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Summary of significant accounting policies | 12 Months Ended
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Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract] |
Summary of significant accounting policies |
1 · Summary of significant accounting policies
General
Hawaiian Electric Industries, Inc. (HEI) is a holding company with direct and indirect subsidiaries principally engaged in electric utility and banking businesses, primarily in the State of Hawaii. HEI is the parent holding company of Hawaiian Electric Company, Inc. (Hawaiian Electric) and indirect parent holding company of American Savings Bank, F. S. B. (ASB). HEI’s common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange. Hawaiian Electric and its wholly-owned operating subsidiaries, Hawaii Electric Light Company, Inc. (Hawaii Electric Light) and Maui Electric Company, Limited (Maui Electric), are regulated public electric utilities (collectively, the Utilities) in the business of generating, purchasing, transmitting, distributing and selling electric energy on all major islands in Hawaii other than Kauai. Hawaiian Electric also owns Renewable Hawaii, Inc. (RHI), Uluwehiokama Biofuels Corp. (UBC) and HECO Capital Trust III. See Note 3. ASB is a federally chartered savings bank providing a full range of banking services to individual and business customers through its branch system in Hawaii. Basis of presentation. In preparing the consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP), management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates. Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change for the Company include the amounts reported for investment and mortgage-related securities (ASB only); property, plant and equipment; pension and other postretirement benefit obligations; contingencies and litigation; income taxes; regulatory assets and liabilities (Utilities only); electric utility revenues (Utilities only); and allowance for loan losses (ASB only). Consolidation. The HEI consolidated financial statements include the accounts of HEI and its subsidiaries (collectively, the Company). The Hawaiian Electric consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Hawaiian Electric and its subsidiaries. The consolidated financial statements exclude subsidiaries which are variable interest entities (VIEs) when the Company or the Utilities are not the primary beneficiaries. Investments in companies over which the Company or the Utilities have the ability to exercise significant influence, but not control, are accounted for using the equity method. All material intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. See Note 6 for information regarding unconsolidated VIEs. Cash and cash equivalents. The Utilities consider cash on hand, deposits in banks, money market accounts, certificates of deposit, short-term commercial paper of non-affiliates and liquid investments (with original maturities of three months or less) to be cash and cash equivalents. The Company considers the same items to be cash and cash equivalents as well as ASB’s deposits with the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) of Seattle, federal funds sold (excess funds that ASB loans to other banks overnight at the federal funds rate) and securities purchased under resale agreements. Equity method. Investments in up to 50%-owned affiliates over which the Company or the Utilities have the ability to exercise significant influence over the operating and financing policies and investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries (e.g. HECO Capital Trust III) are accounted for under the equity method, whereby the investment is carried at cost, plus (or minus) the equity in undistributed earnings (or losses) and minus distributions since acquisition. Equity in earnings or losses is reflected in operating revenues. Equity method investments are also evaluated for OTTI. Also see Note 6 below. Property, plant and equipment. Property, plant and equipment are reported at cost. Self-constructed electric utility plant includes engineering, supervision, administrative and general costs and an allowance for the cost of funds used during the construction period. These costs are recorded in construction in progress and are transferred to utility plant when construction is completed and the facilities are either placed in service or become useful for public utility purposes. Costs for betterments that make utility plant more useful, more efficient, of greater durability or of greater capacity are also capitalized. Upon the retirement or sale of electric utility plant, generally no gain or loss is recognized. The cost of the plant retired is charged to accumulated depreciation. Amounts collected from customers for cost of removal (expected to exceed salvage value in the future) are included in regulatory liabilities. Depreciation. Depreciation is computed primarily using the straight-line method over the estimated lives of the assets being depreciated. Electric utility plant additions in the current year are depreciated beginning January 1 of the following year in accordance with rate-making. Electric utility plant has lives ranging from 20 to 88 years for production plant, from 25 to 65 years for transmission and distribution plant and from 5 to 65 years for general plant. The Utilities’ composite annual depreciation rate, which includes a component for cost of removal, was 3.1% in 2014, 2013 and 2012. Leases. HEI, the Utilities and ASB have entered into lease agreements for the use of equipment and office space. The provisions of some of the lease agreements contain renewal options. The Company's operating lease expense was $19 million in 2014, 2013 and 2012. The Utilities' operating lease expense was $9 million, $8 million and $8 million in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The Company's and the Utilities' future minimum lease payments are as follows:
(in millions) | HEI |  | Hawaiian Electric
2015 | $ | 17 |  |  | $ | 8 |
2016 | 15 |  |  | 6 |
2017 | 12 |  |  | 5 |
2018 | 9 |  |  | 4 |
2019 | 7 |  |  | 3 |
Thereafter | 23 |  |  | 14 |
| $ | 83 |  |  | $ | 40 |
