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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Basis of presentation

Basis of Presentation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Glen Burnie Bancorp, The Bank of Glen Burnie and GBB Properties, Inc., a company engaged in the acquisition and disposition of other real estate.  All significant intercompany transactions are eliminated in consolidation and certain reclassifications are made when necessary in order to conform the previous year’s financial statements to the current year’s presentation.  In preparing the consolidated financial statements, the Company is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and revenues and expenses during the reporting periods and related disclosures.  These estimates that require application of management's subjective or complex judgments often result in the need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain and may change in future periods.  Management has made significant estimates in several areas, including the valuation of certain loans held for investment (Note 4, Loans and Allowance); allowance for credit losses (Note 4, Loans and Allowance); valuation of investment securities (Note 3, Investment Securities); the fair value of financial instruments (Note 16, Fair Value of Financial Instruments); benefit plan obligations and expenses (Note 10, Pension and Profit Sharing Plans); and the valuation of deferred tax assets (Note 9, Income Taxes).  Certain amounts in the financial statements from prior periods have been reclassified to conform to the current financial statement presentation.  The Parent Only financial statements (see Note 19, Parent Company Financial Information) of the Company account for the subsidiary using the equity method of accounting.

Investment Securities

Investment Securities

We classify investment securities as trading, held to maturity ("HTM"), or available for sale ("AFS") at the date of acquisition.  Purchases and sales of securities are generally recorded on a trade-date basis.

Investment securities that we might not hold until maturity are classified as AFS and are reported at fair value in the statement of financial condition.  Fair value measurement is based upon quoted market prices in active markets, if available.  If quoted prices in active markets are not available, fair value is measured using pricing models or other model-based valuation techniques such as the present value of future cash flows, which consider prepayment assumptions and other factors such as credit losses and market liquidity.  Unrealized gains and losses are excluded from earnings and reported, net of tax, in other comprehensive income (“OCI”).  Purchase premiums and discounts are recognized in interest income using the effective interest method over the life of the securities.  Purchase premiums or discounts related to mortgage-backed securities are amortized or accreted using projected prepayment speeds.  Gains and losses on the sale of securities are recorded on the trade date and are determined using the specific identification method.

AFS investment securities in unrealized loss positions are evaluated for other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) at least quarterly.  For AFS securities, a decline in fair value is considered to be other-than-temporary if the Company does not expect to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the security. 

Debt securities are classified as HTM if the Company has both the intent and ability to hold those securities to maturity regardless of changes in market conditions, liquidity needs or changes in general economic conditions.  These securities are carried at cost adjusted for amortization of purchase premiums and accretion of purchase discounts.

Transfers of securities from available for sale to held to maturity are accounted for at fair value as of the date of the transfer.  The difference between the fair value and the par value at the date of transfer is considered a premium or discount and is accounted for accordingly.  Any unrealized gain or loss at the date of the transfer is reported in OCI, and is amortized over the remaining life of the security as an adjustment of yield in a manner consistent with the amortization of any premium or discount, and will offset or mitigate the effect on interest income of the amortization of the premium or discount for that held to maturity security.

Impairment may result from credit deterioration of the issuer or collateral underlying the security.  In performing an assessment of recoverability, all relevant information is considered, including the length of time and extent to which fair value has been less than the amortized cost basis, the cause of the price decline, credit performance of the issuer and underlying collateral, and recoveries or further declines in fair value subsequent to the balance sheet date.

For debt securities, the Company measures and recognizes OTTI losses through earnings if (1)  the Company has the intent to sell the security or (2)  it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis.  In these circumstances, the impairment loss is equal to the full difference between the amortized cost basis and the fair value of the security.  For securities that are considered other-than-temporarily-impaired that the Company has the intent and ability to hold in an unrealized loss position, the OTTI write-down is separated into an amount representing the credit loss, which is recognized in earnings, and the amount related to other factors, which is recognized as a component of OCI.

