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Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Basis of Presentation and Consolidation
BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND CONSOLIDATION: The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Isabella Bank Corporation, a financial services holding company, and its wholly owned subsidiary, Isabella Bank. All intercompany balances and accounts have been eliminated in consolidation. References to“we,” “our,” “us,” and “the Corporation” refer to Isabella Bank Corporation, a Michigan corporation and registered financial holding company, our wholly-owned banking subsidiary, Isabella Bank, and our other consolidated subsidiaries. References to “the Bank” refer to Isabella Bank.
Operating Segments
OPERATING SEGMENTS: Segment information is prepared on the same basis that our CEO, who is our Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”), manages our segments, evaluates financial results, and makes key operating decisions. While the CODM monitors the revenue streams of our various products and services, operations are managed, and financial performance is evaluated, on a corporate-wide basis. Operating segments are aggregated into one as operating results for all segments are similar. Accordingly, all of the banking-related operations are considered by management to be aggregated in one reportable operating segment.
The segment is also distinguished by the level of information provided to the CODM, who uses such information to review performance of various components of the business, which are then aggregated if operating performance, products and services, and geographical regions are similar. The CODM will evaluate the financial performance of our business components by evaluating revenue streams, significant expenses, and budget to actual results in assessing our reportable segment and in the determination of allocating resources. Further, the CODM uses revenue streams to evaluate product pricing and significant expenses to assess performance and evaluate return on assets.
Consolidated net income is used to benchmark results against our competitors. Benchmarking and monitoring of budget to actual results are used in assessment performance and in establishing compensation. Revenue from banking operations consists primarily of loan and investment interest, deposit related fees, and wealth fees. Interest expense, provision for credit losses, compensation, and occupancy and equipment costs provide the significant expenses in our banking operations. All operations are domestic.
Reclassifications
RECLASSIFICATIONS: Certain amounts reported in the 2024 and 2023 consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform with the 2025 presentation. The most significant of these changes related to amounts that were previously reported as commercial and industrial loans being reclassified as commercial real estate loans.
Use of Estimates
USE OF ESTIMATES: In preparing consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, we make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the consolidated balance sheet and reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting year. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change in the near-term relate to the determination of the ACL, the fair value of AFS investment securities, and the carrying value of goodwill.
Subsequent Events
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS: We evaluated subsequent events after December 31, 2025 through the date our consolidated financial statements were issued for potential recognition and disclosure. No subsequent events require financial statement recognition or disclosure between December 31, 2025 and the date our consolidated financial statements were issued.
Fair Value Measurements
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS: Fair value refers to the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in an orderly transaction between market participants in the market in which the reporting entity transacts such sales or transfers based on the assumptions market participants would use when pricing an asset or liability. Assumptions are developed based on prioritizing information within a fair value hierarchy that gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets and the lowest priority to unobservable data, such as the reporting entity’s own data. We may choose to measure eligible items at fair value at specified election dates.
For assets and liabilities recorded at fair value, it is our policy to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when developing fair value measurements for those financial instruments for which there is an active market. In cases where the market for a financial asset or liability is not active, we include appropriate risk adjustments that market participants would make for nonperformance and liquidity risks when developing fair value measurements. Fair value measurements for assets and liabilities for which limited or no observable market data exists are accordingly based primarily upon estimates, are often calculated based on the economic and competitive environment, the characteristics of the asset or liability and other factors. Therefore, the results cannot be determined with precision and may not be realized in an actual sale or immediate settlement of the asset or liability. Additionally, there may be inherent weaknesses in any calculation technique, and changes in the underlying assumptions used, including discount rates and estimates of future cash flows, could significantly affect the results of current or future values.
We utilize fair value measurements to record fair value adjustments to certain assets and liabilities and to determine fair value disclosures. Investment securities AFS are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. Additionally, from time to time, we may be required to record other assets and liabilities at fair value on a nonrecurring basis, such as mortgage loans AFS, collateral dependent loans, foreclosed assets, OMSR, goodwill, and certain other assets and liabilities. These nonrecurring fair value adjustments typically involve the application of lower of cost or market accounting or write downs of individual assets.
