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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Principles of Consolidation - The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Severn Bancorp, Inc. ("Bancorp"), and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, SBI Mortgage Company and SBI Mortgage Company's subsidiary, Crownsville Development Corporation, and its subsidiary, Crownsville Holdings I, LLC, and Severn Savings Bank, FSB (the “Bank"), and the Bank's subsidiaries, Louis Hyatt, Inc., Homeowners Title and Escrow Corporation, Severn Financial Services Corporation, SSB Realty Holdings, LLC, SSB Realty Holdings II, LLC, and HS West, LLC. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

Business

Business - The Bank's primary business activity is the acceptance of deposits from the general public and the use of the proceeds for investments and loan originations. The Bank is subject to competition from other financial institutions. In addition, the Bank is subject to the regulations of certain federal agencies and undergoes periodic examinations by those regulatory authorities.

Bancorp has no reportable segments. Management does not separately allocate expenses, including the cost of funding loan demand, between the retail and real estate operations of Bancorp. As such, discrete financial information is not available and segment reporting would not be meaningful.

Estimates

Estimates - The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. In preparing the financial statements, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the statement of financial condition and revenues and expenses for the period. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates. Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change in the near-term relate to the determination of the allowance for loan losses, the fair value of foreclosed real estate, the evaluation of other than temporary impairment of investment securities and the valuation allowance of deferred tax assets.

Investment Securities Held to Maturity

Investment Securities Held to Maturity – Investment securities for which the Bank has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are reported at cost, adjusted for premiums and discounts that are recognized in interest income using the interest method over the period to maturity. Declines in the fair value of held to maturity securities below their cost that are deemed to be other than temporary are reflected in earnings as realized losses. In estimating other than temporary impairment losses, management considers (1) the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than cost, (2) the financial condition and near term prospects of the issuer and (3) determines if the Bank does not intend to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost.

Federal Home Loan Bank Stock

Federal Home Loan Bank Stock – Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta (the “FHLB”) stock is an equity interest in the FHLB, which does not have a readily determinable fair value for purposes of generally accepted accounting principles, because its ownership is restricted and it lacks a market. FHLB stock can be sold back only at par value of $100 per share and only to the FHLB or another member institution. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Bank owned shares totaling $5,936,000 and $6,190,000, respectively.

The Bank evaluated the FHLB stock for impairment in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. The Bank’s determination of whether this investment is impaired is based on an assessment of the ultimate recoverability of its cost rather than by recognizing temporary declines in value. The determination of whether a decline in value affects the ultimate recoverability of its cost is influenced by criteria such as (1) the significance of the decline in net assets of the FHLB as compared to the capital stock amount for the FHLB and the length of time this situation has persisted, (2) commitments by the FHLB to make payments required by law or regulation and the level of such payments in relation to the operating performance of the FHLB, (3) the impact of legislative and regulatory changes on institutions and accordingly on the customer base of the FHLB, and (4) the liquidity position of the FHLB. Management has evaluated the FHLB stock for impairment and believes that no impairment charge is necessary as of December 31, 2014.

Loans Held for Sale

Loans Held for Sale - Loans held for sale are carried at lower of cost or market value in the aggregate based on investor quotes. Net unrealized losses are recognized through a valuation allowance by charges to income.

Derivative Financial Instruments

Derivative Financial Instruments – The Bank enters into commitments to fund residential loans with intentions of selling them in the secondary market. The Bank also enters into forward sales agreements for certain funded loans and loan commitments. The Bank records unfunded commitments intended for loans held for sale and forward sale agreements at fair value with changes in fair value recorded as a component of other income. Loans originated and intended for sale in the secondary market are carried at lower of cost or fair value which based on those sales commitments. For pipeline loans which are not pre-sold to an investor, the Bank manages the interest rate risk on rate lock commitments by entering into forward sales contracts of mortgage backed securities, whereby the Bank obtains the right to deliver securities to investors in the future at a specific price. Such contracts are accounted for as derivatives and are recorded at fair value in derivative assets or liabilities, with changes in fair value recorded in other income.

Loan Servicing

Loan Servicing - Mortgage loans held for sale are sold either with the mortgage servicing rights released or retained by the Bank. Gains and losses on sales of mortgage loans are recognized based on the difference between the selling price and the carrying values of the loan servicing rights, if retained, and related mortgage loans sold. Mortgage servicing rights totaled $658,000 and $723,000 at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Loans serviced for others not included in the accompanying consolidated statements of financial condition totaled $93,332,000 and $109,244,000 at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. As of December 31, 2014, the Bank was servicing $21,577,000 in loans for Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“FHLMC”), $46,347,000 in loans for Federal National Mortgage Association (“FNMA”) and $25,408,000 in loans for other investors.

