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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Nature of Operations

The Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, Inc. (the Company) through its bank subsidiary, The Farmers & Merchants State Bank (the Bank) provides a variety of financial services to individuals and small businesses through its offices in Northwest Ohio and Northeast Indiana.

Consolidation Policy

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiary, The Farmers & Merchants State Bank (the Bank), a commercial banking institution. All significant inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America 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 financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change in the near term relate to the determination of the allowance for loan losses and the valuation of mortgage servicing rights, goodwill, available for sale investment securities, other real estate owned and impaired loans. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

The determination of the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses is based on estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant changes in the economic environment and market conditions. In connection with the determination of the estimated losses on loans, management obtains independent appraisals for significant collateral.

The Bank’s loans are generally secured by specific items of collateral including real property, consumer assets, and business assets. Although the Bank has a diversified loan portfolio, a substantial portion of its debtors’ ability to honor their contracts is dependent on local economic conditions in the agricultural industry.

While management uses available information to recognize losses on loans, further reductions in the carrying amounts of loans may be necessary based on changes in local economic conditions. In addition regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the estimated losses on loans. Such agencies may require the Bank to recognize additional losses based on their judgments about information available to them at the time of their examination. Because of these factors, it is reasonably possible that the estimated losses on loans may change materially in the near term. However, the amount of the change that is reasonably possible cannot be estimated.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

For purposes of the consolidated statement of cash flows, the Company considers all highly liquid debt instruments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. This includes cash on hand, amounts due from banks, and federal funds sold. Generally, federal funds are purchased and sold for one day periods.

Restrictions on Cash and Amounts Due from Banks

The Bank is required to maintain average balances on hand with the Federal Reserve Bank. The aggregate reserve was $4.2 million for December 31, 2011 and it was $3.3 million for December 31, 2010.

The Company and its subsidiary maintain cash balances with high quality credit institutions. At times such balances may be in excess of the federally insured limits.

 

Securities

Debt securities are classified as available-for-sale. Securities available-for-sale are carried at fair value with unrealized gains and losses reported in other comprehensive income. Realized gains and losses on securities available for sale are included in other income (expense) and, when applicable, are reported as a reclassification adjustment, net of tax, in other comprehensive income. Gains and losses on sales of securities are determined on the specific-identification method.

Declines in the fair value of securities below their cost that are deemed to be other than temporary are reflected in earnings as realized losses. In estimating other-than-temporary impairment losses, management considers (1) the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than cost, (2) the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, and (3) the intent and ability of the Company to retain its investment in the issuer for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value. The related write-downs are included in earnings as realized losses.

Other Securities

Other Securities consists of Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati and Indianapolis stock and Farmer Mac stock. These stocks are carried at cost and are held to enable the Bank to conduct business with the entities. The Federal Home Loan Banks sell and purchase their stock at par; therefore cost approximates market value. The Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati stock is held as collateral security for all indebtedness of the Bank to the Federal Home Loan Bank.

Loans

Loans that management has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity or pay-off are reported at the amount of unpaid principal, reduced by unearned discounts and deferred loan fees and costs, as well as, by the allowance for loan losses. Interest income is accrued on a daily basis based on the principal outstanding.

Generally, a loan is classified as nonaccrual and the accrual of interest income is generally discontinued when a loan becomes ninety days past due as to principal or interest and these loans are placed on a “cash basis” for purposes of income recognition. Management may elect to continue the accrual of interest when the estimated net realizable value of collateral is sufficient to cover the principal and accrued interest, and the loan is in the process of collection. When a loan is placed on nonaccrual status, all previously accrued and unpaid interest receivable is charged against income.

Loan origination and commitment fees and certain direct loan origination costs are deferred and amortized as a net adjustment to the related loan’s yield. The Bank is generally amortizing these costs over the contractual life of such loans.

Allowance for Loan Losses

The allowance for loan losses is established through a provision for loan losses charged to income. Loans deemed to be uncollectable and changes in the allowance relating to loans are charged against the allowance for loan losses, and subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance.

The allowance for loan losses is evaluated on a regular basis by management and is based on management’s periodic review of the collectability of the loans in light of historical experiences, the nature and volume of the loan portfolio, adverse situations that may affect the borrower’s ability to repay, estimated value of any underlying collateral, and prevailing economic conditions. This evaluation is inherently subjective, as it requires estimates that are subject to revision as more information becomes available.