Fair Value Hierarchy
Under fair value measurement and disclosure authoritative guidance, we group assets and liabilities measured at fair value into three levels, based on the markets in which the assets and liabilities are traded, and the reliability of the assumptions used to determine fair value, based on the prioritization of inputs in the valuation techniques. These levels are:
Level 1:Valuation is based upon quoted prices for identical instruments traded in active markets.
Level 2:Valuation is based upon quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active and model-based valuation techniques for which all significant assumptions are observable in the market.
Level 3:Valuation is generated from model-based techniques that use at least one significant assumption not observable in the market. These unobservable assumptions reflect estimates of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.
The asset’s or liability’s fair value measurement level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of any input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Valuation techniques maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. Transfers between measurement levels are recognized at the end of reporting periods.
For further discussion of fair value considerations, refer to “Note 13 – Fair Value.”
Fair value measurement requires the use of an exit price notion which may differ from entrance pricing. Generally, we believe our assets and liabilities classified as Level 1 or Level 2 approximate an exit price notion.
Significant Group Concentrations of Credit Risk
SIGNIFICANT GROUP CONCENTRATIONS OF CREDIT RISK: Most of our activities are conducted with customers located within the central Michigan area. A significant amount of our outstanding loans are secured by commercial and residential real estate. Other than these types of loans, there is no significant concentration to any other industry or any one customer.
Internally assigned credit risk ratings are reviewed, at a minimum, when loans are renewed or when management has knowledge of improvements or deterioration of the credit quality of individual credits. Descriptions of the internally assigned credit risk ratings for commercial and agricultural loans are as follows:
1. EXCELLENT – Substantially Risk Free
Credit has strong financial condition and solid earnings history, characterized by:
High liquidity, strong cash flow, low leverage.
Unquestioned ability to meet all obligations when due.
Experienced management, with management succession in place.
Secured by cash.
2. HIGH QUALITY – Limited Risk
Credit with sound financial condition and a positive trend in earnings supplemented by:
Favorable liquidity and leverage ratios.
Ability to meet all obligations when due.
Management with successful track record.
Steady and satisfactory earnings history.
If loan is secured, collateral is of high quality and readily marketable.
Access to alternative financing.
Well defined primary and secondary source of repayment.
If supported by guaranty, the financial strength and liquidity of the guarantor(s) are clearly evident.
3. HIGH SATISFACTORY – Reasonable Risk
Credit with satisfactory financial condition and further characterized by:
Working capital adequate to support operations.
Cash flow sufficient to pay debts as scheduled.
Management experience and depth appear favorable.
Loan performing according to terms.
If loan is secured, collateral is acceptable and loan is fully protected.
4. SATISFACTORY – Acceptable Risk
Credit with bankable risks, although some signs of weaknesses are shown:
Would include most start-up businesses.
Occasional instances of trade slowness or repayment delinquency – may have been 10-30 days slow within the past year.
Management’s abilities are apparent yet unproven.
Weakness in primary source of repayment with adequate secondary source of repayment.
Loan structure generally in accordance with policy.
If secured, loan collateral coverage is marginal.
To be classified as less than satisfactory, only one of the following criteria must be met.
5. SPECIAL MENTION – Criticized
Credit constitutes an undue and unwarranted credit risk but not to the point of justifying a classification of substandard. The credit risk may be relatively minor yet constitutes an unwarranted risk in light of the circumstances surrounding a specific loan:
Downward trend in sales, profit levels, and margins.
Impaired working capital position.
Cash flow is strained in order to meet debt repayment.
Loan delinquency (30-60 days) and overdrafts may occur.
Shrinking equity cushion.
Diminishing primary source of repayment and questionable secondary source.
Management abilities are questionable.
Weak industry conditions.
Litigation pending against the borrower.
Loan may need to be restructured to improve collateral position or reduce payments.
Collateral or guaranty offers limited protection.
Negative debt service coverage; however, the credit is well collateralized and payments are current.
6. SUBSTANDARD – Classified
Credit is inadequately protected by the current net worth and paying capacity of the borrower or of the collateral pledged. There is a distinct possibility we will implement collection procedures if the loan deficiencies are not corrected. Any commercial loan placed in nonaccrual status will be rated “7” or worse. In addition, the following characteristics may apply:
Sustained losses have severely eroded the equity and cash flow.