Loans

Loans - Loans that management has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity or pay-off generally are reported at their outstanding unpaid principal balances adjusted for charge-offs, the allowance for loan losses, and any deferred fees or costs on originated loans. The Bank categorizes the loans into eight classifications: residential mortgage; construction; land acquisition and development; land; lines of credit; commercial real estate; commercial non-real estate; home equity; and consumer. Interest income is accrued on the unpaid principal balance. Loan origination fees, net of certain direct origination costs, are deferred and recognized as an adjustment of the related loan yield using the interest method.

Residential lending is generally considered to involve less risk than other forms of lending, although payment experience on these loans is dependent to some extent on economic and market conditions in the Bank's lending area. Multifamily residential, commercial, construction and other loan repayments are generally dependent on the operations of the related properties or the financial condition of its borrower or guarantor. Accordingly, repayment of such loans can be more susceptible to adverse conditions in the real estate market and the regional economy.

A substantial portion of the Bank's loans receivable is mortgage loans secured by residential and commercial real estate properties located in the State of Maryland. Loans are extended only after evaluation by management of customers' creditworthiness and other relevant factors on a case-by-case basis. The Bank generally does not lend more than 80% of the appraised value of a property and requires private mortgage insurance on residential mortgages with loan-to-value ratios in excess of 80%.

In addition, the Bank generally obtains personal guarantees of repayment from borrowers and/or others for construction, commercial and multifamily residential loans and disburses the proceeds of construction and similar loans only as work progresses on the related projects.

The accrual of interest on loans is discontinued at the time the loan is 90 days past due. Past due status is based on contractual terms of the loan. 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 in the current year, but not collected for loans that are placed on non-accrual or charged-off, is reversed against interest income. Any interest accrued in prior years for loans that are placed on non-accrual or charged-off is charged against the allowance for loan losses. The interest on these loans is accounted for on the cash-basis or cost-recovery method, until qualifying for return to accrual. Loans are returned to accrual status when all the principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current and future payments are reasonably assured.

Allowance for Loan Losses

Allowance for Loan Losses - An allowance for loan losses is provided through charges to income in an amount that management believes will be adequate to absorb losses on existing loans that may become uncollectible, based on evaluations of the collectability of loans and prior loan loss experience. The evaluations take into consideration such factors as changes in the nature and volume of the loan portfolio, overall portfolio quality, review of specific problem loans, and current economic conditions that may affect the borrowers' ability to pay. Determining the amount of the allowance for loan losses requires the use of estimates and assumptions, which is permitted under generally accepted accounting principles. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates. Management believes the allowance for losses on loans is adequate. While management uses available information to estimate losses on loans, future additions to the allowances may be necessary based on changes in economic conditions, particularly in the State of Maryland. In addition, various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the Bank's allowance for losses on loans. Such agencies may require the Bank to recognize additions to the allowance based on their judgments about information available to them at the time of their examination.

The allowance consists of specific and general components. The specific component relates to loans that are classified as impaired. When a real estate secured loan becomes impaired, a decision is made as to whether an updated certified 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 and the condition of the property. Appraised values are discounted to arrive at the estimated selling price of the collateral, which is considered to be the estimated fair value. The discounts also include estimated costs to sell the property. For loans secured by non-real estate collateral, such as accounts receivable, inventory and equipment, estimated fair values are determined based on the borrower’s financial statements, inventory reports, accounts receivable aging or equipment appraisals or invoices. Indications of value from these sources are generally discounted based on the age of the financial information or the quality of the assets.

For such loans that are classified as impaired, an allowance is established when the current market value of the underlying collateral less its estimated disposal costs has not been finalized, but management determines that it is likely that the value is lower than the carrying value of that loan. Once the net collateral value has been determined, a charge-off is taken for the difference between the net collateral value and the carrying value of the loan. For loans that are not solely collateral dependent, an allowance is established when the present value of the expected future cash flows of the impaired loan is lower than the carrying value of that loan. The general component relates to loans that are classified as doubtful, substandard or special mention that are not considered impaired, as well as non-classified loans. The general reserve is based on historical loss experience adjusted for qualitative factors. These qualitative factors include:

Levels and trends in delinquencies and nonaccruals;

Inherent risk in the loan portfolio;

Trends in volume and terms of the loan;

Effects of any change in lending policies and procedures;

Experience, ability and depth of management;

National and local economic trends and conditions; and

Effect of any changes in concentration of credit.

A loan is generally considered impaired if it meets either of the following two criteria:

Loans that are 90 days or more in arrears (nonaccrual loans); or

Loans where, based on current information and events, it is probable that a borrower will be unable to pay all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement.

