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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)
 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2023
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Nature of business and organization
Nature of business and organization – FinWise Bancorp is a Utah Corporation headquartered in Murray, Utah and operates all business activities through its wholly-owned subsidiaries FinWise Bank, f/k/a Utah Community Bank and FinWise Investment, LLC. FinWise Bank was incorporated in the state of Utah on May 7, 1999. FinWise Bancorp, f/k/a All West Bancorp, was incorporated in the state of Utah on October 22, 2002, after which, it acquired 100% of FinWise Bank. As of March 4, 2016, FinWise Bank’s articles of incorporation were amended to rename the entity FinWise Bank. As of March 15, 2021, FinWise Bancorp’s articles of incorporation were amended and restated to rename the entity FinWise Bancorp. References herein to “FinWise Bancorp,” “Bancorp” or the “holding company,” refer to FinWise Bancorp on a standalone basis. The word “Company” refers to FinWise Bancorp, FinWise Investment, LLC, and FinWise Bank collectively and on a consolidated basis. References to the “Bank” refer to FinWise Bank on a standalone basis.
The Bank provides a full range of banking services to individual and commercial customers. The Bank’s primary source of revenue is from loans including consumer, Small Business Administration (SBA), commercial, commercial real estate, and residential real estate. The Bank also has established Strategic Programs with various third-party loan origination platforms that use technology to streamline the origination of unsecured consumer and secured or unsecured business loans to borrowers within certain approved credit profiles. The Bank earns monthly program fees based on the volume of loans originated in these Strategic Programs, as well as interest during the time the Bank holds the loans.
The Company is subject to competition from other financial institutions and to the regulations of certain federal and state agencies and undergoes periodic examinations by those agencies.
Basis of Presentation
Basis of Presentation – The accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP") for interim financial information and with rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") and include the activity of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries, FinWise Investment, LLC and the Bank. The statements do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. All significant inter-company transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. In the opinion of management, all the adjustments (consisting of normal and recurring adjustments) necessary for the fair presentation of the consolidated financial condition and the consolidated results of operations for the periods presented have been included. The results of operations and other data presented for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations that may be expected for subsequent periods or the full year results. The unaudited consolidated financial statements presented should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements and notes to the audited consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s December 31, 2022 Annual Report on Form 10-K. Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to current period presentation.
The Company has evaluated subsequent events for potential recognition and/or disclosure in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q through the date these consolidated financial statements were issued.
Out-of-period adjustments
Out-of-period adjustments – During the first quarter of 2022, we recognized a $(0.8) million ($(0.6) million net of tax) reduction of interest and fees on loans and loans receivable, net as an out-of-period adjustment. The impact associated with this correction was not considered material to the interim unaudited consolidated financial statements for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022, year ended December 31, 2022, or the financial statements of any previously filed interim or annual periods.
During the third quarter of 2022, the Company identified an error in the calculation of the Company’s tax provision which understated income tax expense for previously reported financial statements. The error was related to an incorrect application of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code, which limits tax deductions relating to executive compensation of certain executives of publicly held companies. The Company recorded an out-of-period adjustment during the third quarter of 2022 to correct the previously understated income tax expense. The adjustment resulted in a decrease to after-tax income of $(0.9) million for the year ended December 31, 2022. The impact associated with this correction was not considered material to the interim unaudited consolidated financial statements for the three months ended September 30, 2022, year ended December 31, 2022, or the financial statements of any previously filed interim or annual periods.
During the fourth quarter of 2022, the Company established a new loan trailing fee asset which is included in “Other assets” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets of approximately $2.3 million and recognized $2.1 million in gain on sale of loans ($1.5 million net of tax) as an out-of-period adjustment of which $1.2 million ($0.9 million net of tax) would have been recorded in the first three quarters of 2022 with the remaining $0.9 million ($0.6 million net of tax) associated with years prior to 2022. Before this correction, the loan trailing fees had been recognized in revenue during the month payment
was owed by the Strategic Program rather than as a gain to be recognized upon sale of the loan receivables. The impact associated with this correction was not considered material to the interim unaudited consolidated financial statements for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2022, year ended December 31, 2022, or the financial statements of any previously filed interim or annual periods.
Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents – For purposes of reporting cash flows, the Company defines cash and cash equivalents as cash, cash due from banks, interest-bearing deposits in other banks, other interest-bearing deposits, and federal funds sold.
Loans Receivable
Loans Receivable – Loans receivable are reported at their outstanding principal adjusted for any charge-offs, the allowance for credit losses, and deferred fees and costs. Loan origination fees, net of certain direct origination costs, if any, are deferred and recognized on an adjustment of the related loan yield using an effective-yield method over the contractual life of the loan. Interest income on loans is recognized on an accrual basis commencing in the month of origination using the interest method. Delinquency fees are recognized in income when chargeable and when collectability is reasonably assured.
The Company requires most loans to be substantially collateralized by real estate, equipment, vehicles, accounts receivable, inventories or other tangible or intangible assets. Real estate collateral is generally in the form of first and second mortgages on various types of property. The Company also originates unsecured loans to consumers and businesses.
The Company may change its intent from holding loans for investment and reclassify them as held-for-sale.
Loans Held For Sale Loans Held For Sale - Loans held-for-sale are carried at the lower of aggregate cost and fair value. Gains and losses are recorded in non-interest income based on the difference between sales proceeds and carrying value.
Nonaccrual Loans Nonaccrual Loans – The Company's policy is to place loans on a nonaccrual status when: 1) payment is in default for 90 days or more unless the loan is well secured and in the process of collection; or 2) full repayment of principal and interest is not foreseen. When a loan is placed on nonaccrual status, all accrued and uncollected interest on that loan is reversed. Past-due interest received on nonaccrual loans is not recognized in interest income but is applied as a reduction of the outstanding principal of the loan. A loan is relieved of its nonaccrual status when all principal and interest payments are brought current, the loan is well secured, and an analysis of the borrower's financial condition provides reasonable assurance that the borrower can repay the loan as scheduled.
Stock Repurchase Program Stock Repurchase Program – On August 18, 2022, the Company announced that its Board of Directors (the “Board”) had authorized, effective August 16, 2022, a common stock repurchase program to purchase up to 644,241 shares of the Company’s common stock in the aggregate. The repurchase program authorized the repurchase by the Company of its common stock in open market transactions, including pursuant to a trading plan in accordance with Rule 10b-18 promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), or privately negotiated transactions. The authorization permitted management to repurchase shares of the Company’s common stock from time to time at management’s discretion. Repurchases could also be made pursuant to a trading plan under Rule 10b5-1 under the Exchange Act, which would permit shares to be repurchased when the Company might otherwise be precluded from doing so because of self-imposed trading blackout periods or other regulatory restrictions. The actual means and timing of any shares purchased under the program depended on a variety of factors, including the market price of the Company’s common stock, general market and economic conditions, and applicable legal and regulatory requirements. The repurchase program did not obligate the Company to purchase any particular number of shares. As of September 30, 2023, the Company has repurchased a total of 644,241 shares for $5.9 million and retired them at cost thereby completing the Company's share repurchase program.
Revenue from Contracts with Customers Revenue from Contracts with Customers – The Company applies the provisions of ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASC 606”). The core principle of this standard is that a company should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. Services that the Company reports as part of non-interest income are subject to ASC 606 and include fees from its deposit customers for transaction-based activities, account maintenance charges and overdraft services. Transaction-based fees, such as ACH and wire transfer fees, overdraft, return and stop payment charges, are recognized at the time such transactions are executed and the services have been fulfilled by the Company. The fees are typically withdrawn from the customer’s deposit account balance. The Company also receives fees from third-parties in its Strategic Programs for setting up systems and procedures to efficiently originate loans in a convenient, compliant and safe manner. Because the third-party simultaneously receives and benefits from the services, revenue is recognized evenly over the term of the loan program. Program Fees received in connection with the Company’s Strategic Programs are recorded at the time services are provided.
