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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2022

The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of The Community Financial Corporation and its wholly-owned subsidiary Community Bank of the Chesapeake (the “Bank”), (collectively, the “Company”). All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The accounting and reporting policies of the Company conform with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and to general practices within the banking industry.

Accounting Changes and Reclassifications

Certain items in prior financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation.

Nature of Operations

The Company provides a variety of financial services to individuals and businesses through its offices in Southern Maryland and Fredericksburg, Virginia. Its primary deposit products are demand, savings and time deposits, and its primary lending products are commercial and residential mortgage loans, commercial loans, construction and land development loans, home equity and second mortgages and commercial equipment loans.

The Bank is headquartered in Southern Maryland. The Bank’s 12 branches are located in Waldorf, Bryans Road, Dunkirk, Leonardtown, La Plata (two branches), Charlotte Hall, Prince Frederick, Lusby, California, Maryland; and Fredericksburg, Virginia. The Bank has two operation centers located at the main office in Waldorf, Maryland and in Fredericksburg, Virginia. The Bank maintains four loan production offices (“LPOs”) in La Plata, Prince Frederick and Leonardtown, Maryland; and Fredericksburg, Virginia. The Leonardtown LPO is co-located with the branch and the Fredericksburg LPO is co-located with the operation center.

Use of Estimates

Use of EstimatesIn preparing Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("U.S. GAAP"), management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the balance sheet and reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change in the near term relate to the determination of the allowance for credit losses ("ACL"), real estate acquired in the settlement of loans ("OREO"), fair value of financial instruments, fair value of assets acquired, and liabilities assumed in a business combination, evaluating potential credit losses of investment securities and valuation of deferred tax assets.

Significant Group Concentrations of Credit Risk

Most of the Company’s activities are with customers located in or near Fredericksburg, Virginia and the Southern Maryland counties of Calvert, Charles and St. Mary’s. Notes 2 and 3 discuss the types of securities and loans held by the Company. The Company does not have significant concentration in any one customer or industry.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

For purposes of the consolidated statements of cash flows, the Company considers all highly-liquid debt instruments with original maturities of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents.

Investment Securities

Debt securities that management has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified as held to maturity (“HTM”) and recorded at amortized cost. At December 31, 2022 and 2021 the Company had no HTM securities. See Note 2 Securities for additional information. Securities purchased and held principally for trading in the near term are classified as “trading securities” and are reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses included in earnings. The Company held no trading securities for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021. Securities not classified as HTM or trading securities are classified as available for sale (“AFS”) and recorded at estimated fair value, with unrealized gains and losses excluded from earnings and reported in other comprehensive income. Equity securities with readily determinable fair values are recorded at fair value with unrealized gains and losses included in noninterest income in the consolidated statements of income.

Purchase premiums and discounts are recognized in interest income using the interest method over the terms of the securities.

Declines in the estimated fair value of HTM and AFS securities below their cost that are deemed to be impaired are reflected in earnings as realized losses. In making this assessment, Company 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, among other factors. If this assessment indicates that a credit loss exists, the present value of cash flows expected to be collected are compared to 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, a credit loss exists and a corresponding allowance for credit losses is recorded. Any impairment that has not been recorded through an allowance for credit losses is recognized in other comprehensive income/(loss). Changes in the allowance for credit losses are recorded as a provision for (or reversal of) credit losses. Losses are charged against the allowance when Company believes the uncollectibility of an AFS security is confirmed or when either of the criteria regarding intent or requirement to sell is met. Any impairment not recorded through an allowance for credit loss is recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) as a noncredit-related impairment. Gains and losses on the sale of securities are recorded on the trade date and are determined using the specific identification method. Investments in Federal Reserve Bank and Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta stocks are recorded at cost and are considered restricted as to marketability. The Bank is required to maintain investments in the Federal Home Loan Bank based upon levels of borrowings.

Loans Held for Sale

Loans originated and held for sale are carried at fair market. Loans held for sale include fixed-rate single-family residential loans under contract to be sold in the secondary market. These loans are sold with mortgage servicing rights retained. Under limited circumstances, buyers may have recourse to return a purchased loan to the Company. Recourse conditions may include early payment default, breach or representation or warranties, or documentation deficiencies.