Deteriorating liquidity.
Serious management problems or internal fraud.
Original repayment terms liberalized.
Likelihood of bankruptcy.
Inability to access other funding sources.
Reliance on secondary source of repayment.
Litigation filed against borrower.
Interest non-accrual may be warranted.
Collateral provides little or no value.
Requires excessive attention of the loan officer.
Borrower is uncooperative with the loan officer.
7. VULNERABLE – Classified
Credit is considered “Substandard” and warrants placing in nonaccrual status. Risk of loss is being evaluated and exit strategy options are under review. Other characteristics that may apply:
Insufficient cash flow to service debt.
Minimal or no payments being received.
Limited options available to avoid the collection process.
Transition status, expect action will take place to collect loan without immediate progress being made.
8. DOUBTFUL – Workout
Credit has all the weaknesses inherent in a “Substandard” loan with the added characteristic that collection and/or liquidation is pending. The possibility of a loss is extremely high, but its classification as a loss is deferred until liquidation procedures are completed, or reasonably estimable. Other characteristics that may apply:
Normal operations are severely diminished or have ceased.
Seriously impaired cash flow.
Original repayment terms materially altered.
Secondary source of repayment is inadequate.
Survivability as a “going concern” is impossible.
Collection process has begun.
Bankruptcy petition has been filed.
Judgments have been filed.
Portion of the loan balance has been charged off.
9. LOSS – Charge-off
Credit is considered uncollectible and of such little value that their continuance as bankable assets is not warranted. This classification is for charged-off loans but does not mean that the asset has absolutely no recovery or salvage value. These loans are further characterized by:
Liquidation or reorganization under bankruptcy, with poor prospects of collection.
Fraudulently overstated assets and/or earnings.
Collateral has marginal or no value.
Debtor cannot be located.
Over 120 days delinquent.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS: For purposes of the consolidated statements of cash flows, cash and cash equivalents include cash and balances due from banks, federal funds sold, and other deposit accounts. Generally, federal funds sold are for a one day period. We maintain deposit accounts in various financial institutions which generally exceed federally insured limits or are not insured. We do not believe we are exposed to any significant interest, credit, or other financial risk as a result of these deposits.
AFS Securities
AFS SECURITIES: Purchases of investment securities are generally classified as AFS. However, we may elect to classify securities as either held to maturity or trading. Securities classified as AFS debt securities are recorded at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses, net of the effect of deferred income taxes, excluded from earnings and reported in other comprehensive income (loss). Included in AFS securities are auction rate money market preferred securities. These investments, for federal income tax purposes, have no federal income tax impact given the nature of the investments. Auction rate money market preferred securities are recorded at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses excluded from earnings and reported in other comprehensive income (loss). Purchase premiums and discounts are recognized in interest income using the interest method over the term of the securities. Realized gains and losses on the sale of AFS securities are determined using the specific identification method.
ACL - AFS SECURITIES: AFS securities are reviewed quarterly for possible credit impairment. In determining whether a credit-related impairment exists for debt securities, we assess whether: (a) we do not have the intent to sell the security; and (b) it is more likely than not we will not have to sell the security before recovery of its cost basis. If either of these conditions are met, any previously recognized allowances are charged off and the security’s amortized cost is written down to fair value through income. If these conditions are not met, the security is evaluated to determine whether the decline in fair value has resulted from credit losses or other factors.
In order to determine the amount of the credit loss for a debt security, we calculate the recovery value by performing a discounted cash flow analysis based on the current cash flows and future cash flows we expect to recover. 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. The amount of the impairment related to other risk factors is recognized as a component of other comprehensive income. Adjustments to the allowance are reported in the income statement as a provision for credit losses.
We made an accounting policy election to exclude accrued interest receivable on AFS securities from the estimate of credit losses. Accrued interest receivable on AFS securities was $1,723 and $1,701 at December 31, 2025, and 2024, which is included in other assets. Losses on AFS securities are charged off against the allowance or, in the absence of any allowance, written down through income when deemed uncollectible by management, or when criteria regarding intent or requirement to sell is met.
