| SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES |
Note 1
SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Nature of Operations
Capital City Bank Group, Inc. (“CCBG”) provides a full range of banking and banking-related services to individual and corporate clients through its subsidiary, Capital City Bank, with banking offices located in Florida, Georgia, and Alabama. The Company is subject to competition from other financial institutions, is subject to regulation by certain government agencies and undergoes periodic examinations by those regulatory authorities.
Basis of Presentation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of CCBG and its wholly owned subsidiary, Capital City Bank (“CCB” or the “Bank” and together with CCBG, the “Company ”). All material inter-company transactions and accounts have been eliminated in consolidation.
The Company, which operates a single reportable business segment that is comprised of commercial banking within the states of Florida, Georgia, and Alabama, follows accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and reporting practices applicable to the banking industry. The principles which materially affect the financial position, results of operations and cash flows are summarized below.
The Company determines whether it has a controlling financial interest in an entity by first evaluating whether the entity is a voting interest entity or a variable interest entity under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Voting interest entities are entities in which the total equity investment at risk is sufficient to enable the entity to finance itself independently and provide the equity holders with the obligation to absorb losses, the right to receive residual returns and the right to make decisions about the entity’s activities. The Company consolidates voting interest entities in which it has all, or at least a majority of, the voting interest. As defined in applicable accounting standards, variable interest entities (“VIE’s”) are entities that lack one or more of the characteristics of a voting interest entity. A controlling financial interest in an entity is present when an enterprise has a variable interest, or a combination of variable interests, that will absorb a majority of the entity’s expected losses, receive a majority of the entity’s expected residual returns, or both. The enterprise with a controlling financial interest, known as the primary beneficiary, consolidates the VIE. Two of CCBG's wholly owned subsidiaries, CCBG Capital Trust I (established November 1, 2004) and CCBG Capital Trust II (established May 24, 2005) are VIEs for which the Company is not the primary beneficiary. Accordingly, the accounts of these entities are not included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
Certain previously reported amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year’s presentation. The Company has evaluated subsequent events for potential recognition and/or disclosure through the date the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K were filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could vary from these estimates. Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant changes in the near-term relate to the determination of the allowance for loan losses, pension expense, income taxes, loss contingencies, valuation of other real estate owned, and valuation of goodwill and their respective analysis of impairment.
Business Combination
On March 1, 2020, CCB completed its acquisition of a 51
% membership interest in
Brand Mortgage Group, LLC
which is now operated as Capital City Home Loans (“CCHL”). CCHL was consolidated into CCBG’s financial statements effective March 1, 2020. Assets acquired totaled $ 52
million (consisting primarily of loans held for sale) and liabilities assumed
totaled $
42
million (consisting primarily of warehouse line borrowings). The primary reasons for the acquisition and strategic
alliance with Brand was to gain access to an expanded residential mortgage product line-up and investor base (including a mandatory delivery channel for loan sales), to hedge our net interest income business and to generate other operational synergies and cost savings. CCB made a $ 7.1
million cash payment for its
51
% membership interest and entered into a buyout agreement
for the remaining
49
% noncontrolling interest resulting in temporary equity with a fair value of $ 7.4
million. Goodwill totaling
$
4.3
million was recorded in connection with this acquisition. Factors that contributed to the purchase price resulting in goodwill
include Brand’s strong management team and expertise in the mortgage industry, historical record of earnings, and operational synergies created as part of the strategic alliance. At December 31, 2020, $ 9.3
million was reclassified from permanent equity to
temporary equity which reflects the increase in the redemption value of the 49
% noncontrolling interest under the terms of the
buyout agreement.
Adoption of New Accounting Standard
On January 1, 2020, the Company adopted ASU 2016 -13 Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments
, which replaces the incurred loss methodology with an expected loss methodology that is referred to as the current expected credit loss (“CECL”) methodology. The measurement of expected credit losses under the CECL methodology is applicable to financial assets measured at amortized cost, including loan receivables and held-to-maturity debt securities. It also applies to off-balance sheet credit exposures not accounted for as insurance (loan commitments, standby letters of credit, financial guarantees, and other similar instruments). In addition, ASC 326-30 provides a new credit loss model for available-for-sale debt securities. The most significant change requires credit losses to be presented as an allowance rather than as a write-down on available-for-sale debt securities that management does not intend to sell or believes that it is not more likely than not they will be required to sell. The Company adopted ASC 326 using the modified retrospective method for all financial assets measured at amortized cost and off -balance sheet credit exposures.
Our accounting policies changed significantly with the adoption of CECL on January 1, 2020. Prior to January 1, 2020, allowances were based on incurred credit losses in accordance with accounting policies disclosed in Note 1 of the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2019 Form 10-K. The adoption of ASC 326 (“CECL”) had an impact of $ 4.0
3.3
million increase in the allowance for credit losses and $ 0.7
million increase in the allowance for unfunded loan commitments
(liability account)) that was offset by a corresponding decrease in retained earnings of $ 3.1
0.9
deferred tax assets. The increase in the allowance for credit losses required under the ASC 326 generally reflected the impact of reserves calculated over the life of loan, and more specifically higher reserves required for longer duration loan portfolios, and the utilization of a longer historical look-back period in the calculation of loan loss rates (loss given default). Upon analyzing the debt security portfolios, the Company determined that no allowance was required as these debt securities are government guaranteed treasuries or government agency-backed securities for which the risk of loss was deemed minimal. Further, certain municipal debt securities held by the Company have been pre-refunded and secured by government guaranteed treasuries.
