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Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]  
Principles of Consolidation
Basis of Presentation. The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of the Corporation and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Use of Estimates
Use of Estimates. Management of the Corporation is required to make estimates and assumptions which affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements as well as reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates. Material estimates that could significantly change in the near-term include the value of securities and interest rate swaps, level of the allowance for credit losses, lease residuals, property under operating leases, goodwill, and income taxes.
Reclassification
Reclassifications. Certain amounts in the 2022 consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the 2023 presentation. These reclassifications were not material and did not impact previously reported net income or comprehensive income.
Subsequent Events
Subsequent Events. Subsequent events have been evaluated through the date of the issuance of the Consolidated Financial Statements. No significant subsequent events have occurred through this date requiring adjustment to the financial statements or disclosures.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and Cash Equivalents. The Corporation considers federal funds sold, interest-bearing deposits, and short-term investments that have original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
Securities
Securities. The Corporation classifies its investment and mortgage-related securities as available-for-sale, held-to-maturity, and trading. Debt securities that the Corporation has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified as held-to-maturity and are stated at amortized cost. Debt securities bought expressly for the purpose of selling in the near term are classified as trading securities and are measured at fair value with unrealized gains and losses reported in earnings. Debt securities not classified as held-to-maturity or as trading are classified as available-for-sale. Available-for-sale securities are measured at fair value with unrealized gains and losses reported as a separate component of stockholders’ equity, net of tax. Realized gains and losses are included in the Consolidated Statements of Income as a component of non-interest income. Credit losses for securities are recorded as an allowance for credit losses through the provision for credit losses. The cost of securities sold is based on the specific identification method. The Corporation did not hold any trading securities at December 31, 2023 or 2022.
Discounts and premiums on securities are accreted and amortized into interest income using the effective yield method over the estimated life (based on maturity date, call date, or weighted average life) of the related security.
Allowance for Credit Loss (“ACL”) - Available For Sale (“AFS”) Debt Securities. For AFS debt securities in an unrealized loss position, the Corporation 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 AFS debt securities that do not meet the aforementioned criteria, the Corporation evaluates whether the decline in fair value has resulted from credit losses or other factors. In making this assessment, management considers the extent to which fair value is less than amortized cost, any changes to the rating of the security by a rating agency, and adverse conditions specifically related to the security, among other factors. If this assessment indicates that a credit loss exists, the present value of cash flows expected to be collected from the security are compared to the amortized cost basis of the security. If the present value of cash flows expected to be collected is less than the amortized cost basis, a credit loss exists and 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 basis. Any decline in fair value that has not been recorded through an allowance for credit losses is recognized in other comprehensive income, net of applicable taxes.
Changes in the ACL are recorded as a provision for (or recovery of) credit loss expense. Losses are charged against allowance when management believes that uncollectibility of an AFS debt security is confirmed or when either of the criteria regarding intent or requirement to sell is met.
Accrued interest receivable on AFS debt securities totaled $1.3 million at December 31, 2023 and is excluded from the estimate of credit losses.
ACL - Held To Maturity (“HTM”) Debt Securities. Management measures expected credit losses on HTM debt securities on a collective basis by major security type. Accrued interest receivable on HTM debt securities totaled $38,000 at December 31, 2023 and is excluded from the estimate of credit losses. The HTM securities portfolio includes residential mortgage backed securities (“MBS”) commercial MBS, and municipal securities. All residential and commercial MBS are U.S. government issued or U.S. government sponsored and substantially all municipal bonds are rated A or above.
Loans Held for Sale
Loans Held for Sale. The guaranteed portions of SBA loans which are originated and intended for sale in the secondary market are classified as held for sale. These loans are carried at the lower of cost or fair value in the aggregate. Unrealized losses on such loans are recognized through a valuation allowance by a charge to other non-interest income. Gains and losses on the sale of loans are also included in other non-interest income. As assets specifically originated for sale, the origination of, disposition of, and gain/loss on these loans are classified as operating activities in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. Fees received from the borrower and direct costs to originate the loans are deferred and recognized as part of the gain or loss on sale. There were $4.6 million and $2.6 million in loans held for sale outstanding at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Loans and Leases
Loans and Leases. Loans and leases which management has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity are reported at their outstanding principal balance with adjustments for partial charge-offs, the allowance for credit losses, deferred fees or costs on originated loans and leases, and unamortized premiums or discounts on any purchased loans.
Occasionally, the Corporation modifies loans or leases to borrowers in financial distress by providing principal forgiveness, term extension, an other-than-significant payment delay or interest rate reduction. When principal forgiveness is provided, the amount of forgiveness is charged-off against the allowance for credit loss.