As of December 31, 2025, no ACL has been recognized on AFS securities in an unrealized loss position, as management does not believe any of the securities are impaired due to reasons of credit quality. This is based on our analysis of the underlying risk characteristics, including credit ratings, and other qualitative factors related to our AFS securities and consideration of our historical credit loss experience and internal forecasts. The issuers of these securities continue to make timely principal and interest payments under the contractual terms of the securities. Management does not currently intend to sell any of the securities classified as AFS in the table above, and believes it is more likely than not that we will not have to sell any such securities before a recovery of cost. The unrealized losses are generally due to a continued elevated market interest rate environment compared to the yields available at the time the underlying securities were purchased. The fair value is expected to recover as the securities approach their respective maturity date or repricing date, or if the market yields for such investments decline.
Loans Held For Sale
LOANS HELD FOR SALE: Mortgage loans held for sale on the secondary market are carried at the lower of cost or fair value as determined by aggregating outstanding commitments from investors or current investor yield requirements. Net unrealized losses, if any, would be recognized as a component of other noninterest expenses.
Mortgage loans held for sale are sold with the mortgage servicing rights retained by us. Gains or losses on sales of mortgage loans are recognized based on the difference between the selling price and the carrying value of the related mortgage loans sold.
Loans
LOANS: Loans held for investment are reported at amortized cost. Amortized cost is the principal balance outstanding net of the unamortized balance of deferred fees and costs and any unamortized premium or discount on loan purchases or acquired. Interest income on loans is accrued over the term of the loan based on the principal amount outstanding. Loan origination fees and certain direct loan origination costs are capitalized and recognized as a component of interest income over the term of the loan using the interest method.
Nonperforming Loans
NONPERFORMING LOANS: The accrual of interest on agricultural, commercial, and residential mortgage loans is discontinued at the time the loan is 90 days or more past due unless the credit is well secured and in the process of collection. Upon transferring a loan to nonaccrual status, we perform an evaluation to determine the net realizable value of the underlying collateral. This evaluation is used to help determine if a charge-off is necessary. Consumer loans are typically charged off no later than 180 days past due. Past due status is based on contractual terms of the loan. In all cases, loans are placed in nonaccrual status or charged off at an earlier date if collection of principal or interest is considered doubtful. For loans that are placed on nonaccrual status or charged off, all interest accrued in the current calendar year, but not collected, is reversed against interest income while interest accrued in prior calendar years, but not collected, is charged against the ACL. Interest income on loans in nonaccrual status is not recognized until qualifying for return to accrual status. Loans may be returned to accrual status when all principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current and future payments are reasonably assured. When a loan is returned to accrual status, the interest payments previously received continue to be reported as a reduction of the unpaid principal balance until the loan is paid off, at which time the interest payments are recognized in interest income. For loans not classified as nonaccrual, interest income continues to be accrued over the term of the loan based on the principal amount outstanding.
ACL - Loans
ACL - LOANS: The ACL is established through a provision for credit losses charged to earnings. Loan losses are charged against the allowance when we believe the uncollectability of the loan balance is confirmed. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance. We made an accounting policy election to exclude accrued interest receivable on loans from the estimate of credit losses. Accrued interest receivable on loans was $6,666 and $6,384 at December 31, 2025, and 2024, which is included in other assets.
We evaluate the ACL on a regular basis. Our periodic review of the collectability of loans considers historical experience, 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, prevailing economic conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. This evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires estimates that are susceptible to significant revision as more information becomes available.
The ACL consists of a general component and loans individually analyzed. The general component covers loans not specifically analyzed and is based on historical loss experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. The general component also includes uncertainties that we believe could affect our estimate of probable losses based on qualitative factors.
Loans in nonaccrual status are individually analyzed on a loan-by-loan basis. Loans evaluated individually are not included in the general, or pooled, component of the ACL. For collateralized loans, the loan’s specific allowance is measured by the fair value of the collateral approach. The specific reserve is based on the fair value of the collateral, less costs to sell if foreclosure is probable, and an allowance is established when the collateral value is lower than the carrying value of the loan. When the discounted cash flow method is used to measure the loan’s specific allowance, the effective interest rate is used to discount expected cash flows to incorporate expected prepayments. An allowance is established when the discounted cash flows are lower than the carrying value of the loan. For large groups of smaller-balance, homogeneous loans, we may collectively evaluate these loans for measurement of an allowance.
