ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies) | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2013 |
USE OF ESTIMATES | ' |
USE OF ESTIMATES: |
|
The preparation of consolidated 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 and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. |
BASIS OF PRESENTATION | ' |
BASIS OF PRESENTATION: |
|
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiary the Bank and the Bank’s wholly-owned subsidiaries, SBT Investment Services, Inc. and NERE Holdings, Inc. SBT Investment Services, Inc. was established solely for the purpose of providing investment products, financial advice and services to its clients and the community. NERE Holdings, Inc. was established to hold real estate. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in the consolidation. |
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS | ' |
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS: |
|
For purposes of reporting cash flows, cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, cash items, due from banks, Federal Home Loan Bank interest-bearing demand and overnight deposits, Federal Reserve Bank interest-bearing demand deposits, money market mutual funds and federal funds sold. |
|
Cash and due from banks as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 includes $7,453,000 and $4,842,000, respectively, which is subject to withdrawals and usage restrictions to satisfy the reserve requirements of the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston and Bankers’ Bank Northeast. |
SECURITIES | ' |
SECURITIES: |
|
Investments in debt securities are adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts computed so as to approximate the interest method. Gains or losses on sales of investment securities are computed on a specific identification basis. |
|
The Company classifies debt and equity securities into one of three categories: held-to-maturity, available-for-sale, or trading. These security classifications may be modified after acquisition only under certain specified conditions. In general, securities may be classified as held-to-maturity only if the Company has the positive intent and ability to hold them to maturity. Trading securities are defined as those bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term. All other securities must be classified as available-for-sale. |
|
| -- | Held-to-maturity securities are measured at amortized cost in the consolidated balance sheets. Unrealized holding gains and losses are not included in earnings, or in a separate component of capital. They are merely disclosed in the notes to the consolidated financial statements. |
|
| -- | Available-for-sale securities are carried at fair value on the consolidated balance sheets. Unrealized holding gains and losses are not included in earnings but are reported as a net amount (less expected tax) in a separate component of capital until realized. |
|
| -- | Trading securities are carried at fair value on the consolidated balance sheets. Unrealized holding gains and losses for trading securities are included in earnings. |
|
For any debt security with a fair value less than its amortized cost basis, the Company will determine whether it has the intent to sell the debt security or whether it is more likely than not it will be required to sell the debt security before the recovery of its amortized cost basis. If either condition is met, the Company will recognize a full impairment charge to earnings. For all other debt securities that are considered other-than-temporarily impaired and do not meet either condition, the credit loss portion of impairment will be recognized in earnings as realized losses. The other-than-temporary impairment related to all other factors will be recorded in other comprehensive income. |
|
Declines in marketable equity securities below their cost that are deemed other than temporary are reflected in earnings as realized losses. |
|
As a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston (FHLB), the Company is required to invest in $100 par value stock of the FHLB. The FHLB capital structure mandates that members must own stock as determined by their Total Stock Investment Requirement which is the sum of a member’s Membership Stock Investment Requirement and Activity-Based Stock Investment Requirement. The Membership Stock Investment Requirement is calculated as 0.35% of a member’s Stock Investment Base, subject to a minimum investment of $10,000 and a maximum investment of $25,000,000. The Stock Investment Base is an amount calculated based on certain assets held by a member that are reflected on call reports submitted to applicable regulatory authorities. The Activity-Based Stock Investment Requirement is calculated as 3.0% for overnight advances, 4.0% for FHLB advances with original terms to maturity of two days to three months and 4.5% for other advances plus a percentage of advance commitments, 0.5% of standby letters of credit issued by the FHLB and 4.5% of the value of intermediated derivative contracts. Management evaluates the Company’s investment in FHLB stock for other-than-temporary impairment at least on a quarterly basis and more frequently when economic or market conditions warrant such evaluation. Based on its most recent analysis of the FHLB as of December 31, 2013, management deems its investment in FHLB stock to be not other-than-temporarily impaired. |
LOANS HELD-FOR-SALE | ' |
LOANS HELD-FOR-SALE: |
|
Loans held-for-sale in the secondary market are carried at the lower of cost or estimated fair value in the aggregate. Net unrealized losses are provided for in a valuation allowance by charges to operations. |
Interest income on mortgages held-for-sale is accrued currently and classified as interest on loans. |
