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Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Cash and Cash Equivalents

For purposes of the consolidated statements of cash flows, cash and cash equivalents include cash and amounts due from banks.

 

Interest-bearing Deposits [Policy Text Block]

Interest-Bearing Deposits

The Company invests over-night funds in interest-bearing deposits at other banks, including the FHLB, the Federal Reserve and other entities. Interest-bearing deposits are carried at cost.

 

Marketable Securities, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Securities

Certain debt securities that management has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity may be classified as “held to maturity” and recorded at amortized cost. Trading securities are recorded at fair value with changes in fair value included in earnings. Securities not classified as held to maturity or trading, are classified as “available for sale” and recorded at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses excluded from earnings and reported in other comprehensive income. The Company uses the interest method to recognize purchase premiums and discounts in interest income over the term of the securities. Gains and losses on the sale of securities are recorded on the trade date and are determined using the specific identification method.

During 2018, the Company’s held to maturity securities were re-designated as available for sale. At the time of the transfer, the re-designated securities had a fair value of $119,790 and an unrealized net gain of $1,128. The unrealized gain/loss on the re-designated securities is included in accumulated other comprehensive income, net of deferred tax.

The Company follows the accounting guidance related to recognition and presentation of OTTI. The guidance specifies that if (a) an entity does not have the intent to sell a debt security prior to recovery and (b) it is more likely than not that the entity will not have to sell the debt security prior to recovery, the security would not be considered other-than-temporarily impaired, unless there is a credit loss. When criteria (a) and (b) are met, the entity will recognize the credit component of an OTTI of a debt security in earnings and the remaining portion in other comprehensive income. For held to maturity debt securities, the amount of an OTTI recorded in other comprehensive income for the noncredit portion of a previous OTTI is amortized prospectively over the remaining life of the security on the basis of the timing of future estimated cash flows of the security.

Equity securities with readily-determinable fair values are measured at fair value using the “exit price notion”. Changes in fair value are recognized in net income. Equity securities without readily-determinable fair values are recorded as other assets at cost less impairment, if any, and adjusted for changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for identical or similar investment of the same issuer.

 

Financing Receivable, Held-for-sale [Policy Text Block]

Loans Held for Sale

Loans originated and intended for sale in the secondary market are carried at the lower of cost or estimated fair value on an individual loan basis. Net unrealized losses, if any, are recognized through a valuation allowance by charges to income. The Company releases mortgage servicing rights when loans are sold on the secondary market.

 

Financing Receivable, Held-for-investment [Policy Text Block]

Loans

The Company, through its banking subsidiary, provides mortgage, commercial, and consumer loans to customers. A substantial portion of the loan portfolio is represented by mortgage loans, particularly commercial mortgages. The ability of the Company’s debtors to honor their contracts is dependent upon the real estate and general economic conditions in the Company’s market area.

The Company’s loans are grouped into six segments: real estate construction, consumer real estate, commercial real estate, commercial non-real estate, public sector and IDA, and consumer non-real estate. Each segment is subject to certain risks that influence pricing, loan structures, approval requirements, reserves, and ongoing credit management.

Real estate construction loans are subject to general risks from changing commercial building and housing market trends and economic conditions that may impact demand for completed properties and the costs of completion. Completed properties that do not sell or become leased within originally expected timeframes may impact the borrower’s ability to service the debt. These risks are measured by market-area unemployment rates, bankruptcy rates, housing and commercial building market trends, and interest rates. Risks specific to the borrower are also evaluated, including previous repayment history, debt service ability, and current and projected loan-to value ratios for the collateral.

 

The credit quality of consumer real estate is subject to risks associated with the borrower’s repayment ability and collateral value, measured generally by analyzing local unemployment and bankruptcy trends, and local housing market trends and interest rates. Risks specific to a borrower are determined by previous repayment history, loan-to-value ratios and debt-to-income ratios.

Commercial real estate includes loans secured by multifamily residential real estate, commercial real estate occupied by the owner/borrower, and commercial real estate leased to non-owners. Loans in the commercial real estate segment are impacted by economic risks from changing commercial real estate markets, rental markets for multi-family housing and commercial buildings, business bankruptcy rates, local unemployment rates and interest rate trends that would impact the businesses housed by the commercial real estate.

Commercial non-real estate loans are secured by collateral other than real estate, or are unsecured. Credit risk for commercial non-real estate loans is subject to economic conditions, generally monitored by local business bankruptcy trends, interest rates, borrower repayment ability and collateral value (if secured).

