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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2023
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies  
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

NOTE 1: Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Principles of Consolidation: The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (U.S. GAAP) for interim financial reporting and with applicable quarterly reporting regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC). They do not include all of the information and notes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. Therefore, these consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the C&F Financial Corporation Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 (2022 Annual Report).  The accounting and reporting policies of the Corporation conform to U.S. GAAP and to predominant practices within the banking industry and are primarily disclosed in the 2022 Annual Report, except as described below related to the adoption of new accounting standards.

The unaudited consolidated financial statements include the accounts of C&F Financial Corporation (the Corporation), its direct wholly-owned subsidiary, Citizens and Farmers Bank (the Bank or C&F Bank) and indirect subsidiaries that are wholly-owned or controlled. Subsidiaries that are less than wholly owned are fully consolidated if they are controlled by the Corporation or one of its subsidiaries, and the portion of any subsidiary not owned by the Corporation is reported as noncontrolling interest. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. In addition, the Corporation owns all of the common stock of C&F Financial Statutory Trust I, C&F Financial Statutory Trust II and Central Virginia Bankshares Statutory Trust I, all of which are unconsolidated subsidiaries. The subordinated debt owed to these trusts is reported as liabilities of the Corporation.  

Nature of Operations: The Corporation is a bank holding company incorporated under the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia. The Corporation owns all of the stock of its subsidiary, C&F Bank, which is an independent commercial bank chartered under the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

C&F Bank has five wholly-owned subsidiaries: C&F Mortgage Corporation (C&F Mortgage), C&F Finance Company (C&F Finance), C&F Wealth Management Corporation (C&F Wealth Management), C&F Insurance Services, Inc. (C&F Insurance) and CVB Title Services, Inc. (CVB Title), all incorporated under the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia. C&F Mortgage, organized in September 1995, originates and sells residential mortgages, provides mortgage loan origination services to third-party lenders and, through its subsidiary Certified Appraisals LLC, provides ancillary mortgage loan production services for residential appraisals. C&F Mortgage owns a 51 percent interest in C&F Select LLC, which was organized in January 2019 and is also engaged in the business of originating and selling residential mortgages. C&F Finance, acquired in September 2002, is a finance company purchasing automobile, marine and recreational vehicle (RV) loans through indirect lending programs. C&F Wealth Management, organized in April 1995, is a full-service brokerage firm offering a comprehensive range of wealth management services and insurance products through third-party service providers. C&F Insurance and CVB Title were organized for the primary purpose of owning equity interests in an independent insurance agency and a full service title and settlement agency, respectively. Business segment data is presented in Note 10.

Basis of Presentation: The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. 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 allowance for credit losses and evaluation of goodwill for impairment. In the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, which are necessary for a fair presentation of the results of operations in these financial statements, have been made.

Reclassification: Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior period financial statements to conform to the current period presentation.  None of these reclassifications are considered material and did not affect net income or total equity.

Derivative Financial Instruments: The Corporation recognizes derivative financial instruments at fair value as either an other asset or other liability in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Corporation’s derivative financial instruments include (1) interest rate swaps that qualify and are designated as cash flow hedges on the Corporation’s trust preferred capital notes, (2) interest rate swaps with certain qualifying commercial loan customers and dealer counterparties and (3) interest rate contracts arising from mortgage banking activities, including interest rate lock commitments (IRLCs) on mortgage loans. The gain or loss on the Corporation’s cash flow hedges is reported as a component of other comprehensive income (loss), net of deferred income taxes, and reclassified into earnings in the same period(s) during which the hedged transactions affect earnings. IRLCs and interest rate swaps with loan customers and dealer counterparties are not designated as hedging instruments, and therefore changes in the fair value of these instruments are reported as noninterest income. The Corporation’s derivative financial instruments are described more fully in Note 12.

Recently Adopted Accounting Standard: On January 1, 2023, the Corporation adopted Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2016-13, “Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments,” ASU 2018-19, “Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses,” ASU 2019-04, “Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses, Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging, and Topic 825, Financial Instruments,” ASU 2019-05, “Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Targeted Transition Relief,” ASU 2019-10, “Financial instruments—Credit losses (Topic 326), Derivatives and hedging (Topic 815), and Leases (Topic 842)—Effective dates,” ASU 2019-11, “Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses,” ASU 2020-02, “Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326) and Leases (Topic 842),” ASU 2020-03, “Codification Improvements to Financial Instruments”  and ASU 2022-02, “Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326) - Troubled Debt Restructurings and Vintage Disclosures” (collectively, ASC 326).