Segment Reporting Segment Reporting – Operating segments are components of a business where separate financial information is available and evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision makers ("CODMs") in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. ASC Topic 280, Segment Reporting, requires information to be reported about a company's operating segments using a "management approach", meaning it is based on the way management organizes segments internally to make operating decisions and assess performance. Based on this guidance, the Company has one reportable operating segment, the Bank.
Recently adopted accounting pronouncements
Recently adopted accounting pronouncements
Allowance for Credit Losses: On January 1, 2023, the Company adopted ASU 2016-13, Topic 326 which replaced the incurred loss methodology with CECL for financial instruments measured at amortized cost and other commitments to extend credit. CECL requires the immediate recognition of estimated credit losses expected to occur over the estimated remaining life of the asset. The forward-looking concept of CECL requires loss estimates to consider historical experience, current conditions and reasonable and supportable economic forecasts of future events and circumstances.
The allowance for credit losses (“ACL”) on loans held for investment is the combination of the allowance for loan losses and the reserve for unfunded loan commitments. The allowance for loan losses is reported as a reduction of the amortized cost basis of loans, while the reserve for unfunded loan commitments is included within "other liabilities" on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The estimate of credit loss incorporates assumptions for both the likelihood and amount of funding over the estimated life of the commitments, including adjustments for current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Management periodically reviews and updates its assumptions for estimated funding rates. The amortized cost basis of loans does not include accrued interest receivable, which is included in "accrued interest receivable" on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The "Provision for credit losses" on the Consolidated Statements of Income is a combination of the provision for credit losses and the provision for unfunded loan commitments.
ACL in accordance with CECL methodology
With respect to the Bank's core portfolio which consists of SBA 7(a), local lending, retail point of sale, and equipment finance and leasing, the Bank pools similar loans that are collectively evaluated and determines an appropriate level of general allowance by portfolio segment using a non-discounted cash flow model taking into account probability of default, loss in the event of default, and prepayment speed estimates based on industry specific collected data. The model captures losses over the historical charge-off and prepayment cycle and applies those losses at a loan level over the remaining maturity of the loan. The model then calculates a historical loss rate using the average losses over the reporting period, which is then applied to each segment utilizing a standard reversion rate. With respect to the Bank's active retained Strategic Program loan portfolio, the Bank is using a methodology that compares the actual loan performance of a vintage to the worst performing loans within that vintage, known as the high-water mark. The Bank records the expected credit losses based on the high-water mark loss rate. With respect to the Bank's inactive retained Strategic Program loan portfolio, performance data at the summary level provided by the Strategic Programs is banded by credit profile and original loan term and compared to actual loan performance on a quarterly basis. The expected loss rate is supplemented with adjustments for reasonable and supportable forecasts of relevant economic indicators, including but not limited to national unemployment rate forecasts. Expected credit losses are estimated over the contractual term of the loans, adjusted for expected prepayments when appropriate. Also included in the ACL are qualitative factors based on the risks present for each portfolio segment. These qualitative factors include the following that are derived from the Interagency Policy Statement on Allowance for Credit Losses: changes in lending policies and procedures; changes in international, national, regional, and local economic and business conditions and developments that affect the collectability of the loan portfolio; changes in the nature and volume of the loan portfolio and in the terms of loans; changes in the experience, ability, and depth of lending management and staff; changes in the volume and severity of past due loans, nonaccrual loans, and classified or graded loans; changes in the quality of the Bank's loan review system; changes in the value of underlying collateral for loans that are not collateral-dependent; changes in the level of concentration of credit; changes in the effect of competition, legal, and regulatory requirements on the level of estimated credit losses; and, if applicable, changes in the composition and volume of the loan portfolio due to mergers, acquisitions, and other significant transactions not considered elsewhere. The Bank also considers as an additional qualitative factor any lingering "ripple" effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, including lasting changes to consumer behavior, lending, and society at large. It is also possible that these factors could include social, political, economic, and terrorist events or activities. All of these factors are susceptible to change, which may be significant.