Retirement benefits. Pension and other postretirement benefit costs are charged primarily to expense and electric utility plant (in the case of the Utilities). Funding for the Company’s qualified pension plans (Plans) is based on actuarial assumptions adopted by the Pension Investment Committee administering the Plans on the advice of an enrolled actuary. The participating employers contribute amounts to a master pension trust for the Plans in accordance with the funding requirements of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (ERISA), including changes promulgated by the Pension Protection Act of 2006, and considering the deductibility of contributions under the Internal Revenue Code. The Company generally funds at least the net periodic pension cost during the year, subject to limits and targeted funded status as determined with the consulting actuary. Under a pension tracking mechanism approved by the Public Utilities Commission of the State of Hawaii (PUC), the Utilities generally will make contributions to the pension fund at the greater of the minimum level required under the law or net periodic pension cost. Certain health care and/or life insurance benefits are provided to eligible retired employees and the employees’ beneficiaries and covered dependents. The Company generally funds the net periodic postretirement benefit costs other than pensions (except for executive life) and the amortization of the regulatory asset for postretirement benefits other than pensions (OPEB), while maximizing the use of the most tax advantaged funding vehicles, subject to cash flow requirements and reviews of the funded status with the consulting actuary. The Utilities must fund OPEB costs as specified in the OPEB tracking mechanisms, which were approved by the PUC. Future decisions in rate cases could further impact funding amounts. The Company and the Utilities recognize on their respective balance sheets the funded status of their defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans, as adjusted by the impact of decisions of the PUC. Environmental expenditures. The Company and the Utilities are subject to numerous federal and state environmental statutes and regulations. In general, environmental contamination treatment costs are charged to expense, unless it is probable that the PUC would allow such costs to be recovered in future rates, in which case such costs would be capitalized as regulatory assets. Also, environmental costs are capitalized if the costs extend the life, increase the capacity, or improve the safety or efficiency of property; the costs mitigate or prevent future environmental contamination; or the costs are incurred in preparing the property for sale. Environmental costs are either capitalized or charged to expense when environmental assessments and/or remedial efforts are probable and the cost can be reasonably estimated. Financing costs. Financing costs related to the registration and sale of HEI common stock are recorded in shareholders’ equity. HEI uses the straight-line method, which approximates the effective interest method, to amortize the long-term debt financing costs of the holding company over the term of the related debt. The Utilities use the straight-line method, which approximates the effective interest method, to amortize long-term debt financing costs and premiums or discounts over the term of the related debt. Unamortized financing costs and premiums or discounts on the Utilities' long-term debt retired prior to maturity are classified as regulatory assets (costs and premiums) or liabilities (discounts) and are amortized on a straight-line basis over the remaining original term of the retired debt. The method and periods for amortizing financing costs, premiums and discounts, including the treatment of these items when long-term debt is retired prior to maturity, have been established by the PUC as part of the rate-making process. HEI and the Utilities use the straight-line method to amortize the fees and related costs paid to secure a firm commitment under their line-of-credit arrangements. Income taxes. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are established for the temporary differences between the financial reporting bases and the tax bases of the Company’s and the Utilities' assets and liabilities at federal and state tax rates expected to be in effect when such deferred tax assets or liabilities are realized or settled. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred income tax assets to the amount expected to be realized. The Company recognizes investment tax credits as a reduction of income tax expense in the period the assets giving rise to such credits are placed in service, except for the Utilities' investment tax credits, which are deferred and amortized over the estimated useful lives of the properties to which the credits relate, in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 980, “Regulated Operations.” The Utilities are included in the consolidated income tax returns of HEI. However, income tax expense has been computed for financial statement purposes as if the Utilities filed separate consolidated Hawaiian Electric income tax returns. Governmental tax authorities could challenge a tax return position taken by management. If the Company’s position does not prevail, the Company’s results of operations and financial condition may be adversely affected as the related deferred or current income tax asset might be impaired and written down or an unanticipated tax liability might be incurred. The Company and the Utilities use a “more-likely-than-not” recognition threshold and measurement standard for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. Fair value measurements. Fair value estimates are estimates of the price that would be received to sell an asset, or paid upon the transfer of a liability, in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The fair value estimates are generally determined based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability and are based on market data obtained from independent sources. However, in certain cases, the Company and the Utilities use their own assumptions about market participant assumptions based on the best information available in the circumstances. These valuations are estimates at a specific point in time, based on relevant market information, information about the financial instrument and judgments regarding future expected loss experience, economic conditions, risk characteristics of various financial instruments and other factors. These estimates do not reflect any premium or discount that could result if the Company or the Utilities were to sell its entire holdings of a particular financial instrument at one time. Because no active trading market exists for a portion of the Company’s and the Utilities' financial instruments, fair value estimates cannot be determined with precision. Changes in the underlying assumptions used, including discount rates and estimates of future cash flows, could significantly affect the estimates. In addition, the tax ramifications related to the realization of the unrealized gains and losses could have a significant effect on fair value estimates, but have not been considered in making such estimates. The Company and the Utilities group their financial assets measured at fair value in three levels outlined as follows:
Level 1: | Inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices, unadjusted, for identical assets or liabilities in active markets. A quoted price in an active market provides the most reliable evidence of fair value and is used to measure fair value whenever available.
Level 2: | Inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active; or inputs to the valuation methodology that are derived principally from or can be corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means.