Fair value of loans held for sale is determined at the loan level based on prevailing market prices for loans with similar risk characteristics or sale contract prices. Declines in fair value below cost are recognized in net gain on sale of loans. Deferred fees and costs related to these loans are not amortized but are recognized as part of the cost basis of the loan at the time it is sold. Gains or losses on sales are recognized as a component of non-interest income.

The Bank had no loans held for sale at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, and sold nine 1-4 family residential mortgage loans for the year ended December 31, 2022.

The Bank enters into commitments to originate residential mortgage loans whereby the interest rate on the loan is determined prior to funding (i.e., interest rate lock commitments). Such interest rate lock commitments on mortgage loans to be sold in the secondary market are considered to be derivatives. To protect against the price risk inherent in residential mortgage loan commitments, the Bank uses "best efforts" forward loan sale commitments. Under a "best efforts" contract, the Bank commits to deliver an individual mortgage loan of a specified principal amount and quality to an investor. The investor commits to a price, representing the premium on the day the borrower commits to an interest rate. The investor commitment locks in the price of the loan which protects the Bank from subsequent changes in interest rates. As a result, the Bank is not generally exposed to losses on loans sold utilizing best efforts, nor will it realize gains related to rate lock commitments due to changes in interest rates. The market values of interest rate lock commitments and best efforts contracts are not readily ascertainable with precision because rate lock commitments and best efforts contracts are not actively traded. Because of the high correlation between rate lock commitments and best efforts contracts, very little gain or loss should occur on the interest rate lock commitments.

In circumstances where the Company does not deliver the whole loan to an investor, but rather elects to retain the loan in its portfolio, the loan is transferred from held for sale to loans at fair value at the date of transfer.

The Bank has mortgage banking derivative financial instruments that are included in other assets and are related to interest rate lock commitments. The notional value of the mortgage banking derivative financial instruments was zero at December 31, 2022 and $1.2 million at December 31, 2021. The fair value of these mortgage banking derivative instruments was zero at December 31, 2022 and $28,000 at December 31, 2021. Loan, appraisal, credit and miscellaneous charges includes a $28,000 net gain related to mortgage banking derivative instruments for the year ended December 31, 2021 as compared to none for the year ended December 31, 2022.

Loans Receivable

The Company originates real estate mortgages, construction and land development loans, commercial loans and consumer loans. A substantial portion of the loan portfolio comprises loans throughout Southern Maryland and the Fredericksburg area of Virginia. The ability of the Company’s debtors to honor their contracts is dependent upon the real estate and economic conditions in this area.

Loans that the Company has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future, or until maturity or payoff, are reported at their outstanding unpaid principal balances, adjusted for the allowance for credit losses and any deferred fees or premiums. Interest income is accrued on the unpaid principal balance. Loan origination fees and premiums, net of certain direct origination costs, are deferred and recognized as an adjustment of the related loan yield using the interest method.

Loans purchased with evidence of credit deterioration since origination and for which it is probable that all contractually required payments will not be collected are considered credit deteriorated. Evidence of credit quality deterioration as of the purchase date may include statistics such as internal risk grade, past due and nonaccrual status, recent borrower credit scores and recent loan-to-value (“LTV”)

percentages. At December 31, 2021, the Bank had purchased credit-deteriorated (“PCD”) loans from the County First acquisition with unpaid principal balances of $1.4 million and carrying values of $1.1 million. At the adoption of ASC 326, management evaluated the remaining unamortized discount on the PCD loans and determined that approximately $8,000 of the discount was credit related and reclassified into the ACL. The non-credit component of the discount will be recognized in interest income over the remaining life of the loans.

The Company considers a loan to be past due or delinquent when the terms of the contractual obligation are not met by the borrower. Loans are reviewed on a regular basis and are placed on non-accrual status when, in the opinion of management, the collection of additional interest is doubtful. The accrual of interest on mortgage and commercial loans is discontinued at the time the loan is 90 days delinquent unless the credit is well secured and in the process of collection. Non-accrual loans include certain loans that are current with all loan payments and are placed on non-accrual status due to customer operating results and cash flows. Non-accrual loans are evaluated for impairment on a loan-by-loan basis in accordance with the Company’s impairment methodology.