The following table illustrates the impact of adopting ASC 326 on January 1, 2020.
As Reported
Impact of
Under
Pre-ASC 326
ASC 326
(Dollars in Thousands)
ASC 326
Adoption
Adoption
Loans:
Commercial, Financial and Agricultural
$
2,163
$
1,675
$
488
Real Estate - Construction
672
370
302
Real Estate - Commercial Mortgage
4,874
3,416
1,458
Real Estate - Residential
4,371
3,128
1,243
Real Estate - Home Equity
2,598
2,224
374
Consumer, Other Loans and Overdrafts 2,496
3,092
(596)
Allowance for Credit Losses on Loans
17,174
13,905
3,269
Other Liabilities:
Allowance for Credit Losses on Off-Balance Sheet Credit Exposures $
815
$
157
$
658
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include cash and due from banks, interest-bearing deposits in other banks, and federal funds sold. Generally, federal funds are purchased and sold for one-day periods and all other cash equivalents have a maturity of 90 days or less. The Company is required to maintain average reserve balances with the Federal Reserve Bank based upon a percentage of deposits. On March 26, 2020, the Federal Reserve reduced the amount of the required reserve balance to zero
average amount of the required reserve balance for the year ended December 31, 2019 was $ 29.7
The Company maintains certain cash balances that are restricted under warehouse lines of credit and master repurchase agreements. The restricted cash balance at December 31, 2020 was $ 0.6
Investment Securities
Investment securities are classified as held-to-maturity and carried at amortized cost when the Company has the positive intent and ability to hold them until maturity. Investment securities not classified as held-to-maturity or trading securities are classified as available-for-sale and carried at fair value. The Company determines the appropriate classification of securities at the time of purchase. For reporting and risk management purposes, we further segment investment securities by the issuer of the security which correlates to its risk profile: U.S. government treasury, U.S. government agency, state and political subdivisions, and mortgage-backed securities. Certain equity securities with limited marketability, such as stock in the Federal Reserve Bank and the Federal Home Loan Bank, are classified as available -for-sale and carried at cost.
Interest income includes amortization and accretion of purchase premiums and discounts. Realized gains and losses are derived from the amortized cost of the security sold. Gains and losses on the sale of securities are recorded on the trade date and are determined using the specific identification method. Securities transferred from available-for-sale to held-to-maturity are recorded at amortized cost plus or minus any unrealized gain or loss at the time of transfer. Any existing unrecognized gain or loss continues to be reported in accumulated other comprehensive income (net of tax) and amortized as an adjustment to interest income over the remaining life of the security. Any existing allowance for credit loss is reversed at the time of transfer.
Subsequent to transfer, the allowance for credit losses on the transferred security is evaluated in accordance with the accounting policy for held-to-maturity securities. Additionally, any allowance amounts reversed or established as part of the transfer are presented on a gross basis in the consolidated statement of income.
The accrual of interest is generally suspended on securities more than 90 days past due with respect to principal or interest. When a security is placed on nonaccrual status, all previously accrued and uncollected interest is reversed against current income and thus not included in the estimate of credit losses.
Credit losses and changes thereto, are established as an allowance for credit loss through a provision for credit loss expense.
Losses are charged against the allowance when management believes the uncollectability of an available -for-sale security is confirmed or when either of the criteria regarding intent or requirement to sell is met.
Certain debt securities in the Company’s investment portfolio were issued by a U.S. government entity or agency and are either explicitly or implicitly guaranteed by the U.S. government. The Company considers the long history of no credit losses on these securities indicates that the expectation of nonpayment of the amortized cost basis is zero, even if the U.S. government were to technically default. Further, certain municipal securities held by the Company have been pre-refunded and secured by government guaranteed treasuries. Therefore, for the aforementioned securities, the Company does not assess or record expected credit losses due to the zero loss assumption.
Impairment - Available-for-Sale Securities .
Unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities are excluded from earnings and reported, net of tax, in other comprehensive income (“OCI”). For available-for-sale securities that are in an unrealized loss position, the Company first assesses whether it intends to sell, or whether it is more likely than not it will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis. If either of the criteria regarding intent or requirement to sell is met, the security’s amortized cost basis is written down to fair value through income. For available-for-sale securities that do not meet the aforementioned criteria or have a zero loss assumption, the Company evaluates whether the decline in fair value has resulted from credit losses or other factors. In making this assessment, management considers the extent to which fair value is less than amortized cost, any changes to the rating of the security by a rating agency, and adverse conditions specifically related to the security, among other factors. If the assessment indicates that a credit loss exists, the present value of cash flows to be collected from the security are compared to the amortized cost basis of the security. 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 through a provision for credit loss expense, limited by the amount that fair value is less than the amortized cost basis. Any impairment that has not been recorded through an allowance for credit losses is recognized in other comprehensive income.
