Critical Accounting Policies

Management believes the policies with respect to the methodology for the determination of the allowance for credit losses, and asset impairment judgments, such as the recoverability of intangible assets and credit losses on investment securities, involve a higher degree of complexity and require management to make difficult and subjective judgments that often require assumptions or estimates about highly uncertain matters. Changes in these judgments, assumptions or estimates could cause reported results to differ materially. These critical policies and their application are periodically reviewed with the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors.

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and the Bank, which is wholly owned. All significant, intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.

Business Segments

The Company reports its activities as a single business segment. In determining the appropriateness of segment definition, the Company considers components of the business about which financial information is available and regularly evaluated relative to resource allocation and performance assessment.

Business Combinations

Generally, acquisitions are accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 805, Business Combinations. A business combination occurs when the Company acquires net assets that constitute a business, or acquires equity interests in one or more other entities that are businesses and obtains control over those entities. Business combinations are effected through the transfer of consideration consisting of cash and/or common stock and are accounted for using the acquisition method. Accordingly, the assets and liabilities of the acquired entity are recorded at their respective fair values as of the closing date of the acquisition. Determining the fair value of assets and liabilities, especially the loan portfolio, is a complicated process involving significant judgment regarding methods and assumptions used to calculate estimated fair values. Fair values are subject to refinement for up to one year after the closing date of the acquisition as information relative to closing date fair values becomes available. The results of operations of an acquired entity are included in our consolidated results from the closing date of the merger, and prior periods are not restated.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) 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 financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change relate to the determination of the allowance for credit losses and the valuation of real estate acquired in connection with foreclosures or in satisfaction of loans. In connection with the determination of the allowances for credit and foreclosed real estate losses, management obtains independent appraisals for significant properties.

Substantially all of the Bank’s loan portfolio consists of loans in its market area. Accordingly, the ultimate collectability of a substantial portion of the Bank’s loan portfolio and the recovery of a substantial portion of the carrying amount of foreclosed real estate are susceptible to changes in local market conditions. The regional economy is diverse, but influenced to an extent by the manufacturing and agricultural segments.

While management uses available information to recognize loan and foreclosed real estate losses, future additions to the allowances may be necessary based on changes in local economic conditions. In addition, regulatory agencies, as a part of their routine examination process, periodically review the Bank’s allowances for credit and foreclosed real estate losses. Such agencies may require the Bank to recognize additions to the allowances based on their judgments about information available to them at the time of their examinations. Because of these factors, it is reasonably possible that the allowances for credit and foreclosed real estate losses may change materially in the near term.

The Company seeks strategies that minimize the tax effect of implementing their business strategies. As such, judgments are made regarding the ultimate consequence of long-term tax planning strategies, including the likelihood of future recognition of deferred tax benefits. The Company’s tax returns are subject to examination by both Federal and State authorities. Such examinations may result in the assessment of additional taxes, interest and penalties. As a result, the ultimate outcome, and the corresponding financial statement impact, can be difficult to predict with accuracy.

Accounting for pension benefits, costs and related liabilities are developed using actuarial valuations. These valuations include key assumptions determined by management, including the discount rate and expected long-term rate of return on plan assets. Material changes in pension costs may occur in the future due to changes in these assumptions.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

For purposes of reporting cash flows, cash and cash equivalents includes cash and amounts due from banks (including cash items in process of collection), interest-bearing deposits with banks and federal funds sold.

Trading Securities

The Company does not hold securities for short-term resale and therefore does not maintain a trading securities portfolio.

Securities Held to Maturity

Bonds, notes, and debentures for which the Company has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are reported at amortized cost. The Company does not currently hold any securities classified as held to maturity.

Securities Available for Sale

Available for sale securities are reported at fair value and consist of mortgage-backed, U.S. government agencies, corporate, and state and municipal securities not classified as trading securities or as held to maturity securities.

Unrealized holding gains and losses, net of tax, on available for sale securities are reported as a net amount in a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income. Realized gains and losses on the sale of available for sale securities are determined using the specific-identification method. The amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts are recognized in interest income using the effective interest method over the period to maturity for discounts and the earlier of call date or maturity for premiums.

