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Summary of significant accounting policies (Policies) | 3 Months Ended
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Mar. 31, 2023
Summary of significant accounting policies |
Nature of operations | Nature of operations: ​ Peoples Financial Services Corp., a bank holding company incorporated under the laws of Pennsylvania, provides a full range of financial services through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Peoples Security Bank and Trust Company (“the Bank”), collectively, the “Company” or “Peoples”. The Company services its retail and commercial customers through twenty-eight full-service community banking offices located within Allegheny, Bucks, Lackawanna, Lebanon, Lehigh, Luzerne, Monroe, Montgomery, Northampton, Susquehanna and Wyoming Counties of Pennsylvania, Middlesex County of New Jersey and Broome County of New York. ​
Basis of presentation | Basis of presentation: ​ The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10-01 of Regulation S-X. In the opinion of management, all normal recurring adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the consolidated financial position and results of operations for the periods presented have been included. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Prior-period amounts are reclassified when necessary to conform to the current year’s presentation. These reclassifications did not have any effect on the consolidated operating results or financial position of the Company. The consolidated operating results and financial position of the Company for the three months ended and as of March 31, 2023, are not necessarily indicative of the results of consolidated operations and financial position that may be expected in the future. ​ The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Significant estimates that are particularly susceptible to material change in the near term relate to the determination of the allowance for credit losses, fair value of financial instruments, the valuation of deferred tax assets, and impairment of goodwill. Actual results could differ from those estimates. For additional information and disclosures required under GAAP, reference is made to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2022.
Second Quarter Dividend Declaration | Second Quarter Dividend Decl aration ​ On April 28, 2023, the Board of Directors declared a second quarter dividend of $0.41 per share. The dividend is payable on June 15, 2023 to shareholders of record as of May 31, 2023.
Adoption of New Accounting Standard and Recent accounting standards | ​ Adoption of New Accounting Standard ​ On January 1, 2023, the Company adopted ASU 2016-13, “Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments”, which replaces the incurred loss methodology with an expected loss methodology that is referred to as the current expected credit loss (CECL) model. The Company adopted ASU 2016-13 using a modified retrospective approach. Results for reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2023 are presented under Topic 326, while prior period amounts continue to be reported in accordance with previously applicable GAAP. At adoption, the Company decreased its allowance for credit losses by $3.0 million. Upon adoption the Company recorded a cumulative effect adjustment that increased stockholders’ equity by $2.4 million, net of tax. The Company adopted ASU 2022-02, “Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326) Troubled Debt Restructurings and Vintage Disclosures” effective January 1, 2023. The ASU addresses and amends areas identified by the FASB as part of its post-implementation review of the accounting standard that introduced the current expected credit losses model. The amendments eliminate the accounting guidance for troubled debt restructurings by creditors that have adopted the current expected credit losses model and enhance the disclosure requirements for loan refinancings and restructurings made with borrowers experiencing financial difficulty. In addition, the amendments require disclosure of current-period gross write-offs for financing receivables and net investment in leases by year of origination in the vintage disclosures. ​ Allowance for Credit Losses ​ The allowance for credit losses represents the estimated amount considered necessary to cover lifetime expected credit losses inherent in financial assets at the balance sheet date. The measurement of expected credit losses is applicable to loans receivable and securities measured at amortized cost. It also applies to off-balance sheet credit exposures such as loan commitments and unused lines of credit. The allowance is established through a provision for credit losses that is charged against income. The methodology for determining the allowance for credit losses is considered a critical accounting policy by management because of the high degree of judgment involved, the subjectivity of the assumptions used, and the potential for changes in the forecasted economic environment that could result in changes to the amount of the recorded allowance for credit losses. The allowance for credit losses is reported separately as a contra-asset on the consolidated balance sheets. The expected credit loss for unfunded lending commitments and unfunded loan commitments is reported on the consolidated balance sheets in other liabilities while the provision for credit losses related to unfunded