The allowance consists of specific, general and unallocated components. The specific component relates to loans that are classified as doubtful, substandard or special mention. For such loans that are also classified as impaired, an allowance is established when the discounted cash flows (or collateral value or observable market price) of the impaired loan is lower than the carrying value of that loan. The general component covers non-classified loans and is based on historical loss experience adjusted for qualitative factors. The unallocated component is maintained to cover uncertainties that could affect management’s estimate of probable losses. The unallocated component of the allowance reflects the margin of imprecision inherent in the underlying assumptions used in the methodologies for estimating specific and general losses in the portfolio.

A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Bank will be unable to collect the scheduled payments of principal or interest when due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Factors considered by management in determining impairment include payment status, collateral value, and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due. Loans that experience insignificant payment delays and payment shortfalls generally are not classified as impaired. Management determines the significance of payment delays and payment shortfalls on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration all of the circumstances surrounding the loan and the borrower, including length of the delay, the reasons for the delay, the borrower’s prior payment record, and the amount of the shortfall in relation to the principal and interest owed. Impairment is measured on a loan by loan basis for commercial and agricultural loans by either the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, the loan’s obtainable market price, or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent.

At 120 days delinquent, secured consumer loans are charged down to the value of the collateral, if repossession of the collateral is assured and/or in the process of repossession. Consumer mortgage loan deficiencies are charged down upon the sale of the collateral or sooner upon the recognition of collateral deficiency.

For the majority of the Bank’s impaired loans, the Bank will apply the observable market price methodology. However, the Bank may also utilize a measurement incorporating the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective rate of interest. To determine observable market price, collateral asset values securing an impaired loan are periodically evaluated. Maximum time of re-evaluation is every 12 months for chattels and titled vehicles and every two years for real estate. In this process, third party evaluations are obtained and heavily relied upon. Until such time that updated appraisals are received, the Bank may discount the collateral value used.

Large groups of homogeneous loans are collectively evaluated for impairment. Accordingly, the Bank does not separately identify individual consumer loans for impairment disclosures.

For more information regarding the actual composition and classification of loans involved in the establishment of the allowance for loan loss, please see Note 4 provided here with the notes to consolidated financial statements.

Loans Held for Sale

Loans originated and intended for sale in the secondary market are carried at the lower of cost or estimated fair value in the aggregate. Net unrealized losses, if any, are recognized in a valuation allowance by charges to income.

Servicing Assets

Servicing assets are recognized as separate assets when rights are acquired through purchase or through sale of financial assets. Capitalized servicing rights are reported in other assets and are amortized into noninterest expense in proportion to, and over the period of, the estimated future net servicing income of the underlying financial assets. Servicing assets are evaluated for impairment based upon the fair value of the rights as compared to amortized cost. Impairment is determined by stratifying rights by predominant characteristics, such as interest rates and terms. Fair value is determined using prices for similar assets with similar characteristics, when available, or based upon discounted cash flows using market based assumptions. Impairment is recognized through a valuation allowance for an individual stratum, to the extent that fair value is less than the capitalized amount for the stratum. Fees received for servicing loans owned by investors are based on a percentage of the outstanding monthly principal balance of such loans and are included in operating income as loan payments are received. Costs of servicing loans are charged to expense as incurred.

 

Goodwill and other Intangible Assets

Goodwill results from business acquisitions and represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of acquired tangible assets and liabilities and identifiable intangible assets. Goodwill is assessed at least annually with the assistance of an independent third party for impairment and any such impairment is recognized in the period identified. No impairment has been recognized from the goodwill established from the Bank’s acquisition which occurred on December 31, 2007.

Other intangible assets consist of core deposit intangible assets arising from business acquisitions. They are initially measured at fair value and then are amortized on a straight line method over their estimated useful lives.

Off Balance Sheet Instruments

In the ordinary course of business, the Bank has entered into commitments to extend credit, including commitments under credit card arrangements, commercial letters of credit and standby letters of credit. Such financial instruments are recorded when they are funded.