Allowance for Credit Losses - Held-to-Maturity Securities.
Management measures expected credit losses on each individual held-to-maturity debt security that has not been deemed to have a zero assumption. Each security that is not deemed to have zero credit losses is individually measured based on net realizable value, or the difference between the discounted value of the expected cash flows, based on the original effective rate, and the recorded amortized basis of the security. To the extent a shortfall is related to credit loss, an allowance for credit loss is recorded through a provision for credit loss expense.
Loans Held for Investment
Loans held for investment (“HFI”) are stated at amortized cost which includes the principal amount outstanding, net premiums and discounts, and net deferred loan fees and costs. Accrued interest receivable on loans is reported in other assets and is not included in the amortized cost basis of loans. Interest income is accrued on the effective yield method based on outstanding principal balances and includes loan late fees. Fees charged to originate loans and direct loan origination costs are deferred and amortized over the life of the loan as a yield adjustment.
The Company defines loans as past due when one full payment is past due or a contractual maturity is over 30 days late. The accrual of interest is generally suspended on loans more than 90 days past due with respect to principal or interest. When a loan is placed on nonaccrual status, all previously accrued and uncollected interest is reversed against current income and thus a policy election has been made to not include in the estimate of credit losses. Interest income on nonaccrual loans is recognized when the ultimate collectability is no longer considered doubtful. Loans are returned to accrual status when the principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current or when future payments are reasonably assured.
Loan charge-offs on commercial and investor real estate loans are recorded when the facts and circumstances of the individual loan confirm the loan is not fully collectible and the loss is reasonably quantifiable. Factors considered in making these determinations are the borrower’s and any guarantor’s ability and willingness to pay, the status of the account in bankruptcy court (if applicable), and collateral value. Charge-off decisions for consumer loans are dictated by the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council’s (FFIEC) Uniform Retail Credit Classification and Account Management Policy which establishes standards for the classification and treatment of consumer loans, which generally require charge-off after 120 days of delinquency.
The Company has adopted comprehensive lending policies, underwriting standards and loan review procedures designed to maximize loan income within an acceptable level of risk. Reporting systems are used to monitor loan originations, loan ratings, concentrations, loan delinquencies, nonperforming and potential problem loans, and other credit quality metrics. The ongoing review of loan portfolio quality and trends by Management and the Credit Risk Oversight Committee support the process for estimating the allowance for credit losses.
Allowance for Credit Losses
The allowance for credit losses is a valuation account that is deducted from the loans’ amortized cost basis to present the net amount expected to be collected on the loans. The allowance for credit losses is adjusted by a credit loss provision which is reported in earnings, and reduced by the charge -off of loan amounts, net of recoveries. Loans are charged off against the allowance when management believes the uncollectability of a loan balance is confirmed. Expected recoveries do not exceed the aggregate of amounts previously charged -off and expected to be charged-off. Expected credit loss inherent in non-cancellable off-balance sheet credit exposures is accounted for as a separate liability included in other liabilities.
Management estimates the allowance balance using relevant available information, from internal and external sources, relating to past events, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Historical loan default and loss experience provides the starting basis for the estimation of expected credit losses. Adjustments to historical loss information incorporate management’s view of current conditions and forecasts.
The methodology for estimating the amount of credit losses reported in the allowance for credit losses has two basic components: first, an asset-specific component involving loans that do not share risk characteristics and the measurement of expected credit losses for such individual loans; and second, a pooled component for expected credit losses for pools of loans that share similar
Loans That Do Not Share Risk Characteristics (Individually Analyzed)
Loans that do not share similar risk characteristics are evaluated on an individual basis. Loans deemed to be collateral dependent have differing risk characteristics and are individually analyzed to estimate the expected credit loss. A loan is collateral dependent when the borrower is experiencing financial difficulty and repayment of the loan is dependent on the liquidation and sale of the underlying collateral. For collateral dependent loans where foreclosure is probable, the expected credit loss is measured based on the difference between the fair value of the collateral (less selling cost) and the amortized cost basis of the asset. For collateral dependent loans where foreclosure is not probable, the Company has elected the practical expedient allowed by ASC 326-20 to measure the expected credit loss under the same approach as those loans where foreclosure is probable. For loans with balances greater than $
250,000
the fair value of the collateral is obtained through independent appraisal of the
underlying collateral. For loans with balances less than $ 250,000
, the Company has made a policy election to measure expected
loss for these individual loans utilizing loss rates for similar loan types. The aforementioned measurement criteria are applied for collateral dependent troubled debt restructurings.
Loans That Share Similar Risk Characteristics (Pooled Loans)
The general steps in determining expected credit losses for the pooled loan component of the allowance are as follows: ●
Segment loans into pools according to similar risk characteristics
●
Develop historical loss rates for each loan pool segment
●
Incorporate the impact of forecasts
●
Incorporate the impact of other qualitative factors
●
Calculate and review pool specific allowance for credit loss estimate
Methodology –
A discounted cash flow (“DCF”) methodology is utilized to calculate expected cash flows for the life of each individual loan.