When management identifies loans that do not share common risk characteristics (i.e., are not similar to other loans within a pool) they are evaluated on an individual basis. These loans are not included in the collective evaluation. For loans identified as having a likelihood of foreclosure or that the borrower is experiencing financial difficulty, a collateral dependent approach is used. These are loans for which the repayment is expected to be provided substantially through the operation or sale of the collateral. Under CECL, for collateral dependent loans, the Company has adopted the practical expedient method to measure the allowance for credit losses based on the fair value of collateral. The allowance for credit losses is calculated on an individual loan basis based on the shortfall between the fair value of the loan's collateral, which is adjusted for liquidation costs/discounts, and amortized cost. If the fair value of the collateral exceeds the amortized cost, no allowance is required.
The CECL methodology requires a significant amount of management judgment in determining the appropriate allowance for credit losses. Several of the steps in the methodology involve judgment and are subjective in nature including, among other things: segmenting the loan portfolio; determining the amount of loss history to consider; selecting predictive econometric regression models that use appropriate macroeconomic variables; determining the methodology to forecast prepayments; selecting the most appropriate economic forecast scenario; determining the length of the reasonable and supportable forecast and reversion periods; estimating expected utilization rates on unfunded loan commitments; and assessing relevant and appropriate qualitative factors. In addition, the CECL methodology is dependent on economic forecasts, which are inherently imprecise and will change from period to period. Although the allowance for credit losses is considered appropriate, there can be no assurance that it will be sufficient to absorb future losses.
In determining an appropriate amount for the allowance, the Bank segments and aggregates the loan portfolio based on common characteristics. The following segments have been identified:
Commercial Real Estate. These loans are generally secured by owner-occupied nonfarm, nonresidential properties, or by other nonfarm, nonresidential properties. Owner-occupied commercial real estate loans are typically repaid first by the cash flows generated by the underlying business. Factors that may influence a business' cash flows include, but are not limited to, demand for its products or services, quality and depth of management, degree of competition, regulatory changes, and general economic conditions. Non-owner occupied commercial real estate loans are generally considered to have a higher degree of credit risk as they may be dependent on the ongoing success and operating viability of a fewer number of tenants who are occupying the property and who may have a greater degree of exposure to economic conditions.
Commercial and Industrial. These loans are generally secured by business assets such as furniture, fixtures, equipment, accounts receivable, inventory, business vehicles, and other business personal property. Commercial and industrial loans are typically repaid first by the cash flows generated by the borrower's business operations. The primary risk characteristics are specific to the underlying business and its ability to generate sustainable profitability and resulting positive cash flows. Factors that may influence a business' profitability include, but are not limited to, demand for its products or services, quality and depth of management, degree of competition, regulatory changes, and general economic conditions.
Lease Financing Receivables. Equipment financing and leasing typically involve the use of equipment as collateral for the loan. If the borrower defaults on the loan, the Bank may need to repossess and sell the equipment to recover the outstanding debt. However, the value of the equipment may depreciate over time, or disappear, making it difficult for the Bank to recover the full amount of the loan. In equipment leasing, the residual value of the equipment is an important consideration. The residual value is the estimated value of the equipment at the end of the lease term. If the actual value of the equipment is lower than the residual value, the lessor may not be able to recover the full amount of the lease payments.
Construction and Land Development. Risks common to construction loans are cost overruns, changes in market demand for property, supply chain interruption affecting construction materials, inadequate long-term financing arrangements and declines in real estate values. Changes in market demand for property could lead to longer marketing times resulting in higher carrying costs, declining values, and higher interest rates. Risks common to residential lot loans are those similar to other types of real estate construction loans, as many customers finance the purchase of improved lots in anticipation of constructing a 1 to 4 family residence. Accordingly, common risks are changes in market demand for property, supply chain interruption affecting construction materials, inadequate long-term financing arrangements and declines in real estate values. Changes in market demand for property could lead to longer marketing times resulting in higher carrying costs, declining values and higher interest rates.