Interest on non-performing loans and leases is accrued and credited to income on a daily basis based on the unpaid principal balance and is calculated using the effective interest method. Per policy, a loan or a lease is considered non-performing and placed on non-accrual status when it becomes 90 days past due or it is doubtful that contractual principal and interest will be collected in accordance with the terms of the contract. A loan or lease is determined to be past due if the borrower fails to meet a contractual payment and will continue to be considered past due until all contractual payments are received. When a loan or leases is placed on non-accrual, the interest accrual is discontinued and previously accrued but uncollected interest is deducted from interest income. If collectability of the contractual principal and interest is in doubt, payments received are first applied to reduce the loan principal. If collectability of the contractual payments is not in doubt, payments may be applied to interest for interest amounts due on a cash basis. As soon as it is determined with certainty that the principal of a non-performing loan or lease is uncollectible, either through collections from the borrower or disposition of the underlying collateral, the portion of the carrying balance that exceeds the estimated measurement value of the loan or lease is charged off. Loans or leases are returned to accrual status when they are brought current in terms of both principal and accrued interest due, have performed in accordance with contractual terms for a reasonable period of time, and when the ultimate collectability of total contractual principal and interest is no longer doubtful.
Transfers of assets, including but not limited to the guaranteed portions of SBA loans and participation interests in other, non-SBA originated loans, that upon completion of the transfer satisfy the conditions to be reported as a sale, including legal isolation, are derecognized from the Consolidated Financial Statements. Transfers of assets that upon completion of the transfer do not meet the conditions of a sale are recorded on a gross basis with a secured borrowing identified to reflect the amount of the transferred interest.
Loan and lease origination fees as well as certain direct origination costs are deferred and amortized as an adjustment to loan yields over the stated term of the loan. Loans or leases that result from a refinance or restructuring, other than modified loans or leases to borrowers in financial distress, where terms are at least as favorable to the Corporation as the terms for comparable loans to other borrowers with similar collection risks and result in an essentially new loan, are accounted for as a new loan. Any unamortized net fees, costs, or penalties are recognized when the new loan or lease is originated. Unamortized net loan or lease fees or costs for loans and leases that result from a refinance or restructure with only minor modifications to the original loan or lease contract are carried forward as a part of the net investment in the new loan. For modified loans or leases to borrowers in financial distress, all fees received in connection with a modification of terms are applied as a reduction of the loan or lease and any related costs, including direct loan origination costs, are charged to expense as incurred.
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses
ACL - Loans. The ACL is a valuation account that is deducted from the loans' amortized cost basis to present the net amounts expected to be collected on the loans. Loans are charged off against the allowance when management believes that the uncollectibility of a loan balance is confirmed. Expected recoveries do not exceed the aggregate of amounts previously charged-off and expected to be charged-off.
Management estimates the allowance balance using relevant available information, from internal and external sources, relating to past events, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Historical credit loss experience provides the basis for the estimation of expected credit losses. Adjustments to historical loss information are made for differences in current loan-specific risk characteristics such as differences in underwriting standards, portfolio mix, delinquency level, or term as well as changes in external conditions, such as changes in unemployment rates, property values, or other relevant factors.
Accrued interest receivable on loans totaled $11.1 million at December 31, 2023 and is excluded from the estimate of credit losses.
ACL - Loans - Collectively Evaluated. The ACL is measured on a collective pool basis when similar risk characteristics exist. The Corporation has identified the following portfolio segments:
Commercial Real Estate: Commercial real estate portfolio segments utilize substantially similar processes and controls. Due to the collateral types, availability of data, and results of the Loss Driver Analysis (“LDA”), management utilizes a unique forecast model for each portfolio segment along with a separate analysis of subjective factors.
•Construction - Loans secured by real estate used to finance land development or construction.
•1-4 Family - Loans secured by 1-4 family residential property
•Multi-family - Loans secured by multi-family residential property
•Owner Occupied - Loans secured by nonfarm, nonresidential owner-occupied property
•Non-owner Occupied - Loans secured by other nonfarm, nonresidential property
Commercial and Industrial Lending: Commercial and industrial lending is a portfolio segment where management uses a common forecast due to common risk management, similarity in collateral types, availability of data, and results of the LDA. Management has distinct processes, controls, and procedures which enable more precise development of subjective factors at the pool level.
•Commercial - Loans to small- to medium-sized companies in our primary markets in Wisconsin, Kansas, and Missouri, predominantly through lines of credit and term loans to businesses with annual sales of up to $150 million.