Loan Modifications
LOAN MODIFICATIONS: A loan modification includes terms outside of normal lending practices to a borrower experiencing financial difficulty. Loans are considered to have been modified when, due to a borrower’s financial difficulties, certain concessions are made to the borrower that would not otherwise consider. Modifications may include interest rate reductions, principal or interest forgiveness, forbearance, and other actions intended to minimize economic loss and to avoid foreclosure or repossession of collateral. We closely monitor the performance of loans that are modified to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty to understand the effectiveness of our modification efforts.
Transfers of Financial Assets
TRANSFERS OF FINANCIAL ASSETS: Transfers of financial assets, including mortgage loans and participation loans, are accounted for as sales when control over the assets has been surrendered. Control over transferred assets is determined to be surrendered when 1) the assets have been legally isolated from us, 2) the transferee obtains the right (free of conditions that constrain it from taking advantage of the right) to pledge or exchange the transferred assets, and 3) we do not maintain effective control over the transferred assets through an agreement to repurchase them before their maturity. Other than servicing, we have no substantive continuing involvement related to these loans.
Capital Mortgage Servicing Rights
CAPITALIZED MORTGAGE SERVICING RIGHTS: Servicing assets are recognized as separate assets when rights are acquired through purchase or through sale of financial assets. We have no purchased servicing rights. For sales of mortgage loans, a portion of the cost of originating the loan is allocated to the servicing right based on relative fair value. Fair value is based on market prices for comparable mortgage servicing contracts, when available, or alternatively, is based on a valuation model that calculates the present value of estimated future net servicing income. The valuation model incorporates assumptions that market participants would use in estimating future net servicing income, such as the cost to service, the discount rate, the custodial earnings rate, an inflation rate, ancillary income, prepayment speeds, and default rates and losses.
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 into tranches based on predominant risk characteristics, such as interest rate, loan type, and investor type. Impairment is recognized through a valuation allowance for an individual tranche, to the extent that fair value is less than the capitalized amount for the tranche. If we later determine that all or a portion of the impairment no longer exists for a particular tranche, a reduction of the valuation allowance may be recorded as an increase to income. Capitalized servicing rights are reported in other assets and are amortized into noninterest income in proportion to, and over the period of, the estimated future net servicing income of the underlying financial assets. The unpaid principal balance of mortgages serviced for others was $211,456 and $231,143 with capitalized servicing rights of $1,929 and $2,185 at December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively.
Servicing fee income is recorded for fees earned for servicing loans for others. The fees are based on a contractual percentage of the outstanding principal or a fixed amount per loan and are recorded as income when earned. We recorded servicing fee revenue of $553, $588, and $630 related to residential mortgage loans serviced for others during 2025, 2024, and 2023, respectively, which is included in service charges and fees.
Foreclosed Assets
FORECLOSED ASSETS: Assets acquired through, or in lieu of, loan foreclosure are held for sale and are initially recorded at the lower of our carrying amount or fair value less estimated selling costs at the date of transfer, establishing a new cost basis. Any write downs based on the asset’s fair value at the date of acquisition are charged to the ACL. After foreclosure, property held for sale is carried at the lower of the new cost basis or fair value less costs to sell. Impairment losses on property to be held and used are measured at the amount by which the carrying amount of property exceeds its fair value. Costs relating to holding these assets are expensed as incurred. We periodically perform valuations and any subsequent write downs are recorded as a charge to operations, if necessary, to reduce the carrying value of a property to the lower of our carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell. Foreclosed assets of $938 and $544 as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively, are included in other assets.
Premises and Equipment
PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT: Land is carried at cost. Buildings and equipment are carried at cost, less accumulated depreciation which is computed principally by the straight-line method based upon the estimated useful lives of the related assets, which range from 3 to 40 years. Major improvements are capitalized and appropriately amortized based upon the useful lives of the related assets or the expected terms of the leases, if shorter, using the straight-line method. Maintenance, repairs and minor alterations are charged to current operations as expenditures occur. We annually review these assets to determine whether carrying values have been impaired.