For equity securities, the Company recognizes OTTI losses through earnings if the Company intends to sell the security.  The Company also considers other relevant factors, including its intent and ability to retain the security for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in market value, and whether evidence exists to support a realizable value equal to or greater than the carrying value.  Any impairment loss on an equity security is equal to the full difference between the amortized cost basis and the fair value of the security.

Federal Home Loan Bank Stock

Federal Home Loan Bank Stock

As a borrower from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta ("FHLB"), the Bank is required to purchase an amount of FHLB stock based on our outstanding borrowings with the FHLB.  This stock is used as collateral to secure the borrowings from the FHLB and is accounted for as a cost-method investment.  FHLB stock is an equity interest that does not necessarily have a readily determinable fair value for purposes of the ASC Topic 320, Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities, because its ownership is restricted and lacks a market.  FHLB stock can be sold back only at its par value of $100 per share and only to the FHLB or another member institution.

Other Securities

Other Securities

Maryland Financial Bank Dissolution Trust ("the Trust"), is a "liquidating trust" for U.S. federal income tax purposes.  The sole purpose of the Trust is to liquidate the remaining assets, resolve the remaining liabilities, and to distribute the net proceeds to the Trust's beneficiaries.  This an equity interest that does not necessarily have a readily determinable fair value for purposes of the ASC Topic 320, Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities, because its ownership is restricted and lacks a market.  This stock is accounted for as a cost-method investment.

Loans Held for Investment

Loans Held for Investment

Loans held for investment are reported at the principal amount outstanding, net of cumulative charge-offs, interest applied to principal (for loans accounted for using the cost recovery method), unamortized net deferred loan origination fees and costs and unamortized premiums or discounts on purchased loans.  Interest on loans is accrued and recognized as interest income at the contractual rate of interest.  When a loan is designated as held for investment, the intent is to hold these loans for the foreseeable future or until maturity or pay off. 

From time to time, the Company will originate loans to facilitate the sale of other real estate owned (OREO).  Such loans are accounted for using the installment method and any gain on sale is deferred.  The Bank financed no sales of OREO for 2020 or 2019.

Loan Fees and Costs

Loan origination fees, commitment fees, direct loan origination costs and purchase premiums and discounts on loans are deferred and recognized as an adjustment of yield, to be amortized to interest income over the contractual term of the loan. 

Nonaccrual Loans

Loans are placed on nonaccrual status when the full and timely collection of principal and interest is doubtful, generally when the loan becomes 90 days or more past due for principal or interest payment or if part of the principal balance has been charged off.  When a loan is placed on nonaccrual status all interest previously accrued but not collected is reversed against current period interest income.

All payments received on nonaccrual loans are accounted for using the cost recovery method.  Under the cost recovery method, all cash collected is applied to first reduce the principal balance.  A loan may be returned to accrual status if all delinquent principal and interest payments are brought current and the collectability of the remaining principal and interest payments in accordance with the loan agreement is reasonably assured.  Loans that are well-secured and in the process of collection are maintained on accrual status, even if they are 90 days or more past due.

Impaired Loans

A loan is considered impaired when it is probable that all contractual principal and interest payments due will not be collected in accordance with the terms of the loan agreement.  Factors considered by management in determining whether a loan is impaired include payment status, collateral value and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due.  The carrying value of impaired loans is based on the present value of the loan’s expected future cash flows or, alternatively, the observable market price of the loan or the fair value of the collateral.

Troubled Debt Restructurings

A loan is accounted for and reported as a troubled debt restructuring (“TDR”) when, for economic or legal reasons, we grant a concession to a borrower experiencing financial difficulty that we would not otherwise consider.  Management strives to identify borrowers in financial difficulty early and works with them to modify to more affordable terms before their loan reaches nonaccrual status.  These modified terms may include rate reductions, principal forgiveness, payment forbearance and other actions intended to minimize the economic loss and to avoid foreclosure or repossession of the collateral.  A restructuring that results in only an insignificant delay in payment is not considered a concession.  A delay may be considered insignificant if the payments subject to the delay are insignificant relative to the unpaid principal or collateral value and the contractual amount due, or the delay in timing of the restructured payment period is insignificant relative to the frequency of payments, the debt's original contractual maturity or original expected duration.