commitments is reported in other non-interest expense in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income (loss). ​ Allowance for Credit Losses on Loans Receivable ​ The allowance for credit losses on loans is deducted from the amortized cost basis of the loan to present the net amount expected to be collected. Expected losses are evaluated and calculated on a collective, or pooled, basis for those loans which share similar risk characteristics. The Company has chosen to segment its portfolio consistent with the manner in which it manages credit risk. Such segments include residential real estate, consumer, commercial and industrial, commercial real estate and municipal. At each reporting period, the Company evaluates whether loans within a pool continue to exhibit similar risk characteristics. If the risk characteristics of a loan change, such that they are no longer similar to other loans in the pool, the Company will evaluate the loan with a different pool of loans that share similar risk characteristics. If the loan does not share risk characteristics with other loans, the Company will evaluate the loan on an individual basis. The Company evaluates the pooling methodology at least annually. Loans are charged off against the allowance for credit losses when the Company believes the balances to be uncollectible. Expected recoveries do not exceed the aggregate of amounts previously charged off or expected to be charged off. ​ The Company estimates the allowance for credit losses on loans using an advanced probability of default model which incorporates probability of default, loss given default, exposure at default and probability of attrition attributes. The model considers relevant available information at both the portfolio and loan level from internal data that is supplemented by shared data pool information. The model also incorporates reasonable and supportable economic forecasts. After the reasonable and supportable forecast period, the model reverts to average historical losses. Expected credit losses are estimated over the contractual term of the loans, adjusted for expected prepayments when appropriate. The contractual term excludes expected extensions, renewals, and modifications. ​ Also included in the allowance for credit losses on loans are qualitative reserves to cover losses that are expected but, in the Company’s assessment, may not be adequately represented in the quantitative analysis described above. Factors that the Company considers include changes in lending policies and procedures, changes in management, changes in the quality of the loan review process, the existence of any concentrations of credit and other external factors. ​ Individually Evaluated Loans ​ On a case-by-case basis, the Company may conclude that a loan should be evaluated on an individual basis based on its disparate risk characteristics. The Bank has determined that any loans currently on non-accrual status or are 90 or more days past due and still accruing are considered impaired and should be individually evaluated for losses. When the Company determines that a loan no longer shares similar risk characteristics with other loans in the portfolio, the allowance will be determined on an individual basis using the present value of expected cash flows or, for collateral-dependent loans, the fair value of the collateral as of the reporting date, less estimated selling costs, as applicable. If the fair value of the collateral is less than the amortized cost basis of the loan, the Company will establish a reserve for the difference between the fair value of the collateral, less costs to sell and carrying costs at the reporting date and the amortized cost basis of the loan. If this amount is deemed uncollectible, the Company will charge-off that amount. ​ Acquired Loans ​ Acquired loans are included in the Company's calculation of the allowance for credit losses. How the allowance on an acquired loan is recorded depends on whether or not it has been classified as a Purchased Credit Deteriorated (“PCD”) loan. PCD loans are loans acquired at a discount that is due, in part, to credit quality. PCD loans are accounted for in accordance with ASC Subtopic 326-20 and are initially recorded at fair value as determined by the sum of the present value of expected future cash flows and an allowance for credit losses at acquisition. The allowance for PCD loans is recorded through a gross-up effect, while the allowance for acquired non-PCD loans is recorded through provision expense, consistent with originated loans. Thus, the determination of which loans are PCD and non-PCD can have a significant impact on the accounting for these loans. Subsequent to acquisition, the allowance for PCD loans will generally follow the same estimation, provision and charge-off process as non-PCD acquired and originated loans. ​ Under FASB ASC Topic 326, a PCD asset is defined as an individual financial asset that as of the date of acquisition has experienced a more than insignificant deterioration in credit quality since origination as determined during the acquisition process. Upon identification of these assets, the amortized cost basis will be adjusted at the time of acquisition to reflect any impairment amount. After acquisition, PCD loans will be either collectively evaluated for reserve requirements or individually evaluated if on nonaccrual status or are 90 or more days past due and still accruing. ​ Allowance for Credit