Consumer. These are loans to individuals for household, family, and other personal expenditures. Consumer loans generally have higher interest rates and shorter terms than residential loans but tend to have higher credit risk due to the type of collateral securing the loan or in some cases the absence of collateral.
Residential Real Estate. These loans are generally secured by 1 to 4 family residential properties. The primary risk characteristics associated with residential mortgage loans typically involve: major living or lifestyle changes to the borrower, including unemployment or other loss of income; unexpected significant expenses, such as for major medical issues or catastrophic events; and divorce or death. In addition, residential mortgage loans that have adjustable rates could expose the borrower to higher debt service requirements in a rising interest rate environment. Further, real estate values could drop significantly and cause the value of the property to fall below the loan amount, creating additional potential loss exposure for the Bank.
Residential Real Estate Multifamily. Risks common to multifamily loans are poor management, high vacancy rates and regulatory changes. The value of multi-family properties can be impacted by changes in the local real estate market. If property values decline, the Bank may not be able to recover the full amount of the loan if the property needs to be foreclosed.
Strategic Program Loans. Unsecured consumer loans and secured or unsecured business loans issued by the Company through these programs generally follow and are limited to specific predetermined underwriting criteria. Strategic Program loans cover a wide range of borrower credit profiles, loan terms and interest rates. Strategic Program loans generally have higher interest rates and shorter terms similar to consumer loans and tend to have higher credit risk due to the type of collateral securing the loan or in most cases the absence of collateral.
In March 2022, the FASB issued ASU 2022-02, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326), Troubled Debt Restructurings and Vintage Disclosures. ASU 2022-02 addresses areas identified by the FASB as part of its post-implementation review of the credit losses standard (ASU 2016-13) that introduced the CECL model. The amendments eliminate the accounting guidance for troubled debt restructurings by creditors that have adopted the CECL model and enhance the disclosure requirements for loan refinancings and modifications. The Company adopted ASU 2022-02 on January 1, 2023. Effective January 1, 2023 loan modifications to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty are required to be disclosed by type of modification and by type of loan. Prior accounting guidance classified loans which were modified as troubled debt restructurings only if the modification reflected a concession from the lender in the form of a below market interest rate or other concession in addition to borrower financial difficulty. Under the new guidance, loans with modifications will be reported whether a concession is made or not. In the first nine months of 2023, there were no loan modifications which were subject to the new reporting.
On October 9, 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-06, “Disclosure Improvements: Codification Amendments in Response to the SEC’s Disclosure Update and Simplification of Initiative.” ASU 2023-06 amends the disclosure or presentation requirements related to various subtopics in the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (the “Codification”). The ASU was issued in response to the SEC’s August 2018 final rule that updated and simplified disclosure requirements that the SEC believed were “redundant, duplicative, overlapping, outdated, or superseded.” The new guidance is intended to align U.S. GAAP requirements with those of the SEC and to facilitate the application of U.S. GAAP for all entities. ASU 2023-06 applies to all reporting entities within the scope of the amended subtopics. Note that some of the amendments introduced by the ASU are technical corrections or clarifications of the FASB’s current disclosure or presentation requirements. The effective date for each amendment of ASU 2023-06 will be the date on which the SEC’s removal of that related disclosure requirement from Regulation S-X or Regulation S-K becomes effective, with early adoption prohibited. The Company will apply the amendments in ASU 2023-06 prospectively after the effective dates. The Company is evaluating the effect that ASU 2023-06 will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
Allowance for Credit Losses
The allowance for credit losses (“ACL”) on loans held for investment is the combination of the allowance for loan losses and the reserve for unfunded loan commitments. The allowance for loan losses is reported as a reduction of the amortized cost basis of loans, while the reserve for unfunded loan commitments is included within "other liabilities" on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The estimate of credit loss incorporates assumptions for both the likelihood and amount of funding over the estimated life of the commitments, including adjustments for current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Management periodically reviews and updates its assumptions for estimated funding rates. The amortized cost basis of loans does not include accrued interest receivable, which is included in "accrued interest receivable" on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The "Provision for credit losses" on the Consolidated Statements of Income is a combination of the provision for credit losses and the provision for unfunded loan commitments.