TDRs are designated as impaired because interest and principal payments will not be received in accordance with the original contract terms.  TDRs that are performing and on accrual status as of the date of the modification remain on accrual status.  TDRs that are nonperforming as of the date of modification generally remain as nonaccrual until the prospect of future payments in accordance with the modified loan agreement is reasonably assured, generally demonstrated when the borrower maintains compliance with the restructured terms for a predetermined period, normally at least six months.  TDRs with temporary below-market concessions remain designated as a TDR and impaired regardless of the accrual or performance status until the loan is paid off.  However, if the TDR loan has been modified in a subsequent restructure with market terms and the borrower is not currently experiencing financial difficulty, then the loan may be de-designated as a TDR.

 

Allowance for Loan Losses

Allowance for Loan Losses

Credit quality within the loan portfolio is continuously monitored by management and is reflected within the allowance for loan losses.  The allowance for loan losses is maintained at a level that, in management's judgment, is appropriate to cover losses inherent within the Company’s loan portfolio, including unfunded credit commitments, as of the balance sheet date.  The allowance for loan losses, as reported in our consolidated statements of financial condition, is adjusted by a provision for loan losses, which is recognized in earnings, and reduced by the charge-off of loan amounts, net of recoveries.

The allowance for loan losses is maintained at a level believed adequate by management to absorb probable losses inherent in the loan portfolio and is based on the size and current risk characteristics of the loan portfolio, an assessment of individual problem loans and actual loss experience, current economic events in specific industries and geographical areas, including unemployment levels, and other pertinent factors, including regulatory guidance and general economic conditions.  Determination of the allowance is inherently subjective as it requires significant estimates, including the amounts and timing of expected future cash flows on impaired loans, estimated losses on pools of homogeneous loans based on historical loss experience, and consideration of current economic trends, all of which may be susceptible to significant change.  Loan losses are charged off against the allowance, while recoveries of amounts previously charged off are credited to the allowance.  A provision for loan losses is charged to operations based on management’s periodic evaluation of the factors previously mentioned, as well as other pertinent factors.  Evaluations are conducted at least quarterly and more often if deemed necessary.

Loan Loss Measurement

Allowance levels are influenced by loan volumes, internal asset quality ratings, delinquency status, historic loss experience and other conditions influencing loss expectations, such as economic conditions.  The methodology for evaluating the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses has two basic components:  First, an asset-specific component involving the identification of impaired loans and the measurement of impairment for each individual loan identified; and second, a formula-based component for estimating probable loan principal losses for all other loans.

Impaired Loans

The specific credit allocations are based on regular analysis of all loans over a fixed-dollar amount where the internal credit rating is at or below a predetermined classification.  When a loan is identified as impaired, impairment is measured based on net realizable value, and the recorded investment balance of the loan.  For impaired loans, we recognize impairment if we determine that the net realizable value of the impaired loan is less than the recorded investment of the loan (net of previous charge-offs and deferred loan fees and costs), except when the sole remaining source of collection is the underlying collateral.  In these cases impairment is measured as the difference between the recorded investment balance of the loan and the fair value of the collateral.  The fair value of the collateral is adjusted for the estimated cost to sell if repayment or satisfaction of a loan is dependent on the sale (rather than only on the operation) of the collateral.

Once the impairment amount is determined, an asset-specific allowance is provided that is equal to the calculated impairment and included in the allowance for loan losses.  If the calculated impairment is determined to be permanent or not recoverable, the impairment will be charged off.  Factors considered by management in determining if impairment is permanent or not recoverable include whether management judges the loan to be uncollectible, repayment is deemed to be protracted beyond reasonable time frames or the loss becomes evident owing to the borrower’s lack of assets.