Consumer loans, excluding credit card loans, are typically charged-off no later than 90 days past due. Credit card loans are typically charged-off no later than 180 days past due. Mortgage and commercial loans are fully or partially charged-off when in management’s judgment all reasonable efforts to return a loan to performing status have occurred. In all cases, loans are placed on non-accrual or charged-off at an earlier date if collection of principal or interest is considered doubtful.

All interest accrued but not collected from loans that are placed on non-accrual or charged-off is reversed against interest income. The interest on these loans is accounted for on the cash-basis or cost-recovery method, until qualifying for return to accrual status. Loans are returned to accrual status when all principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current and future payments are reasonably assured.

TDRs are loans that have been modified to provide for a reduction or a delay in the payment of either interest or principal because of deterioration in the financial condition of the borrower. A loan extended or renewed at a stated interest rate equal to the current interest rate for new debt with similar risk is not considered a TDR. Once an obligation has been classified as a TDR it continues to be considered a TDR until paid in full or until the debt is refinanced and considered unimpaired. All TDRs are assessed on a loan-by-loan basis. The Company does not participate in any specific government or Company-sponsored loan modification programs. All restructured loan agreements are individual contracts negotiated with a borrower.

In 2019 the Bank entered into a Servicing and Intercreditor Agreement ("SIA") with a correspondent bank which allows us to offer interest rate protection to our customers. In most cases, the Bank is paid a referral fee for these transactions which is recognized at inception.

Allowance for Loan Losses and Impaired Loans

Allowance for Credit Losses

On January 1, 2022, the Company adopted ASU 2016-13 Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326) - Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, which replaced the incurred loss methodology for determining the provision for credit losses and ACL with the CECL methodology. The measurement of expected credit losses under the CECL methodology applies to financial assets subject to credit losses and measured at amortized cost, and certain off-balance sheet credit exposures. This includes, but is not limited to, loans, leases, held-to-maturity securities, loan commitments, and financial guarantees. In addition, ASU 2016-13 made changes to the accounting for available-for-sale ("AFS") debt securities. Credit-related impairments of AFS debt securities are now recognized through an allowance for credit loss rather than a write-down of the securities' amortized cost basis when management does not intend to sell or believes that it is not likely that they will be required to sell the securities prior to recovery of the securities amortized cost basis.

The Bank adopted ASU 2016-13 using the modified retrospective method. Results for reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2022 are presented under ASU 2016-13 while prior period amounts continue to be reported in accordance with previously applicable GAAP. At adoption, the Company did not hold Held to Maturity ("HTM") investment debt securities.

The following table shows the impact of the Company's adoption of ASC 326:


	January 1, 2022
(dollars in thousands)	As Reported Under ASC 326		Pre-ASC 326 Adoption		Impact of ASC 326 Adoption
Portfolio Loans:
Commercial real estate	$	1,113,793	$	1,115,485	$	(1,692)
Residential first mortgages	92,710		91,120		1,590
Residential rentals	194,911		195,035		(124)
Construction and land development	35,502		35,590		(88)
Home equity and second mortgages	25,661		25,638		23
Commercial loans	50,512		50,574		(62)
Consumer loans	3,015		3,002		13
Commercial equipment	62,706		62,499		207
Gross portfolio loans	1,578,810		1,578,943		(133)
Adjustments:
Net deferred costs	—		(133)		133
Allowance for credit losses	(20,913)		(18,417)		(2,496)
Net Portfolio Loans	1,557,897		1,560,393		(2,496)

U.S. Small Business Administration ("SBA") Paycheck Protection Program ("PPP") loans	26,398		27,276		(878)
Net deferred fees	—		(878)		878
Net U.S. SBA PPP Loans	26,398		26,398		—
Total Net Loans	$	1,584,295	$	1,586,791	$	(2,496)

Liabilities: Reserve for Unfunded Commitments	$	268	$	51	$	217

Allowance for Credit Losses - Loans

The ACL is an estimate of the expected credit losses for loans held for investment and off-balance sheet exposures. ASU 2016-13 replaced the incurred loss model that recognized a loss when it became probable that a credit loss had occurred, with a model that immediately recognizes the credit loss expected to occur over the lifetime of a financial asset whether originated or purchased. Charge-offs are recorded to the ACL when management believes the loan is uncollectible. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the ACL. Management believes the ACL is in accordance with U.S. GAAP and in compliance with appropriate regulatory guidelines.