Level 3: | Inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement. Level 3 assets and liabilities include financial instruments whose value is determined using discounted cash flow methodologies, as well as instruments for which the determination of fair value requires significant management judgment or estimation.
Classification in the hierarchy is based upon the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement of the asset or liability. For instruments classified in Level 1 and 2 where inputs are primarily based upon observable market data, there is less judgment applied in arriving at the fair value. For instruments classified in Level 3, management judgment is more significant due to the lack of observable market data. Fair value is also used on a nonrecurring basis to evaluate certain assets for impairment or for disclosure purposes. Examples of nonrecurring uses of fair value include mortgage servicing rights accounted for by the amortization method, loan impairments for certain loans, goodwill and asset retirement obligations (AROs). Earnings per share (HEI only). Basic earnings per share (EPS) is computed by dividing net income for common stock by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS is computed similarly, except that dilutive common shares for stock compensation and the equity forward transactions are added to the denominator. HEI uses the two-class method of computing EPS as restricted stock grants include non-forfeitable rights to dividends and are participating securities. Under the two-class method, HEI's EPS was comprised as follows for both participating securities and unrestricted common stock:
| 2014 |  | 2013 |  | 2012
| Basic |  |  | Diluted |  |  | Basic |  |  | Diluted |  |  | Basic |  |  | Diluted |
Distributed earnings | $ | 1.24 |  |  | $ | 1.24 |  |  | $ | 1.24 |  |  | $ | 1.24 |  |  | $ | 1.24 |  |  | $ | 1.24 |
Undistributed earnings | 0.41 |  |  | 0.40 |  |  | 0.39 |  |  | 0.38 |  |  | 0.19 |  |  | 0.18 |
| $ | 1.65 |  |  | $ | 1.64 |  |  | $ | 1.63 |  |  | $ | 1.62 |  |  | $ | 1.43 |  |  | $ | 1.42 |
As of December 31, 2014 there were no shares that were antidilutive. As of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the antidilutive effect of stock appreciation rights (SARs) on 102,000 shares of HEI common stock (for which the exercise prices were greater than the closing market prices of HEI’s common stock on such dates), was not included in the computation of diluted EPS. Share-based compensation. The Company and the Utilities apply the fair value based method of accounting to account for its stock compensation, including the use of a forfeiture assumption. See Note 11. Impairment of long-lived assets and long-lived assets to be disposed of. The Company and the Utilities review long-lived assets and certain identifiable intangibles for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to future net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets. Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value, less costs to sell. Recent accounting pronouncements. Obligations resulting from joint and several liability. In February 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2013-04, “Liabilities (Topic 405): Obligations Resulting from Joint and Several Liability Arrangements for Which the Total Amount of the Obligation Is Fixed at the Reporting Date,” which provides guidance for the recognition, measurement and disclosure of obligations resulting from joint and several liability arrangements for which the total amount of the obligation is fixed at the reporting date. The guidance requires entities to measure these obligations as the sum of the amount the entity has agreed with co-obligors to pay and any additional amount it expects to pay on behalf of its co-obligors. The guidance also requires an entity to disclose the nature and amount of the obligation as well as other information. The Company and the Utilities retrospectively adopted ASU No. 2013-04 in the first quarter of 2014 and it did not have a material impact on the Company’s or the Utilities' results of operations, financial condition or liquidity. Unrecognized tax benefits (UTBs). In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-11, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists,” which requires the netting of UTBs against a deferred tax asset for a loss or other tax carryforwards that would apply in settlement of the uncertain tax positions. UTBs should be netted against all available same-jurisdiction loss or other tax carryforwards that would be utilized, rather than only against carryforwards that are created by the UTBs. The Company and the Utilities prospectively adopted ASU No. 2013-11 in the first quarter of 2014 and it did not have a material impact on the Company’s or the Utilities' results of operations, financial condition or liquidity. Investments in Qualified Affordable Housing Projects. In January 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-01, Investments-Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323): Accounting for Investments in Qualified Affordable Housing Projects,” which permits entities to make an accounting policy election to account for their investments in qualified affordable housing projects using the proportional amortization method if certain conditions are met. The amendments also require additional disclosures. The Company has not determined whether it will adopt ASU No. 2014-01 in the first quarter of 2015. Reclassification of loans upon foreclosure. In January 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-04, "Receivables-Troubled Debt Restructurings by Creditors (Subtopic 310-40): Reclassification of Residential Real Estate Collateralized Consumer Mortgage Loans upon Foreclosure,” which clarifies when an in substance repossession or foreclosure occurs, and a creditor is considered to have received physical possession of residential real estate property collateralizing a consumer loan. A creditor is considered to have received physical possession of residential real estate property collateralizing a consumer loan upon either: (1) the creditor obtaining legal title to the residential real estate property upon completion of a foreclosure; or (2) the borrower conveying all interest in the residential real estate property to the creditor to satisfy that loan through a deed in lieu of foreclosure or through a similar legal agreement. The amendment also requires additional disclosures. The Company plans to prospectively adopt ASU No. 2014-04 in the first quarter of 2015 and does not expect the adoption to have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations, financial condition or liquidity. Revenues from contracts. In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers: (Topic 606).” The core principle of the guidance in ASU No. 2014-09 is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. To achieve that core principle, an entity should apply the following steps: (1) identify the contract/s with a customer, (2) identify the performance obligations in the contract, (3) determine the transaction price, (4) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract, and (5) recognize revenue when, or as, the entity satisfies a performance obligation. The Company plans to adopt ASU No. 2014-09 in the first quarter of 2017, but has not determined the method of adoption (full or modified retrospective application) nor the impact of adoption on its