Estimate of Probable Loan Losses

In estimating the formula-based component of the allowance for loan losses, loans are segregated into loan classes based on product types and similar risk characteristics or areas of risk concentration.  Loans of similar type and purpose, not meeting the criteria for an asset-specific allocation, are aggregated into loan classes, and a reserve factor is applied to each loan class based on the historical loss experience of that class and six qualitative factors.  Qualitative factors are expressed in basis points and are adjusted downward or upward based on management’s judgment as to the potential loss impact of each qualitative factor to a particular loan class at the date of the analysis.  To determine the amount of allowance for credit losses, the Bank uses the current year’s loss data and the previous four years of loss data for each homogenous portfolio on a non-weighted basis.  The current year’s data is annualized to a twelve-month basis to determine a loss percentage.  The average for each portfolio’s historical losses are then adjusted by six qualitative factors applied to each of the loan classes.  The historical loss analysis is performed quarterly and loss factors are updated monthly based on actual experience.

Reserve for Unfunded Commitments

Reserve for Unfunded Commitments

The Company maintains a separate allowance for losses on unfunded loan commitments, which is included in accrued expenses and other liabilities on the consolidated statements of financial condition.  The reserve for unfunded commitments (off-balance sheet financial instruments) is established through a provision for losses — unfunded commitments, the changes of which are recorded in noninterest expense.  The reserve for unfunded commitments is an amount that management believes will be adequate to absorb probable losses inherent in existing commitments, including unused portions of revolving lines of credit and other loans, standby letters of credit, and unused deposit account overdraft privileges.  The reserve for unfunded commitments is based on evaluations of the collectability, and prior loss experience of unfunded commitments.  The evaluations take into consideration such factors as changes in the nature and size of the loan portfolio, overall loan portfolio quality, loan concentrations, specific problem loans and related unfunded commitments, and current economic conditions that may affect the borrower’s or depositor’s ability to pay.

Other Real Estate Owned

Other Real Estate Owned

Other real estate owned ("OREO") represents real estate acquired in partial or total satisfaction of debts previously contracted with the Company, generally through the foreclosure of loans.  These properties are initially recorded at the net realizable value (fair value of collateral less estimated costs to sell).  Upon transfer of a loan to OREO, an appraisal is obtained and any excess of the loan balance over the net realizable value is charged against the allowance for loan losses.  Subsequent declines in net realizable value identified from the ongoing analysis of such properties as well as gains and losses realized from the sale of OREO are recognized in current period earnings within noninterest expense as foreclosed property expense.  The net realizable value of these assets is reviewed and updated as circumstances warrant.  Loans transferred to OREO through foreclosure proceedings totaled $575,000 for the year ended December 31, 2020.  There were no loans transferred to OREO for the year ended December 31, 2020. 

Premises and Equipment

Premises and Equipment

Bank premises and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and depreciated over the estimated useful life of the related asset or the term of the lease using the straight-line method.  Expenditures for improvements that extend the life of an asset are capitalized and depreciated over the asset’s remaining useful life.  Gains or losses realized on the disposition of premises and equipment are reflected in the consolidated statements of income.  Expenditures for repairs and maintenance are charged to occupancy and equipment expense as incurred.  Computer software is recorded at cost and amortized over three to five years.  Management periodically evaluates the carrying value of long-lived assets and certain identifiable intangibles, including goodwill, furniture and equipment and leasehold improvements for impairment.

 

Income Taxes

Income Taxes

Our income tax expense, and deferred tax assets and liabilities reflect management’s best assessment of estimated current and future taxes to be paid.  Significant judgments and estimates are required in determining the consolidated income tax expense.

Deferred income taxes arise from temporary differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts in the financial statements, which will result in taxable or deductible amounts in the future.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities are reflected at currently enacted income tax rates applicable to the period in which the deferred tax assets or liabilities are expected to be realized or settled.  As changes in tax laws or rates are enacted, deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted through the provision for income taxes and are reflected as discrete tax items in the Company’s tax provision.

The Company records net deferred tax assets to the extent it is believed that these assets will more likely than not be realized.  In making this determination, the Company considers all available evidence, including future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, projected future taxable income, tax planning strategies, and recent financial operations.  A tax position that meets the more likely than not recognition threshold is initially and subsequently measured as the largest amount of tax benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon settlement with a taxing authority.