•Asset Based Lending - Products include revolving lines of credit and term loans for strategic acquisitions, capital expenditures, working capital, bank debt refinancing, debt restructuring, and corporate turnaround strategies.
•Floorplan - Floor plan financing for independent auto dealerships nationwide.
•SBA - Loans originated in accordance with the guidelines of the Small Business Administration (“SBA”). As the Corporation prefers to sell the guaranteed portion, the on-balance sheet loans are primarily unguaranteed.
•Equipment finance - Loans and leases secured by a broad range of equipment to commercial clients in a variety of industries.
Consumer and other: Consumer loans consisted of marketable security loans and other personal loans for executives and high net-worth individuals. The Corporation uses a unique forecast model and subjective factors for this portfolio segment due to the client type and data availability.
Measures of the ACL are as follows:
Portfolio SegmentPoolMeasurement MethodLoss Driver
Commercial real estate
Owner occupiedDiscounted Cash FlowNational unemployment, National GDP
Non-owner occupiedDiscounted Cash FlowNational unemployment, National GDP
ConstructionDiscounted Cash FlowNational unemployment, National GDP
Multi-familyDiscounted Cash FlowNational unemployment, National GDP
1-4 FamilyDiscounted Cash FlowNational unemployment, National GDP
Commercial and industrial
CommercialDiscounted Cash FlowNational unemployment, National GDP
ABLDiscounted Cash FlowNational unemployment, National GDP
FloorplanDiscounted Cash FlowNational unemployment, National GDP
SBAWeighted Average Remaining MaturityN/A
Equipment FinanceDiscounted Cash FlowNational unemployment, National GDP
Consumer and otherDiscounted Cash FlowNational unemployment, National GDP

The Corporation utilized a discounted cash flow (DCF) or Weighted Average Remaining Maturity (WARM) method to estimate the quantitative portion of the allowance for credit losses for loans evaluated on a collective pooled basis. For each segment, a LDA was performed in order to identify loss drivers and create a regression model for use in forecasting cash flows. For all DCF-based pools, the LDA analyses utilized the Corporation’s and peer data from the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council's (“FFIEC”) Call Report filings.
In creating the DCF model, the Corporation has established a one-year reasonable and supportable forecast period with a one-year straight line reversion to the long-term historical average. Due to the infrequency of losses, the Corporation elected to use peer data for a more statistically sound calculation.
Key inputs into the DCF model include loan-level detail, including the amortized cost basis of individual loans, payment structure, loss history, and forecasted loss drivers. The Corporation utilizes a third party to provide economic forecasts under various scenarios, which are assessed quarterly considering the scenarios in the context of the current economic environment and presumed risk of loss.
Expected credit losses are estimated over the contractual term of the loans, adjusted for prepayments when appropriate. The contractual term excludes extensions, renewals, and modifications unless the extension or renewal options are included in the original or modified contract at the reporting date and are not unconditionally cancellable by the Corporation.
Additional key assumptions in the DCF model include the probability of default (“PD”), loss given default (“LGD”), and prepayment/curtailment rates. The Corporation utilizes the model-driven PD and a LGD derived using a method referred to as Frye Jacobs. The Frye Jacobs method is a mathematical formula that traces the relationship between LGD and PD over time and projects the LGD based on the level of PD forecasted. In all cases, the Frye Jacobs method is utilized to calculate LGDs during the forecast period, reversion period and long-term historical average. Prepayment and curtailment rates were calculated through third party studies of the Corporation’s own data.
When the DCF method is used to determine the allowance for credit losses, management adjusts the effective interest rate used to discount expected cash flows to incorporate expected prepayments.
For the WARM-based SBA pool, Corporation-specific data was used to develop the model assumptions. The Corporation developed a reasonable and supportable estimate for the remaining maturity and estimated loss through analysis of historical data. The remaining maturity calculation excludes loans originated under the Paycheck Protection Program as such loans are inconsistent with the current portfolio composition. The quarterly loss rate data includes 2017 to current as the SBA lending policies and procedures were realigned in 2016 following the acquisition of Alterra Bank. Only the unguaranteed portion of the SBA loans are assessed via WARM. The risk of a failed guarantee claim is captured under ASC 450 contingency accounting.