The discounted present value of expected cash flow is then compared to the loan’s amortized cost basis to determine the credit loss estimate. Individual loan results are aggregated at the pool level in determining total reserves for each loan pool.
The primary inputs used to calculate expected cash flows include historical loss rates which reflect probabil ity of default (“PD”) and loss given default (“LGD”), and prepayment rates. The historical look-back period is a key factor in the calculation of the PD rate and is based on management’s assessment of current and forecasted conditions and may vary by loan pool. Loans subject to the Company’s risk rating process are further sub-segmented by risk rating in the calculation of PD rates. LGD rates generally reflect the historical average net loss rate by loan pool. Expected cash flows are further adjusted to incorporate the impact of loan prepayments which will vary by loan segment and interest rate conditions. In general, prepayment rates are based on observed prepayment rates occurring in the loan portfolio and consideration of forecasted interest rates.
Forecast Factors –
In developing loss rates, adjustments are made to incorporate the impact of forecasted conditions. Certain assumptions are also applied, including the length of the forecast and reversion periods. The forecast period is the period within which management is able to make a reasonable and supportable assessment of future conditions. The reversion period is the period beyond which management believes it can develop a reasonable and supportable forecast, and bridges the gap between the forecast period and the use of historical default and loss rates. The remainder period reflects the remaining life of the loan. The length of the forecast and reversion periods are periodically evaluated and based on management’s assessment of current and forecasted conditions and may vary by loan pool. For purposes of developing a reasonable and supportable assessment of future conditions, management utilizes established industry and economic data points and sources, including the Federal Open Market Committee forecast, with the forecasted unemployment rate being a significant factor. PD rates for the forecast period will be adjusted accordingly based on management’s assessment of future conditions. PD rates for the remainder period will reflect the historical mean PD rate.
Reversion period PD rates reflect the difference between forecast and remainder period PD rates calculated using a straight-line adjustment over the reversion period.
Qualitative Factors –
Loss rates are further adjusted to account for other risk factors that impact loan defaults and losses. These adjustments are based on management’s assessment of trends and conditions that impact credit risk and resulting loan losses, more specifically internal and external factors that are independent of and not reflected in the quantitative loss rate calculations. Risk factors management considers in this assessment include trends in underwriting standards, nature/volume/terms of loan originations, past due loans, loan review systems, collateral valuations, concentrations, legal/regulatory/political conditions, and the unforeseen impact of natural disasters.
Allowance for Credit Losses on Off-Balance Sheet Credit Exposures
The Company estimates expected credit losses over the contractual period in which it is exposed to credit risk through a contractual obligation to extend credit, unless that obligation is unconditionally cancellable by the Company. The allowance for credit losses on off-balance sheet credit exposures is adjusted as a provision for credit loss expense and is recorded in other liabilities. The estimate includes consideration of the likelihood that funding will occur and an estimate of expected credit losses on commitments expected to be funded over its estimated life and applies the same estimated loss rate as determined for current outstanding loan balances by segment. Off-balance sheet credit exposures are identified and classified in the same categories as the allowance for credit losses with similar risk characteristics that have been previously mentioned.
Mortgage Banking Activities
Mortgage Loans Held for Sale and Revenue Recognition
Mortgage loans held for sale (“HFS”) are carried at fair value under the fair value option with changes in fair value recorded in gain on sale of mortgage loans held for sale on the consolidated statements of income. The fair value of mortgage loans held for sale committed to investors is calculated using observable market information such as the investor commitment, assignment of trade (AOT) or other mandatory delivery commitment prices. The Company bases loans committed to Agency investors based on the Agency’s quoted mortgage backed security (MBS) prices. The fair value of mortgage loans held for sale not committed to investors is based on quoted best execution secondary market prices. If no such quoted price exists, the fair value is determined using quoted prices for a similar asset or assets, such as MBS prices, adjusted for the specific attributes of that loan, which would be used by other market participants.
Gains and losses from the sale of mortgage loans held for sale are recognized based upon the difference between the sales proceeds and carrying value of the related loans upon sale and are recorded in mortgage banking revenues on the consolidated statements of income. Sales proceeds reflect the cash received from investors through the sale of the loan and servicing release premium. If the related mortgage loan is sold servicing retained, the MSR addition is recorded in mortgage banking revenues on the consolidated statements of income. Mortgage banking revenues also includes the unrealized gains and losses associated with the changes in the fair value of mortgage loans held for sale, and the realized and unrealized gains and losses from derivative instruments.
Mortgage loans held for sale are considered sold when the Company surrenders control over the financial assets. Control is considered to have been surrendered when the transferred assets have been isolated from the Company, beyond the reach of the Company and its creditors; the purchaser obtains the right (free of conditions that constrain it from taking advantage of that right) to pledge or exchange the transferred assets; and the Company does not maintain effective control over the transferred assets through either an agreement that both entitles and obligates the Company to repurchase or redeem the transferred assets before their maturity or the ability to unilaterally cause the holder to return specific assets. The Company typically considers the above criteria to have been met upon acceptance and receipt of sales proceeds from the purchaser.