The ACL includes quantitative estimates of losses for collectively and individually evaluated loans. As more fully described below, the model-based quantitative estimate for collectively evaluated loans is determined using the probability of default (PD) and loss given default (LGD) at the segment level and applied at the loan level against the expected exposure at default (EAD). Qualitative adjustments to the quantitative estimate may be made using information not considered in the quantitative model.

The Bank uses a range of data to estimate expected credit losses under CECL, including information about past events, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts relevant to assessing the collectability of the cash flows of the loans. Historical loss experience serves as the foundation for our estimated credit losses. Adjustments to our historical loss experience are made for differences in current loan portfolio segment credit risk characteristics such as the impact of changing unemployment rates, changes in U.S. Treasury yields, portfolio concentrations, the volume of classified loans, inflation, and other prevailing economic conditions and factors that may affect the borrower’s ability to repay, or reduce the estimated value of underlying collateral. This evaluation is inherently subjective, as it requires estimates that are susceptible to significant revision as more information becomes available.

The ACL is measured on a collective basis when similar risk characteristics exist. Generally, collectively assessed loans are grouped by loan type code or product type codes and assigned to a corresponding portfolio segment. Portfolio segments may be further subdivided into similar risk profile groupings based on interest rate structure, types of collateral or other terms and characteristics.

The probability of default (“PD”) calculation analyzes the historical loan portfolio over the given look back period to identify, by segment, loans that have defaulted. A default is defined as a loan that has moved to past due 90 days and greater, nonaccrual status, or experienced a charge-off during the period. The model observes loans over a 12-month window, detecting any events previously defined. This information is then used by the model to calculate annual iterative count-based PD rates for each segment. This process is then repeated for all dates within the historical data range. These averaged PD’s are used for a 12-month straight-line reversion to the historical mean. The historical data used was from mid-2006 through the most recent quarter end.

The Company utilizes reasonable and supportable forecasts of future economic conditions when estimating the ACL on loans. The model’s calculation also includes a 12-month forecasted PD based on a regression model that compares the Company’s historical loan data to various national economic metrics during the same periods. The results show the Company’s past losses having a high rate of correlation to national unemployment rates for fixed rate loans and the 10-Year U.S. Treasury for adjustable-rate loans. The model uses this information, along with the most recently published Wall Street Journal survey of sixty economists’ forecasts predicting unemployment rates out over the next four quarters to estimate the PD for the forward-looking 12-month period. These data are also used to predict credit losses at different levels of stress, including a baseline, low, high and adverse economic conditions. After the forecast period, PD rates revert to the historical mean straight line over a 12-month period for the entire data set.

The loss given default (“LGD”) calculation is based on actual losses (charge-offs, net of recoveries) at a loan level over the entire look-back period aggregated for each loan segment. The aggregate loss is divided by the exposure at default to determine an LGD rate. Defaults occurring during the look-back period are included in the denominator, whether or not a loss occurred and exposure at default is determined by the loan balance immediately preceding the default event. When the Company's data are insufficient. an industry index is used.

The exposure at default (“EAD”) calculation projects future expected balances from monthly cash flow schedules to apply PD and LGD assumptions. These are derived based on current contractual terms (balance, interest rate, payment structure), adjusted for expected voluntary prepayments. The contractual terms exclude expected extensions, renewals and modifications unless either of the following applies: management has the reasonable expectation that a loan will be restructured, or the extension or renewal option are included in the borrower contract.

On a quarterly basis, the Company uses internal portfolio credit data, such as levels of non-accrual loans, classified assets and concentrations of credit along with other external information not used in the quantitative calculation to determine qualitative adjustments.

