The Company accounts for MSR at fair value. The determination of fair value of our MSR requires management judgment because they are not actively traded. The determination of fair value for MSR requires valuation processes which combine the use of discounted cash flow models and extensive analysis of current market data to arrive at an estimate of fair value. The cash flow and prepayment assumptions used in our discounted cash flow model are based on empirical data drawn from the historical performance of our MSR, which we believe are consistent with assumptions used by market participants valuing similar MSR, and from data obtained on the performance of similar MSR. The key assumptions used in the valuation of MSR include mortgage prepayment speeds and the discount rate. These variables can, and generally will, change from quarter to quarter as market conditions and projected interest rates change. The key risks inherent with MSR are prepayment speed and changes in interest rates.
Reserve for Unfunded Commitments
The reserve for unfunded commitments is established through a provision for losses – unfunded commitments, the changes of which are recorded in noninterest expense. The reserve for unfunded commitments is an amount that Management believes will be adequate to absorb probable losses inherent in existing commitments, including unused portions of revolving lines of credit and other loans, standby letters of credit, and unused deposit account overdraft privileges. The reserve for unfunded commitments is based on evaluations of the collectability, and prior loss experience of unfunded commitments. The evaluations take into consideration such factors as changes in the nature and size of the loan portfolio, overall loan portfolio quality, loan concentrations, specific problem loans and related unfunded commitments, and current economic conditions that may affect the borrower’s or depositor’s ability to pay.
Off-Balance Sheet Credit Related Financial Instruments
In the ordinary course of business, the Company has entered into commitments to extend credit, including commitments under credit card arrangements, commercial letters of credit, and standby letters of credit. Such financial instruments are recorded when they are funded.
Low Income Housing Tax Credits
The Company accounts for low income housing tax credits and the related qualified affordable housing projects using the proportional amortization method. Under the proportional amortization method, the Company 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). Upon entering into a qualified affordable housing project, the Company records, in other liabilities, the entire amount that it has agreed to invest in the project, and an equal amount, in other assets, representing its investment in the project. As the Company disburses cash to satisfy its investment obligation, other liabilities are reduced. Over time, as the tax credits and other tax benefits of the project are realized by the Company, the investment recorded in other assets is reduced using the proportional amortization method.
Income Taxes
The Company’s accounting for income taxes is based on an asset and liability approach. The Company recognizes the amount of taxes payable or refundable for the current year, and deferred tax assets and liabilities for the future tax consequences that have been recognized in its financial statements or tax returns. The measurement of tax assets and liabilities is based on the provisions of enacted tax laws. 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. Although realization is not assured, management believes it is more likely than not that all of the deferred tax assets will be realized.
A tax position is recognized as a benefit only if it is “more likely than not” that the tax position would be sustained in a tax examination, with a tax examination being presumed to occur. The amount recognized is the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized on examination. For tax positions not meeting the “more likely than not” test, no tax benefit is recorded. Interest and/or penalties related to income taxes are reported as a component of noninterest income.
Earnings per Share
Basic earnings per share represents income available to common shareholders divided by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. There are no unvested share-based payment awards that contain rights to nonforfeitable dividends (participating securities). Diluted earnings per share reflects additional common shares that would have been outstanding if dilutive potential common shares had been issued, as well as any adjustments to income that would result from assumed issuance. Potential common shares that may be issued by the Company relate solely from outstanding stock options and restricted stock units, and are determined using the treasury stock method.
Revenue Recognition
The Company records revenue from contracts with customers in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification Topic 606, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” (“Topic 606”). Under Topic 606, the Company must identify the contract with a customer, identify the performance obligations in the contract, determine the transaction price, allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract, and recognize revenue when (or as) the Company satisfies a performance obligation.
Most of our revenue-generating transactions are not subject to Topic 606, including revenue generated from financial instruments, such as our loans and investment securities. In addition, certain noninterest income streams such as fees associated with mortgage servicing rights, financial guarantees, derivatives, and certain credit card fees are also not in scope of the new guidance. The Company’s noninterest revenue streams are largely based on transactional activity, or standardmonth-end revenue accruals such as asset management fees based onmonth-end market values. Consideration is often received immediately or shortly after the Company satisfies its performance obligation and revenue is recognized. The Company does not typically enter into long-term revenue contracts with customers, and therefore, does not experience significant contract balances. As of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the Company did not have any significant contract balances. The Company has evaluated the nature of its revenue streams and determined that further disaggregation of revenue into more granular categories beyond what is presented in Note 17 was not necessary. The following are descriptions of revenues within the scope of ASC 606.
Deposit service charges
The Company earns fees from its deposit customers for account maintenance, transaction-based and overdraft services. Account maintenance fees consist primarily of account fees and analyzed account fees charged on deposit accounts on a monthly basis. The performance obligation is satisfied and the fees are recognized on a monthly basis as the service period is completed. Transaction-based fees on deposit accounts are charged to deposit customers for specific services provided to the customer, such as non-sufficient funds fees, overdraft fees, and wire fees. The performance obligation is completed as the transaction occurs and the fees are recognized at the time each specific service is provided to the customer.
Debit and ATM interchange fee income and expenses
Debit and ATM interchange income represent fees earned when a debit card issued by the Company is used. The Company earns interchange fees from debit cardholder transactions through the Visa payment network. Interchange fees from cardholder transactions represent a percentage of the underlying transaction value and are recognized daily, concurrently with the transaction processing services provided to the cardholder. The performance obligation is satisfied and the fees are earned when the cost of the transaction is charged to the cardholders’ debit card. Certain expenses directly associated with the credit and debit card are recorded on a net basis with the interchange income.
Commission on sale of non-deposit investment products
Commissions on sale of non-deposit investment products consist of fees earned from advisory asset management, trade execution and administrative fees from investments. Advisory asset management fees are variable, since they are based on the underlying portfolio value, which is subject to market conditions and asset flows. Advisory asset management fees are recognized quarterly and are based on the portfolio values at the end of each quarter. Brokerage accounts are charged commissions at the time of a transaction and the commission schedule is based upon the type of security and quantity. In addition, revenues are earned from selling insurance and annuity policies. The amount of revenue earned is determined by the value and type of each instrument sold and is recognized at the time the policy or contract is written.
Merchant fee income
Merchant fee income represents fees earned by the Company for card payment services provided to its merchant customers. The Company outsources these services to a third party to provide card payment services to these merchants. The third party provider passes the payments made by the merchants through to the Company. The Company, in turn, pays the third party provider for the services it provides to the merchants. These payments to the third party provider are recorded as expenses as a net reduction against fee income. In addition, a portion of the payment received represents interchange fees which are passed through to the card issuing bank. Income is primarily earned based on the dollar volume and number of transactions processed. The performance obligation is satisfied and the related fee is earned when each payment is accepted by the processing network.
Gain/loss on other real estate owned, net
The Company records a gain or loss from the sale of other real estate owned when control of the property transfers to the buyer, which generally occurs at the time of an executed deed of trust. When the Company finances the sale of other real estate owned to the buyer, the Company assesses whether the buyer is committed to perform their obligations under the contract and whether collectability of the transaction price is probable. Once these criteria are met, the other real estate owned asset is derecognized and the gain or loss on sale is recorded upon the transfer of control of the property to the buyer. In determining the gain or loss on sale, the Company adjusts the transaction price and related gain or loss on sale if a significant financing component is present.
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