Government National Mortgage Association (GNMA) optional repurchase programs allow financial institutions to buy back individual delinquent mortgage loans that meet certain criteria from the securitized loan pool for which the institution provides servicing. At the servicer’s option and without GNMA’s prior authorization, the servicer may repurchase such a delinquent loan for an amount equal to 100 percent of the remaining principal balance of the loan. Under FASB ASC Topic 860, “Transfers and Servicing,” this buy-back option is considered a conditional option until the delinquency criteria are met, at which time the option becomes unconditional. When the Company is deemed to have regained effective control over these loans under the unconditional buy-back option, the loans can no longer be reported as sold and must be brought back onto the balance sheet, regardless of whether there is intent to exercise the buy-back option. These loans are reported in other assets with the offsetting liability being reported in other liabilities.
Derivative Instruments (IRLC/Forward Commitments)
The Company holds and issues derivative financial instruments such as interest rate lock commitments (IRLCs) and other forward sale commitments. IRLCs are subject to price risk primarily related to fluctuations in market interest rates. To hedge the interest rate risk on certain IRLCs, the Company uses forward sale commitments, such as to-be-announced securities (TBAs) or mandatory delivery commitments with investors. Management expects these forward sale commitments to experience changes in fair value opposite to the changes in fair value of the IRLCs thereby reducing earnings volatility. Forward sale commitments are also used to hedge the interest rate risk on mortgage loans held for sale that are not committed to investors and still subject to price risk. If the mandatory delivery commitments are not fulfilled, the Company pays a pair-off fee. Best effort forward sale commitments are also executed with investors, whereby certain loans are locked with a borrower and simultaneously committed to an investor at a fixed price. If the best effort IRLC does not fund, there is no obligation to fulfill the investor commitment.
The Company considers various factors and strategies in determining what portion of the IRLCs and uncommitted mortgage loans held for sale to economically hedge. All derivative instruments are recognized as other assets or other liabilities on the consolidated statements of financial condition at their fair value. Changes in the fair value of the derivative instruments are recognized in gain on sale of mortgage loans held for sale on the consolidated statements of income in the period in which they occur. Gains and losses resulting from the pairing-out of forward sale commitments are recognized in gain on sale of mortgage loans held for sale on the consolidated statements of income. The Company accounts for all derivative instruments as free- standing derivative instruments and does not designate any for hedge accounting.
Mortgage Servicing Rights (“MSRs”) and Revenue Recognition
The Company sells residential mortgage loans in the secondary market and may retain the right to service the loans sold. Upon sale, an MSR asset is capitalized, which represents the then current fair value of future net cash flows expected to be realized for performing servicing activities. As the Company has not elected to subsequently measure any class of servicing assets under the fair value measurement method, the Company follows the amortization method. MSRs are amortized to noninterest income (other income) in proportion to and over the period of estimated net servicing income, and assessed for impairment at each reporting date. MSRs are carried at the lower of the initial capitalized amount, net of accumulated amortization, or estimated fair value, and included in other assets, net, on the consolidated statements of financial condition.
The Company periodically evaluates its MSRs asset for impairment. Impairment is assessed based on fair value at each reporting date using estimated prepayment speeds of the underlying mortgage loans serviced and stratifications based on the risk characteristics of the underlying loans (predominantly loan type and note interest rate). As mortgage interest rates fall, prepayment speeds are usually faster and the value of the MSRs asset generally decreases, requiring additional valuation reserve.
Conversely, as mortgage interest rates rise, prepayment speeds are usually slower and the value of the MSRs asset generally increases, requiring less valuation reserve. A valuation allowance is established, through a charge to earnings, to the extent the amortized cost of the MSRs exceeds the estimated fair value by stratification. If it is later determined that all or a portion of the temporary impairment no longer exists for a stratification, the valuation is reduced through a recovery to earnings. An other-than- temporary impairment (i.e., recoverability is considered remote when considering interest rates and loan pay off activity) is recognized as a write-down of the MSRs asset and the related valuation allowance (to the extent a valuation allowance is available) and then against earnings. A direct write-down permanently reduces the carrying value of the MSRs asset and valuation allowance, precluding subsequent recoveries.
Derivative/Hedging Activities
At the inception of a derivative contract, the Company designates the derivative as one of three types based on the Company's intentions and belief as to the likely effectiveness as a hedge. These three types are (1) a hedge of the fair value of a recognized asset or liability or of an unrecognized firm commitment ("fair value hedge"), (2) a hedge of a forecasted transaction or the variability of cash flows to be received or paid related to a recognized asset or liability ("cash flow hedge"), or (3) an instrument with no hedging designation ("standalone derivative"). For a fair value hedge, the gain or loss on the derivative, as well as the offsetting loss or gain on the hedged item, are recognized in current earnings as fair values change. For a cash flow hedge, the gain or loss on the derivative is reported in other comprehensive income and is reclassified into earnings in the same periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. For both types of hedges, changes in the fair value of derivative s that are not highly effective in hedging the changes in fair value or expected cash flows of the hedged item are recognized immediately in current earnings. Net cash settlements on derivatives that qualify for hedge accounting are recorded in interest income or interest expense, based on the item being hedged. Net cash settlements on derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting are reported in non-interest income. Cash flows on hedges are classified in the cash flow statement the same as the cash flows of the items being hedged.