Accounting Standards Adopted in 2023

On January 1, 2023, the Company adopted ASU 2016-13 Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (“ASC 326”). This standard replaced the incurred loss methodology with an expected loss methodology that is referred to as the current expected credit loss (“CECL”) methodology. CECL requires an estimate of credit losses for the remaining estimated life of the financial asset using historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts and generally applies to financial assets measured at amortized cost, including loan receivables and held-to-maturity debt securities, and some off-balance sheet credit exposures such as unfunded commitments to extend credit. Financial assets measured at amortized cost will be presented at the net amount expected to be collected by using an allowance for credit losses. Purchased credit deteriorated (“PCD”) loans will receive an initial allowance at the acquisition date that represents an adjustment to the amortized cost basis of the loan, with no impact to earnings.

In addition, CECL made changes to the accounting for available for sale debt securities. One such change is to require credit losses to be presented as an allowance rather than as a write-down on available for sale debt securities if management does not intend to sell and does not believe that it is more likely than not, they will be required to sell.

The Company adopted ASC 326 and all related subsequent amendments thereto effective January 1, 2023 using the modified retrospective approach for all financial assets measured at amortized cost and off-balance sheet credit exposures. The transition adjustment of the adoption of CECL included an increase in the allowance for credit losses on loans of $592 thousand, which is presented as a reduction to net loans outstanding, and an increase in the allowance for credit losses on unfunded loan commitments of $313 thousand, which is recorded within Other Liabilities. The Company recorded a net decrease to retained earnings of $710 thousand as of January 1, 2023 for the cumulative effect of adopting CECL, which reflects the transition adjustments noted above, net of the applicable deferred tax assets recorded. Results for reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2023 are presented under CECL while prior period amounts continue to be reported in accordance with previously applicable accounting standards (“Incurred Loss”).

The Company adopted ASC 326 using the prospective transition approach for debt securities for which other-than-temporary impairment had been recognized prior to January 1, 2023. As of December 31, 2022, the Company did not have any other-than-temporarily impaired investment securities. Therefore, upon adoption of ASC 326, the Company determined that an allowance for credit losses on available for sale securities was not deemed necessary.

The Company elected not to measure an allowance for credit losses for accrued interest receivable and instead elected to reverse interest income on loans or securities that are placed on nonaccrual status, which is generally when the instrument is 90 days past due, or earlier if the Company believes the collection of interest is doubtful. The Company has concluded that this policy results in the timely reversal of uncollectible interest.

The allowance for credit losses is established as losses are estimated to have occurred through a provision for credit losses charged to earnings. Loan losses are charged against the allowance when management believes the loan balance, or a portion thereof, is uncollectable. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance.

The allowance for credit 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, which includes forecasted future economic conditions. This evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires estimates that are susceptible to significant revision as more information becomes available.

The adoption of ASC 326 eliminated the accounting guidance for troubled debt restructurings by creditors and enhanced the disclosure requirements for loan refinancings and restructurings made with borrowers experiencing financial difficulty. For information related to modifications made to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty after the adoption of ASC 326 and information regarding troubled debt restructurings before the adoption of ASC 326, see Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements.

Allowance for Credit Losses – Available for Sale Securities

For available for sale securities, management evaluates all investments in an unrealized loss position on a quarterly basis, and more frequently when economic or market conditions warrant such evaluation. If the Company has the intent to sell the security or it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the security, the security is written down to fair value and the entire loss is recorded in earnings.

If either of the above criteria is not met, the Company evaluates whether the decline in fair value is the result of credit losses or other factors. In making the assessment, the Company may consider various factors including the extent to which fair value is less than amortized cost, performance on any underlying collateral, downgrades in the ratings of the security by a rating agency, the failure of the issuer to make scheduled interest or principal payments and adverse conditions specifically related to the security. If the assessment indicates that a credit loss exists, the present value of cash flows expected to be collected are compared to the amortized cost basis of the security and any excess is recorded as an allowance for credit loss, limited by the amount that the fair value is less than the amortized cost basis. Any amount of unrealized loss that has not been recorded through an allowance for credit loss is recognized in other comprehensive income.