Loans that do not share the same common risk characteristics with other loans are individually assessed. Such loans include non-accrual loans, TDRs, loans classified as substandard or worse, loans that are greater than 89 days delinquent and any other loan identified by management for individual assessment. Reserves on individually assessed loans are measured on a loan-by-loan basis. Generally, consumer loans, including credit cards, are not individually assessed as the Bank's policy is to charge-off credit card loans when they become 180 days delinquent and other consumer loans when they are more than 90 days delinquent.

The methodology used to estimate the ACL is designed to be responsive to changes in portfolio credit quality and forecasted economic conditions. Changes due to new information are reflected in the pool-based allowance and in reserves assigned on an individual basis. Executive management closely monitors loss ratios, reviews the appropriateness of the ACL and presents conclusions to the Credit Risk Committee and the Audit Committee. The committees report to the Board as part of Board's quarterly review of our regulatory reporting and consolidated financial statements.

The calculation of the ACL excludes accrued interest receivable balances because these balances are reversed in a timely manner against previously recognized interest income when a loan is placed on non-accrual status.

Allowance for Credit Losses - AFS Debt securities

As described above, the Company does not presently hold any HTM debt securities and therefore is not presently required to apply a CECL methodology for an HTM investment portfolio.

The impairment model for AFS debt securities measures fair value. Although ASU No. 2016-13 replaced the legacy other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) model with a credit loss model, it retained the fundamental nature of the legacy OTTI model for AFS securities. One notable change from the legacy OTTI model is when evaluating whether credit loss exists, an entity may no longer consider the length of time fair value has been less than amortized cost. For AFS debt securities in an unrealized loss position, the Company first assesses whether it intends to sell, or it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis. If either criterion is met, the security’s amortized cost basis is written down to fair value through income. For AFS debt securities that do not meet the aforementioned criteria, the Company 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, among other factors. If this assessment indicates that a credit loss exists, the present value of cash flows expected to be collected are compared to 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, a credit loss exists and a corresponding allowance for credit losses is recorded. Any impairment that has not been recorded through an allowance for credit losses is recognized in other comprehensive income. Changes in the allowance for credit losses are recorded as a provision for (or reversal of) credit losses. Losses are charged against the allowance when management believes the uncollectibility of an AFS security is confirmed or when either of the criteria regarding intent or requirement to sell is met. Any impairment not recorded through an allowance for credit loss is recognized in other comprehensive income as a noncredit-related impairment. As of December 31, 2022, the Company determined that the unrealized loss positions in AFS securities were not the result of credit losses, and therefore, an allowance for credit losses was not recorded. See Note 2 Investment Securities for more information.

The Bank elected as allowed under ASU No. 2016-13 to exclude accrued interest from the amortized cost basis of AFS debt securities and report accrued interest separately in accrued interest and other assets in the consolidated balance sheets. AFS debt securities are placed on non-accrual status when management no longer expects to receive all contractual amounts due, which is generally at 90 days past due. Accrued interest receivable is reversed against interest income when a security is placed on non-accrual status. Accordingly, the Company does not recognize an allowance for credit loss against accrued interest receivable. The majority of AFS debt securities as of December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021 were issued by Government Sponsored Enterprises (“GSEs”) and U.S. agencies. As such, an allowance for credit losses is not considered necessary.

Collateral Dependent Financial Assets

Loans that do not share risk characteristics are evaluated on an individual basis. For collateral dependent financial assets where the Company has determined that foreclosure of the collateral is probable, or where the borrower is experiencing financial difficulty and the Company expects repayment of the financial asset to be provided substantially through the operation or sale of the collateral, the ACL is measured based on the difference between the fair value of the collateral and the amortized cost basis of the asset as of the measurement date. When repayment is expected to be from the operation of the collateral, expected credit losses are calculated as the amount by which the amortized cost basis of the financial asset exceeds the Net Present Value ("NPV") from the operation of the collateral. When repayment is expected to be from the sale of the collateral, expected credit losses are calculated as the amount by which the amortized costs basis of the financial asset exceeds the fair value of the underlying collateral less estimated cost to sell. The ACL may be zero if the fair value of the collateral at the measurement date exceeds the amortized cost basis of the financial asset. Subsequent changes to the fair value of collateral, for which an ACL was previously recognized, will be reported as a provision (recovery) for credit losses.