The Company formally documents the relationship between derivatives and hedged items, as well as the risk-management objective and the strategy for undertaking hedge transactions at the inception of the hedging relationship. This documentation includes linking fair value or cash flow hedges to specific assets and liabilities on the balance sheet or to specific firm commitments or forecasted transactions. The Company also formally assesses, both at the hedge's inception and on an ongoing basis, whether the derivative instruments that are used are highly effective in offsetting changes in fair values or cash flows of the hedged items. The Company discontinues hedge accounting when it determines that the derivative is no longer effective in offsetting changes in the fair value or cash flows of the hedged item, the derivative is settled or terminates, a hedged forecasted transaction is no longer probable, a hedged firm commitment is no longer firm, or treatment of the derivative as a hedge is no longer appropriate or intended. When hedge accounting is discontinued, subsequent changes in fair value of the derivative are recorded as non-interest income. When a fair value hedge is discontinued, the hedged asset or liability is no longer adjusted for changes in fair value and the existing basis adjustment is amortized or accreted over the remaining life of the asset or liability. When a cash flow hedge is discontinued but the hedged cash flows or forecasted transactions are still expected to occur, gains or losses that were accumulated in other comprehensive income are amortized into earnings over the same periods, in which the hedged transactions will affect earnings.
Long-Lived Assets
Premises and equipment is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation, computed on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives for each type of asset with premises being depreciated over a range of 10
40
years, and equipment being
depreciated over a range of
3
10
years. Additions, renovations and leasehold improvements to premises are capitalized and
depreciated over the lesser of the useful life or the remaining lease term. Repairs and maintenance are charged to noninterest expense as incurred.
Long-lived assets are evaluated for impairment if circumstances suggest that their carrying value may not be recoverable, by comparing the carrying value to estimated undiscounted cash flows. If the asset is deemed impaired, an impairment charge is recorded equal to the carrying value less the fair value.
Leases
The Company has entered into various operating leases, primarily for banking offices. Generally, these leases have initial lease terms from one to ten years. Many of the leases have one or more lease renewal options. The exercise of lease renewal options is at the Company’s sole discretion. The Company does not consider exercise of any lease renewal options reasonably certain.
Certain of the lease contain early termination options. No renewal options or early termination options have been included in the calculation of the operating right-of-use assets or operating lease liabilities. Certain of the lease agreements provide for periodic adjustments to rental payments for inflation. At the commencement date of the lease, the Company recognizes a lease liability at the present value of the lease payments not yet paid, discounted using the discount rate for the lease or the Company’s incremental borrowing rate. As the majority of the Company's leases do not provide an implicit rate, the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate at the commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments. The incremental borrowing rate is based on the term of the lease. Incremental borrowing rates on January 1, 2019 were used for operating leases that commenced prior to that date. At the commencement date, the company also recognizes a right -of-use asset measured at (i) the initial measurement of the lease liability; (ii) any lease payments made to the lessor at or before the commencement date less any lease incentives received; and (iii) any initial direct costs incurred by the lessee. Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recorded on the balance sheet. For these short-term leases, lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. At December 31, 2020, the Company had no leases classified as finance leases. See Note 7 – Leases for additional information.
Bank Owned Life Insurance (BOLI)
The Company, through its subsidiary bank, has purchased life insurance policies on certain key officers. Bank owned life insurance is recorded at the amount that can be realized under the insurance contract at the balance sheet date, which is the cash surrender value adjusted for other charges or other amounts due that are probable at settlement.
Goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of businesses acquired over the fair value of the net assets acquired. In accordance with FASB ASC Topic 350, the Company determined it has one goodwill reporting unit. Goodwill is tested for impairment annually during the fourth quarter or on an interim basis if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of the reporting unit below its carrying value. See Note 8 – Goodwill for additional information
Other Real Estate Owned
Assets acquired through, or in lieu of, loan foreclosure are held for sale and are initially recorded at the lower of cost or fair value less estimated selling costs, establishing a new cost basis. Subsequent to foreclosure, valuations are periodically performed by management and the assets are carried at the lower of carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell. The valuation of foreclosed assets is subjective in nature and may be adjusted in the future because of changes in economic conditions. Revenue and expenses from operations and changes in value are included in noninterest expense.
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 an amount or range of loss can be reasonably estimated.
Noncontrolling Interest
To the extent the Company’s interest in a consolidated entity represents less than 100% of the entity’s equity, the Company recognizes noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries. In the case of the CCHL acquisition (previously noted under Business Combination), the noncontrolling interest represents equity which is redeemable or convertible for cash at the option of the equity holder and is classified within temporary equity in the mezzanine section of the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.