results of operations, financial condition or liquidity. Repurchase agreements. In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-11, “Transfers and Servicing (Topic 860): Repurchase-to-Maturity Transactions, Repurchase Financings, and Disclosure,” which changes the accounting for repurchase-to-maturity transactions and repurchase financing arrangements. It also requires additional disclosures about repurchase agreements and other similar transactions. The ASU requires a new disclosure for transactions economically similar to repurchase agreements in which the transferor retains substantially all of the exposure to the economic return on the transferred financial assets throughout the term of the transaction. The ASU also requires expanded disclosures about the nature of collateral pledged in repurchase agreements and similar transactions accounted for as secured borrowings. The Company plans to adopt ASU No. 2014-11 in the first quarter of 2015 and does not expect the adoption to have a material impact on the Company's results of operations, financial condition or liquidity. Reclassifications. Hawaiian Electric changed its consolidated statements of income for each quarter in 2013 from a utility presentation to a commercial company presentation, under which all operating revenues and expenses (including non-regulated revenues and expenses) are included in the determination of operating income. Additionally, income tax expense, which was previously included partially in operating expenses and partially in other income (deductions), is now entirely presented directly above net income in income taxes and includes income taxes related to non-regulated revenues and expenses. On HEI’s consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2013, non-utility plant, net, amounting to $7 million was reclassified from “Other” assets to “Plant and equipment” (including related amounts of accumulated depreciation). These and other reclassifications made to prior years’ financial statements to conform to the 2014 presentation did not affect previously reported results of operations.
Electric utility
Regulation by the Public Utilities Commission of the State of Hawaii (PUC). The Utilities are regulated by the PUC and account for the effects of regulation under FASB ASC Topic 980, “Regulated Operations.” As a result, the actions of regulators can affect the timing of recognition of revenues, expenses, assets and liabilities. Management believes the Utilities’ operations currently satisfy the ASC Topic 980 criteria. If events or circumstances should change so that those criteria are no longer satisfied, the Utilities expect that their regulatory assets, net of regulatory liabilities, would be charged to the statement of income in the period of discontinuance. Accounts receivable. Accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount. The Utilities generally assess a late payment charge on balances unpaid from the previous month. The allowance for doubtful accounts is the Utilities’ best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses in the Utilities existing accounts receivable. On a monthly basis, the Utilities adjust their allowance, with a corresponding charge (credit) on the statement of income, based on its historical write-off experience. Account balances are charged off against the allowance after collection efforts have been exhausted and the potential for recovery is considered remote. At both December 31, 2014 and 2013, the allowance for customer accounts receivable, accrued unbilled revenues and other accounts receivable was $2 million. Contributions in aid of construction. The Utilities receive contributions from customers for special construction requirements. As directed by the PUC, contributions are amortized on a straight-line basis over 30 to 55 years as an offset against depreciation expense. Electric utility revenues. Electric utility revenues are based on rates authorized by the PUC. Prior to the implementation of decoupling, revenues related to the sale of energy were generally recorded when service was rendered or energy was delivered to customers and included revenues applicable to energy consumed in the accounting period but not yet billed to the customers. The rate schedules of the Utilities include energy cost adjustment clauses (ECACs) under which electric rates are adjusted for changes in the weighted-average price paid for fuel oil and certain components of purchased power, and the relative amounts of company-generated power and purchased power. The rate schedules also include purchased power adjustment clauses (PPACs) under which the remaining purchase power expenses are recovered through surcharge mechanisms. The amounts collected through the ECACs and PPACs are required to be reconciled quarterly. Upon the implementation of decoupling (Hawaiian Electric on March 1, 2011, Hawaii Electric Light on April 9, 2012 and Maui Electric on May 4, 2012), the Utilities: (1) recognize monthly revenue balancing account (RBA) revenues or refunds for the difference between PUC-approved target revenues and recorded adjusted revenues, which delinks revenues from kilowatthour sales, (2) recognize a revenue escalation component via a rate adjustment mechanism (RAM) for certain operation and maintenance (O&M) expenses and rate base changes and (3) recognize (when applicable) an earnings sharing mechanism, which would provide for a reduction of revenues between rate cases in the event the utility’s ratemaking return on average common equity (ROACE) exceeds the ROACE allowed in its most recent rate case. The Utilities’ revenues include amounts for various Hawaii state revenue taxes. Revenue taxes are generally recorded as an expense in the year the related revenues are recognized. However, the Utilities’ revenue tax payments to the taxing authorities in the period are based on the prior year’s billed revenues (in the case of public service company taxes and PUC fees) or on the current year’s cash collections from electric sales (in the case of franchise taxes). For 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Utilities included approximately $267 million, $266 million and $280 million, respectively, of revenue taxes in “revenues” and in “taxes, other than income taxes” expense. Power purchase agreements. If a power purchase agreement (PPA) falls within the scope of ASC Topic 840, “Leases,” and results in the classification of the agreement as a capital lease, the Utilities would recognize a capital asset and a lease obligation. Currently, none of the PPAs are required to be recorded as a capital lease. The Utilities evaluate PPAs to determine if the PPAs are VIEs, if the Utilities are primary beneficiaries and if consolidation is required. See Note 6. Repairs and maintenance costs. Repairs and maintenance costs for overhauls of generating units are generally expensed as they are incurred. Allowance for funds used during construction (AFUDC). AFUDC is an accounting practice whereby the costs of debt and equity funds used to finance plant construction are credited on the statement of income and charged to construction in progress on the balance sheet. If a project under construction is delayed for an extended period of time, AFUDC on the delayed project may be stopped after assessing the causes of the delay and probability of recovery. The weighted-average AFUDC rate was 7.7% in 2014, 7.6% in 2013 and 7.6% in 2012, and reflected quarterly compounding.