Qualitative factors for DCF and WARM methodologies include the following:
•The Corporation’s lending policies and procedures, including changes in lending strategies, underwriting standards and practices for collections, write-offs, and recoveries;
•Actual and expected changes in international, national, regional, and local economic and business conditions and developments in which the Corporation operates that affect the collectability of financial assets;
•The experience, ability, and depth of the Corporation’s lending, investment, collection, and other relevant management and staff;
•The volume of past due financial assets, the volume of non-performing assets, and the volume and severity of adversely classified or graded assets;
•The existence and effect of industry concentrations of credit;
•The nature and volume of the portfolio segment or class;
•The quality of the Corporation’s credit review function and;
•The effect of other external factors such as the regulatory, legal and technological environments, competition, and events such as natural disasters or pandemics

ACL - Loans - Individually Evaluated. Loans that do not share risk characteristics are evaluated on an individual basis and are excluded from the collective evaluation. The Corporation has determined that all loans which have been placed on non-performing status and other performing loans that have been identified due to non-conforming characteristics will be individually evaluated. Individual analysis will evaluate the required specific reserve for loans in scope. Specific reserves on non-performing loans are typically based on management’s best estimate of the fair value of collateral securing these loans, adjusted for selling costs as appropriate.
ACL - Off-Balance Sheet Credit Exposures. The Corporation estimates expected credit losses over the contractual period in which the Corporation is exposed to credit risk via a contractual obligation to extend credit, unless that obligation is unconditionally cancellable by the Corporation. The allowance for credit losses on off-balance sheet credit exposure is adjusted as a provision for credit loss expense. The estimate includes consideration of the likelihood that funding will occur and an estimate of expected credit losses on commitments expected to be funded over its estimated life. Funding rates are based on a historical analysis of the Corporation’s portfolio, while estimates of credit losses are determined using the same loss rates as funded loans.
Premises and Equipment, net
Premises and Equipment, net. The cost of capitalized leasehold improvements is amortized on the straight-line method over the lesser of the term of the respective lease or estimated economic life. Equipment is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization which is calculated by the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of 3 to 10 years. Maintenance and repair costs are charged to expense as incurred. Improvements which extend the useful life are capitalized and depreciated over the remaining useful life of the assets.
Foreclosed Properties and Leases
Repossessed Assets. Property acquired by repossession, foreclosure, or by deed in lieu of foreclosure is recorded at the fair value of the underlying property, less costs to sell. This fair value becomes the new cost basis for the repossessed asset. Any write-down in the carrying value of a loan or lease at the time of acquisition is charged to the allowance for credit losses. Any subsequent write-downs to reflect current fair value, as well as gains and losses on disposition and revenues are recorded in non-interest expense. Any required or prudent costs incurred relating to the development and improvement of the property are capitalized while holding period costs are charged to other non-interest expense.
Bank-Owned Life Insurance
Bank-Owned Life Insurance. Bank-owned life insurance (“BOLI”) is reported at the amount that would be realized if the life insurance policies were surrendered on the balance sheet date. BOLI policies owned by the Bank are purchased with the objective to fund certain future employee benefit costs with the death benefit proceeds. The cash surrender value of such policies is recorded in bank-owned life insurance on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and changes in the value are recorded in non-interest income. The total death benefit of all BOLI policies was $133.7 million and $133.8 million as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. There are no restrictions on the use of BOLI proceeds nor are there any contractual restrictions on the ability to surrender the policy. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, there were no borrowings against the cash surrender value of the BOLI policies.
Regulatory Required Holdings
Federal Home Loan Bank Stock. The Bank is required to maintain Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) stock as members of the FHLB, and in amounts as required by the FHLB. This equity security is “restricted” in that it can only be sold back to the FHLB or another member institution at par. Therefore, it is less liquid than other marketable equity securities and the fair value is equal to cost. The Corporation periodically evaluates its holding in FHLB stock for impairment. Should the stock be impaired, it would be written down to its estimated fair value. There were no impairments recorded on FHLB stock during the years ended December 31, 2023 or 2022.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. Goodwill and other intangible assets consist primarily of goodwill and loan servicing rights. Core deposit intangibles have estimated finite lives and are amortized on an accelerated basis to expense over a period of seven years. Loan servicing rights, when originated, are initially recorded at fair value and subsequently amortized in proportion to and over the period of estimated net servicing income. The Corporation reviews other intangible assets for impairment at least annually, or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable, in which case an impairment charge would be recorded.
Goodwill is not amortized but is subject to impairment tests on at least an annual basis, and more frequently if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of the reporting unit below its carrying amount (including goodwill). An initial qualitative evaluation is made to assess the likelihood of impairment and determine whether further quantitative testing to calculate the fair value is necessary. When the qualitative evaluation indicates that impairment is more likely than not, quantitative testing is required whereby the fair value of each reporting unit is calculated and compared to the recorded book value. If the calculated fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, goodwill is not considered impaired. If the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its calculated fair value, an impairment charge is recognized in earnings in an amount equal to the difference.