The Company files a consolidated federal income tax return and separate company state tax returns.

For a more detailed description of income taxes see Note 9, Income Taxes of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Interest Rate Swap Agreements

Interest Rate Swap Agreements

For asset/liability management purposes, the Company periodically uses interest rate swap agreements to hedge various exposures or to modify interest rate characteristics of various balance sheet accounts.  All interest rate swap agreements are recorded at fair value.  The Company records cash flow hedges at the inception of the derivative contract based on the Company’s intentions and belief as to its likelihood of effectiveness as a hedge.  Cash flow hedges represent a hedge of a forecasted transaction or the variability of cash flows to be received or paid related to a recognized asset or liability.  For a cash flow hedge, the gain or loss on the derivative is reported in other comprehensive income and is reclassified into earnings in the same periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings.  The changes in the fair value of derivatives that are not highly effective in hedging the changes in fair value or expected cash flows of the hedged item are recognized immediately in current earnings.  Changes in the fair value of derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting are reported currently in earnings, as noninterest income.

Net cash settlements on derivatives that qualify for hedge accounting are recorded in interest income or interest expense, based on the item being hedged.  Net cash settlements on derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting are reported in noninterest income.  Cash flows on hedges are classified in the cash flow statement the same as the cash flows of the items being hedged.

The Company formally documents the relationship between derivatives and hedged items, as well as the risk management objective and the strategy for undertaking hedge transactions at the inception of the hedging relationship.  This documentation includes linking cash flow hedges to specific assets and liabilities on the balance sheet or to specific firm commitments or forecasted transactions.  The Company also formally assesses, both at the hedge’s inception and on an ongoing basis, whether the derivative instruments that are used are highly effective in offsetting changes in fair values or cash flows of the hedged items.  The Company discontinues hedge accounting when it determines that the derivative is no longer effective in offsetting changes in the fair value or cash flows of the hedged item, the derivative is settled or terminates, a hedged forecasted transaction is no longer probable, a hedged firm commitment is no longer firm, or treatment of the derivative as a hedge is no longer appropriate or intended.

When hedge accounting is discontinued, subsequent changes in fair value of the derivative are recorded as noninterest income.  When a cash flow hedge is discontinued but the hedged cash flows or forecasted transactions are still expected to occur, gains or losses that were accumulated in other comprehensive income are amortized into earnings over the same periods which the hedged transactions will affect earnings.

Fair Value Measurement

Fair Value Measurement

The term "fair value" is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.  A fair value measurement assumes that the transaction to sell the asset or transfer the liability occurs in the principal market for the asset or liability or, in the absence of a principal market, the most advantageous market for the asset or liability.  The Company’s approach is to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when developing fair value measurements.  The degree of management judgment involved in estimating the fair value of a financial instrument or other asset is dependent upon the availability of quoted market prices or observable market value inputs for internal valuation models used for estimating fair value.  For financial instruments that are actively traded in the marketplace or whose values are based on readily available market data, little judgment is necessary when estimating the instrument’s fair value.  When observable market prices and data are not readily available, significant management judgment often is necessary to estimate fair value.  In those cases, different assumptions could result in significant changes in valuation.  See Note 17, Fair Value Measurement.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Bank has included cash and due from banks, interest-bearing deposits in other financial institutions, and federal funds sold as cash and cash equivalents for the purpose of reporting cash flows.  The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents approximates its fair value due to its short-term nature.

Earnings per share

Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per common share (“EPS”) is computed by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted average common shares outstanding during the period.  Diluted EPS is computed by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted average common shares outstanding, plus the effect of common stock equivalents (for example, stock options computed using the treasury stock method).

Advertising Expense

Advertising Expense

Advertising costs, which we consider to be media and marketing materials, are expensed as incurred.  We incurred $0.1 million in advertising expense during the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019.