Changes in the allowance for credit loss are recorded as provision for (or reversal of) credit loss expense. Losses are charged against the allowance for credit loss when management believes an available for sale security is confirmed to be uncollectible or when either of the criteria regarding intent or requirement to sell is met. At March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, there was no allowance for credit loss related to the available for sale portfolio.

Accrued interest receivable on available for sale debt securities, which is reported in accrued interest receivable on the consolidated balance sheets, totaled $543 thousand and $641 thousand at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively and was excluded from the estimate of credit losses.

Loans Receivable

Loans that management has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity or payoff are reported at amortized cost. Amortized cost is the principal balance outstanding, net of purchase premiums and discounts and deferred fees and costs. Accrued interest receivable related to loans totaled $2.9 million and $2.8 million at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively and was reported in accrued interest receivable on the consolidated balance sheets. Interest income is accrued on the unpaid principal balance. Loan origination fees, net of certain direct origination costs, are deferred and recognized in interest income using methods that approximate a level yield without anticipating prepayments.

The accrual of interest is generally discontinued when a loan becomes 90 days past due and is not well collateralized and in the process of collection, or when management believes, after considering economic and business conditions and collection efforts, that the principal or interest will not be collectible in the normal course of business. Past due status is based on contractual terms of the loan. A loan is considered to be past due when a scheduled payment has not been received 30 days after the contractual due date.

All accrued interest is reversed against interest income when a loan is placed on nonaccrual status. Interest received on such loans is accounted for using the cost-recovery method, until qualifying for return to accrual. Under the cost-recovery method, interest income is not recognized until the loan balance is reduced to zero. Loans are returned to accrual status when all the principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current, there is a sustained period of repayment performance, and future payments are reasonably assured.

Purchased Credit Deteriorated Loans

Upon adoption of ASC 326, loans that were designated as Purchased Credit Impaired loans under the previous accounting guidance were classified as PCD loans without reassessment.

In future acquisitions, the Company may purchase loans, some of which have experienced more than insignificant credit deterioration since origination. In those cases, the Company will consider internal loan grades, delinquency status and other relevant factors in assessing whether purchased loans are PCD. PCD loans are recorded at the amount paid. An initial allowance for credit loss is determined using the same methodology as other loans held for investment, but with no impact to earnings. The initial allowance for credit loss determined on a collective basis is allocated to individual loans. The sum of the loan's purchase price and allowance for credit loss becomes its initial amortized cost basis. The difference between the initial amortized cost basis and the par value of the loan is a noncredit discount or premium, which is amortized into interest income over the life of the loan. Subsequent to initial recognition, PCD loans are subject to the same interest income recognition and impairment model as non-PCD loans, with changes to the allowance for credit loss recorded through provision expense.

Allowance for Credit Losses – Loans

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. Loans are charged off against the allowance when management believes the loan balance, or a portion thereof, is uncollectable. Expected recoveries do not exceed the aggregate of amounts previously charged-off and expected to be charged-off. Accrued interest receivable is excluded from the estimate of credit losses.

The allowance for credit losses represents management’s estimate of lifetime credit losses inherent in loans as of the balance sheet date. The allowance for credit losses is estimated by management using relevant available information, from both internal and external sources, relating to past events, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts.

The Company measures expected credit losses for loans on a pooled basis when similar risk characteristics exist. The Company has identified the following portfolio segments and calculates the allowance for credit losses for each using a Lifetime Probability of Default / Loss Given Default (“Lifetime PD/LGD”) methodology because of the historical loss information the Company has on its loan portfolio, which is less subjective in nature, than the other methodologies available. In addition, this methodology is less reliant on qualitative factors versus the other methodologies and the previously used incurred loss model. Under this methodology an estimate of probability of default and a lifetime loss rate is applied to the portfolio segment based on the loss history during the economic life cycle of these type of loans.