The Bank generally uses the practical expedient of the fair value of the collateral, net of estimated selling costs, to determine the expected credit loss for individually assessed collateral dependent loans.

Loan Commitments and Allowance for Credit Losses on Off-Balance Sheet Credit Exposure

Financial instruments include off-balance sheet credit instruments such as commitments to make loans and commercial letters of credit issued to meet customer financing needs. The Company's exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to the financial instrument for off-balance sheet loan commitments is represented by the contractual amount of those instruments. Such financial instruments are recorded when they are funded.

The Company records a reserve for unfunded commitments (“RUC”) on off-balance sheet credit exposures through a charge to provision for credit loss expense in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. The RUC on off-balance sheet credit exposures is estimated by loan segment at each balance sheet date under the CECL model using the same methodologies as portfolio loans, taking into consideration the likelihood that funding will occur, and is included in accrued expenses and other liabilities on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.

Servicing

ServicingServicing assets are recognized as separate assets when rights are acquired or retained through the purchase or sale of financial assets and are evaluated for impairment based upon the estimated fair value of the rights as compared to amortized cost. Servicing fee income is recorded over the servicing period. Servicing assets are not a significant asset of the Bank's operations.

Premises and Equipment

Land is carried at cost. Premises, improvements and equipment are carried at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization, computed by the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which are as follows:

Buildings and Improvements: 10 to 50 years

Furniture and Equipment: three to 15 years

Automobiles: four to five years

Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred, while improvements that extend the useful lives of premises and equipment are capitalized. For the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company recognized depreciation expense of $1.6 million and $1.5 million, respectively.

A lease is defined as a contract, or part of a contract, that conveys the right to control the use of identified property, plant or equipment for a period of time in exchange for consideration. On January 1, 2019, the Company adopted ASU No. 2016-02 “Leases” (Topic 842) and all subsequent ASUs that modified Topic 842. The Company leases certain properties and land under operating leases. The Company recognizes a liability to make lease payments, the “lease liability”, and an asset representing the right to use the underlying asset during the lease term, the “right-of-use asset”. The right of use assets and lease liabilities are impacted by the length of the lease term and the rate used to discount the minimum lease payments to present value. The lease liability is measured at the present value of the remaining lease payments, discounted at the Company's incremental borrowing rate. The right-of-use asset is measured at the amount of the lease liability adjusted for the remaining balance of any lease incentives received, any cumulative prepaid or accrued rent if the lease payments are uneven throughout the lease term, any unamortized initial direct costs, and any impairment of the right-of-use-asset. Operating lease

expense consists of a single lease cost calculated so that the remaining cost of the lease is allocated over the remaining lease term on a straight-line basis.

The Company's lease agreements often include one or more options to renew at the Company's discretion. If at lease inception, the Company reasonably expects to exercise the renewal option, the Company will include the extended term in the calculation of the right of use asset and lease liability. Topic 842 requires the use of the rate implicit in the lease whenever this rate is readily determinable. As this rate is rarely determinable, the Company utilizes its incremental borrowing rate at lease inception over a similar term. For operating leases existing prior to January 1, 2019, the FHLB fixed advance rate which corresponded with the remaining lease term as of January 1, 2019 was used.

The Company's leases do not contain residual value guarantees. The Company's variable lease payments are expensed and classified as operating activities in the statement of cash flows. The Company does not have any material restrictions or covenants imposed by leases that would impact the Company's ability to pay dividends or cause the Company to incur additional financial obligations.

Other Real Estate Owned ("OREO")

Other Real Estate Owned (“OREO”)

Assets acquired through, or in lieu of, loan foreclosure are held for sale and are initially recorded at the estimated fair value at the date of foreclosure less selling costs, establishing a new initial cost basis. Subsequent to foreclosure, management performs periodic valuations, and the assets are carried at the lower of the initial cost basis or estimated fair value less the cost to sell. Based on updated valuations, the Bank has the ability to reverse valuation allowances recorded up to the amount of the initial cost basis. Revenues and expenses from operations and changes in the valuation allowance are included in noninterest expense. Gains or losses on disposition are included in noninterest expense.