LOANS | ' |
LOANS: |
|
Loans receivable that management has the intent and ability to hold until maturity or payoff, are reported at their outstanding principal balances adjusted for amounts due to borrowers on unadvanced loans, any charge-offs, the allowance for loan losses and any deferred fees or costs on originated loans, or unamortized premiums or discounts on purchased loans. |
|
Interest on loans is recognized on a simple interest basis. |
|
Loan origination and commitment fees and certain direct origination costs are deferred, and the net amount amortized as an adjustment of the related loan's yield. The Company is amortizing these amounts over the contractual life of the related loans. |
|
Residential real estate loans are generally placed on nonaccrual when reaching 90 days past due or in process of foreclosure. All closed-end consumer loans 90 days or more past due and any equity line in the process of foreclosure are placed on nonaccrual status. Secured consumer loans are written down to realizable value and unsecured consumer loans are charged-off upon reaching 120 or 180 days past due depending on the type of loan. Commercial real estate loans and commercial business loans and leases which are 90 days or more past due are generally placed on nonaccrual status, unless secured by sufficient cash or other assets immediately convertible to cash. When a loan has been placed on nonaccrual status, previously accrued and uncollected interest is reversed against interest on loans. A loan can be returned to accrual status when collectability of principal is reasonably assured and the loan has performed for a period of time, generally six months. |
|
Cash receipts of interest income on impaired loans are credited to principal to the extent necessary to eliminate doubt as to the collectability of the net carrying amount of the loan. Some or all of the cash receipts of interest income on impaired loans is recognized as interest income if the remaining net carrying amount of the loan is deemed to be fully collectible. When recognition of interest income on an impaired loan on a cash basis is appropriate, the amount of income that is recognized is limited to that which would have been accrued on the net carrying amount of the loan at the contractual interest rate. Any cash interest payments received in excess of the limit and not applied to reduce the net carrying amount of the loan are recorded as recoveries of charge-offs until the charge-offs are fully recovered. |
|
The Company has certain lending policies and procedures in place that are designed to maximize loan income with an acceptable level of risk. Management reviews and approves these policies and procedures on an annual basis. A reporting system is in place which provides management with frequent reports related to loan quality, loan production, loan delinquencies and non-performing or potential problem loans. |
|
Commercial and industrial loans are underwritten after evaluating historical and projected profitability and cash flow to determine the borrower’s ability to repay their obligation as agreed. Underwriting standards are designed to promote relationship banking rather than transactional banking. Commercial and industrial loans are made primarily based on the identified cash flow of the borrower and secondarily on the underlying collateral supporting the loan facility. The cash flow of the borrower may not be as expected and the collateral supporting the loan may fluctuate in value. Most commercial and industrial loans are secured by the assets being financed or other business assets such as accounts receivable and inventory and may incorporate a personal guarantee. Some loans may be made on an unsecured basis. In the case of loans secured by accounts receivable, the availability of funds for the repayment of these loans may be substantially dependent upon the ability of the borrower to collect amounts due from its customers. |
|
Commercial real estate loans are subject to the underwriting standards and processes similar to commercial and industrial loans, in addition to those underwriting standards for real estate loans. These loans are viewed primarily as cash flow dependent and secondarily as loans secured by real estate. Commercial real estate lending typically involves higher principal balances and longer repayment periods. Repayment of these loans is generally dependent upon the successful operation of the property securing the loan or the principal business conducted on the property securing the loan. Commercial real estate loans may be adversely affected by conditions in the real estate markets or the economy in general. The properties securing the Company’s commercial real estate portfolio are diverse in terms of type and geographic location. This diversification reduces the exposure to adverse economic conditions that affect any single market or industry. Management monitors and evaluates commercial real estate loans based on collateral, geography and risk-rating criteria. The Company also utilizes third-party experts to provide environmental and market valuations, in addition to economic conditions and trends within a specific industry. The Company also tracks the level of owner occupied commercial real estate loans within its commercial real estate portfolio. At December 31, 2013, approximately 82% of the outstanding principal balance of the Company’s commercial real estate loans were secured by owner-occupied properties. |
|