Equity Securities Without Readily Determinable Fair Values
EQUITY SECURITIES WITHOUT READILY DETERMINABLE FAIR VALUES: We hold equity securities without readily determinable fair values which include our holdings of FHLB stock and FRB stock. No ready market exists for the stock, and it has no quoted market value. The stock is redeemable at par and is therefore carried at cost and periodically evaluated for impairment. Dividends are recorded as income. Equity securities without readily determinable fair values, with the exception of FHLB stock, are included in other assets. Equity securities without readily determinable fair values consist of the following holdings as of December 31:
20252024
FHLB Stock$5,600 $12,762 
FRB Stock2,400 2,400 
Other686 686 
Total$8,686 $15,848 
Equity Compensation Plans
EQUITY COMPENSATION PLANS: At December 31, 2025, the Directors Plan had 98,611 shares eligible to be issued to participants, for which the Rabbi Trust held 129,618 shares. We had 101,493 shares to be issued at December 31, 2024, with 142,535 shares held in the Rabbi Trust.
Under the RSP, compensation expense for nonvested stock awards is based on the fair value of the award on the measurement date. The fair value of nonvested stock awards is based on the date of the grant and is recognized over the requisite service period. The impact of forfeitures of share-based payment awards on compensation expense is recognized as forfeitures occur.
Compensation costs relating to share-based payment transactions are recognized as the services are rendered, with the cost measured based on the fair value of the equity or liability instruments issued on the grant date (see “Note 8 – Benefit Plans”).
Bank Owned Life Insurance
BANK OWNED LIFE INSURANCE: We have purchased life insurance policies on key members of management, partially for the purpose of funding certain post-retirement benefits. In the event of death of one of these individuals, we would receive a specified cash payment equal to the face value of the policy. Such policies are recorded at their cash surrender value, or the amount that can be realized on the balance sheet date. Increases in cash surrender value in excess of single premiums paid are reported as earnings on BOLI policies.
Of the purchased life insurance policies, we hold post-retirement benefits with a present value estimated to be $2,696 and $2,687 as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively, which is included in other liabilities. The expenses associated with these policies totaled $150, $172, and $173 for 2025, 2024, and 2023, respectively, which are included in compensation and benefits expense and other noninterest expenses.
Acquisition Intangibles and Goodwill
ACQUISITION INTANGIBLES AND GOODWILL: We previously acquired branch facilities and related deposits in business combinations accounted for as a purchase. The acquisitions included amounts related to the valuation of customer deposit relationships (core deposit intangibles). Core deposit intangibles arising from acquisitions are included in goodwill and other intangible assets are being amortized over their estimated lives and evaluated for potential impairment on at least an annual basis. Goodwill, which represents the excess of the purchase price over identifiable assets, is not amortized but is evaluated for impairment on at least an annual basis. Acquisition intangibles and goodwill are qualitatively evaluated to determine if it is more likely than not that the carrying balance is impaired. On at least an annual basis we perform a cash flow, trading multiples, and acquisition multiples valuation to determine if the carrying balance is impaired and to what extent
goodwill is impaired. This valuation method requires a significant degree of our judgment. In the event the projected undiscounted net operating cash flows for these intangible assets are less than the carrying value, the asset is recorded at fair value as determined by the valuation model.
Off Balance Sheet Credit Related Financial Instruments
OFF BALANCE SHEET CREDIT RELATED FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS: In the ordinary course of business, we have entered into commitments to extend credit, including commitments under credit card arrangements, commercial lines of credit, home equity lines of credit, commercial letters of credit, and standby letters of credit. Such financial instruments are recorded only when funded. In connection with these commitments, we established an allowance for credit losses related to off-balance-sheet credit exposures. The allowance, recorded in a liability account, is calculated in accordance with ASC 326 and represents expected credit losses over the contractual period for which we are exposed to credit risk resulting from a contractual obligation to extend credit. The estimate of expected credit losses considers both the likelihood that funding will occur and the amount expected to be funded over the estimated remaining life of the commitment. The likelihood and expected amount of funding are based on historical utilization rates. No allowance is recognized if we have the unconditional right to cancel the obligation. The allowance is reported as a component of other liabilities. Adjustments to the allowance are reported in our income statement as a component of provision for credit losses.