Bank Owned Life Insurance

Bank Owned Life Insurance

The Company has purchased bank owned life insurance policies on certain current and former employees as a means to generate tax-exempt income which is used to offset a portion of current and future employee benefit costs.  Bank owned life insurance is recorded at the cash surrender value of the policies.  Changes in the cash surrender value are included in noninterest income.

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The Company records unrealized gains and losses on available for sale securities and cash flow hedges in accumulated other comprehensive income, net of taxes.  Unrealized gains and losses on available for sale securities and cash flow hedges are reclassified into earnings as the gains or losses are realized upon sale of the securities and determination of the ineffective portion of the hedge.  The credit component of unrealized losses on available for sale securities that are determined to be other-than-temporary impaired are reclassified into earnings at the time the determination is made.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Recent Accounting Pronouncements and Developments

ASU 2016‑02, “Leases (Topic 842).”  In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02.  This guidance provides that lessees will be required to recognize the following for all operating leases (with the exception of short-term leases):  1) a lease liability, which is the present value of a lessee's obligation to make lease payments, and 2) a right-of-use asset, which is an asset that represents the lessee's right to use, or control the use of, a specified asset for the lease term.  Lessor accounting under the new guidance remains largely unchanged as it is substantially equivalent to existing guidance for sales-type leases, direct financing leases and operating leases.  The Company adopted the provisions of ASU No. 2016-02 on January 1, 2019 and elected several practical expedients made available by the FASB.  Specifically, the Company elected the transition practical expedient to not recast comparative periods upon the adoption of the new guidance.  In addition, the Company elected the package of practical expedients which among other things, requires no reassessment of whether existing contracts are or contain leases as well as no reassessment of lease classification for existing leases and the practical expedient which permits the Company to not separate nonlease components from lease components in determining the consideration in the lease agreement when the Company is a lessee and a lessor.  The Company identified the primary lease agreements in scope of this new guidance as those relating to branch premises.  As a result, the Company recognized a lease liability of $0.7 million and a related right-of-use asset of $0.7 million on its consolidated balance sheet on January 1, 2019.

ASU 2016-13 "Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326)" ("ASU 2016-13") requires an entity to utilize a new impairment model known as the current expected credit loss ("CECL") model to estimate its lifetime "expected credit loss" and record an allowance that, when deducted from the amortized cost basis of the financial asset, presents the net amount expected to be collected on the financial asset.  The CECL model is expected to result in more timely recognition of credit losses.  ASU 2016-13 also requires new disclosures for financial assets measured at amortized cost, loans and available-for-sale debt securities.  Entities will apply the standard's provisions as a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the first reporting period in which the guidance is adopted.  ASU 2016-13, as updated, was adopted on January 1, 2021.  Through the date of adoption, we held working group meetings that included individuals from various functional areas relevant to the implementation of CECL.  Additionally, an assessment of our primary modeling tool was completed, which enabled us to complete parallel runs utilizing second and third quarter 2020 data, during which preliminary operational procedures and internal controls were designed.  Management's working group also validated the appropriateness of, among other things, management’s decisions regarding portfolio segmentation, life of loan considerations, and reasonable and supportable forecasting methodology.  Based on our fourth quarter parallel run, review of the portfolio, including the composition, characteristics and quality of the underlying loans, and the prevailing economic conditions and forecasts as of the adoption date, we believe that adoption of ASU 2016-13 will result in a material increase of approximately 107% to our allowance for credit losses.  This is consistent with our expectations given that our current portfolio is of shorter duration and commercially focused.

 

ASU 2017‑08, “Receivables – Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs:  Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities.”  ASU 2017‑08 shortens the amortization period for the premium on certain purchased callable debt securities to the earliest call date.  Today, entities generally amortize the premium over the contractual life of the security.  The new guidance does not change the accounting for purchased callable debt securities held at a discount; the discount continues to be amortized to maturity.  ASU No. 2017‑08 was effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018.  The guidance calls for a modified retrospective transition approach under which a cumulative-effect adjustment will be made to retained earnings as of the beginning of the first reporting period in which the guidance is adopted.  ASU 2017-08 was effective for the Company on January 1, 2019 and did not have a significant impact on our financial statements.