With respect to land developers and builders that are secured by non-owner-occupied properties that the Company may originate from time to time, the Company generally requires that the borrower have a proven record of success. Construction loans are underwritten based upon a financial analysis of the developers and property owners and construction cost estimates, in addition to independent appraisal valuations. These loans will rely on the value associated with the project upon completion. These cost and valuation estimates may be inaccurate. Construction loans generally involve the disbursement of substantial funds over a short period of time with repayment substantially dependent upon the success of the completed project. Sources of repayment of these loans would be permanent financing upon completion or sales of developed property. These loans are closely monitored by onsite inspections and are considered to be of a higher risk than other real estate loans due to their ultimate repayment being sensitive to general economic conditions, availability of long-term financing, interest rate sensitivity, and governmental regulation of real property. |
|
The Company originates consumer loans utilizing a computer-based credit-scoring analysis to supplement the underwriting process. To monitor and manage consumer loan risk, policies and procedures are developed and modified, as needed, jointly by staff and management. This continual review, coupled with the high volume of borrowers of smaller dollar loans, minimizes risk. Additionally, trend and outlook reports are reviewed by management on a regular basis. Underwriting standards for home equity loans are heavily influenced by regulatory requirements, which include but are not limited to a maximum loan-to-value of 75%, collection remedies, the number of such loans that a borrower can have at one time, and documentation requirements. |
|
The Company engages an independent loan review firm that reviews and validates the credit risk program on a periodic basis. Results of these reviews are presented to management and the Board of Directors. The loan review process complements and reinforces the risk identification process and assessment decisions made by the relationship managers and credit officer, as well as the Company’s policies and procedures. |
ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES | ' |
ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES: |
|
The allowance for loan losses is established as losses are estimated to have occurred through a provision for loan losses charged to earnings. Loan losses are charged against the allowance when management believes the uncollectability of a loan balance is confirmed. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance. |
|
The allowance for loan losses is evaluated on a regular basis by management and is based upon management’s periodic review of the collectability of the loans in light of historical experience, the nature and volume of the loan portfolio, adverse situations that may affect the borrower’s ability to repay, estimated value of any underlying collateral and prevailing economic conditions. This evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires estimates that are susceptible to significant revision as more information becomes available. |
|
General Component: |
|
The general component of the allowance for loan losses is based on historical loss experience adjusted for qualitative factors stratified by the following loan segments: residential real estate, commercial real estate, construction, commercial and consumer. Management uses a rolling average of historical losses based on a time frame appropriate to capture relevant loss data for each loan segment. This historical loss factor is adjusted for the following qualitative factors: levels/trends in delinquencies; trends in volume and terms of loans; effects of changes in risk selection and underwriting standards and other changes in lending policies, procedures and practices; experience/ability/depth of lending management and staff; and national and local economic trends and conditions. There were no changes in the Company’s policies or methodology pertaining to the general component of the allowance for loan losses during 2013. |
|
The qualitative factors are determined based on the various risk characteristics of each loan segment. Risk characteristics relevant to each portfolio segment are as follows: |
|
Residential real estate: The Company generally does not originate loans with a loan-to-value ratio greater than 80 percent without obtaining private mortgage insurance for any amounts over 80% and does not grant subprime loans. All loans in this segment are collateralized by owner-occupied residential real estate and repayment is dependent on the credit quality of the individual borrower. The overall health of the economy, including unemployment rates and housing prices, will have an effect on the credit quality in this segment. |
|
Commercial real estate: Loans in this segment are primarily income-producing properties throughout the Farmington Valley in Connecticut. The underlying cash flows generated by the properties are adversely impacted by a downturn in the economy as evidenced by increased vacancy rates, which in turn will have an effect on the credit quality in this segment. Management periodically obtains rent rolls annually and continually monitors the cash flows of these loans. |
|
Construction loans: Loans in this segment primarily include speculative real estate development loans for which payment is derived from sale of the property. Credit risk is affected by cost overruns, time to sell at an adequate price, and market conditions. |
|
Commercial loans: Loans in this segment are made to businesses and are generally secured by assets of the business. Repayment is expected from the cash flows of the business. A weakened economy, and resultant decreased consumer spending, will have an effect on the credit quality in this segment. |