Other Investments
Other Investments. The Corporation owns certain equity investments in other corporate organizations which are not consolidated because the Corporation does not own more than a 50% interest or exercise control over the organization. Investments in corporations representing at least a 20% interest are generally accounted for using the equity method and investments in corporations representing less than 20% interest are generally accounted for at cost. Investments in limited partnerships representing from at least a 3% up to a 50% interest in the entity are generally accounted for using the equity method and investments in limited partnerships representing less than 3% are generally accounted for at cost. All of these investments are periodically evaluated for impairment. Should an investment be impaired, it would be written down to its estimated fair value. The equity investments are reported in other assets and the income and expense from such investments, if any, is reported in non-interest income and non-interest expense.
Derivative Instruments
Derivative Instruments. The Corporation uses derivative instruments to protect against the risk of adverse price or interest rate movements on the value of certain assets, liabilities, future cash flows, and economic hedges for written client derivative contracts. Derivative instruments represent contracts between parties that usually require little or no initial net investment and result in one party delivering cash to the other party based on a notional amount and an underlying variable, as specified in the contract, and may be subject to master netting agreements.
Market risk is the risk of loss arising from an adverse change in interest rates, exchange rates, or equity prices. The Corporation’s primary market risk is interest rate risk. Instruments designed to manage interest rate risk include interest rate swaps, interest rate options, and interest rate caps and floors with indices that relate to the pricing of specific assets and liabilities. The nature and volume of the derivative instruments used to manage interest rate risk depend on the level and type of assets and liabilities on the balance sheet and the risk management strategies for the current and anticipated rate environments. Counterparty risk with respect to derivative instruments occurs when a counterparty to a derivative contract with an unrealized gain fails to perform according to the terms of the agreement. Counterparty risk is managed by limiting the counterparties to highly rated dealers, requiring collateral postings when values are in deficit positions, applying uniform credit standards to all activities with credit risk, and monitoring the size and the maturity structure of the derivative portfolio.
All derivative instruments are to be carried at fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The accounting for the gain or loss due to changes in the fair value of a derivative instrument depends on whether the derivative instrument qualifies as a hedge. If the derivative instrument does not qualify as a hedge, the gains or losses are reported in earnings when they occur. However, if the derivative instrument qualifies as a hedge, the accounting varies based on the type of risk being hedged. The Corporation utilizes interest rate swaps offered directly to qualified commercial borrowers, which do not qualify for hedge accounting, and therefore, all changes in fair value and gains and losses on these instruments are reported in earnings as they occur. The effects of netting arrangements are disclosed within the Notes of the Consolidated Financial Statements. The Corporation offers interest rate swap products directly to qualified commercial borrowers. The Corporation economically hedges client derivative transactions by entering into offsetting interest rate swap contracts executed with a third party. Derivative transactions executed as part of this program are not considered hedging instruments and are marked-to-market through earnings each period. The derivative contracts have mirror-image terms, which results in the positions’ changes in fair value offsetting through earnings each period. The credit risk and risk of non-performance embedded in the fair value calculations is different between the dealer
counterparties and the commercial borrowers which may result in a difference in the changes in the fair value of the mirror-image swaps. The Corporation incorporates credit valuation adjustments to appropriately reflect both its own non-performance risk and the counterparty’s risk in the fair value measurements. When evaluating the fair value of its derivative contracts for the effects of non-performance and credit risk, the Corporation considers the impact of netting and any applicable credit enhancements such as collateral postings, thresholds and guarantees.
The Corporation also enters into interest rate swaps to manage interest rate risk and reduce the cost of match-funding certain long-term fixed rate loans. These derivative contracts are designated as a cash flow hedge as the receipt of floating interest from the counterparty is used to manage interest rate risk associated with forecasted issuances of short-term FHLB advances. The change in fair value of the hedging instrument is recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income.
SBA Recourse Reserve
SBA Recourse Reserve. The Corporation establishes SBA recourse reserves on the guaranteed portions of sold SBA loans. The recourse reserve is reported in accrued interest payable and other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. A reserve is established for loans that present a collateral shortfall and it is probable that the guaranty associated with the sold portion of the SBA loan is ineligible.