Foreclosed Real Estate

Foreclosed real estate held for sale is carried at the lower of fair value minus estimated costs to sell, or cost. Costs of holding foreclosed real estate are charged to expense in the current period, except for significant property improvements, which are capitalized. Valuations are periodically performed by management and an allowance is established by a charge to non-interest expense if the carrying value exceeds the fair value minus estimated costs to sell. Foreclosed real estate is classified as other real estate owned. The net income from operations of foreclosed real estate held for sale is reported in non-interest income. At December 31, the Bank’s holding of other real estate owned totaled approximately $3.6 and $4.5 million for 2011 and 2010 respectively.

Bank Premises and Equipment

Land is carried at cost. Bank premises and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is based on the estimated useful lives of the various properties and is computed using straight line and accelerated methods. Costs for maintenance and repairs are charged to operations as incurred. Gains and losses on dispositions are included in current operations.

Federal Income Tax

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are determined using the liability (or balance sheet) method. Under this method, the net deferred tax asset or liability is determined based on the tax effects of the various temporary differences between the book and tax bases of the various balance sheet assets and liabilities and gives current recognition to changes in tax rates and laws.

Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share represent income available to common stockholders divided by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Basic and dilutive earnings per share are the same as the restricted stock grants are primarily anti-dilutive. As of December 31, the Company held 29,715, 28,925 and 27,772 shares of anti-dilutive restricted stock awards for 2011, 2010 and 2009 respectively.

Comprehensive Income

Accounting principles generally require that recognized revenue, expenses, gains and losses be included in net income. Certain changes in assets and liabilities, such as unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities, are reported as a separate component of the equity section of the balance sheet. Such items, along with net income, are components of comprehensive income.

 

The components of other comprehensive income and related tax effects are as follows:

 

                         
    (In Thousands)  
    2011     2010     2009  

Net unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities

   $ 9,357     $ (2,037 )    $ 701  

Reclassification adjustment for gain on sale of available-for-sale securities

     (504 )      (956 )      (281 ) 
   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

  

Net unrealized gains (losses)

     8,853       (2,993 )      420  

Tax effect

     3,010       (1,017 )      142  
   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

  

Other comprehensive income (loss)

   $ 5,843     $ (1,976 )    $ 278  
   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

  

Other securities, not classified as available for sale, had a realized loss of $51 thousand for 2009. This amount is not included in the above table.

Reclassification

Certain amounts in the 2010 and 2009 consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform with the 2011 presentation.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Troubled Debt Restructurings – In April 2011, The FASB issued ASU 2011-02 “A Creditor’s Determination of Whether a Restructuring is a Troubled Debt Restructuring”, which provides additional guidance to help creditors in determining whether a creditor has granted a concession and whether a debtor is experiencing financial difficulties for purposes of determining whether a restructuring constitutes a troubled debt restructuring. The amendments in this update were effective for the Company for the year ended December 31, 2011. The adoption of this standard did not have any additional impact to the Bank’s troubled debt restructuring classification totals.

Fair Value – In May 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-04 “Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRS”. The standard clarifies existing fair value measurement and disclosure requirements and changes existing principles and disclosure guidance. Clarifications were made to the relevancy of the highest and best use valuation concept, measurement of an instrument classified in an entity’s shareholder’s equity and disclosure of quantitative information about the unobservable inputs for level 3 fair value measurements. Changes to existing principles and disclosures included measurement of financial instruments managed within a portfolio, the application of premiums and discounts in fair value measurement, and additional disclosures related to fair value measurements. The updated guidance and requirements are effective for financial statements issued for the first interim or annual period beginning after December 15, 2011, and should be applied prospectively. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s financial statement.

Comprehensive Income – In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-05 “Presentation of Comprehensive Income”. This standard requires an entity to present the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but continuous statements. This standard eliminates the option to present the components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of equity. This standard is effective for fiscal years and interim periods with those years beginning after December 15, 2011. The implementation of this standard will only change the presentation of comprehensive income; it will not have an impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations. In December 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-12.This standard defers the requirement to present reclassification adjustments for each component of OCI to both net income and OCI on the face of the financial statements.

 

Goodwill – In September 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-08, “Testing Goodwill for Impairment”. This standard gives an entity the option to assess qualitative factors to determine if goodwill is impaired. If the qualitative assessment indicates no impairment, a quantitative goodwill impairment test is not required. The standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011, and early adoption is permitted. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s financial statements. The Company utilizes the services of an independent third party to assess if any impairment exists on its goodwill.