Losses on Off-Balance Sheet Commitments ​ The Company is required to include unfunded commitments that are expected to be funded in the future within the allowance calculation, other than those that are unconditionally cancelable. To arrive at that reserve, the reserve percentage for each applicable segment is applied to the unused portion of the expected commitment balance and is multiplied by the expected funding rate. To determine the expected funding rate, the Company uses a historical utilization rate for each segment. As noted above, the allowance for credit losses on unfunded loan commitments is included in other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets and the related credit expense is recorded in other non-interest expense in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income (loss). ​ Allowance for Credit Losses on Held to Maturity Securities ​ The Company’s portfolio of held to maturity securities consists of municipal bonds and U.S. agency residential mortgage-backed securities which are highly rated by major rating agencies and have a long history of no credit losses. In estimating the net amount expected to be collected for held to maturity securities in an unrealized loss position, a historical loss based method is utilized. ​ Allowance for Credit Losses on Available for Sale Securities ​ For available for sale securities in an unrealized loss position, the Company first assesses whether it intends to sell, or it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis. If either of the criteria regarding intent or requirement to sell is met, the security’s amortized cost basis is written down to fair value through income. For securities available for sale that do not meet the above criteria, the Company evaluates whether the decline in fair value has resulted from credit losses or other factors. In making this assessment, the Company considers the extent to which fair value is less than amortized cost, any changes to the rating by a rating agency, and adverse conditions related to the security, among other factors. If this assessment indicates that a credit loss exists, the present value of cash flows expected to be collected from the security are compared to the amortized cost basis of the security. If the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected is less than the amortized cost basis, a credit loss exists and an allowance for credit losses is recorded for the credit loss, limited by the amount that the fair value is less than the amortized cost. Any impairment that has not been recorded through an allowance for credit losses is recognized in other comprehensive income, net of tax. The Company elected the practical expedient of zero loss estimates for securities issued by U.S. government entities and agencies. These securities are either explicitly or implicitly guaranteed by the U.S. government, are highly rated by major agencies and have a long history of no credit losses. ​ Accrued Interest Receivable ​ The Company made an accounting policy election to exclude accrued interest receivable from the amortized cost basis of loans, available for sale securities, and held to maturity securities. Accrued interest receivable on loans is reported as a component of accrued interest receivable on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, totaled $9.8 million at March 31, 2023 and is excluded from the estimate of credit losses. Accrued interest receivable on available of sale securities and held to maturity securities, also a component of accrued interest receivable on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, totaled $1.6 million and $191 thousand, respectively, at March 31, 2023 and is excluded from the estimate of credit losses. ​ Recent accounting standards: ​ From time to time, new accounting pronouncements are issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") or other standard setting bodies that are adopted by the Company as of the required effective dates. The following should be read in conjunction with "Note 1 Summary of significant accounting policies" of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022. ​ Unless otherwise discussed, management believes the impact of any recently issued standards, including those issued but not yet effective, will not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. ​ ASU 2023-01, “Leases (Topic 842) - Common Control Arrangements” (ASU 2023-01) requires entities to determine whether a related party arrangement between entities under common control is a lease. If the arrangement is determined to be a lease, an entity must classify and account for the lease on the same basis as an arrangement with an unrelated party (on the basis of legally enforceable terms and conditions). ASU 2023-01 is effective January 1, 2024 and is not expected to have an impact on our financial statements. ​ ASU 2023-02 “Investments - Equity Method and Join Ventures (Topic 323) - Accounting for Investments in Tax Credit Structures Using the Proportional Amortization Method” (ASU 2023-02) permits reporting entities to elect to account for their tax equity investments, regardless of the tax credit program from which the income tax credits are received, using the proportional amortization method if certain conditions are met. ASU 2023-02 is effective January 1, 2024 and is not expected to have an impact on our financial statements. ​ ​ ​ ​

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