Public sector and IDA loans are extended to municipalities and related entities. Credit risk stems from the entity’s ability to repay through either a direct obligation or assignment of specific revenues from an enterprise or other economic activity, and interest rate trends.

Consumer non-real estate includes credit cards, automobile and other consumer loans. Credit cards and certain other consumer loans are unsecured, while collateral is obtained for automobile loans and other consumer loans. Credit risk stems primarily from the borrower’s ability to repay. If the loan is secured, the company analyzes loan-to-value ratios. All consumer non-real estate loans are analyzed for debt-to-income ratios and previous credit history, as well as for general risks for the portfolio, including local unemployment rates, personal bankruptcy rates and interest rates.

Risks from delinquency trends and characteristics such as second-lien position and interest-only status, as well as historical charge-off rates, are analyzed for all segments.

Loans that management has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future, or until maturity or payoff, are reported at their outstanding unpaid principal balances adjusted for the allowance for loan losses, any purchase premium or discount, unearned income and deferred fees or costs. Interest income is accrued on the unpaid principal balance. Unearned income on dealer-originated loans and loan origination fees, net of certain direct origination costs, are deferred and recognized as an adjustment of the related loan yield using the interest method. Purchase premium or discount is recognized as an adjustment of the related loan yield using the interest method.

The Company considers multiple factors when determining whether to discontinue accrual of interest on individual loans. Generally loans are placed in nonaccrual status when collection of interest and/or full principal is considered doubtful. Interest accrual is discontinued at the time a commercial real estate loan or commercial non-real estate loan is 90 days delinquent unless the credit is well secured and in the process of collection. Loans within all loan classes that are not TDRs but that are impaired and have an associated impairment loss are placed on nonaccrual. TDRs within all classes that allow the borrower to discontinue payments of principal or interest for more than 90 days are placed on nonaccrual unless the modification provides reasonable assurance of repayment performance and collateral value supports regular underwriting requirements. TDRs within all classes that maintain current status for at least a six-month period, including history prior to restructuring, may be returned to accrual status.

All interest accrued but not collected for loans of all classes that are placed on nonaccrual or for loans charged off is reversed against interest income. Any interest payments received on nonaccrual loans of all classes are credited to the principal balance of the loan. Loans of all classes that have not been restructured and that have been designated nonaccrual are returned to accrual status when all the principal and interest amounts contractually due are current; future payments are reasonably assured; and for loans that financed the sale of OREO property, loan-to-value thresholds are met. Loans that have been restructured that have been designated nonaccrual may return to accrual status after six months of timely repayment performance. The Company reviews nonaccrual loans on an individual loan basis to determine whether future payments are reasonably assured. In order for this criteria to be satisfied, the Company’s evaluation must determine that the underlying cause of the original delinquency or weakness that indicated nonaccrual status has been resolved, such as receipt of new guarantees, increased cash flows that cover the debt service or other resolution.

A loan is considered past due when a payment of principal and/or interest is due but not paid. Credit card payments not received within 30 days after the statement date, real estate loan payments not received within the payment cycle and all other non-real estate secured loans for which payment is not made within the required payment cycle are considered 30 days past due. Management closely monitors past due loans in timeframes of 30-89 days past due and 90 or more days past due.

 

Loans and Leases Receivable, Allowance for Loan Losses Policy [Policy Text Block]

Allowance for Loan Losses

The allowance for loan losses represents management’s estimate of probable losses inherent in the Company’s loan portfolio. A provision for estimated losses is charged to earnings to establish and maintain the allowance for loan losses at a level reflective of the estimated credit risk. When management determines that a loan balance or portion of a loan balance is not collectible, the loss is charged against the allowance. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance.

Management evaluates the allowance each quarter through a methodology that estimates losses on individual impaired loans and evaluates the effect of numerous factors on the credit risk of groups of homogeneous loans.

Specific allowances are established for individually-evaluated impaired loans based on the excess of the loan balance relative to the fair value of the loan. Impaired loans are designated as such when current information indicates that it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect principal or interest when due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Loan relationships exceeding $250 in nonaccrual status or that are significantly past due, or for which a credit review identified weaknesses that indicate principal and interest will not be collected according to the loan terms, as well as TDRs, are designated impaired. This policy is applicable to all loan classes.