ACL in accordance with CECL methodology
With respect to the Bank's core portfolio which consists of SBA 7(a), local lending, retail point of sale, and equipment finance and leasing, the Bank pools similar loans that are collectively evaluated and determines an appropriate level of general allowance by portfolio segment using a non-discounted cash flow model taking into account probability of default, loss in the event of default, and prepayment speed estimates based on industry specific collected data. The model captures losses over the historical charge-off and prepayment cycle and applies those losses at a loan level over the remaining maturity of the loan. The model then calculates a historical loss rate using the average losses over the reporting period, which is then applied to each segment utilizing a standard reversion rate. With respect to the Bank's active retained Strategic Program loan portfolio, the Bank is using a methodology that compares the actual loan performance of a vintage to the worst performing loans within that vintage, known as the high-water mark. The Bank records the expected credit losses based on the high-water mark loss rate. With respect to the Bank's inactive retained Strategic Program loan portfolio, performance data at the summary level provided by the Strategic Programs is banded by credit profile and original loan term and compared to actual loan performance on a quarterly basis. The expected loss rate is supplemented with adjustments for reasonable and supportable forecasts of relevant economic indicators, including but not limited to national unemployment rate forecasts. Expected credit losses are estimated over the contractual term of the loans, adjusted for expected prepayments when appropriate. Also included in the ACL are qualitative factors based on the risks present for each portfolio segment. These qualitative factors include the following that are derived from the Interagency Policy Statement on Allowance for Credit Losses: changes in lending policies and procedures; changes in international, national, regional, and local economic and business conditions and developments that affect the collectability of the loan portfolio; changes in the nature and volume of the loan portfolio and in the terms of loans; changes in the experience, ability, and depth of lending management and staff; changes in the volume and severity of past due loans, nonaccrual loans, and classified or graded loans; changes in the quality of the Bank's loan review system; changes in the value of underlying collateral for loans that are not collateral-dependent; changes in the level of concentration of credit; changes in the effect of competition, legal, and regulatory requirements on the level of estimated credit losses; and, if applicable, changes in the composition and volume of the loan portfolio due to mergers, acquisitions, and other significant transactions not considered elsewhere. The Bank also considers as an additional qualitative factor any lingering "ripple" effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, including lasting changes to consumer behavior, lending, and society at large. It is also possible that these factors could include social, political, economic, and terrorist events or activities. All of these factors are susceptible to change, which may be significant.
When management identifies loans that do not share common risk characteristics (i.e., are not similar to other loans within a pool) they are evaluated on an individual basis. These loans are not included in the collective evaluation. For loans identified as having a likelihood of foreclosure or that the borrower is experiencing financial difficulty, a collateral dependent approach is used. These are loans for which the repayment is expected to be provided substantially through the operation or sale of the collateral. Under CECL, for collateral dependent loans, the Company has adopted the practical expedient method to measure the allowance for credit losses based on the fair value of collateral. The allowance for credit losses is calculated on an individual loan basis based on the shortfall between the fair value of the loan's collateral, which is adjusted for liquidation costs/discounts, and amortized cost. If the fair value of the collateral exceeds the amortized cost, no allowance is required.
The CECL methodology requires a significant amount of management judgment in determining the appropriate allowance for credit losses. Several of the steps in the methodology involve judgment and are subjective in nature including, among other things: segmenting the loan portfolio; determining the amount of loss history to consider; selecting predictive econometric regression models that use appropriate macroeconomic variables; determining the methodology to forecast prepayments; selecting the most appropriate economic forecast scenario; determining the length of the reasonable and supportable forecast and reversion periods; estimating expected utilization rates on unfunded loan commitments; and assessing relevant and appropriate qualitative factors. In addition, the CECL methodology is dependent on economic forecasts, which are inherently imprecise and will change from period to period. Although the allowance for credit losses is considered appropriate, there can be no assurance that it will be sufficient to absorb future losses.