|
Consumer loans: Loans in this segment are generally unsecured and repayment is dependent on the credit quality of the individual borrower. |
|
Allocated Component: |
|
The allocated component relates to loans that are classified as impaired. Impairment is measured on a loan-by-loan basis for commercial, commercial real estate and construction loans by either the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. An allowance is established when the discounted cash flows (or collateral value) of the impaired loan is lower than the carrying value of that loan. Large groups of smaller balance homogeneous loans are collectively evaluated for impairment. Accordingly, the Company does not separately identify individual consumer and residential real estate loans for impairment disclosures, unless such loans are subject to a troubled debt restructuring agreement. |
|
A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect the scheduled payments of principal or interest when due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Factors considered by management in determining impairment include payment status, collateral value, and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due. Loans that experience insignificant payment delays and payment shortfalls generally are not classified as impaired. Management determines the significance of payment delays and payment shortfalls on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration all of the circumstances surrounding the loan and the borrower, including the length of the delay, the reasons for the delay, the borrower’s prior payment record, and the amount of the shortfall in relation to the principal and interest owed. |
|
The Company periodically may agree to modify the contractual terms of loans. When a loan is modified and a concession is made to a borrower experiencing financial difficulty, the modification is considered a troubled debt restructuring ("TDR"). All TDRs are initially classified as impaired. |
|
UNALLOCATED COMPONENT: |
|
An unallocated component is maintained to cover uncertainties that could affect management’s estimate of probable losses. The unallocated component of the allowance reflects the margin of imprecision inherent in the underlying assumptions used in the methodologies for estimating allocated and general reserves in the portfolio. |
PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT | ' |
PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT: |
|
Premises and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Cost and related allowances for depreciation and amortization of premises and equipment retired or otherwise disposed of are removed from the respective accounts with any gain or loss included in income or expense. Depreciation and amortization are calculated principally on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Estimated lives are 3 to 20 years for furniture and equipment. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the lesser of the life of the lease or the estimated life of the improvements. |
OTHER REAL ESTATE OWNED AND IN-SUBSTANCE FORECLOSURES | ' |
OTHER REAL ESTATE OWNED AND IN-SUBSTANCE FORECLOSURES: |
|
Other real estate owned includes properties acquired through foreclosures and properties classified as in-substance foreclosures in accordance with ASC 310-40, “Receivables – Troubled Debt Restructuring by Creditors.” These properties are carried at the lower of cost or estimated fair value less estimated costs to sell. Any writedown from cost to estimated fair value required at the time of foreclosure or classification as in-substance foreclosure is charged to the allowance for loan losses. Expenses incurred in connection with maintaining these assets, subsequent writedowns, and gains or losses recognized upon sale are included in other expense. |
|
In accordance with ASC 310-10-35, “Receivables – Overall – Subsequent Measurements,” the Company classifies loans as in-substance repossessed or foreclosed if the Company receives physical possession of the debtor’s assets regardless of whether formal foreclosure proceedings take place. |
FAIR VALUES OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS | ' |
FAIR VALUES OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS: |
|
ASC 825,“Financial Instruments,” requires that the Company disclose estimated fair values for its financial instruments. Fair value methods and assumptions used by the Company in estimating its fair value disclosures are as follows: |
|
Cash and cash equivalents: The carrying amounts reported in the balance sheets for cash and cash equivalents approximate those assets' fair values. |
|
Interest-bearing time deposits with banks: The fair values of interest bearing time deposits with banks are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses using interest rates currently being offered for deposits with similar terms to investors. |
|
Securities: Fair values for securities are based on quoted market prices, where available. If quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on quoted market prices of comparable instruments. |
|
Loans held-for-sale: Fair values for loans held-for-sale are estimated based on outstanding investor commitments, or in the absence of such commitments, are based on current investor yield requirements. |
|
Loans receivable: For variable-rate loans that reprice frequently and with no significant change in credit risk, fair values are based on carrying values. The fair values for other loans are estimated by discounting the future cash flows, using interest rates currently being offered for loans with similar terms to borrowers of similar credit quality. |
|