ASC 326 introduced an approach based on current expected credit losses (CECL) to estimate credit losses on certain types of financial instruments, replacing the incurred loss methodology from prior GAAP. It also applies to unfunded commitments to extend credit, including loan commitments, standby letters of credit, and other similar instruments. It modified the impairment model for available-for-sale debt securities and provided for a simplified accounting model for purchased financial assets with credit deterioration since their origination.  It also modified the measurement principles for modifications of loans to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty, including how the allowance for credit losses (ACL) is measured for such loans.

The amendments of ASC 326, upon adoption, were applied on a modified retrospective basis, recording an increase in the reported balance of loans and the allowance for credit losses on loans, recognizing a liability for credit losses on commitments to extend credit, and reducing total equity of both the Corporation and of C&F Bank, which resulted in a reduction of regulatory capital of C&F Bank.  As a result of adopting ASC 326, the Corporation recorded a decrease to opening retained earnings of $1.1 million.

ASC 326 also replaced the Corporation’s previous accounting policies for purchased credit-impaired (PCI) loans and troubled-debt restructurings (TDRs). With the adoption of ASC 326, loans previously designated as PCI loans were designated as purchased loans with credit deterioration (PCD loans). The Corporation adopted ASC 326 using the prospective transition approach for PCD loans that were previously identified as PCI and accounted for under ASC 310-30. On January 1, 2023, the Corporation’s PCD loans were adjusted to reflect the addition of $604,000 of expected credit losses to the amortized cost basis of the loans and a corresponding increase to the ACL. The remaining noncredit discount, the difference between the adjusted amortized cost basis and the outstanding principal balance on PCD loans, will be accreted into interest income over the estimated remaining lives of the loans using the effective interest rate method. The evaluation of the ACL will include PCD loans together with other loans that share similar risk characteristics, rather than using the separate pools that were used under PCI accounting. The adoption of ASC 326 also replaced previous TDR accounting guidance, and the evaluation of the ACL will include loans previously designated as TDRs together with other loans that share similar risk characteristics.    

The adoption of ASC 326 did not affect the carrying value of debt securities or the amount of unrealized gains and losses recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss. Upon adoption of ASC 326, the Corporation did not have any securities included in its portfolio where other-than-temporary-impairments had previously been recognized or that required an ACL.

The following table illustrates the impact of adopting ASC 326.

December 31, 2022

January 1, 2023

January 1, 2023

As Previously

As Reported

Reported

Impact of

Under

(Dollars in thousands)

    

(Incurred Loss)

ASC 326

ASC 326

Assets:

Loans, gross

$

1,635,718

$

604

$

1,636,322

 

Allowance for credit losses:

 

Commercial

 

11,219

(22)

11,197

Consumer

3,330

107

3,437

Consumer finance

25,969

406

26,375

Allowance for credit losses

40,518

491

41,009

Loans, net

1,595,200

113

1,595,313

Net deferred tax asset

22,014

316

22,330

Liabilities:

Reserve for credit losses on unfunded commitments

1,501

1,501

Total equity:

$

196,233

$

(1,072)

$

195,161

The following accounting policies have been updated in connection with the adoption of ASC 326 and apply to periods beginning after December 31, 2022. Accounting policies applying to prior periods are described in the 2022 Annual Report, as discussed above.

Securities: Investments in debt securities are classified as either held to maturity, available for sale, or trading, based on management’s intent. Currently all of the Corporation’s debt securities are classified as available for sale. Available for sale debt securities are carried at estimated fair value with the corresponding unrealized gains and losses recognized in other comprehensive income (loss). Gains or losses are recognized in net income on the trade date using the amortized cost of the specific security sold. Purchase premiums are recognized in interest income using the effective interest rate method over the period from purchase to maturity or, for callable securities, the earliest call date, and purchase discounts are recognized in the same manner from purchase to maturity.  