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: (1) the assets have been isolated from the Company; (2) 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 (3) the Company does not maintain effective control over the transferred assets through an agreement to repurchase them before their maturity.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of businesses acquired over the fair value of the net assets acquired. Goodwill is assigned to reporting units and tested for impairment at least annually in the fourth quarter or on an interim basis if an event occurs or circumstances changed that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of the reporting unit below its carrying value. See Note 4 – Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.

Other intangible assets are acquired assets that lack physical substance but can be distinguished from goodwill because of contractual or other legal rights or because the asset is capable of being sold or exchanged either on its own or in combination with a related contract, asset, or liability. The Company's other intangible assets relate to acquired core deposits. Intangible assets with definite useful lives are amortized on an accelerated basis over their estimated lives. Intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are not amortized until their lives are determined to be definite. Intangible assets, premises and equipment and other long-lived assets are tested for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable from future undiscounted cash flows. If impaired, the assets are recorded at fair value. See Note 4 - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.

Advertising Costs

The Company expenses advertising costs as incurred.

Income Taxes

The Company files a consolidated federal income tax return with its subsidiaries. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined using the liability (or balance sheet) method. Under this method, the net deferred tax asset or liability is determined based on the tax effects of the temporary differences between the book and tax bases of the various balance sheet assets and liabilities and gives current recognition to changes in tax rates and laws and when it is considered more likely than not that deferred tax assets will be realized. It is the Company’s policy to recognize accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of tax expense.

Off Balance Sheet Credit Related Financial Instruments

In the ordinary course of business, the Company has entered into commitments to extend credit, including commitments under commercial lines of credit, letters of credit and standby letters of credit. Such financial instruments are recorded when they are funded.

Stock-Based Compensation

The Company has stock-based incentive arrangements to attract and retain key personnel in order to promote the success of the business. In May 2015, the 2015 Equity Compensation Plan (the “2015 plan”) was approved by shareholders, which authorizes the issuance of restricted stock, stock appreciation rights, stock units and stock options to the Board of Directors and key employees.

Compensation cost for all stock-based awards is measured at fair value on the date of grant and recognized as expense over the service period, net of estimated forfeitures. The estimation of stock awards that ultimately vest requires judgment, and to the extent actual results or updated estimates differ from our current estimates, such differences will be recorded as adjustments in the periods the estimates are revised. The Company considers many factors when estimating expected forfeitures, including types of awards, employee class and historical experience.

The Company and the Bank currently maintain incentive compensation plans which provide for payments to be made in cash or other share-based compensation. The Company has accrued the full amounts due under these plans.

Earnings Per Common Share ("EPS")

Earnings Per Common Share (“EPS”)

Basic earnings per common share represent income available to common stockholders, divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Unencumbered shares held by the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (“ESOP”) are treated as outstanding in computing earnings per share. Shares issued to the ESOP but pledged as collateral for loans obtained to provide funds to acquire the shares are not treated as outstanding in computing earnings per share.

Diluted earnings per share reflect additional common shares that would have been outstanding if dilutive potential common shares had been issued. Potential dilutive common shares are determined using the treasury stock method and include incremental shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options and other share-based compensation awards. The Company excludes from the diluted EPS calculation anti-dilutive options, because the exercise price of the options was greater than the average market price of the common shares.

Revenue from Contracts with Customers

The Company records revenue from contracts with customers in accordance with ASC Topic 606, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers”. Under Topic 606, the Company must identify the contract with a customer, identify the performance obligations in the contract, determine the transaction price, allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract, and recognize revenue when (or as) the Company satisfies a performance obligation.

The Company’s primary sources of revenue are derived from interest and dividends earned on loans, investment securities, and other financial instruments that are not within the scope of Topic 606. The Company evaluated the nature of its contracts with customers and determined that further disaggregation of revenue from contracts with customers into more granular categories beyond what is presented in the Consolidated Statements of Income was not necessary. The Company generally fully satisfies its performance obligations on its contracts with customers as services are rendered and the transaction prices are typically fixed; charged either on a periodic basis or based on activity. Adoption of the amendments to the revenue recognition principles, did not materially change our accounting policies.