 

Fair value of impaired loans is estimated in one of three ways: (1) the estimated fair value (less selling costs) of the underlying collateral, (2) the present value of the loan’s expected future cash flows, or (3) the loan’s observable market value. The amount of recorded investment (unpaid principal net of any interest payments made by the borrower during the nonaccrual period and net of any partial charge-offs, accrued interest and deferred fees and costs) in a non-collateral dependent impaired loan that exceeds the fair value is accrued as estimated loss in the allowance. Impaired loans for which collection of interest or principal is in doubt are placed in nonaccrual status. For collateral-dependent impaired loans, the amount of recorded investment that exceeds the fair value is charged off.

General allowances are established for collectively evaluated loans. Collectively evaluated loans are grouped into classes based on similar characteristics. Factors considered in determining general allowances include net charge-off trends, internal risk ratings, delinquency and nonperforming rates, product mix, underwriting practices, industry trends and economic trends.

The Company’s charge-off policy meets or is more stringent than the minimum standards required by regulators. When available information confirms that a specific loan or a portion thereof, within any loan class, is uncollectible the amount is charged off against the allowance for loan losses. Additionally, losses on consumer real estate and consumer non-real estate loans are typically charged off no later than when the loans are 120-180 days past due, and losses on loans secured by residential real estate or by commercial real estate are charged off by the time the loans reach 180 days past due, in compliance with regulatory guidelines. Accordingly, secured loans may be charged down to the estimated value of the collateral, with previously accrued unpaid interest reversed. Subsequent charge-offs may be required as a result of changes in the market value of collateral or other repayment prospects.

 

Troubled Debt Restructuring [Policy Text Block]

Troubled Debt Restructurings

In situations where, for economic or legal reasons related to a borrower’s financial condition, management grants a concession to the borrower that it would not otherwise consider, the related loan is classified a TDR. These modified terms may include reduction of the interest rate, extension of the maturity date at an interest rate lower than the current market rate for a new loan with similar risk, forgiveness of principal or accrued interest or other actions intended to minimize the economic loss. TDR loans are individually measured for impairment. TDRs may be removed from TDR status, and therefore from individual evaluation, if the restructuring agreement specifies a contractual interest rate that is a market interest rate at the time of restructuring and the loan is in compliance with its modified terms one year after the restructure was completed.

 

Rate Lock Commitments [Policy Text Block]

Rate Lock Commitments

The Company enters into commitments to originate mortgage loans in which the interest rate on the loan is determined prior to funding (rate lock commitments). Rate lock commitments on mortgage loans that are intended to be sold are considered to be derivatives. The period of time between issuance of a loan commitment and closing and sale of the loan generally ranges from 30 to 60 days. The Company protects itself from changes in interest rates through the use of best efforts forward delivery commitments, by committing to sell a loan at the time the borrower commits to an interest rate with the intent that the buyer has assumed interest rate risk on the loan. As a result, the Company is not exposed to losses nor will it realize significant gains related to its rate lock commitments due to changes in interest rates. The correlation between the rate lock commitments and the best efforts contracts is very high due to their similarity.

The market value of rate lock commitments and best efforts contracts is not readily ascertainable with precision because rate lock commitments and best effort contracts are not actively traded in stand-alone markets. The Company determines the fair value of rate lock commitments and best efforts contracts by measuring the changes in the value of the underlying assets while taking into consideration the probability that the rate lock commitments will close. Because of the high correlation between rate lock commitments and best efforts contracts, no gain or loss occurs on the rate lock commitments.

 

Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Premises and Equipment

Land is carried at cost. Premises and equipment are stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is charged to expense over the estimated useful lives of the assets on the straight-line basis. Depreciable lives include 40 years for premises, 3-10 years for furniture and equipment, and 3 years for computer software. Costs of maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred and improvements are capitalized.

 

Financing Receivable, Real Estate Acquired Through Foreclosure [Policy Text Block]

Other Real Estate Owned

Real estate acquired through or in lieu of foreclosure is held for sale and is initially recorded at fair value less estimated costs to sell at the date of foreclosure, establishing the cost basis of the asset. Subsequent to foreclosure, valuations are periodically performed by management and the assets are carried at the lower of carrying amount or fair value less estimated costs to sell. Revenue and expenses from operations and changes in the valuation allowance are included in other operating expenses.