Impairment of debt securities occurs when the fair value of a security is less than its amortized cost. The Corporation has elected to exclude accrued interest receivable from the amortized cost basis. For debt securities available for sale, impairment is recognized in its entirety in net income if either (i) we intend to sell the security or (ii) it is more-likely-than-not that we will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis. If, however, the Corporation does not intend to sell the security and it is not more-likely-than-not that the Corporation will be required to sell the security before recovery, the Corporation evaluates unrealized losses to determine whether a decline in fair value below amortized cost basis is a result of a credit loss, which occurs when the amortized cost basis of the security exceeds the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected from the security, or other factors such as changes in market interest rates. If a credit loss exists, an allowance for credit losses is recorded that reflects the amount of the impairment related to credit losses, limited by the amount by which the security’s amortized cost basis exceeds its fair value. Changes in the allowance for credit losses are recorded in net income in the period of change and are included in provision for credit losses. Changes in the fair value of debt securities available for sale not resulting from credit losses are recorded in other comprehensive income (loss). The Corporation regularly reviews unrealized losses in its investments in securities and cash flows expected to be collected from impaired securities based on criteria including the extent to which market value is below amortized

cost, the financial health of and specific prospects for the issuer, the Corporation’s intention with regard to holding the security to maturity and the likelihood that the Corporation would be required to sell the security before recovery.

Loans Held for Investment: The Corporation makes mortgage, commercial and consumer loans to customers. The Corporation’s recorded investment in loans that management has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity or pay-off generally is reported at the unpaid principal balances adjusted for charges-offs, unearned discounts, any deferred fees or costs on originated loans, and the allowance for credit losses. The Corporation has elected to exclude accrued interest receivable from the amortized cost basis. Interest on loans is credited to operations based on the principal amount outstanding. Loan fees and origination costs are deferred and the net amount is amortized as an adjustment of the related loan’s yield using the level-yield method. The Corporation is amortizing these amounts over the estimated life of the related loans.

Loans acquired in a business combination are recorded at estimated fair value on the date of acquisition. In the case of loans that have experienced more than insignificant deterioration in credit quality since origination as of the acquisition date, the loan’s amortized cost basis is increased above estimated fair value by the amount of expected credit losses as of the acquisition date, and a corresponding allowance for credit losses is also recorded. Any remaining non-credit discount or premium for such purchased loans with credit deterioration (or PCD loans) and any fair value discount or premium for non-PCD loans is accreted or amortized as an adjustment to yield over the estimated lives of the loans using the level-yield method. There is no allowance for credit losses established at the acquisition date for non-PCD loans.

A loan’s past due status is based on the contractual due date of the most delinquent payment due.  Loans are generally placed on nonaccrual status when the collection of principal or interest is 90 days or more past due, or earlier, if collection is uncertain based on an evaluation of the net realizable value of the collateral and the financial strength of the borrower. Any accrued interest receivable on loans placed on nonaccrual status is reversed by an adjustment to interest income.  Loans greater than 90 days past due may remain on accrual status if management determines it has adequate collateral to cover the principal and interest. For those loans that are carried on nonaccrual status, payments are first applied to principal outstanding.  A loan may be returned to accrual status if the borrower has demonstrated a sustained period of repayment performance in accordance with the contractual terms of the loan and there is reasonable assurance the borrower will continue to make payments as agreed.  These policies are applied consistently across our loan portfolio.

In the ordinary course of business, the Corporation has entered into commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit. Such financial instruments are recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets when they are funded.

Allowance for Credit Losses on Loans: The allowance for credit losses on loans is established through charges to earnings in the form of a provision for credit losses. Loan losses are charged against the allowance for credit losses for the difference between the carrying value of the loan and the estimated net realizable value or fair value of the collateral, if collateral dependent, when management believes that the collectability of the principal is unlikely. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance.

The allowance represents management’s current estimate of expected credit losses over the contractual term of loans held for investment, and is recorded at an amount that, in management’s judgment, reduces the recorded investment in loans to the net amount expected to be collected. No allowance for credit loss is recorded on accrued interest receivable and amounts written-off are reversed by an adjustment to interest income. Management’s judgment in determining the level of the allowance is based on evaluations of historical loan losses, current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts relevant to the collectability of loans. Loans that share common risk characteristics are evaluated collectively using a discounted cash flow approach for all loans except for overdraft balances, which are evaluated using a loss rate approach.  The discounted cash flow approach used by the Corporation utilizes loan-level cash flow projections and pool-level assumptions.