In determining an appropriate amount for the allowance, the Bank segments and aggregates the loan portfolio based on common characteristics. The following segments have been identified:
Commercial Real Estate. These loans are generally secured by owner-occupied nonfarm, nonresidential properties, or by other nonfarm, nonresidential properties. Owner-occupied commercial real estate loans are typically repaid first by the cash flows generated by the underlying business. Factors that may influence a business' cash flows include, but are not limited to, demand for its products or services, quality and depth of management, degree of competition, regulatory changes, and general economic conditions. Non-owner occupied commercial real estate loans are generally considered to have a higher degree of credit risk as they may be dependent on the ongoing success and operating viability of a fewer number of tenants who are occupying the property and who may have a greater degree of exposure to economic conditions.
Commercial and Industrial. These loans are generally secured by business assets such as furniture, fixtures, equipment, accounts receivable, inventory, business vehicles, and other business personal property. Commercial and industrial loans are typically repaid first by the cash flows generated by the borrower's business operations. The primary risk characteristics are specific to the underlying business and its ability to generate sustainable profitability and resulting positive cash flows. Factors that may influence a business' profitability include, but are not limited to, demand for its products or services, quality and depth of management, degree of competition, regulatory changes, and general economic conditions.
Lease Financing Receivables. Equipment financing and leasing typically involve the use of equipment as collateral for the loan. If the borrower defaults on the loan, the Bank may need to repossess and sell the equipment to recover the outstanding debt. However, the value of the equipment may depreciate over time, or disappear, making it difficult for the Bank to recover the full amount of the loan. In equipment leasing, the residual value of the equipment is an important consideration. The residual value is the estimated value of the equipment at the end of the lease term. If the actual value of the equipment is lower than the residual value, the lessor may not be able to recover the full amount of the lease payments.
Construction and Land Development. Risks common to construction loans are cost overruns, changes in market demand for property, supply chain interruption affecting construction materials, inadequate long-term financing arrangements and declines in real estate values. Changes in market demand for property could lead to longer marketing times resulting in higher carrying costs, declining values, and higher interest rates. Risks common to residential lot loans are those similar to other types of real estate construction loans, as many customers finance the purchase of improved lots in anticipation of constructing a 1 to 4 family residence. Accordingly, common risks are changes in market demand for property, supply chain interruption affecting construction materials, inadequate long-term financing arrangements and declines in real estate values. Changes in market demand for property could lead to longer marketing times resulting in higher carrying costs, declining values and higher interest rates.
Consumer. These are loans to individuals for household, family, and other personal expenditures. Consumer loans generally have higher interest rates and shorter terms than residential loans but tend to have higher credit risk due to the type of collateral securing the loan or in some cases the absence of collateral.
Residential Real Estate. These loans are generally secured by 1 to 4 family residential properties. The primary risk characteristics associated with residential mortgage loans typically involve: major living or lifestyle changes to the borrower, including unemployment or other loss of income; unexpected significant expenses, such as for major medical issues or catastrophic events; and divorce or death. In addition, residential mortgage loans that have adjustable rates could expose the borrower to higher debt service requirements in a rising interest rate environment. Further, real estate values could drop significantly and cause the value of the property to fall below the loan amount, creating additional potential loss exposure for the Bank.
Residential Real Estate Multifamily. Risks common to multifamily loans are poor management, high vacancy rates and regulatory changes. The value of multi-family properties can be impacted by changes in the local real estate market. If property values decline, the Bank may not be able to recover the full amount of the loan if the property needs to be foreclosed.
Strategic Program Loans. Unsecured consumer loans and secured or unsecured business loans issued by the Company through these programs generally follow and are limited to specific predetermined underwriting criteria. Strategic Program loans cover a wide range of borrower credit profiles, loan terms and interest rates. Strategic Program loans generally have higher interest rates and shorter terms similar to consumer loans and tend to have higher credit risk due to the type of collateral securing the loan or in most cases the absence of collateral.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The Company measures and discloses certain assets and liabilities at fair value. Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (that is, not a forced liquidation or distressed sale). GAAP establishes a consistent framework for measuring fair value and disclosure requirements about fair value measurements. Among other things, the standard requires us to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect the Company’s estimates for market assumptions. These two types of inputs create the following fair value hierarchy.