 

Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Goodwill

The Company records as goodwill the excess of purchase price over the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired. Goodwill is subject to at least an annual assessment for impairment by applying a fair value based test. The Company performs its annual analysis as of September 30 of each fiscal year. The impairment test incorporated data as of September 30, 2020.

 

The Company’s goodwill impairment analysis considered three valuation techniques appropriate to the measurement. The first technique uses the Company’s market capitalization as an estimate of fair value, the second technique estimates fair value using current market pricing multiples for companies comparable to NBI, while the third technique uses current market pricing multiples for change-of-control transactions involving companies comparable to NBI. Certain key judgments were used in the valuation measurement. Goodwill is held by the Company’s bank subsidiary. The bank subsidiary is 100% owned by the Company, and no market capitalization is available. Because most of the Company’s assets are comprised of the subsidiary bank’s equity, the Company’s market capitalization was used to estimate the Bank’s market capitalization. Other judgments include the assumption that the companies and transactions used as comparables for the second and third technique were appropriate to the estimate of the Company’s fair value, and that the comparable multiples are appropriate indicators of fair value, and compliant with accounting guidance.

Based upon data at September 30, 2020, the second test using market pricing multiples for companies comparable to NBI and the third test using current market pricing multiples for change-of control transactions involving companies comparable to NBI indicated fair value in excess of book value. However, the market capitalization test, based upon the closing price of the Company’s common stock on September 30, 2020, indicated fair value below book value. Market capitalization was measured at $164,381, compared with book value of $202,194. Management monitored the Company’s share price during the fourth quarter of 2020. The indicated market capitalization on December 31, 2020 was $201,387, exceeding book value of $200,607. Management determined that the share price at September 30, 2020 fell below book value due to temporary market forces. For this reason, and because two other tests did not indicate impairment, no impairment was assessed.

For the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, each measure indicated that the Company’s fair value exceeded its book value and no indicators of impairment for goodwill were identified.

The Company’s intangible assets became fully amortized during 2018. Acquired intangible assets (such as core deposit intangibles) are recognized separately from goodwill if the benefit of the asset can be sold, transferred, licensed, rented, or exchanged, and amortized over its useful life. The Company amortized on a straight-line basis intangible assets arising from branch purchase transactions over their useful lives, determined by the Company to be 10 to 12 years. Prior to becoming fully amortized, core deposit intangibles were subject to a recoverability test based on undiscounted cash flows, and to the impairment recognition and measurement provisions required for other long-lived assets held and used. The impairment testing showed that the expected cash flows of the intangible assets exceeded the carrying value.

 

Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, Pensions, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Pension Plan

The Company recognizes the overfunded or underfunded status of a defined benefit postretirement plan as an asset or liability in its statement of financial position and recognizes changes in that funded status in the year in which the changes occur through comprehensive income. The funded status of a benefit plan is measured as the difference between plan assets at fair value and the projected benefit obligation.

 

Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Income Taxes

Income tax accounting guidance results in two components of income tax expense: current and deferred. Current income tax expense reflects taxes to be paid for the current period by applying the provisions of the enacted tax law to the taxable income or excess of deductions over revenues. The Company determines deferred income taxes using the asset and liability (or balance sheet) method. Under this method, the net deferred tax asset or liability is based on the tax effects of the differences between the book and tax bases of assets and liabilities, and enacted changes in tax rates and laws are recognized in the period in which they occur.

Deferred income tax expense results from changes in deferred tax assets and liabilities between periods. Deferred tax assets are recognized if it is more likely than not, based on the technical merits, that the tax position will be realized or sustained upon examination. The term more likely than not means a likelihood of more than 50 percent; the terms examined and upon examination also include resolution of the related appeals or litigation processes, if any. A tax position that meets the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold is initially and subsequently measured as the largest amount of tax benefit that has a greater than 50 percent likelihood of being realized upon settlement with a taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. The determination of whether or not a tax position has met the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold considers the facts, circumstances and information available at the reporting date and is subject to management’s judgment. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance if, based on the weight of evidence available, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of a deferred tax asset will not be realized.

The Company recognizes interest and penalties on income taxes as a component of income tax expense.

 

Trust Assets and Income [Policy Text Block]

Trust Assets and Income

Assets (other than cash deposits) held by NBB’s Trust Department in a fiduciary or agency capacity for customers are not included in the consolidated financial statements since such items are not assets of the Company. Trust income is recognized on the accrual basis.