Bank (HEI only)
Investment securities. Investments in debt and equity securities are classified as held-to-maturity (HTM), trading or available-for-sale (AFS). ASB determines the appropriate classification at the time of purchase. Debt and equity securities that ASB intends to and has the ability to hold to maturity are classified as HTM securities and reported at cost. Marketable debt and equity securities that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term are classified as trading securities and reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses included in earnings. Marketable debt and equity securities not classified as either HTM or trading securities are classified as AFS and reported at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses, for AFS securities deemed other-than-temporary impairment (OTTI), not related to credit losses, are excluded from earnings and reported on a net basis in accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) until realized. Interest income is recorded on an accrual basis. Discounts and premiums on securities are accreted or amortized into interest income over the remaining lives of the securities, adjusted for actual portfolio prepayments for investment securities or based on changes in anticipated prepayments for mortgage-related securities, using the interest method. The specific identification method is used in determining realized gains and losses on the sales of securities. ASB uses actual prepayment experience and estimates of future prepayments to determine the constant effective yield necessary to apply the interest method of income recognition. Estimates of future prepayments are based on the underlying collateral characteristics and historic prepayment behavior of each security. For securities that are not trading securities, individual securities are assessed for impairment at least on a quarterly basis, and more frequently when economic or market conditions warrant. A security is impaired if the fair value of the security is less than its carrying value at the financial statement date. When a security is impaired, ASB determines whether this impairment is temporary or other-than-temporary. If ASB does not expect to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the security, an OTTI exists. If ASB intends to sell the security, or will more likely than not be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost, the OTTI must be recognized in earnings. If ASB does not intend to sell the security, and it is not more likely than not that ASB will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost, the OTTI must be separated into the amount representing the credit loss and the amount related to all other factors. The amount of OTTI related to the credit loss is recognized in earnings, while the remaining OTTI is recognized in AOCI. Stock in Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) of Seattle is carried at cost and is reviewed at least periodically for impairment, with valuation adjustments recognized in noninterest income. Loans receivable. ASB carries loans receivable at amortized cost less the allowance for loan losses, loan origination fees (net of direct loan origination costs), commitment fees and purchase premiums and discounts. Interest on loans is credited to income as it is earned. Discounts and premiums are accreted or amortized over the life of the loans using the interest method. Loan origination fees (net of direct loan origination costs) are deferred and recognized as an adjustment in yield over the life of the loan using the interest method or taken into income when the loan is paid off or sold. Nonrefundable commitment fees (net of direct loan origination costs, if applicable) received for commitments to originate or purchase loans are deferred and, if the commitment is exercised, recognized as an adjustment of yield over the life of the loan using the interest method. Nonrefundable commitment fees received for which the commitment expires unexercised are recognized as income upon expiration of the commitment. Mortgage loans held for sale are stated at the lower of cost or estimated fair value on an aggregate basis. A sale is recognized only when the consideration received is other than beneficial interests in the assets sold and control over the assets is transferred irrevocably to the buyer. Gains or losses on sales of loans are recognized at the time of sale and are determined by the difference between the net sales proceeds and the allocated basis of the loans sold. Allowance for loan losses. ASB maintains an allowance for loan losses that it believes is adequate to absorb losses inherent in its loan portfolio. The level of allowance for loan losses is based on a continuing assessment of existing risks in the loan portfolio, historical loss experience, changes in collateral values and current conditions (e.g., economic conditions, real estate market conditions and interest rate environment). The allowance for loan losses is allocated to loan types using both a formula-based approach applied to groups of loans and an analysis of certain individual loans for impairment. The formula-based approach emphasizes loss factors primarily derived from actual historical default and loss rates, which are combined with an assessment of certain qualitative factors to determine the allowance amounts allocated to the various loan categories. Adverse changes in any of these factors could result in higher charge-offs and provision for loan losses. ASB disaggregates its portfolio loans into portfolio segments for purposes of determining the allowance for loan losses. Commercial and commercial real estate loans are defined as non-homogeneous loans and ASB utilizes a risk rating system for evaluating the credit quality of the loans. Loans are rated based on the degree of risk at origination and periodically thereafter, as appropriate. Values are applied separately to the probability of default (borrower risk) and loss given default (transaction risk). ASB’s credit review department performs an evaluation of these loan portfolios to ensure compliance with the internal risk rating system and timeliness of rating changes. Non-homogeneous loans are categorized into the regulatory asset quality classifications-Pass, Special Mention, Substandard, Doubtful, and Loss based on credit quality. For loans classified as substandard, an analysis is done to determine if the loan is impaired. A loan is deemed impaired when it is probable that ASB will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Once a loan is deemed impaired, ASB applies a valuation methodology to determine whether there is an impairment shortfall. The measurement of