Accrued interest receivable: The carrying amount of accrued interest receivable approximates its fair value. |
|
Deposit liabilities: The fair values disclosed for demand deposits, regular savings, NOW accounts, and money market accounts are equal to the amount payable on demand at the reporting date (i.e., their carrying amounts). Fair values for certificates of deposit are estimated using a discounted cash flow calculation that applies interest rates currently being offered on certificates to a schedule of aggregated expected monthly maturities on time deposits. |
|
Federal Home Loan Bank advances: Fair values of Federal Home Loan Bank advances are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses based on the Company’s current incremental borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements. |
|
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase: The carrying amounts of securities sold under agreements to repurchase approximate their fair values. |
|
Off-balance sheet instruments: The fair value of commitments to originate loans is estimated using the fees currently charged to enter similar agreements, taking into account the remaining terms of the agreements and the present creditworthiness of the counterparties. For fixed-rate loan commitments and the unadvanced portion of loans, fair value also considers the difference between current levels of interest rates and the committed rates. The fair value of letters of credit is based on fees currently charged for similar agreements or on the estimated cost to terminate them or otherwise settle the obligation with the counterparties at the reporting date. |
ADVERTISING | ' |
ADVERTISING: |
|
The Company directly expenses costs associated with advertising as they are incurred. |
INCOME TAXES | ' |
INCOME TAXES: |
|
The Company recognizes income taxes under the asset and liability method. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are established for the temporary differences between the accounting basis and the tax basis of the Company's assets and liabilities at enacted tax rates expected to be in effect when the amounts related to such temporary differences are realized or settled. |
STOCK BASED COMPENSATION | ' |
STOCK BASED COMPENSATION: |
|
At December 31, 2013, the Company has stock-based employee compensation plans which are described more fully in Note 18. The Company accounts for the plan under ASC 718-10, “Compensation – Stock Compensation – Overall.” During the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, $156,000 and $82,000, respectively, in stock-based employee compensation was recognized. |
EARNINGS PER SHARE | ' |
EARNINGS PER SHARE: |
|
The Company defines unvested share-based payment awards that contain nonforfeitable rights to dividends as participating securities that are included in computing EPS using the two-class method. |
|
The two-class method is an earnings allocation formula that determines earnings per share for each share of common stock and participating securities according to dividends declared and participation rights in undistributed earnings. Under this method, all earnings (distributed and undistributed) are allocated to common shares and participating securities based on their respective rights to receive dividends. Earnings per common share is calculated by dividing earnings allocated to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. |
|
Basic EPS excludes dilution and is computed by dividing income allocated to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock or resulted in the issuance of common stock that then shared in the earnings of the entity. |
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS | ' |
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS: |
|
In December 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued ASU 2011-11, “Balance Sheet (Topic 210): Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities.” The objective of this ASU is to enhance current disclosures. Entities are required to disclose both gross information and net information about both instruments and transactions eligible for offset in the statement of financial position and instruments and transactions subject to an agreement similar to a master netting arrangement. The amendments in this ASU are effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013, and interim periods within those annual periods. An entity should provide the disclosures required by those amendments retrospectively for all comparative periods presented. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. |
|
In October 2012, the FASB issued ASU 2012-06, “Business Combinations (Topic 805): Subsequent Accounting for an Indemnification Asset Recognized at the Acquisition Date as a Result of a Government-Assisted Acquisition of a Financial Institution.” The amendments in this update clarify the applicable guidance for subsequently measuring an indemnification asset recognized as a result of a government-assisted acquisition of a financial institution. The amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years beginning on or after December 15, 2012. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. |
|
In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-02, “Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income.” The amendments in this update do not change the current requirements for reporting net income or other comprehensive income in financial statements. However, the amendments require an entity to provide information about the amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component. In addition, an entity is required to present, either on the face of the statement where net income is presented or in the notes, significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by the respective line items of net income but only if the amount reclassified is required under U.S. GAAP to be reclassified to net income in its entirety in the same reporting period. For other amounts that are not required under U.S. GAAP to be reclassified in their entirety to net income, an entity is required to cross-reference to other disclosures required under U.S. GAAP that provide additional detail about those amounts. The amendments are effective prospectively for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2012. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. |
