The following describes the distinction between originated, acquired and covered loan portfolios and certain significant accounting policies relevant to each of these portfolios.

Loans originated for investment are stated at their principal amount outstanding adjusted for partial charge-offs, the reserve for loan losses and net deferred loan fees and costs. Interest income on loans is accrued over the term of the loans. Interest is not accrued on loans where collectability is uncertain. Accrued interest on loans is presented in "Other assets" on the condensed consolidated balance sheet. Loan origination fees and certain direct costs incurred to extend credit are deferred and amortized over the term of the loan as an adjustment to the related loan yield.

 

 

The reserve for loan losses represents management’s estimate of known and inherent losses in the loan portfolio as of the condensed consolidated balance sheet date and is recorded as a reduction to loans. The reserve for loan losses is increased by charges to operating expense through the loan loss provision, and decreased by loans charged-off, net of recoveries. The reserve for loan losses requires complex subjective judgments as a result of the need to make estimates about matters that are uncertain. The reserve for loan losses is maintained at a level currently considered adequate to provide for potential loan losses based on management’s assessment of various factors affecting the loan portfolio.

 

However, the reserve for loan losses is based on estimates and actual losses may vary from the current estimates. These estimates are reviewed periodically, and, as adjustments become necessary, they are reported in earnings in the periods in which they become known. Therefore, management cannot provide assurance that, in any particular period, the Company will not have significant losses in relation to the amount reserved. The level of the reserve for loan losses is also determined after consideration of bank regulatory guidance and recommendations and is subject to review by such regulatory authorities who may require increases or decreases to the reserve based on their evaluation of the information available to them at the time of their examinations of the Bank.

For purposes of assessing the appropriate level of the reserve for loan losses, the Company analyzes loans and commitments to loan, and the amount of reserves allocated to loans and commitments to loan in each of the following reserve categories: pooled reserves, specifically identified reserves for impaired loans, and the unallocated reserve. Also, for purposes of analyzing loan portfolio credit quality and determining the appropriate level of reserve for loan losses, the Company identifies loan portfolio segments and classes based on the nature of the underlying loan collateral.

 

The reserve for loan losses on covered loans is estimated similarly to acquired loans as described above except any increase to the reserve from a recovery or a decrease in the reserve from a charge-off is partially offset by an increase in the loss share payable (or receivable) for the portion of the losses recoverable and recoveries payable to the FDIC under the loss sharing agreements. No allowance was estimated at year-end given management's judgment that purchase discounts adequately address the estimated losses in the acquired loans.

 

The Company uses credit risk ratings, which reflect the Bank’s assessment of a loan’s risk or loss potential, for purposes of assessing the appropriate level of reserve for loan losses. The Bank’s credit risk rating definitions along with applicable borrower characteristics for each credit risk rating are as follows:

 

Acceptable

 

The borrower is a reasonable credit risk and demonstrates the ability to repay the loan from normal business operations. Loans are generally made to companies operating in an economy and/or industry that is generally sound. The borrower tends to operate in regional or local markets and has achieved sufficient revenues for the business to be financially viable. The borrowers financial performance has been consistent in normal economic times and has been average or better than average for its industry.

 

A loan can also be considered Acceptable even though the borrower may have some vulnerability to downturns in the economy due to marginally satisfactory working capital and debt service cushion. Availability of alternate financing sources may be limited or nonexistent. In some cases, the borrower’s management, may have limited depth or continuity but is still considered capable. An adequate primary source of repayment is identified while secondary sources may be illiquid, more speculative, less readily identified, or reliant upon collateral liquidation. Loan agreements will be well-defined, including several financial performance covenants and detailed operating covenants. This category also includes commercial loans to individuals with average or better than average capacity to repay.

Pass-Watch

 

Loans are graded Pass-Watch when temporary situations increase the level of the Bank’s risk associated with the loan, and remain graded Pass-Watch until the situation has been corrected. These situations may involve one or more weaknesses in cash flow, collateral value or indebtedness that could, if not corrected within a reasonable period of time, jeopardize the full repayment of the debt. In general, loans in this category remain adequately protected by the borrower’s net worth and paying capacity, or pledged collateral.

 

Special Mention

 

A Special Mention credit has potential weaknesses that may, if not checked or corrected, weaken the loan or leave the Bank inadequately protected at some future date. Loans in this category are deemed by management of the Bank to be currently protected but reflect potential problems that warrant more than the usual management attention but do not justify a Substandard classification.

 

Substandard

 

Substandard loans are those inadequately protected by the net worth and paying capacity of the obligor and/or by the value of the pledged collateral, if any. Substandard loans have a high probability of payment default or they have other well-defined weaknesses. They require more intensive supervision and borrowers are generally characterized by current or expected unprofitable operations, inadequate debt service coverage, inadequate liquidity, or marginal capitalization. Repayment may depend on collateral or other credit risk mitigants.

 

CRE and construction loans are classified Substandard when well-defined weaknesses are present which jeopardize the orderly liquidation of the loan. Well-defined weaknesses include a project’s lack of marketability, inadequate cash flow or collateral support, failure to complete construction on time, and/or the project’s failure to fulfill economic expectations. These loans are characterized by the distinct possibility that the Bank will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected.

 

In addition, Substandard loans also include impaired loans. Impaired loans bear the characteristics of Substandard loans as described above, and the Company has determined it does not expect timely payment of all contractually due interest and principal. Impaired loans may be adequately secured by collateral.