The call/put option is redeemable at the option of either CCBG (call) or the noncontrolling interest holder (put) on or after January 1, 2025, and therefore, not entirely within CCBG’s control. The subsidiary's net income or loss and related dividends are allocated to CCBG and the noncontrolling interest holder based on their relative ownership percentages. The noncontrolling interest carrying value is adjusted on a quarterly basis to the higher of the carrying value or current redemption value, at the balance sheet date, through a corresponding adjustment to retained earnings. The redemption value is calculated quarterly and is based on the higher of a predetermined book value or pre-tax earnings multiple. To the extent the redemption value exceeds the fair value of the noncontrolling interest, the Company’s earnings per share attributable to common shareowners is adjusted by that amount. The Company uses an independent valuation expert to assist in estimating the fair value of the noncontrolling interest using: 1) the discounted cash flow methodology under the income approach, and (2) the guideline public company methodology under the market approach. The estimated fair value is derived from equally weighting the result of each of the two methodologies. The estimation of the fair value includes significant assumptions concerning: (1) projected loan volumes; (2) projected pre-tax profit margins; (3) tax rates and (4) discount rates.
Income Taxes
Income tax expense is the total of the current year income tax due or refundable and the change in deferred tax assets and liabilities (excluding deferred tax assets and liabilities related to business combinations or components of other comprehensive income). Deferred tax assets and liabilities are the expected future tax amounts for the temporary differences between carrying amounts and tax bases of assets and liabilities, computed using enacted tax rates. A valuation allowance, if needed, reduces deferred tax assets to the expected amount most likely to be realized. Realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of a sufficient level of future taxable income and recoverable taxes paid in prior years. The income tax effects related to settlements of share-based payment awards are reported in earnings as an increase or decrease in income tax expense.
The Company files a consolidated federal income tax return and each subsidiary files a separate state income tax return.
Earnings Per Common Share
Basic earnings per common share is based on net income divided by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period excluding non-vested stock. Diluted earnings per common share include the dilutive effect of stock options and non-vested stock awards granted using the treasury stock method. A reconciliation of the weighted-average shares used in calculating basic earnings per common share and the weighted average common shares used in calculating diluted earnings per common share for the reported periods is provided in Note 14 — Earnings Per Share.
Comprehensive Income
Comprehensive income includes all changes in shareowners’ equity during a period, except those resulting from transactions with shareowners. Besides net income, other components of the Company’s comprehensive income include the after tax effect of changes in the net unrealized gain/loss on securities available for sale and changes in the funded status of defined benefit and supplemental executive retirement plans. Comprehensive income is reported in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income and Changes in Shareowners’ Equity.
Stock Based Compensation
Compensation cost is recognized for share-based awards issued to employees, based on the fair value of these awards at the date of grant. Compensation cost is recognized over the requisite service period, generally defined as the vesting period. The market price of the Company’s common stock at the date of the grant is used for restricted stock awards. For stock purchase plan awards, a Black-Scholes model is utilized to estimate the fair value of the award. The impact of forfeitures of share-based awards on compensation expense is recognized as forfeitures occur.
Revenue Recognition
Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers ("ASC 606"), establishes principles for reporting information about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from the entity's contracts to provide goods or services to customers. The core principle requires an entity to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration that it expects to be entitled to receive in exchange for those goods or services recognized as performance obligations are satisfied.
The majority of the Company’s revenue -generating transactions are not subject to ASC 606, including revenue generated from financial instruments, such as our loans, letters of credit, and investment securities, and revenue related to the sale of residential mortgages in the secondary market, as these activities are subject to other GAAP discussed elsewhere within our disclosures. The Company recognizes revenue from these activities as it is earned based on contractual terms, as transactions occur, or as services are provided and collectability is reasonably assured. Descriptions of the major revenue-generating activities that are within the scope of ASC 606, which are presented in the accompanying statements of income as components of non-interest income are as follows:
Deposit Fees - these represent general service fees for monthly account maintenance and activity- or transaction -based fees and consist of transaction-based revenue, time-based revenue (service period), item-based revenue or some other individual attribute- based revenue. Revenue is recognized when the Company’s performance obligation is completed which is generally monthly for account maintenance services or when a transaction has been completed. Payment for such performance obligations are generally received at the time the performance obligations are satisfied.
Wealth Management - trust fees and retail brokerage fees – trust fees represent monthly fees due from wealth management clients as consideration for managing the client’s assets. Trust services include custody of assets, investment management, fees for trust services and similar fiduciary activities. Revenue is recognized when the Company’s performance obligation is completed each month or quarter, which is the time that payment is received. Also, retail brokerage fees are received from a third party broker- dealer, for which the Company acts as an agent, as part of a revenue-sharing agreement for fees earned from customers that are referred to the third party. These fees are for transactional and advisory services and are paid by the third party on a monthly basis and recognized ratably throughout the quarter as the Company’s performance obligation is satisfied.
Bank Card Fees – bank card related fees primarily includes interchange income from client use of consumer and business debit cards. Interchange income is a fee paid by a merchant bank to the card-issuing bank through the interchange network.
Interchange fees are set by the credit card associations and are based on cardholder purchase volumes. The Company records interchange income as transactions occur.