|
In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-04, “Liabilities (Topic 405): Obligations Resulting from Joint and Several Liability Arrangements for Which the Total Amount of the Obligation Is Fixed at the Reporting Date.” The objective of the amendments in this ASU is to provide guidance for the recognition, measurement, and disclosure of obligations resulting from joint and several liability arrangements for which the total amount of the obligation within the scope of this guidance is fixed at the reporting date, except for obligations addressed within existing guidance in U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). Examples of obligations within the scope of this ASU include debt arrangements, other contractual obligations, and settled litigation and judicial rulings. The amendments in this ASU are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013; and should be applied retrospectively to all prior periods presented for those obligations resulting from joint and several liability arrangements within the ASU scope that exist at the beginning of an entity’s fiscal year of adoption. The Company anticipates that the adoption of this guidance will not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements. |
|
In April 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-07, “Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205): Liquidation Basis of Accounting.” The amendments in this ASU are being issued to clarify when an entity should apply the liquidation basis of accounting. The guidance provides principles for the recognition and measurement of assets and liabilities and requirements for financial statements prepared using the liquidation basis of accounting. Additionally, the amendments require disclosures about an entity’s plan for liquidation, the methods and significant assumptions used to measure assets and liabilities, the type and amount of costs and income accrued, and the expected duration of the liquidation process. The amendments are effective for entities that determine liquidation is imminent during annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2013, and interim reporting periods therein. Entities should apply the requirements prospectively from the day that liquidation becomes imminent. Early adoption is permitted. The Company anticipates that the adoption of this guidance will not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements. |
|
In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-10, “Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Inclusion of the Fed Funds Effective Swap Rate (or Overnight Index Swap Rate) as a Benchmark Interest Rate for Hedge Accounting Purposes.” The amendments in this ASU permit the Fed Funds Effective Swap Rate (OIS) to be used as a U.S. benchmark interest rate for hedge accounting purposes under Topic 815, in addition to Treasury Obligations of the U.S. government (UST) and the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR). The amendments also remove the restriction on using different benchmark rates for similar hedges. The amendments apply to all entities that elect to apply hedge accounting of the benchmark interest rate under Topic 815. The amendments are effective prospectively for qualifying new or redesignated hedging relationships entered into on or after July 17, 2013. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. |
|
In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-11, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists.” The amendments in this ASU provide guidance for the financial statement presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. The amendments in this ASU are expected to reduce diversity in practice by providing guidance on the presentation of unrecognized tax benefits and will better reflect the manner in which an entity would settle at the reporting date any additional income taxes that would result from the disallowance of a tax position when net operating loss carryforwards, similar tax losses, or tax credit carryforwards exist. The amendments apply to all entities that have unrecognized tax benefits when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists at the reporting date and are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013. The Company anticipates that the adoption of this guidance will not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements. |
|
In January 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-01, “Investments - Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323): Accounting for Investments in Qualified Affordable Housing Projects.” The amendments in this ASU apply to all reporting entities that invest in qualified affordable housing projects through limited liability entities that are flow-through entities for tax purposes as follows: |
|
1. | For reporting entities that meet the conditions for and that elect to use the proportional amortization method to account for investments in qualified affordable housing projects, all amendments in this ASU apply. | |
2. | For reporting entities that do not meet the conditions for or that do not elect the proportional amortization method, only the amendments in this ASU that are related to disclosures apply. | |