In the ordinary course of business, the Corporation sells the guaranteed portions of SBA loans to third parties. The Corporation has a continuing involvement in each of the transferred lending arrangements by way of relationship management, servicing the loans, as well as being subject to normal and customary requirements of the SBA loan program; however, there are no further obligations to the third-party participant required of the Corporation, other than standard representations and warranties related to sold amounts. In the event of a loss resulting from default and a determination by the SBA that there is a deficiency in the manner in which the loan was originated, funded, or serviced by the Corporation, the SBA may require the Corporation to repurchase the loan, deny its liability under the guaranty, reduce the amount of the guaranty, or, if it has already paid under the guaranty, seek recovery of the principal loss related to the deficiency from the Corporation. The Corporation must comply with applicable SBA regulations in order to maintain the guaranty. In addition, the Corporation retains the option to repurchase the sold guaranteed portion of an SBA loan if the loan defaults.
Income Taxes
Income Taxes. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are computed for temporary differences in timing between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities that result in taxable or deductible amounts in the future based on enacted tax law and rates applicable to periods in which the differences are expected to affect taxable income. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred taxes is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. 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. Management considers the scheduled reversals of deferred tax liabilities, appropriate tax planning strategies, and projections for future taxable income over the period which the deferred tax assets are deductible. When necessary, valuation allowances are established to reduce deferred tax assets to the realizable amount. In July 2023, the state of Wisconsin incorporated a Commercial loan interest exemption (2023 Wis. Act. 19 - Section 71.26(1)(i)) into its tax law. The exemption applies to the income of a financial institution including interest, fees ,and penalties, derived from a commercial loan of $5 million or less provided to borrowers residing or located in the state and used primarily for a business or agricultural purposes. The addition of the new state commercial income exclusion is expected to result in a taxable loss at the state level considering pre-tax book income and expected permanent adjustments to state income. This state taxable loss is expected to produce state net operating losses that will not be realizable in the future barring any further state tax law change, or a change in the Corporation’s mix of products. The Corporation also does not expect its deferred tax liabilities to be a substantial source of taxable income at the state level. The Corporation does not currently have a tax planning technique in process to generate Wisconsin taxable income to overcome the losses. Therefore, management recorded a valuation allowance against the Corporation’s Wisconsin deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2023.
Income tax expense or benefit represents the tax payable or tax refundable for a period, adjusted by the applicable change in deferred tax assets and liabilities for that period. The Corporation also invests in certain development entities that generate federal and state historic tax credits. The tax benefits associated with these investments are accounted for under the flow-through method and are recognized when the respective project is placed in service. The Corporation and its subsidiaries file a consolidated federal income tax return and separate state income tax returns. Tax sharing agreements allocate taxes to each legal entity for the settlement of intercompany taxes. The Corporation applies a more likely than not standard to each of its tax positions when determining the amount of tax expense or benefit to record in its financial statements. Unrecognized tax benefits are recorded in other liabilities. The Corporation recognizes accrued interest relating to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense and penalties in other non-interest expense.
Other Comprehensive Income or Loss
Other Comprehensive Income or Loss. Comprehensive income or loss, shown as a separate financial statement, includes net income or loss, changes in unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities, changes in deferred gains and losses on investment securities transferred from available-for-sale to held-to-maturity, if any, changes in unrealized gains and losses associated with cash flow hedging instruments, if any, and the amortization of deferred gains and losses associated with terminated cash flow hedges, if any. For the year ended December 31, 2023, $45,000 of realized securities losses were
recognized and reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive loss. For the year ended December 31, 2022, no realized securities gains or losses were recognized.
Earnings Per Common Share Earnings Per Common Share. Earnings per common share (“EPS”) is computed using the two-class method. Basic EPS is computed by dividing net income allocated to common shares by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period, excluding any participating securities. Participating securities include unvested restricted shares. Unvested restricted shares are considered participating securities because holders of these securities receive non-forfeitable dividends at the same rate as the holders of the Corporation’s common stock. Diluted EPS is computed by dividing net income allocated to common shares adjusted for reallocation of undistributed earnings of unvested restricted shares by the weighted average number of common shares determined for the basic EPS plus the dilutive effect of common stock equivalents using the treasury stock method based on the average market price for the period.
Segments and Related Information Segments and Related Information. The Corporation is required to report each operating segment based on materiality thresholds of ten percent or more of certain amounts, such as revenue. Additionally, the Corporation is required to report separate operating segments until the revenue attributable to such segments is at least 75 percent of total consolidated revenue. The Corporation provides a broad range of financial services to individuals and companies. These services include demand, time, and savings products, the sale of certain non-deposit financial products, and commercial and retail lending, leasing and private wealth management services. While the Corporation’s chief decision-maker monitors the revenue streams of the various products, services, and locations, operations are managed and financial performance is evaluated on a corporate-wide basis. The Corporation’s business units have similar basic characteristics in the nature of the products, production processes and type or class of client for products or services; therefore, these business units are considered one operating segment.