ASU No. 2017-12, “Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815):  Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities.”  This standard better aligns an entity's risk management activities and financial reporting for hedging relationships through changes to both the designation and measurement guidance for qualifying hedging relationships and the presentation of hedge results.  To meet that objective, the amendments expand and refine hedge accounting for both nonfinancial and financial risk components and align the recognition and presentation of the effects of the hedge instruments and the hedged item in the financial statements.  Adoption for this ASU is required for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2018 and early adoption was permitted.  ASU 2017-12 was effective for the Company on January 1, 2019 and did not have a significant impact on our financial statements.

ASU No. 2018-11, “Leases - Targeted Improvements.”  ASU No. 2018-11 provides entities with relief from the costs of implementing certain aspects of the new leasing standard, ASU No. 2016-02.  Specifically, under the amendments in ASU 2018-11:  (1) entities may elect not to recast the comparative periods presented when transitioning to the new leasing standard, and (2)  lessors may elect not to separate lease and non-lease components when certain conditions are met.  The amendments have the same effective date as ASU 2016-02 (January 1, 2019 for the Company). The Company elected both transition options.  ASU 2018-11 did not have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.

ASU No. 2018-13, “Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820).”  ASU 2018-13 eliminates, adds and modifies certain disclosure requirements for fair value measurements.  Among the changes, entities will no longer be required to disclose the amount of and reasons for transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, but will be required to disclose the range and weighted average used to develop significant unobservable inputs for Level 3 fair value measurements.  ASU No. 2018-13 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019; early adoption is permitted.  Entities are also allowed to elect early adoption the eliminated or modified disclosure requirements and delay adoption of the new disclosure requirements until their effective date.  As ASU No. 2018-13 only revises disclosure requirements, it will not have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.

In August, 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-14, “Compensation - Retirement Benefits-Defined Benefit Plans-General (Subtopic 715-20).” ASU 2018-14 amends and modifies the disclosure requirements for employers that sponsor defined benefit pension or other post-retirement plans.  The amendments in this update remove disclosures that no longer are considered cost beneficial, clarify the specific requirements of disclosures, and add disclosure requirements identified as relevant.  ASU 2018-14 will be effective for us on January 1, 2021, with early adoption permitted, and is not expected to have a significant impact on our financial statements.

ASU No. 2019-01, Leases (Topic 842):  “Codification Improvements.”  On March 5, 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-01, Leases (Topic 842):  Codification Improvements, which amends certain aspects of the Board’s new leasing standard, ASU 2016-02 to address two lessor implementation issues and clarify when lessees and lessors are exempt from a certain interim disclosure requirement associated with adopting the new leases standard, Topic 842, Leases.  ASU 2019-01 aligns the guidance for fair value of the underlying asset by lessors that are not manufacturers or dealers in Topic 842 with that of existing guidance.  As a result, the fair value of the underlying asset at lease commencement is its cost, reflecting any volume or trade discounts that may apply.  However, if there has been a significant lapse of time between when the underlying asset is acquired and when the lease commences, the definition of fair value (in Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement) should be applied.  The ASU also requires lessors within the scope of Topic 942, Financial Services—Depository and Lending, to present all “principal payments received under leases” within investing activities.  Finally, the ASU exempts both lessees and lessors from having to provide certain interim disclosures in the fiscal year in which a company adopts the new leases standard.  As ASU 2019-01 only revises disclosure requirements, it will not have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.

ASU No. 2019-04, “Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses, Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging, and Topic 825, Financial Instruments” was issued in April 2019 by the FASB.  With respect to Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging, ASU 2019-04 clarifies that the reclassification of a debt security from held-to-maturity (“HTM”) to available-for-sale (“AFS”) under the transition guidance in ASU 2017-12 would not (1)  call into question the classification of other HTM securities, (2)  be required to actually designate any reclassified security in a last-of-layer hedge, or (3)  be restricted from selling any reclassified security.  As part of the transition of ASU 2019-04, entities may reclassify securities that would qualify for designation as the hedged item in a last-of-layer hedging relationship from HTM to AFS; however, entities that already made such a reclassification upon their adoption of ASU 2017-12 are precluded from reclassifying additional securities.  All of the Company’s securities were AFS at December 31, 2019.

