method results in the cost of the investment being amortized in proportion to the income tax credits and other income tax benefits received, with the amortization of the investment and the income tax credits being presented net in the income statement as a component of income tax expense (benefit). Equity investments in other tax credit structures are typically accounted for using the equity method, which results in investment income, gains and losses, and tax credits being presented gross on the income statement in their respective line items. The amendments in this update permit reporting entities to elect to account for their tax equity investments, regardless of the tax credit program from which the income tax credits are received, using the proportional amortization method if certain conditions are met. The amendments in this update are effective for the Company for fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2023, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company adopted this ASU on January 1, 2024 and it did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.