Credit quality risk ratings include regulatory classifications of special mention, substandard, doubtful and loss. Loans classified special mention have potential weaknesses that deserve management’s close attention. If uncorrected, the potential weaknesses may result in deterioration of the repayment prospects. Loans classified substandard have a well-defined weakness or weaknesses that jeopardize the liquidation of the debt. They include loans that are inadequately protected by the current sound net worth and paying capacity of the obligor or of the collateral pledged, if any. Loans classified doubtful have all the weaknesses inherent in loans classified substandard with the added characteristic that collection or liquidation in full, on the basis of current conditions and facts, is highly improbable. Loans classified as a loss are considered uncollectible and are charged to the allowance for loan losses. Loans not classified are rated pass.

Loans that experience insignificant payment delays and payment shortfalls generally are not classified as impaired. Management determines the significance of payment delays and payment shortfalls on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration all of circumstances surrounding the loan and the borrower, including the length of the delay, the reasons for the delay, the borrower’s prior payment record, and the amount of the shortfall in relation to the principal and interest owed.

Foreclosed Real Estate

Foreclosed Real Estate - Real estate acquired through or in the process of foreclosure is recorded at fair value less estimated disposal costs. Management periodically evaluates the recoverability of the carrying value of the real estate acquired through foreclosure using estimates as described under the caption "Allowance for Loan Losses". In the event of a subsequent decline, management provides a specific reserve to reduce real estate acquired through foreclosure to fair value less estimated disposal cost. Expenses on foreclosed real estate incurred prior to the disposition of the property, such as maintenance, insurance and taxes, and physical security, are charged to expense. Material expenses that improve the property to its best use are capitalized to the property. Gains or losses on the sale of foreclosed real estate are recognized upon disposition of the property.

Transfers of Financial Assets

Transfers of Financial Assets – Transfers of financial assets, including loan and loan participation sales, 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 Bancorp, (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) Bancorp does not maintain effective control over the transferred assets through an agreement to repurchase them before their maturity or the ability to unilaterally cause the holder to return the specific assets.

Premises and Equipment

Premises and Equipment - Premises and equipment are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation and amortization of premises and equipment is accumulated by the use of the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Additions and improvements are capitalized, and charges for repairs and maintenance are expensed when incurred. The related cost and accumulated depreciation are eliminated from the accounts when an asset is sold or retired and the resultant gain or loss is credited or charged to income.

Statement of Cash Flows

Statement of Cash Flows - In the statement of cash flows, cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, amounts due from banks, Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta overnight deposits, and federal funds sold. Generally, federal funds are sold for one day periods.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes - Deferred income taxes are recognized for temporary differences between the financial reporting basis and income tax basis of assets and liabilities based on enacted tax rates expected to be in effect when such amounts are realized or settled. Deferred tax assets are recognized only to the extent that it is more likely than not that such amount will be realized based on consideration of available evidence.

The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. To the extent that current available evidence about the future raises doubt about the likelihood of a deferred tax asset being realized, a valuation allowance is established. The Bancorp recognizes a tax position as a benefit only if it “more likely than not” that the tax position would be sustained in a tax examination, with a tax examination presumed to occur. The amount recognized is the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized on examination. For tax positions not meeting the “more likely than not” test, no tax benefit is recorded. The judgment about the level of future taxable income is inherently subjective and is reviewed on a continual basis as regulatory and business factors change.

Bancorp recognizes interest and penalties on income taxes as a component of income tax expense.

Earnings Per Common Share

Earnings Per Common Share - Basic earnings (loss) per share of common stock for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 is computed by dividing net income (loss) available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding for each year. Diluted earnings per share reflect additional common shares that would have been outstanding if dilutive potential common shares had been issued. Potential common shares that may be issued by Bancorp relate to outstanding stock options, warrants, and convertible preferred stock, and are determined using the treasury stock method.

Not included in the diluted earnings per share calculation for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, because they were anti-dilutive, were shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of outstanding stock options totaling 172,000 and 125,000, respectively, 556,976 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of a warrant and 437,500 shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of Bancorp’s Series A preferred stock. There was no dilution during the 2013 period, as dilution does not apply to loss periods.

	Year Ended December 31,
	2014		2013
Common shares – weighted average (basic)		10,067,379		10,066,679
Common share equivalents – weighted average		29,008		-
Common shares – weighted average (diluted)		10,096,387		10,066,679

Advertising Cost

Advertising Cost - Advertising cost is expensed as incurred and totaled $687,000, and $624,000 for the years ended December 31, 2014, and 2013, respectively.