|
The amendments in this ASU permit reporting entities to make an accounting policy election to account for their investments in qualified affordable housing projects using the proportional amortization method if certain conditions are met. Under the proportional amortization method, an entity amortizes the initial cost of the investment in proportion to the tax credits and other tax benefits received and recognizes the net investment performance in the income statement as a component of income tax expense (benefit). For those investments in qualified affordable housing projects not accounted for using the proportional amortization method, the investment should be accounted for as an equity method investment or a cost method investment in accordance with Subtopic 970-323. The amendments in this ASU should be applied retrospectively to all periods presented. A reporting entity that uses the effective yield method to account for its investments in qualified affordable housing projects before the date of adoption may continue to apply the effective yield method for those preexisting investments. The amendments in this ASU are effective for public business entities for annual periods and interim reporting periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2014. For all entities other than public business entities, the amendments are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2014, and interim periods within annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted. The Company anticipates that the adoption of this guidance will not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements. |
|
In January 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-02, “Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Accounting for Goodwill.” The amendments in this ASU apply to all entities except for public business entities and not-for-profit entities as defined in the Master Glossary of the Accounting Standards Codification and employee benefit plans within the scope of Topics 960 through 965 on plan accounting. An entity within the scope of the amendments that elects to apply the accounting alternative in this ASU is subject to all of the related subsequent measurement, derecognition, other presentation matters, and disclosure requirements within the accounting alternative. The amendments in this ASU allow an accounting alternative for the subsequent measurement of goodwill. An entity within the scope of the amendments that elects the accounting alternative in this ASU should amortize goodwill on a straight-line basis over 10 years, or less than 10 years if the entity demonstrates that another useful life is more appropriate. An entity that elects the accounting alternative is further required to make an accounting policy election to test goodwill for impairment at either the entity level or the reporting unit level. The accounting alternative, if elected, should be applied prospectively to goodwill existing as of the beginning of the period of adoption and new goodwill recognized in annual periods beginning after December 15, 2014, and interim periods within annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015. Early application is permitted, including application to any period for which the entity’s annual or interim financial statements have not yet been made available for issuance. The Company anticipates that the adoption of this guidance will not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements. |
|
In January 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-04, “Receivables-Troubled Debt Restructurings by Creditors (Subtopic 310-40): Reclassification of Residential Real Estate Collateralized Consumer Mortgage Loans upon Foreclosure.” The objective of the amendments in this ASU is to reduce diversity by clarifying when an in substance repossession or foreclosure occurs, that is, when a creditor should be considered to have received physical possession of residential real estate property collateralizing a consumer mortgage loan such that the loan receivable should be derecognized and the real estate property recognized. The amendments in this ASU clarify that an in substance repossession or foreclosure occurs, and a creditor is considered to have received physical possession of residential real estate property collateralizing a consumer mortgage loan, upon either (1) the creditor obtaining legal title to the residential real estate property upon completion of a foreclosure or (2) the borrower conveying all interest in the residential real estate property to the creditor to satisfy that loan through completion of a deed in lieu of foreclosure or through a similar legal agreement. Additionally, the amendments require interim and annual disclosure of both (1) the amount of foreclosed residential real estate property held by the creditor and (2) the recorded investment in consumer mortgage loans collateralized by residential real estate property that are in the process of foreclosure according to local requirements of the applicable jurisdiction. The amendments in this ASU are effective for public business entities for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2014. For entities other than public business entities, the amendments in this ASU are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2014, and interim periods within annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015. An entity can elect to adopt the amendments in this ASU using either a modified retrospective transition method or a prospective transition method. The Company is reviewing this ASU to determine if there will be a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. |