impairment may be based on (i) the present value of the expected future cash flows of the impaired loan discounted at the loan’s original effective interest rate, (ii) the observable market price of the impaired loan, or (iii) the fair value of the collateral, net of costs to sell. For all loans collateralized by real estate whose repayment is dependent on the sale of the underlying collateral property, ASB measures impairment by utilizing the fair value of the collateral, net of costs to sell; for other loans that are not considered collateral dependent, generally the discounted cash flow method is used to measure impairment. For loans collateralized by real estate that are classified as troubled debt restructured loans, the present value of the expected future cash flows of the loans may also be used to measure impairment as these loans are expected to perform according to their restructured terms. Impairments are charged to the provision for loan losses and included in the allowance for loan losses. However, confirmed losses (uncollectible) are charged off, with the loan written down by the amount of the confirmed loss. Residential, consumer and credit scored business loans are considered homogeneous loans, which are typically underwritten based on common, uniform standards, and are generally classified as to the level of loss exposure based on delinquency status. The homogeneous loan portfolios are stratified into individual products with common risk characteristics and segmented into various secured and unsecured loan product types. For the homogeneous portfolio, the quality of the loan is best indicated by the repayment performance of an individual borrower. ASB does supplement performance data with an 11-risk rating retail credit model that assigns a probability of default to each borrower based primarily on the borrower's current Fair Isaac Corporation (FICO) score and for the home equity line of credit (HELOC) and unsecured consumer products, the bankruptcy score (BK). Current FICO and BK data is purchased and appended to all homogeneous loans on a quarterly basis and used to estimate the borrower’s probability of default and the loss given default. ASB also considers the following qualitative factors for all loans in estimating the allowance for loan losses:
• | changes in lending policies and procedures;
• | changes in economic and business conditions and developments that affect the collectability of the portfolio;
• | changes in the nature, volume and terms of the loan portfolio;
• | changes in lending management and other relevant staff;
• | changes in loan quality (past due, non-accrual, classified loans);
• | changes in the quality of the loan review system;
• | changes in the value of underlying collateral;
• | effect of, and changes in the level of, any concentrations of credit; and
• | effect of other external and internal factors.
ASB’s methodology for determining the allowance for loan losses was generally based on historic loss rates using various look-back periods. During the second quarter of 2014, ASB implemented enhancements to the loss rate calculation for estimating the allowance for loan losses that included several refinements to determining the probability of default and the loss given default for the various segments of the loan portfolio that are more statistically sound than those previously employed. The result is an estimated loss rate established for each borrower. ASB also updated its measurement of the loss emergence period in the calculation of the allowance for loan losses. The loss emergence period is broadly defined as the period that it takes, on average, for the lender to identify the specific borrower and amount of loss incurred by the bank for a loan that has suffered from a loss-causing event. In most cases, the loss emergence period was within a twelve month period; however, as credit quality and conditions improve, management has observed that the loss emergence period has extended and has incorporated this observed change in the estimate of the allowance for loan losses. Management believes these enhancements will improve the precision in estimating the allowance for loan losses. The enhancements did not have a material effect on the total allowance for loan losses or the provision for loan losses for 2014. The enhancements did result in the full allocation of the previously unallocated portion of the allowance for loan losses. In conjunction with the above enhancement, management also adopted an enhanced risk rating system for monitoring and managing credit risk in the non-homogenous loan portfolios, that measures general creditworthiness at the borrower level. The numerical-based, risk rating “PD Model” takes into consideration fiscal year-end financial information of the borrower and identified financial attributes including retained earnings, operating cash flows, interest coverage, liquidity and leverage that demonstrate a strong correlation with default to assign default probabilities at the borrower level. In addition, a loss given default (LGD) value is assigned to each loan to measure loss in the event of default based on loan specific features such as collateral that mitigates the amount of loss in the event of default. Together the PD Model and LGD construct provide a more quantitative, data driven and consistent framework for measuring risk within the portfolio, on a loan by loan basis and for the ultimate collectability of each loan. The reserve for unfunded commitments is maintained at a level believed by management to be sufficient to absorb estimated probable losses related to unfunded credit facilities and is included in accounts payable and other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. The determination of the adequacy of the reserve is based upon an evaluation of the unfunded credit facilities, including an assessment of historical commitment utilization experience, credit risk grading and historical loss rates. This process takes into consideration the same risk elements that are analyzed in the determination of the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses, as discussed above. Net adjustments to the reserve for unfunded commitments are included in other noninterest expense in the consolidated statements of income. Management believes its allowance for loan losses adequately estimates actual loan losses that will ultimately be incurred. However, such estimates are based on currently available information and historical experience, and future adjustments may be required from time to time to the allowance for loan losses based on new information and changes that occur (e.g., due to changes in economic conditions, particularly in