Share-Based Compensation
Share-Based Compensation. The Corporation may grant restricted stock awards, restricted stock units, and other stock based awards to plan participants, subject to forfeiture upon the occurrence of certain events until the dates specified in the participant’s award agreement. The Corporation accounts for forfeitures as they occur. While restricted stock is subject to forfeiture, restricted stock award participants may exercise full voting rights and will receive all dividends and other distributions paid with respect to the restricted shares. Dividend equivalent units with respect to restricted stock grants made after January 2023 will be deferred and paid at the time of vesting. Restricted stock units do not have voting rights and are provided dividend equivalents. The restricted stock granted under the 2019 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) is typically subject to a three or four year vesting period. Compensation expense for restricted stock is recognized over the requisite service period of three or four years for the entire award on a straight-line basis. Upon vesting of restricted stock, the benefit of tax deductions in excess of recognized compensation expense is reflected as an income tax benefit in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
The Corporation issues a combination of performance-based restricted stock units and restricted stock awards to plan participants. Vesting of the performance-based restricted stock units will be measured on Total Shareholder Return (“TSR”) and Return on Average Equity (“ROAE”) prior to 2023 or Return on Average Common Equity (“ROACE”) for issuances after 2022, and will cliff-vest after a three-year measurement period based on the Corporation’s performance relative to a custom peer group. At the end of the performance period, the number of actual shares to be awarded varies between 0% and 200% of target amounts. Compensation expense is recognized for performance-based restricted stock units over the requisite service and performance period of generally three years for the entire expected award on a straight-line basis. The compensation expense for the awards expected to vest for the percentage of performance-based restricted stock units subject to the metric will be adjusted if there is a change in the expectation of metric. The compensation expense for the awards expected to vest for the percentage of performance-based restricted stock units subject to the TSR metric are never adjusted, and are amortized utilizing the accounting fair value provided using a Monte Carlo pricing model.
The Corporation offers an Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP”) to all qualifying employees. The plan qualifies as an ESPP under section 423 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. Under the ESPP, eligible employees may enroll in a three month offer period that begins January, April, July, and October of each year. Employees may purchase a limited number of shares of the Corporation’s common stock at 90% of the fair market value on the last day of the offering period. The ESPP is treated as a compensatory plan for purposes of share-based compensation expense.
Restricted Stock
Under the Plan, the Corporation may grant restricted stock awards (“RSA”), restricted stock units (“RSU”), and other stock-based awards to plan participants, subject to forfeiture upon the occurrence of certain events until the dates specified in the participant’s award agreement. While restricted stock is subject to forfeiture, RSA participants may exercise full voting rights and will receive all dividends and other distributions paid with respect to the restricted shares. RSUs do not have voting rights. RSUs granted prior to 2023 are provided dividend equivalents concurrent with dividends paid to shareholders while RSUs granted in 2023 and after will accrue dividend equivalents payable upon vesting. The restricted stock granted under the Plan is typically subject to a vesting period. Compensation expense for restricted stock is recognized over the requisite service period of generally three or four years for the entire award on a straight-line basis. Upon vesting of restricted stock, the benefit of tax deductions in excess of recognized compensation expense is reflected as an income tax benefit in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Recent Accounting Pronouncements. In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, “Financial Instruments- Credit Losses (Topic 326),” which is often referred to as CECL. The ASU replaces the incurred loss impairment methodology for recognizing credit losses with a methodology that reflects all expected credit losses. Entities will apply the amendments in the ASU through a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the first reporting period in which the guidance is effective. In November 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-10, “Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326), Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815), and Leases (Topic 842).” The ASU delays the effective date for the credit losses standard from January 1, 2020 to January 1, 2023 for certain entities, including certain Securities and Exchange Commission filers, public business entities, and private companies. As a smaller reporting company, the Corporation elected to defer
adoption. The Corporation has established a cross-functional committee and has implemented a third-party software solution to assist with the adoption of the standard. During the fourth quarter of 2022 and first quarter of 2023, management had the model validated by a third party, performed a full parallel run, and finalized the methodology, processes and internal controls. Management’s model utilizes national GDP and unemployment as inputs to the reasonable and supportable forecast. On January 1,2023, the Corporation adopted ASC 326 using the modified retrospective method for all financial assets measuring at amortized cost and off-balance sheet credit exposures. Results for reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2023 are presented under ASC 326 while prior period amounts continue to be reported in accordance with previously applicable U.S. GAAP. The Corporation recorded a net decrease to retained earnings of $1.4 million as of January 1, 2023 for the cumulative effect of adopting ASC 326. The transition adjustment to allowance for credit losses (“ACL”) includes $1.3 million related to off-balance sheet credit exposures and $484,000 related to loans.