 

Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Earnings Per Common Share

Basic earnings per common share represents income available to common stockholders divided by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period.

The following shows the weighted average number of shares used in computing earnings per common share for the years indicated.

 

  

2020

  

2019

  

2018

 

Average number of common shares outstanding

  6,483,230   6,580,659   6,957,974 

 

As of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, there were no potential common shares outstanding.

 

Commitments and Contingencies, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Loss Contingencies

Loss contingencies, including claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business are recorded as liabilities when the likelihood of loss is probable and reasonably estimated. Management does not believe there are such matters that will have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements.

 

Advertising Cost [Policy Text Block]

Advertising

The Company charges advertising costs to expenses as incurred. Advertising expenses were $99 for the year ended December 31, 2020, $120 for the year ended December 2019 and $106 for the year ended December 31, 2018.

 

Revenue [Policy Text Block]

Revenue Recognition

The Company accounts for revenue associated with financial instruments, including loans and securities via the accrual method. The Company recognizes noninterest income when it satisfies commitments to customers. Please refer to Note 18: Revenue Recognition.

 

Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Use of Estimates

In preparing consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP, management is required to 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 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 loan losses, the valuation of OREO, evaluation of impairment of goodwill, and pension obligations.

Changing economic conditions, adverse economic prospects for borrowers, as well as regulatory agency action as a result of examination, could cause NBB to recognize additions to the allowance for loan losses and may also affect the valuation of real estate acquired in connection with foreclosures or in satisfaction of loans.

 

Reclassification, Comparability Adjustment [Policy Text Block]

Reclassifications

Certain amounts reported in prior years have been reclassified to conform to the current year’s presentation. These reclassifications had no effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial position, or net cash flow.

 

New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, “Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments.”  The amendments in this ASU, among other things, require the measurement of all expected credit losses for financial assets held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Financial institutions and other organizations will now use forward-looking information to better inform their credit loss estimates. Many of the loss estimation techniques applied today will still be permitted, although the inputs to those techniques will change to reflect the full amount of expected credit losses. In addition, the ASU amends the accounting for credit losses on available-for-sale debt securities and purchased financial assets with credit deterioration. The FASB has issued multiple updates to ASU 2016-13 as codified in Topic 326, including ASUs 2019-04, 2019-05, 2019-10, 2019-11, 2020-02, and 2020-03.  These ASUs have provided for various minor technical corrections and improvements to the codification as well as other transition matters.  Smaller reporting companies who file with the SEC and all other entities who do not file with the SEC are required to apply the guidance for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2022.  The Company is currently assessing the impact that ASU 2016-13 will have on its consolidated financial statements. The Company is currently assessing the impact that ASU 2016-13 will have on its consolidated financial statements. The Company’ CECL Readiness Committee is working to  address information requirements, determine methodology, research forecasts and ensure readiness and compliance with the standard. The Company has begun calculating and refining concurrent models using CECL methodology.  The Company will continue to fine tune assumptions prior to the effective date.

 

Effective November 25, 2019, the SEC adopted Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) 119. SAB 119 updated portions of SEC interpretative guidance to align with FASB ASC 326, “Financial Instruments – Credit Losses.” It covers topics including (1) measuring current expected credit losses; (2) development, governance, and documentation of a systematic methodology; (3) documenting the results of a systematic methodology; and (4) validating a systematic methodology.

In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12, “Income Taxes (Topic 740) – Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes.” The ASU is expected to reduce cost and complexity related to the accounting for income taxes by removing specific exceptions to general principles in Topic 740 (eliminating the need for an organization to analyze whether certain exceptions apply in a given period) and improving financial statement preparers’ application of certain income tax-related guidance. This ASU is part of the FASB’s simplification initiative to make narrow-scope simplifications and improvements to accounting standards through a series of short-term projects. For public business entities, the amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently assessing the impact that ASU 2019-12 will have on its consolidated financial statements.