Hawaii). Actual losses could differ from management’s estimates, and these differences and subsequent adjustments could be material. Nonperforming loans. Loans are generally placed on nonaccrual status when contractually past due 90 days or more, or earlier if management believes that the probability of collection is insufficient to warrant further accrual. A loan may be returned to accrual status if (i) principal and interest payments have been brought current and repayment of the remaining contractual principal and interest is expected to be made, (ii) the loan has otherwise become well-secured and collection efforts are reasonably expected to result in repayment of the debt, or (iii) the borrower has been making regularly scheduled payments in full for the prior six months and it is reasonably assured that the loan will be brought fully current within a reasonable period. Cash receipts on nonaccruing loans are generally applied to reduce the unpaid principal balance. Loans considered to be uncollectible are charged-off against the allowance for loan losses. The amount and timing of charge-offs on loans includes consideration of the loan type, length of delinquency, insufficiency of collateral value, lien priority and the overall financial condition of the borrower. Recoveries on loans previously charged-off are credited back to the allowance for loan losses. Loans that have been charged-off against the allowance for loan losses are periodically monitored to evaluate whether further adjustments to the allowance are necessary. Loans in the commercial and commercial real estate portfolio are charged-off when the loan is risk-rated “Doubtful” or “Loss”. The loan or a portion thereof is determined to be uncollectible after considering the borrower’s overall financial condition and collateral deficiency. A loan is considered uncollectible when: (a) the borrower is delinquent in principal or interest 90 days or more; (b) significant improvement in the borrower’s repayment capacity is doubtful; and/or (c) collateral value is insufficient to cover outstanding indebtedness and no other viable assets exist. Loans in the residential mortgage and home equity portfolios are charged-off when the loan or a portion thereof is determined to be uncollectible after considering the borrower’s overall financial condition and collateral deficiency. A loan is considered uncollectible when: (a) the borrower is delinquent in principal or interest 180 days or more; (b) it is probable that collateral value is insufficient to cover outstanding indebtedness and no other viable assets exist; (c) notification of the borrower’s bankruptcy is received; or (d) in cases where ASB is in a subordinate position to other debt, the senior lien holder has foreclosed and ASB's the junior lien is extinguished. Other consumer loans are generally charged-off when the balance becomes 120 days delinquent. Loans modified in a troubled debt restructuring. Loans are considered to have been modified in a troubled debt restructuring (TDR) when, due to a borrower’s financial difficulties, ASB makes concessions to the borrower that it would not otherwise consider for a non-troubled borrower. Modifications may include interest rate reductions, interest only payments for an extended period of time, protracted terms such as amortization and maturity beyond the customary length of time found in the normal market place, and other actions intended to minimize economic loss and to provide alternatives to foreclosure or repossession of collateral. Generally, a nonaccrual loan that has been modified in a TDR remains on nonaccrual status until the borrower has demonstrated sustained repayment performance for a period of six consecutive months. However, performance prior to the modification, or significant events that coincide with the modification, are included in assessing whether the borrower can meet the new terms and may result in the loan being returned to accrual status at the time of loan modification or after a shorter performance period. If the borrower’s ability to meet the revised payment schedule is uncertain, or there is reasonable doubt over the full collectability of principal and interest, the loan remains on nonaccrual status. Real estate acquired in settlement of loans. ASB records real estate acquired in settlement of loans at fair value, less estimated selling expenses. ASB obtains appraisals based on recent comparable sales to assist management in estimating the fair value of real estate acquired in settlement of loans. Subsequent declines in value are charged to expense through a valuation allowance. Costs related to holding real estate are charged to operations as incurred. Goodwill. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the amount of goodwill was $82.2 million. The goodwill is with respect to ASB and is the Company’s only intangible asset with an indefinite useful life and is tested for impairment annually at December 31 using data as of September 30. FASB ASU No. 2011-8, “Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Goodwill for Impairment”(ASU No. 2011-8) permits an entity to first assess qualitative factors (Step 0) to determine whether it is more likely than not (that is, a likelihood of more than 50%) that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform Step 1 of a two-step goodwill impairment test. An entity has an unconditional option to bypass the qualitative assessment and proceed directly to performing the first step of the goodwill impairment test. In evaluating whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount under ASU No. 2011-8, an entity shall assess relevant events and circumstances such as:
• | macroeconomic conditions such as a deterioration in general economic conditions, limitations on accessing capital, or other developments in equity and credit markets;
• | industry and market considerations such as a deterioration in the environment in which an entity operates, an increased competitive environment, a change in the market for an entity’s products or services, or a regulatory or political development;
• | cost factors that have a negative effect on earnings and cash flows;
• | overall financial performance such as a decline in actual or planned revenues or earnings compared with actual and projected results of relevant prior periods;
• | other relevant entity-specific events such as changes in management, key personnel, strategy, or customers; contemplation of bankruptcy; or litigation;
• | events affecting a reporting unit such as a change in the composition or carrying amount of its net assets;
• | if applicable, a sustained decrease in share price (consider in both absolute terms and relative to peers).