Revenue Recognition
REVENUE RECOGNITION: Our revenue is comprised primarily of interest income, service charges and fees, gains on the sale of loans and AFS securities, earnings on corporate owned life insurance policies, and other noninterest income. Other noninterest income is typically service and performance driven in nature and comprised primarily of investment and trust advisory fees. We recognize revenue, excluding interest income and other income specifically scoped out, in accordance with ASC 606, Revenue From Contracts with Customers. Revenue is recognized when our performance obligation has been satisfied according to our contractual obligation.
For additional information, see “Note 11 – Revenue.”
Federal Income Taxes
FEDERAL INCOME TAXES: Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are determined using the liability (or balance sheet) method. Under this method, the net deferred tax assets or liabilities are determined based on the tax effects of the temporary differences between the book and tax basis on the various balance sheet assets and liabilities and gives current recognition to changes in tax rates and laws. Valuation allowances are established, where necessary, to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized. Income tax expense is the tax payable or refundable for the year plus or minus the change during the year in deferred tax assets and liabilities.
We analyze our filing positions in the jurisdictions where we are required to file income tax returns, as well as all open tax years in these jurisdictions. We also treat interest and penalties attributable to income taxes, to the extent they arise, as a component of our noninterest expenses.
Earnings Per Share
EARNINGS PER SHARE: Basic earnings per common share represents income available to common shareholders divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per common share includes additional common shares that would have been outstanding if dilutive potential common shares had been issued.
A reconciliation of basic earnings per common share and diluted earnings per common share for the reported periods is provided in Note 10 – Computation of Earnings Per Common Share.
Basic earnings per common share represents income available to common shareholders divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per common share includes additional common shares that would have been outstanding if dilutive potential common shares had been issued. For further information related to potential common shares that may be issued relate solely to outstanding shares in the Directors Plan and grant awards under the RSP, see “Note 8 – Benefit Plans.”
Defined Benefit Pension Plan
DEFINED BENEFIT PENSION PLAN: We maintain a noncontributory defined benefit pension plan, which was curtailed effective March 1, 2007. The service cost component of the defined benefit pension plan is included in compensation and benefits and is funded consistent with the requirements of federal laws and regulations. All other costs related to the defined benefit pension plan are included in other noninterest expenses. The current benefit obligation is included in other liabilities. Inherent in the determination of defined benefit pension costs are assumptions concerning future events that will affect the amount and timing of required benefit payments under the plan. These assumptions include demographic assumptions such as mortality, a discount rate used to determine the current benefit obligation, and a long-term expected rate of return on plan assets. Net periodic benefit cost includes the interest cost based on the assumed discount rate, an expected return on plan assets based on an actuarially derived market-related value of assets, and amortization of unrecognized net actuarial gains or losses. Actuarial gains and losses result from experience different from that assumed and from changes in assumptions (excluding asset gains and losses not yet reflected in market-related value). Amortization of actuarial gains and losses is included as a component of net periodic defined benefit pension cost.
For additional information, see “Note 8 – Benefit Plans.”
OCI: Accounting principles generally require that recognized revenue, expenses, gains, and losses be included in net income. Certain changes in assets and liabilities, however, such as unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities and amounts recognized related to defined benefit pension and postretirement benefit plans (gains and losses, prior service costs, and transition assets or obligations), are reported as a direct adjustment to the equity section of the balance sheet. Such items, along with net income, are considered components of comprehensive income.
We maintain a noncontributory defined benefit pension plan, which was curtailed effective March 1, 2007. As a result of the curtailment, future salary increases are no longer considered (the projected benefit obligation is equal to the accumulated benefit obligation), and plan benefits are based on years of service and the individual employee’s five highest consecutive years of compensation out of the last ten years of service through March 1, 2007.
Marketing Costs
MARKETING COSTS: Marketing costs are expensed as incurred and are included in other noninterest expenses.
Recently Adopted and Pending Accounting Standards
ACCOUNTING STANDARDS UPDATE:
Recently Adopted Accounting Standards
ASU No. 2023-09: “Income Tax (Topic 740): Improvement to Income tax Disclosures"
In December 2023, ASU No. 2023-09 was issued to enhance the transparency and decision usefulness of income tax disclosures. The existing disclosure is being enhanced to provide information to help investors, lenders, creditors and all other allocators of capital assess how an entity’s operations and related tax risks and tax planning and operational opportunities affect its tax rate and prospects for future cash flows. The new authoritative guidance was effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024. This ASU was adopted prospective on January 1, 2025 and did not have a significant impact on our financial statement disclosures, which are presented in “Note 12 – Federal Income Taxes.”