On March 12, 2020, the SEC amended its “accelerated filer” and “large accelerated filer” definitions. The amendments increase the threshold criteria for meeting these filer classifications and were effective on April 27, 2020. Any changes in filer status are to be applied beginning with the filer’s first annual report filed with the SEC subsequent to the effective date. Prior to these changes, the Company was required to comply with section 404(b) of the Sarbanes Oxley Act concerning auditor attestation over internal control over financial reporting as an “accelerated filer” as it had more than $75 million in public float but less than $700 million at the end of the Company’s most recent second quarter.  The rule revises the definition of “smaller reporting companies” to include entities with public float of less than $700 million and less than $100 million in annual revenues.  The Company meets this expanded category of small reporting company and will no longer be considered an accelerated filer.  If the Company’s annual revenues exceed $100 million, its category will change back to “accelerated filer”.  The classifications of “accelerated filer” and “large accelerated filer” require a public company to obtain an auditor attestation concerning the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting (“ICFR”) and include the opinion on ICFR in its annual report on Form 10-K.  Non-accelerated filers also have additional time to file quarterly and annual financial statements.  All public companies are required to obtain and file annual financial statement audits, as well as provide management’s assertion on effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, but the external auditor attestation of internal control over financial reporting is not required for non-accelerated filers.  As the Bank has total assets exceeding $1.0 billion, it remains subject to FDICIA, which requires an auditor attestation concerning internal controls over financial reporting.  As such, other than the additional time provided to file quarterly and annual financial statements, this change does not significantly change the Company’s annual reporting and audit requirements.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-14, “Compensation—Retirement Benefits—Defined Benefit Plans—General (Subtopic 715-20): Disclosure Framework—Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans.”  These amendments modify the disclosure requirements for employers that sponsor defined benefit pension or other postretirement plans. Certain disclosure requirements have been deleted while the following disclosure requirements have been added: the weighted-average interest crediting rates for cash balance plans and other plans with promised interest crediting rates and an explanation of the reasons for significant gains and losses related to changes in the benefit obligation for the period. The amendments also clarify the disclosure requirements in paragraph 715-20-50-3, which state that the following information for defined benefit pension plans should be disclosed: The projected benefit obligation (“PBO”) and fair value of plan assets for plans with PBOs in excess of plan assets and the accumulated benefit obligation (“ABO”) and fair value of plan assets for plans with ABOs in excess of plan assets. The amendments are effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2020. Early adoption is permitted.  The Company does not expect the adoption of ASU 2018-14 to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

 

Recently Adopted Accounting Developments

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, “Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350) - Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment” (“ASU 2017-04”). ASU 2017-04 simplifies the accounting for goodwill impairment for all entities by requiring impairment charges to be based on the first step in the previous two-step impairment test. Under the new guidance, if a reporting unit’s carrying amount exceeds its fair value, an entity will record an impairment charge based on that difference. The impairment charge will be limited to the amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. The standard eliminates the prior requirement to calculate a goodwill impairment charge using Step 2, which requires an entity to calculate any impairment charge by comparing the implied fair value of goodwill with its carrying amount. ASU 2017-04 was effective for the Company on January 1, 2020. The adoption of ASU 2017-04 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, “Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820) - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement” (“ASU 2018-13”). ASU 2018-13 modifies the disclosure requirements on fair value measurements by requiring that Level 3 fair value disclosures include the range and weighted average of significant unobservable inputs used to develop those fair value measurements. For certain unobservable inputs, an entity may disclose other quantitative information in lieu of the weighted average if the entity determines that other quantitative information would be a more reasonable and rational method to reflect the distribution of unobservable inputs used to develop Level 3 fair value measurements. Certain disclosure requirements in Topic 820 were also removed or modified. ASU 2018-13 was effective for the Company on January 1, 2020. The adoption of ASU 2018-13 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In March 2020 (revised in April 2020), various regulatory agencies, including the Federal Reserve, FDIC and the OCC issued an interagency statement on loan modifications and reporting for financial institutions working with customers affected by COVID-19. The interagency statement was effective immediately and impacted accounting for loan modifications. Under ASC 310-40, “Receivables – Troubled Debt Restructurings by Creditors” (“ASC 310-40”), a restructuring of debt constitutes a TDR if the creditor, for economic or legal reasons related to the debtor’s financial difficulties, grants a concession to the debtor that it would not otherwise consider. The agencies confirmed with the staff of the FASB that short-term modifications made on a good faith basis in response to COVID-19 to borrowers who were current prior to any relief, are not to be considered TDRs. This includes short-term (e.g., six months) modifications such as payment deferrals, fee waivers, extensions of repayment terms, or other delays in payment that are insignificant. Borrowers considered current are those that are less than 30 days past due on their contractual payments at the time a modification program is implemented.   In August 2020, a joint statement on additional loan modifications was issued.  Among other things, the Interagency Statement addresses accounting and regulatory reporting considerations for loan modifications, including those accounted for under Section 4013 of the CARES Act.  The CARES Act was signed into law on March 27, 2020 to help support individuals and businesses through loans, grants, tax changes and other types of relief.  The most significant impacts of the CARES Act related to accounting for loan modifications and establishment of the PPP.  On December 21, 2020, the Appropriations Act was passed.  The Appropriations Act extends or modifies many of the relief programs first created by the CARES Act, including the PPP and treatment of certain loan modifications related to the COVID-19 pandemic.   The Company participated in the PPP and provided modifications that qualified under Section 4013 of the CARES act.  Details on the Company’s modifications and PPP loans can be found in Note 5: Allowance for Loan Losses, Nonperforming Assets and Impaired Loans and Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