Troubled Debt Restructuring

Troubled Debt Restructuring – Loans are classified as troubled debt restructurings if the Bank grants such borrowers concessions and it is deemed that those borrowers are experiencing financial difficulty. Concessions granted under a troubled debt restructuring may be modified by means of extending the maturity date of the loan, reducing the interest rate on the loan to a rate below market, a combination of rate adjustments and maturity extensions, or by other means including covenant modifications, forbearances or other concessions. All troubled debt restructurings, or TDRs, are considered impaired.

Significant Group Concentrations of Credit Risk

Significant Group Concentrations of Credit Risk – Most of Bancorp’s activities are with customers located in Anne Arundel County, Maryland and nearby areas. Note 2, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements discusses the types of securities that Bancorp currently invests in. Note 3 discusses the types of lending that Bancorp engages in. Although Bancorp intends to have a diversified loan portfolio, its debtors’ ability to honor their contracts will be influenced by the region’s economy. Bancorp does not have any significant concentrations to any one customer.

Bancorp’s investment portfolio consists principally of obligations of the United States and its agencies. In the opinion of management, there is no concentration of credit risk in its investment portfolio. Bancorp places deposits in correspondent accounts and, on occasion, sells Federal funds to qualified financial institutions. Management believes credit risk associated with correspondent accounts and with Federal funds sold is not significant. Therefore, management believes that these particular practices do not subject Bancorp to unusual credit risk.

Off-Balance Sheet Financial Instruments

Off-Balance Sheet Financial Instruments – In the ordinary course of business, Bancorp has entered into off-balance sheet financial instruments consisting of commitments to extend credit. Such financial instruments are recorded in the consolidated balance sheet when they are funded.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Recent Accounting Pronouncements – Under ASU 2014-04, Reclassification of Residential Real Estate Collateralized Consumer Mortgage Loans upon Foreclosure, a creditor will be considered to have physical possession of residential real estate property that is collateral for a residential mortgage loan and therefore should reclassify the loan to other real estate owned when either (a) the creditor obtains legal title to the property upon completion of a foreclosure, or (b) the borrower conveys all interest in the real estate property to the lender to satisfy that loan even though legal title may not have passed. The amendments are effective for public business entities for annual periods and interim periods, beginning after December 15, 2014. Early adoption is permitted. An entity can elect to adopt the amendments in this update using either a modified retrospective transition method or a prospective transition method. Bancorp evaluated the effect of ASU 2014-04 and believes adoption will not have a material effect on the Consolidation Financial Statements.

Under ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, establishes a comprehensive revenue recognition standard for virtually all industries under U.S. GAAP, including those that previously followed industry-specific guidance. The revenue standard’s core principal is built on the contract between a vendor and a customer for the provision of goods and services. It attempts to depict the exchange of rights and obligations between the parties in the pattern of revenue recognition based on the consideration to which the vendor is entitled. The new standard applies to all public entities for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is prohibited under U.S. GAAP. Bancorp has evaluated the effect of ASU 2014-09 and believes adoption will not have a material effect on the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Under ASU 2014-11, Transfers and Servicing (Topic 860): Repurchase-to-maturity Transactions, Repurchase Financings, and Disclosures, is an amendment requiring two accounting changes. First, repurchase-to maturity will be accounted for as secured borrowing transactions on the balance sheet, rather than sales. Second, for repurchase financial arrangements, the amendments require separate accounting for a transfer of a financial asset executed contemporaneously with (or in contemplation of) a repurchase agreement with the same counterparty, which also will generally result in secured borrowing accounting for the repurchase agreement.

ASU 2014-11 also introduces new disclosures to increase transparency about the types of collateral pledged for repurchase agreements, securities lending transactions, and repurchase-to-maturity transactions that are accounted for as secured borrowings. The ASU also requires a transferor to disclose information about transactions accounted for as a sale in which the transferor retains substantially all of the exposure to the economic return on the transferred financial assets through an agreement with the transferee. The updated standard applies to all public entities for the first interim period beginning after December 15, 2014. Bancorp has evaluated the effect of ASU 2014-11 and believes adoption will not have a material effect on the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Subsequent Events

Subsequent Events – Bancorp has evaluated events and transactions occurring subsequent to December 31, 2014, the date of the consolidated statements of financial condition, for items that should potentially be recognized or disclosed in the consolidated financial statements. The evaluation was conducted through the date these consolidated financial statements were issued.

Concentration of Credit Risk

Concentration of Credit Risk – From time to time, the Bank will maintain balances with its correspondent bank that exceed the $250,000 federally insured deposit limit. Management routinely evaluates the credit worthiness of the correspondent bank and does not feel they pose a significant risk to Bancorp.