Pending Accounting Standards
ASU No. 2024-03: “Income Statement—Reporting Comprehensive Income—Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (Subtopic 220-40): Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses”
In November 2024, ASU No. 2024-03 was issued to improve the disclosures about a public business entity’s expenses and address requests from investors for more detailed information about the types of expenses (including purchases of inventory, employee compensation, depreciation, amortization, and depletion) in commonly presented expense captions (such as cost of sales, selling general and administrative expense, and research and development). The new authoritative guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2026, and interim periods within annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2027, as clarified in ASU No. 2025-01 issued in January 2025. The new authoritative guidance under ASU No. 2024-03 is not expected to have a significant impact on our operations or financial statement disclosures.
Allowance for Credit Losses - Loans
ACL - Loans
The credit quality of our loan portfolio is continuously monitored and is reflected within the ACL for loans. The ACL is an estimate of expected losses over the contractual life of our loan portfolio. The ACL is adjusted by a credit loss expense, which is reported in earnings, and reduced by the charge-off of loan amounts, net of recoveries.
The ACL is evaluated on a regular basis for appropriateness. Our periodic review of the collectability of a loan considers historical experience, 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 susceptible to significant revision as more information becomes available.
The primary factors behind the determination of the level of the ACL are specific allocations for loans individually evaluated, historical loss percentages, delinquency status, and other credit trends and risk characteristics, including current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts about the future. Determining the appropriateness of the allowance is complex and requires judgment by management about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain. In future periods evaluations of the overall loan portfolio, in light of the factors and forecasts then prevailing, may result in significant changes in the allowance and credit loss expense in those future periods.
The methodology for estimating the amount of expected credit losses reported in the ACL has two basic components: a component of individual loans that do not share risk characteristics with other loans; and a pooled component for estimated expected credit losses for pools of loans that share similar risk characteristics.
For a loan that does not share risk characteristics with other loans, an individual analysis is performed to measure an allowance. Loans in nonaccrual status over established dollar thresholds are individually evaluated for specific allocation of the allowance using the fair value of collateral, less costs to sell if foreclosure is probable, or the discounted cash flow method. We do not recognize interest income on loans in nonaccrual status. For loans not classified as nonaccrual, interest income is recognized daily, as earned, according to the terms of the loan agreement and the principal amount outstanding.
In determining the allowance for credit losses, we derive an estimated credit loss assumption from a model that categorizes loan pools based on loan type and credit risk ratings or delinquency bucket. This model calculates an expected loss percentage for each loan class by considering the probability of default, based on the migration of loans from performing to loss by credit risk ratings or delinquency buckets using life-of-loan analysis, and the historical severity of loss, based on the aggregate net lifetime losses incurred per loan class.
The default and severity factors used to calculate the allowance for credit losses for loans that share similar risk characteristics with other loans are adjusted for differences between the historical period used to calculate historical default and loss severity rates and expected conditions over the remaining lives of the loans in the portfolio. These qualitative factors are used to adjust the historical probabilities of default and severity of loss so that they reflect management’s expectation of future conditions based on a reasonable and supportable forecast. To the extent the lives of the loans in the portfolio extend beyond the period for which a reasonable and supportable forecast can be made, the model reverts back to the historical rates of default and severity of loss. Qualitative factors include:
Changes in lending policies and procedures, including changes in underwriting standards and collection, charge-off, recovery practices not considered elsewhere in estimating credit losses;
Changes in the experience, ability, and depth of lending management and other relevant staff;
Changes in interest rates;
Changes in international, national, regional, and local economic factors;
Changes in the nature and volume of the portfolio and in the terms of loans;
Changes in the volume and severity of past due loans, the volume of nonaccrual loans, and the volume and severity of adversely classified or graded loans;
Lack of current financial information;
Competition, legal, and regulatory; and
Changes in the value of underlying collateral.