 

Risks and Uncertainties [Policy Text Block]

Risks and Uncertainties

The outbreak of COVID-19 has adversely impacted a broad range of industries in which the Company’s customers operate and could impair their ability to fulfill their financial obligations to the Company.  The World Health Organization declared COVID-19 to be a global pandemic and almost all public commerce and related business activities have been, to varying degrees, curtailed in order to reduce the rate of new infections. The pandemic and efforts to reduce its spread have caused significant disruptions in the U.S. economy and negatively impacted financial activity in the Company’s market.  The Company’s employees have not experienced a high level of infection, however a large outbreak amongst employees could create widespread business continuity issues for the Company.

The Congress of the United States, along with the President of the United States and the Federal Reserve have taken historic actions. Most notably, the CARES Act was signed into law at the end of March 2020 and provided $2 trillion to cushion the economic fallout. The CARES Act employed various measures in an attempt to prevent a severe economic downturn, including direct financial aid to American families and economic stimulus to significantly impacted industry sectors. The package also included extensive emergency funding for hospitals and providers.  Certain provisions of the CARES Act as well as other recent legislative and regulatory relief efforts have had and are expected to have a material impact on the Company’s operations. 

The Company’s business is dependent upon the willingness and ability of its employees and customers to conduct banking and other financial transactions.  If the global response to contain COVID-19 escalates further or is unsuccessful, the Company could experience a material adverse effect on its business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. While it is not possible to know the full extent of the impact COVID-19 will have on the Company’s operations, the Company is disclosing potentially material items of which it is aware.

 

Financial position and results of operations

The Company’s fee income has been negatively impacted during 2020 and may experience further declines. Deposit customers have reduced instances of overdraft activity, reducing this fee source. Additionally, the Company may waive various deposit and lending fees for customers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Company is continuously monitoring the situation and expects to continue to work with affected customers throughout the crisis in order to preserve its customer base. The Company will resume normal practices related to fees when the crisis eases. At this time, the Company is unable to project the materiality of such an impact, but recognizes the economic impact on fee income will extend to future periods.

The Company’s interest income has declined during 2020 and the Company expects that interest income may continue at a lower than normal level. The decline stems from the low rate environment and accommodations the Company provided to qualifying borrowers experiencing pandemic related financial distress. To ease the impact of the pandemic, the Federal Reserve cut rates in March 2020. Low rates have resulted in lower pricing on new loans and a large increase in refinancing activity.

In keeping with guidance from regulators, the Company has actively worked with COVID-19 affected borrowers to provide short-term payment relief, including providing payment extensions, interest-only periods and rate reductions. For certain real estate secured loans, payment extensions result in reversal of previously accrued interest, immediately reducing interest income. Interest begins accruing again at the next payment date and the reversed interest will be recognized at the end of the loan term. Accrued interest on other loans is not reversed when the payment is extended. If eventual credit losses are identified on any loan that has received a payment extension or interest only period, interest and fee income accrued pursuant to GAAP accounting would be reversed at the time the loss is identified. In such a scenario, interest income in future periods could be negatively impacted. At this time, the Company is unable to project the materiality of such an impact, but recognizes economic declines may affect its borrowers’ ability to repay in future periods.

 

Capital and Liquidity

While the Company believes that it has sufficient capital to withstand an extended economic recession brought about by COVID-19, its reported and regulatory capital ratios could be adversely impacted by further credit losses.

The Company maintains access to multiple sources of liquidity. Wholesale funding markets are currently available to the Company. If the uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic results in volatile or elevated funding costs for an extended period of time and if it becomes necessary for the Company to access wholesale funding, the Company’s net interest margin could be adversely affected. Currently, depositors have responded to the pandemic by increasing deposits, however if an extended recession causes large numbers of the Company’s deposit customers to withdraw their funds, the Company might become more reliant on volatile or more expensive sources of funding.