Comprehensive Income

Accounting principles generally require that recognized revenue, expenses, gains and losses be included in net income. Certain changes in assets and liabilities, such as unrealized gains and losses on AFS securities, are reported as components of comprehensive income as a separate statement in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. Additionally, the Company discloses accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) as a separate component in the equity section of the balance sheet.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

ASU 2016-13 – Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326) - Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. ASU 2016-13 significantly changes how entities will measure credit losses for most financial assets and certain other instruments that are not measured at fair value through net income. The standard replaced the existing “incurred loss” approach with an “expected loss” model. The new model, referred to as the current expected credit loss (“CECL”) model, applies to (1) financial assets subject to credit losses and measured at amortized cost, and (2) certain off-balance sheet credit exposures. This includes, but is not limited to, loans, leases, HTM securities, loan commitments, and financial guarantees. Credit losses relating to AFS debt securities will be recorded through an allowance for credit losses. The ASU also simplifies the accounting model for Purchased Credit Impaired (“PCI”) debt securities and loans. ASU

2016-13 also expands the disclosure requirements regarding an entity’s assumptions, models, and methods for estimating the allowance for loan and lease losses. In addition, entities will need to disclose the amortized cost balance for each class of financial asset by credit quality indicator, disaggregated by the year of origination. 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 effective (i.e., modified retrospective approach).

In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU No 2019-10, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326). This update amends the effective date of ASU 2016-13 for certain entities, including smaller reporting companies until fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022, including interim periods within those fiscal periods. Early adoption was permitted. The FASB has issued other ASUs that clarify items related to ASU 2016-13. The Company adopted this guidance effective January 1, 2022.

The Company's estimates are derived using one-year reasonable and supportable economic forecasts with subsequent one-year reversion to the historical mean loss rates. For loans that share similar risk characteristics and are collectively assessed, the Company uses a probability of default/ loss given default cash flow method to determine the expected losses at the loan level. Loans that do not share similar risk characteristics are evaluated on an individual basis. Based on forecasted economic conditions and portfolio balances as of January 1, 2022, we recognized an increase to the opening allowance for credit losses in the range of $2.5 million. The increase is primarily related to the change in methodology from estimating losses incurred as of the balance sheet date to estimating lifetime credit losses required by the CECL standard.

The impact of adoption was not significant to the Bank's regulatory capital. The Bank did not elect to phase-in, over a three-year period, the standard's initial impact on regulatory capital as permitted by the regulatory transition rules.

ASU 2019-05 - Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326). In May 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-05. This ASU allows entities to irrevocably elect, upon adoption of ASU 2016-13, the fair value option for financial instruments that (1) were previously recorded at amortized cost and (2) are within the scope of ASC 326-20 if the instruments are eligible for the fair value option under ASC 825-10. The fair value option election does not apply to HTM debt securities. Entities are required to make this election on an instrument-by-instrument basis. The Company adopted ASU 2019-05 concurrently upon adoption of ASU 2016-13. The adoption of CECL did not have a material effect on available-for-sale securities, which are predominantly composed of mortgage-backed securities issued by government sponsored entities and U.S. agencies and U.S. government obligations.

Pending adoption

ASU 2020-04 - Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848). In March 2020, the FASB issued guidance to provide temporary optional guidance to ease the potential burden in accounting for reference rate reform. The amendments are effective as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2024 - as deferred by ASU 2022-06. The Company does not expect these amendments to have a material effect on its Consolidated Financial Statements.

ASU Update 2022-02 – Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326): Troubled Debt Restructurings and Vintage Disclosures. ASU Update 2022-02 eliminates the TDR recognition and measurement guidance and, instead requires that an entity evaluate whether the modification represents a new loan or a continuation of an existing loan. The amendments enhance existing disclosure requirements and introduce new requirements related to certain modifications of receivables made to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty. In addition, ASU Update 2022-02 requires that an entity disclosure current-period gross write-offs by year of origination for financing receivables and net investment in leases. Entities have the option to apply a modified retrospective transition method for TDRs. The disclosure amendments in the Update 2022-02 will be applied prospectively. The amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company does not expect these amendments to have a material effect on its Consolidated Financial Statements.