Gains and Losses from the Sale of Bank Owned Property – the performance obligation in the sale of other real estate owned typically will be the delivery of control over the property to the buyer. If the Company is not providing the financing of the sale, the transaction price is typically identified in the purchase and sale agreement. However, if the Company provides seller financing, the Company must determine a transaction price, depending on if the sale contract is at market terms and taking into account the credit risk inherent in the arrangement.
Other non-interest income primarily includes items such as mortgage banking fees (gains from the sale of residential mortgage loans held for sale), bank-owned life insurance, and safe deposit box fees none of which are subject to the requirements of ASC 606.
The Company has made no significant judgments in applying the revenue guidance prescribed in ASC 606 that affects the determination of the amount and timing of revenue from the above-described contracts with clients.
Accounting Standard Updates
ASU 2019-12,
"Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes.
ASU 2019-12 simplifies the accounting
for income taxes by eliminating certain exceptions to the guidance in ASC 740 related to the approach for intra-period tax allocation when there is a loss from continuing operations or a gain from other items and the general methodology for calculating income taxes in an interim period when a year-to-date loss exceeds the anticipated loss for the year. ASU 2019-12 also simplifies aspects of the accounting for franchise taxes and enacted changes in tax laws or rates and clarifies the accounting for transactions that result in a step-up in the tax basis of goodwill. ASU 2019-12 is effective for the Company on January 1, 2021 and is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
ASU 2020-01, "Investments - Equity Securities (Topic 321), Investments - Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323), and Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815).
ASU 2020-01 clarifies the interaction of the accounting for equity securities under Topic 321 and investments accounted for under the equity method of accounting in Topic 323 and the accounting for certain forward contracts and purchased options accounted for under Topic 815. ASU 2020-01 is effective for the Company on January 1, 2021 and is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
ASU 2020-04, "Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848).
ASU 2020-04 provides optional expedients and exceptions for applying
GAAP to loan and lease agreements, derivative contracts, and other transactions affected by the anticipated transition away from LIBOR toward new interest rate benchmarks. For transactions that are modified because of reference rate reform and that meet certain scope guidance (i) modifications of loan agreements should be accounted for by prospectively adjusting the effective interest rate and the modification will be considered "minor" so that any existing unamortized origination fees/costs would carry forward and continue to be amortized and (ii) modifications of lease agreements should be accounted for as a continuation of the existing agreement with no reassessments of the lease classification and the discount rate or re-measurements of lease payments that otherwise would be required for modifications not accounted for as separate contracts. ASU 2020-04 also provides numerous optional expedients for derivative accounting. ASU 2020-04 is effective March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. An entity may elect to apply ASU 2020-04 for contract modifications as of January 1, 2020, or prospectively from a date within an interim period that includes or is subsequent to March 12, 2020, up to the date that the financial statements are available to be issued.
Once elected for a Topic or an Industry Subtopic within the Codification, the amendments in this ASU must be applied prospectively for all eligible contract modifications for that Topic or Industry Subtopic. It is anticipated this ASU will simplify any modifications executed between the selected start date (yet to be determined) and December 31, 2022 that are directly related to LIBOR transition by allowing prospective recognition of the continuation of the contract, rather than extinguishment of the old contract resulting in writing off unamortized fees/costs. Further, ASU 2021-01, “Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Scope,” clarifies that certain optional expedients and exceptions in ASC 848 for contract modifications and hedge accounting apply to derivatives that are affected by the discounting transition. ASU 2021-01 also amends the expedients and exceptions in ASC 848 to capture the incremental consequences of the scope clarification and to tailor the existing guidance to derivative instruments.
The Company is evaluating the impact of this ASU and has not yet determined if this ASU will have material effects on the Company’s business operations and consolidated financial statements.
ASU 2020-08, “Codification Improvements to Subtopic 310-20, Receivables - Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs.” ASU 2020-
08 clarifies the accounting for the amortization of purchase premiums for callable debt securities with multiple call dates. ASU 2020-8 will be effective for the Company on January 1, 2021 and is not expected to have a significant impact on Company’s consolidated financial statements.
ASU 2020-09, “Debt (Topic 470): Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to SEC Release No. 33-10762.” ASU 2020-9
amends the ASC to reflect the issuance of an SEC rule related to financial disclosure requirements for subsidiary issuers and guarantors of registered debt securities and affiliates whose securities are pledged as collateral for registered securities. ASU 2020-09 will be effective for the Company on January 4, 2021, concurrent with the effective date of the SEC release, and is not expected to have a significant impact on Company’s consolidated financial statements.
On March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”) was signed into law. Section 4013 of the CARES Act, “Temporary Relief From Troubled Debt Restructurings,” provides banks the option to temporarily suspend certain requirements under U.S. GAAP related to troubled debt restructurings (“TDR”) for a limited period of time to account for the effects of COVID-19. To qualify for Section 4013 of the CARES Act, borrowers must have been current at December 31, 2019. All modifications are eligible as long as they are executed between March 1, 2020 and the earlier of (i) December 31, 2020, or (ii) the 60th day after the end of the COVID-19 national emergency declared by the President of the U.S. Multiple modifications of the same credits are allowed and there is no cap on the duration of the modification. See MD&A (Credit Quality/COVID-19 Exposure) for disclosure of the impact to date.
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