For commercial (except for loans to states and political subdivisions) and consumer loans, cash flow projections and estimated expected losses are based in part on twelve-month forecasts of the national unemployment rate that are reasonable and supportable and external observations of historical loan losses. Forecasts of the national unemployment rate are derived from the Federal Open Markets Committee of the Federal Reserve Board and incorporated into the estimate of expected credit losses using a statistical regression analysis. For periods beyond those for which reasonable and

supportable forecasts are available, projections are based on a reversion of the national unemployment rate from the last forecast to a historical average level over the following six months. Cash flow projections and estimated expected losses for loans to states and political subdivisions are based on external loss observations for state and municipal debt obligations. For consumer finance loans, cash flow projections and estimated expected losses reflect historical average loss experience based on internal observations for auto loans and based on external loss observations for marine and recreational vehicle loans.

Management’s estimate of the allowance for credit losses on loans that are collectively evaluated also includes a qualitative assessment of available information relevant to assessing collectability that is not captured in the loss estimation process. Factors considered by management include changes and expected changes in general market, economic and business conditions; the nature and volume of the loan portfolio; the volume and severity of delinquencies and adversely classified loan balances and the value of underlying collateral. This evaluation is inherently subjective, as it requires estimates that are susceptible to significant revision as more information becomes available.  The evaluation also considers the following risk characteristics that are inherent in the loan portfolio:

Commercial loans are comprised of mortgage loans on commercial real estate, real estate acquisition, development and constructions loans, and other business lending, and carry risks associated with the successful operation of a business or a real estate project and changes in the value of collateral. In addition to other risks associated with the ownership of real estate, the repayment of these loans may be dependent upon the profitability and cash flows of the business or project. Construction loans, which include loans to individuals for the construction of a residence that generally will be occupied by the borrower, also bear the risk that the general contractor, who may or may not be a loan customer, may be unable to finish the construction project as planned because of financial pressure unrelated to the project. In addition, there is risk associated with the value of collateral other than real estate which may depreciate over time and cannot be appraised with as much precision.
Consumer loans are comprised primarily of residential mortgage loans and home equity lines secured by residential real estate and carry risks associated with the continued credit-worthiness of the borrower and changes in the value of the collateral.
Consumer finance loans are comprised of indirect financing for purchases of automobiles and marine and recreational vehicles (RVs) and carry risks associated with the continued credit-worthiness of the borrower and changes in the value of the collateral, which are typically rapidly-depreciating vehicles. Consumer finance loans are more likely than real estate loans to be immediately adversely affected by job loss, divorce, illness or personal bankruptcy.

Loans that do not share common risk characteristics with other loans are evaluated individually and are not included in the collective analysis. The allowance for credit losses on loans that are individually evaluated may be estimated based on their expected cash flows, or, in the case of loans for which repayment is expected substantially through the operation or sale of collateral when the borrower is experiencing financial difficulty, may be measured based on the fair value of the collateral less estimated costs to sell.

Reserve for Unfunded Commitments: The Corporation records a reserve, reported in other liabilities, for expected credit losses on commitments to extend credit that are not unconditionally cancelable by the Corporation.  The reserve for unfunded commitments is measured based on the principles utilized in estimating the allowance for credit losses on loans and an estimate of the amount of unfunded commitments expected to be advanced. Changes in the reserve for unfunded commitments are recorded through the provision for credit losses.

Recent Significant Accounting Pronouncements: In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04, “Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848) – Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting.”  Subsequently, the FASB issued ASU 2022-06, “Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Deferral of the Sunset Date of Topic 848. This guidance provides temporary, optional expedients and exceptions to ease the potential burden in accounting for modifications of loan contracts, borrowings, hedging relationships and other transactions related to reference rate reform associated with the LIBOR transition if certain criteria are met. The amendments are effective as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2024 and can be adopted at an instrument level. The Corporation has utilized certain optional expedients and exceptions

under Topic 848 in the case of modifications to certain loans, borrowings and cash flow hedges during 2022 and 2023. These modifications have not had and are not expected to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

Other accounting standards that have been issued by the FASB or other standards-setting bodies are not currently expected to have a material effect on the Corporation’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.