If, after assessing the totality of events or circumstances, an entity determines that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then the first and second steps of the goodwill impairment test under ASC Topic 350, "Intangibles-Goodwill and Other" (ASC 350), are unnecessary. We performed a Step 0 analysis and determined that it was not more likely than not that the fair value of the Company was less than its carrying value and a Step 1 goodwill impairment analysis was not considered necessary. The most recent Step 1 goodwill impairment analysis under ASC 350 was performed at December 31, 2013 and the estimated fair value of the Company exceeded its carrying value by 60%. For the three years ended December 31, 2014, there has been no impairment of goodwill. Mortgage banking. Mortgage loans held for sale are stated at the lower of cost or estimated fair value on an aggregate basis. A sale is recognized only when the consideration received is other than beneficial interests in the assets sold and control over the assets is transferred irrevocably to the buyer. Gains or losses on sales of loans are recognized at the time of sale and are determined by the difference between the net sales proceeds and the allocated basis of the loans sold. ASB is obligated to subsequently repurchase a loan if the purchaser discovers a standard representation or warranty violation such as noncompliance with eligibility requirements, customer fraud, or servicing violations. This primarily occurs during a loan file review. ASB recognizes a mortgage servicing asset when a mortgage loan is sold with servicing rights retained. This mortgage servicing right (MSR) is initially capitalized at its presumed fair value based on market data at the time of sale and accounted for in subsequent periods at the lower of amortized cost or fair value. Mortgage servicing assets or liabilities are included as a component of gain on sale of loans. Under ASC Topic 860, “Transfers and Servicing,” we amortize the MSR in proportion to and over the period of estimated net servicing income and assess for impairment at each reporting date. ASB's MSR is stratified based on predominant risk characteristics of the underlying loans including loan type and note rate. For each stratum, fair value is calculated by discounting expected net income streams using discount rates that reflect industry pricing for similar assets. Expected net income streams are estimated based on industry assumptions regarding prepayment expectations and income and expenses associated with servicing residential mortgage loans for others. Impairment is recognized through a valuation allowance for each stratum when the carrying amount exceeds fair value, with any associated provision recorded as a component of loan servicing fees included in "Other income, net" in the consolidated statements of income. A direct write-down is recorded when the recoverability of the valuation allowance is deemed to be unrecoverable. ASB compares the fair value of MSR to an estimated value calculated by an independent third-party. The third-party relies on both published and unpublished sources of market related assumptions and their own experience and expertise to arrive at a value. ASB uses the third-party value only to assess the reasonableness of fair value. Loan servicing fee income represents income earned for servicing mortgage loans owned by investors. It includes mortgage servicing fees and other ancillary servicing income, net of guaranty fees. Servicing fees are generally calculated on the outstanding principal balances of the loans serviced and are recorded as income when earned. Tax Credit Investments. ASB invests in limited liability entities formed to operate qualifying affordable housing projects. The affordable housing investments provide tax benefits to investors in the form of tax deductions from operating losses and tax credits. As a limited partner, ASB has no significant influence over the operations. These investments are initially recorded at the initial capital contribution with a liability recognized for the commitment to contribute additional capital over the term of the investment. Under the equity method of accounting, ASB recognized its share of the project's pre-tax operating losses in "Other expense" in the statements of income. For these limited liability entities, ASB assesses whether it is the primary beneficiary of the limited liability entity, which is a variable interest entity (VIE). The primary beneficiary of a VIE is determined to be the party that meets both of the following criteria: (i) has the power to make decisions that most significantly affect the economic performance of the VIE; and (ii) has the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits that in either case could potentially be significant to the VIE. Generally, ASB, as a limited partner, is not deemed to be the primary beneficiary as it does not meet the power criterion, i.e., no power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance and no direct ability to unilaterally remove the general partner. All tax credit investments are evaluated for potential impairment at least annually, or more frequently, when events or conditions indicate that it is deemed probable that ASB will not recover its investment. Potential indicators of impairment might arise when there is evidence that some or all tax credits previously claimed would be recaptured, or that expected remaining credits would no longer be available to the limited liability entities. If an investment is determined to be impaired, it is written down to its estimated fair value and the new cost basis of the investment is not adjusted for subsequent recoveries in value. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the carrying amount of qualifying affordable housing investments was $32.5 million and $14.5 million, respectively, and included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheets. ASB’s unfunded commitments to fund to its affordable housing investments were $14.8 million and $0.6 million as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. These unfunded commitments are unconditional and legally binding and are recorded in accounts payable and other liabilities with an increase in other assets in the consolidated balance sheets.

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