 

Asset valuation

Currently, the Company does not expect COVID-19 to affect its ability to account timely for the assets on its balance sheet; however if the impact of the pandemic worsens, valuation procedures in future periods could be negatively affected. While certain valuation assumptions and judgments will change to account for pandemic-related circumstances, such as widening credit spreads, the Company does not anticipate significant changes in methodology used to determine the fair value of assets measured in accordance with GAAP.

The Company tests goodwill for impairment annually, usually during the fourth quarter using September 30 information, unless facts and circumstances indicate the need for more frequent impairment testing. Impairment testing considers three techniques. The first technique uses the Company’s market capitalization as an estimate of fair value; the second technique estimates fair value using current market pricing multiples for companies comparable to the Company; while the third technique uses current market pricing multiples for change-of-control transactions involving companies comparable to the Company.

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant stock market volatility which adversely impacted the Company’s stock price. As a result of this volatility and impact on the market, management determined that a triggering event occurred. Management performed an interim quantitative goodwill impairment analysis as of March 31, 2020 and June 30, 2020. Management contracted an independent third party expert to perform a quantitative goodwill impairment analysis as of September 30, 2020 during the fourth quarter 2020.

If in the future the pandemic or other adverse events cause a sustained decline in the Company’s stock price or the occurrence of what management deems to be a triggering event, under certain circumstances prescribed by GAAP, the Company will perform goodwill impairment testing as needed, which may be more frequently than annually. In the event that testing indicates that all or a portion of goodwill is impaired, a non-cash charge for the amount of such impairment would be recorded to earnings.

 

Processes, controls and business continuity plan

In response to the pandemic, the Company deployed its business continuity plan, including a remote working strategy for certain employees. The Company does not anticipate incurring additional material cost related to its continued deployment of the remote working strategy. The Company has assessed the risks associated with the remote working strategy and implemented mitigation strategies. No material operational or internal control challenges or risks have been identified to date. The Company does not anticipate significant challenges to its ability to maintain its systems and controls in light of the measures the Company has taken to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The Company does not currently face any material resource constraint through the implementation of its business continuity plans.

 

Lending operations and accommodations to borrowers

In keeping with regulatory guidance to work with borrowers during this unprecedented situation and as outlined in the CARES Act, the Company has provided modifications for its borrowers who are adversely affected by the pandemic.  Depending on the demonstrated need of the borrower, the Company has provided payment extensions, granted periods of interest only payments to otherwise amortizing loans, and interest rate reductions.  As of December 31, 2020, the Company has provided COVID-19 related accommodations on 388 loans with aggregate outstanding loan balances of $182,829.  In accordance with the CARES Act and interagency guidance issued in March 2020 and revised in April 2020, these short term extensions are not considered TDRs.  The Company is monitoring loans with payment extensions, with special attention to loans with payment extensions that exceed 90 days, as well as subsequent requests for modifications to determine whether changes in risk rates, accrual status or TDR status is warranted.

With the passage of the PPP, administered by the SBA, the Company is actively participating in assisting its customers through the program.  Most of the PPP loans the Company made have a two-year term and earn interest at 1%. Guidance issued by the SBA during the second wave of funding provided terms of up to five years.  If borrowers request a change from two years to five years, the Company will likely grant the request.  The Company believes that the majority of these loans will ultimately be forgiven by the SBA in accordance with the terms of the program.  As of December 31, 2020, the Company holds $35,992 in PPP loans, net of deferred fees and costs.  It is the Company’s understanding that loans funded through the PPP program are fully guaranteed by the U.S. government. Should those circumstances change, the Company could be required to establish additional allowance for loan loss through provision for loan loss charged to earnings.

 

Credit

The Company is working with customers directly affected by COVID-19, providing short-term assistance in accordance with regulator guidelines. As a result of the current economic environment caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company is engaging in more frequent communication with borrowers to better understand their situation and the challenges faced, allowing it to respond proactively as needs and issues arise. Should economic conditions worsen, the Company could experience further increases in its required allowance for loan loss and record additional loan loss expense. It is possible that the Company’s asset quality measures could worsen at future measurement periods if effects of the COVID-19 pandemic are prolonged.