In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-04 “Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting.” These amendments provide temporary, optional guidance to ease the potential burden in accounting for reference rate reform. The ASU provides optional expedients and exceptions for applying generally accepted accounting principles to contract modifications and hedging relationships, subject to meeting certain criteria, that reference LIBOR or another reference rate expected to be discontinued. It is intended to help stakeholders during the global market-wide reference rate transition period. In January 2021, the FASB issued ASU 2021-01 which clarifies that certain optional expedients and exceptions in Topic 848 for contract modifications and hedge accounting apply to derivatives that are affected by the discounting transition. The Corporation adopted this standard in the fourth quarter 2022. The Corporation utilized available optional expedients to simplify accounting analyses for contract modifications and allow hedging relationships to continue without de-designation where there are qualifying changes in the critical terms. The adoption of this standard did not have a material effect on the Corporation’s operating results or financial condition.
In March 2022, the FASB issued ASU No. 2022-02 "Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326): Troubled Debt Restructurings and Vintage Disclosures." The amendments in this update eliminate the accounting guidance for TDRs by creditors in Subtopic 310-40, Receivables-Troubled Debt Restructurings by Creditors, while enhancing disclosure requirements for certain loan refinancings and restructurings by creditors when a borrower is experiencing financial difficulty. Specifically, rather than applying the recognition and measurement guidance for TDRs, an entity must apply the loan refinancing and restructuring guidance in paragraphs 310-20-35-9 through 35-11 to determine whether a modification results in a new loan or a continuation of an existing loan. Additionally, for public business entities, the amendments in this update require that an entity disclose current-period gross write-offs by year of origination for financing receivables and net investments in leases within the scope of Subtopic 326-20, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses-Measured at Amortized Cost in the vintage disclosures required by paragraph 326-20-50-6. The Corporation adopted this standard in the first quarter 2023. The adoption did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.
In March 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-02 “Investments-Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323): Accounting for Investments in Tax Credit Structures Using the Proportional Amortization Method (a consensus of the Emerging Issues Task Force).” The amendments in this Update permit reporting entities to elect to account for their tax equity investments, regardless of the program from which the income tax credits are received, using the proportional amortization method if certain conditions are met. A reporting entity may make an accounting policy election to apply the proportional amortization method on a tax-credit-program-by-tax-credit-program basis rather than electing to apply the proportional amortization method at the reporting entity level or to individual investments. This update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023. We are currently assessing the impact of the standard.
In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-09, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures.” This update enhances the transparency and decision usefulness of income tax disclosures by providing better information regarding exposure to potential changes in jurisdictional tax legislation and related forecasting and cash flow opportunities. This update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. We are currently assessing the impact of the standard.
In October 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-06, “Disclosure Improvements: Codification Amendments in Response to the SEC’s Disclosure Update and Simplification Initiative.” This update is intended to improve the relevance and usefulness of financial information for investors and other users by incorporating certain SEC disclosure requirements into the FASB Accounting Standards Codification. This update is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2023. We are currently assessing the impact of the standard.
In November 2023 the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-07, “Segment Reporting (Topic 820): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures.” This update is intended to improve reportable segment disclosure requirements, primarily through enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses. This update is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2024. We are currently assessing the impact of the standard.
Lessee, Leases
Leases. At contract inception, the Corporation determines whether the arrangement is or contains a lease and determines the lease classification. The lease term is determined based on the non-cancellable term of the lease adjusted to the extent optional renewal terms and termination rights are reasonably certain. Lease expense is recognized evenly over the lease term. Variable lease payments are recognized as period costs. The present value of remaining lease payments is recognized as a liability on the balance sheet with a corresponding right-of-use asset adjusted for prepaid or accrued lease payments. The Corporation uses the Federal Home Loan Bank fixed advance rate as of the lease inception date that most closely resembles the remaining term of the lease as the incremental borrowing rate, unless the interest rate implicit in the lease contract is readily determinable. The Corporation has elected to exclude short-term leases as well as all non-lease items, such as common area maintenance, from being included in the lease liability on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.