ASU 2019-05, “Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326): Targeted Transition Relief” was issued on May 15, 2019.  The ASU amends the transition guidance in the new credit losses standard, ASC 326, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses.  The amendment provides entities with an option upon adoption of ASC 326-20, to irrevocably elect the fair value option for certain financial instruments that are both:  (a)  within the scope of ASC 326-20 (the current expected credit loss or “CECL” model) and (b)  eligible for the fair value option in ASC 825-10, Financial Instruments—Overall.  This election should be applied on an instrument-by-instrument basis for eligible financial assets.  The fair value option election is not applicable to debt securities classified as available for sale or held to maturity.  In addition, the amendment does not provide the option to discontinue or “unelect” the fair value option on instruments when an entity previously elected to apply it.  If the fair value option is elected, an entity would recognize the difference between the carrying amount and the fair value of the financial instrument as part of the cumulative effect adjustment associated with the adoption of ASC 326.  Subsequently, the financial instrument would be measured at fair value with changes in fair value reported in current earnings.  The updated guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted.  The Company is continuing to evaluate the extent of the potential impact upon adoption to the Company’s financial statements

In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12, “Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes (Topic 740).”  The amendments in this Update are meant to simplify the accounting for income taxes by removing certain exceptions to GAAP.  The amendments also improve consistent application of and simplify GAAP by modifying and/or revising the accounting for certain income tax transactions and by clarifying certain existing codification.  The amendments in the update are effective for public business entities for fiscal years and interim periods within those fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020.  The Company is currently assessing the impact of adoption of this guidance, but does not expect the update to have a material impact upon its financial position and results of operations.

 

ASU 2020-01, “Investments – Equity Securities (Topic 321), Investments – Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323), and Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815) – Clarifying the Interactions Between Topic 321, Topic 323, and Topic 815 (a Consensus of the Emerging Issues Task Force).”  In January 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-01, which clarifies that an entity should consider observable transactions that require it to either apply or discontinue the equity method of accounting for the purposes of applying the fair value measurement alternative.  The ASU will be effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2020, with early adoption permitted. The Company does not expect adoption to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

 

ASU No. 2020-04, “Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848):  Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting.”  The ASU provides temporary optional expedients and exceptions to the U.S. GAAP guidance on contract modifications and hedge accounting to ease the financial reporting burdens of the expected market transition from LIBOR and other interbank offered rates to alternative reference rates, such as Secured Overnight Financing Rate.  Entities can elect not to apply certain modification accounting requirements to contracts affected by what the guidance calls reference rate reform, if certain criteria are met.  An entity that makes this election would not have to remeasure the contracts at the modification date or reassess a previous accounting determination.  Also, entities can elect various optional expedients that would allow them to continue applying hedge accounting for hedging relationships affected by reference rate reform, if certain criteria are met, and can make a one-time election to sell and/or reclassify held-to-maturity debt securities that reference an interest rate affected by reference rate reform.  The amendments in this ASU are effective for all entities upon issuance through December 31, 2022.  The Company is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of the standard will have on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

 

ASU No. 2020-08, “Codification Improvements to Subtopic 310-20, Receivables-Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs.”  The amendments in this update clarify the guidance for the reevaluation of whether a callable debt security’s amortized cost basis exceeds the amount repayable by the issuer at the next call date.  The amendments in this update are effective beginning after December 15, 2020.  The adoption of these amendments will not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

ASU No. 2020-10, “Codification Improvements.” The ASU improves reporting consistency by amending the Codification to include all disclosure guidance in the appropriate disclosure sections.  It clarifies the application of various provisions in the Codification by amending and adding new headings, cross referencing to other guidance, and refining or correcting terminology.  The amendments are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2020, and early application is permitted.  The Company does not expect the guidance to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.