Level 1 – Quoted prices in active markets for identical instruments. An active market is a market in which transactions occur with sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis. A quoted price in an active market provides the most reliable evidence of fair value and shall be used to measure fair value whenever available.
Level 2 – Observable inputs other than Level 1 including quoted prices in active markets for similar instruments, quoted prices in less active markets for identical or similar instruments, or other observable inputs that can be corroborated by observable market data.
Level 3 – Unobservable inputs supported by little or no market activity for financial instruments whose value is determined using pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies, or similar techniques, as well as instruments for which the determination of fair value requires significant management judgment or estimation also includes observable inputs from nonbinding single dealer quotes not corroborated by observable market data. In developing Level 3 measurements, management incorporates whatever market data might be available and uses discounted cash flow models where appropriate. These calculations include projections of future cash flows, including appropriate default and loss assumptions, and market-based discount rates.
The estimated fair value amounts of financial instruments have been determined by the Company using available market information and appropriate valuation methodologies. However, considerable judgment is required to interpret data to develop the estimates of fair value. Accordingly, the estimates presented herein are not necessarily indicative of the amounts the Company could realize at a future date. The use of different market assumptions and/or estimation methodologies may have a material effect on the estimated fair value amounts. In addition, reasonable comparability between financial institutions may not be likely due to the wide range of permitted valuation techniques and numerous estimates that must be made given the absence of active secondary markets for many of the financial instruments. This lack of uniform valuation methodologies also introduces a greater degree of subjectivity to these estimated fair values. Transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy are deemed to occur at the end of the reporting period.
The following methods were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments:
Cash and cash equivalents: The carrying amount of these items is a reasonable estimate of their fair value.
Investment securities held-to-maturity: The estimated fair values of investment securities are priced using current active market quotes, if available, which are considered Level 1 measurements. For most of the portfolio, matrix pricing based on the securities’ relationship to other benchmark quoted prices is used to establish the fair value. These measurements are considered Level 2.
Investment in Federal Home Loan Bank stock: The fair value is based upon the redemption value of the stock, which equates to the carrying value.
Strategic Program loans held-for-sale: The carrying amount of these items is a reasonable estimate of their fair value.
Loans held for investment: The fair value is estimated by discounting the future cash flows and estimated prepayments using the current rates at which similar loans would be made to borrowers with similar credit ratings and for the same remaining term. Some loan types’ fair value approximated carrying value because of their floating rate or expected maturity characteristics.
SBA servicing asset: The fair value of servicing assets is based on, in part, third-party valuations that project estimated future cash inflows that include servicing fees and outflows that include market rates for costs of servicing. The present value of the future cash flows are calculated utilizing market-based discount rates. The market-based discount rates represent risk spreads based on secondary market transactions utilizing calculated prepayment curves. Because observable loan transactions are used to determine the risk spreads, the Company considers the measurement to be Level 2.
Deposits: The carrying amount of deposits with no stated maturity, such as savings and checking accounts, is a reasonable estimate of their fair value. The market value of certificates of deposit is based upon the discounted value of contractual cash flows. The discount rate is determined using the rates currently offered on comparable instruments.
Accrued interest receivable and payable: The fair value of accrued interest receivable and payable approximates their carrying amount.
Individually evaluated loans – The loan amount above represents loans individually evaluated that have been adjusted to fair value. When collateral dependent loans are individually evaluated, they are measured using the current fair value of the collateral securing these loans, less selling costs. The fair value of real estate collateral is determined using collateral valuations or a discounted cash flow analysis using inputs such as discount rates, sale prices of similar assets, and term of expected disposition. Some appraised values are adjusted based on management’s review and analysis, which may include historical knowledge, changes in market conditions, estimated selling and other anticipated costs, and/or expertise and knowledge. The loss represents charge-offs on loans for adjustments made based on the fair value of the collateral.