Additionally, the allowance for credit losses calculation includes subjective adjustments for qualitative risk factors that are likely to cause estimated credit losses to differ from historical experience. These qualitative adjustments may increase or reduce reserve levels and include adjustments for lending management experience and risk tolerance, loan review and audit results, asset quality and portfolio trends, loan portfolio growth, industry concentrations, trends in underlying collateral, external factors and economic conditions not already captured. The Company has designated 5-year treasury yield, federal funds rates, and national unemployment as its forecast variables for a period of 12 months. These forecasts from reputable and independent third parties are sourced to inform the Company’s reasonable and supportable forecasting of current expected credit losses. 

Loans that do not share risk characteristics are evaluated on an individual basis. When management determines that foreclosure is probable and the borrower is experiencing financial difficulty, the expected credit losses are based on the fair value of collateral at the reporting date unadjusted for selling costs as appropriate.

Allowance for Credit Losses – Unfunded Commitments

Financial instruments include off-balance sheet credit instruments, such as commitments to make loans and commercial letters of credit issued to meet customer financing needs. The Company’s exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to the financial instrument for off-balance sheet loan commitments is represented by the contractual amount of those instruments. Such financial instruments are recorded when they are funded.

The Company records an allowance for credit losses on off-balance sheet credit exposures, unless the commitments to extend credit are unconditionally cancelable, through a charge to provision for credit losses in the Company’s income statements. The allowance for credit losses on off-balance sheet credit exposures is estimated by loan segment at each balance sheet date under the current expected credit loss model using the same methodologies as portfolio loans, taking into consideration the likelihood that funding will occur as well as any third-party guarantees. The allowance for unfunded commitments is included in other liabilities on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.

Property and Equipment

Land is carried at cost. Bank premises, furniture and equipment are carried at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization computed principally by the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives:

Other Real Estate Owned

Other real estate owned represents properties acquired through, or in lieu of, loan foreclosure and former branch sites that have been closed and for which there are no intentions to re-open or otherwise use the location. These properties are to be sold and are initially recorded at fair value less anticipated cost to sell, establishing a new cost basis. After acquisition, valuations are periodically performed by management and the other real estate owned is carried at the lower of carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell. Revenue and expenses from operations and changes in the valuation allowance are included in other expenses on the consolidated statements of income.

Share-Based Compensation

The Parkway Acquisition Corp. 2020 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Equity Plan”) was adopted by the Board of Directors of the Company on March 17, 2020 and approved by the Company’s shareholders on August 18, 2020. The Equity Plan permits the grant of incentive stock options, nonqualified stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, stock appreciation rights, and stock awards to key employees and non-employee directors of the Company or its subsidiaries.

As of March 31, 2024, only restricted stock awards have been issued to key employees and stock awards have been issued to non-employee directors. The fair value of the stock awards or restricted stock is determined based on the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant.  The Company recognizes compensation expense related to restricted stock on a straight-line basis over the vesting period for service-based awards. See additional discussion of share-based compensation in Note 10 to the consolidated financial statements.

Pension Plan

Prior to the Cardinal merger, both the Bank and Floyd had qualified noncontributory defined benefit pension plans in place which covered substantially all of each bank’s employees. The benefits in each plan are primarily based on years of service and earnings. Both the Bank’s and Floyd’s plans were amended to freeze benefit accruals for all eligible employees prior to the effective date of the Cardinal merger. The Bank’s plan is a single-employer plan, the funded status of which is measured as the difference between the fair value of plan assets and the projected benefit obligation. Floyd’s plan is a multi-employer plan for accounting purposes and is a multiple-employer plan under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 and the Internal Revenue Code.

Transfers of Financial Assets

Transfers of financial assets are accounted for as sales, when control over the assets has been surrendered. Control over transferred assets is deemed to be surrendered when (1) the assets have been isolated from the Bank; (2) the transferee obtains the right (free of conditions that constrain it from taking advantage of that right) to pledge or exchange the transferred assets; and (3) the Bank does not maintain effective control over the transferred assets through an agreement to repurchase them before their maturity or the ability to unilaterally cause the holder to return specific assets.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill arises from business combinations and is generally determined as the excess of fair value of the consideration transferred, plus the fair value of any noncontrolling interests in the acquiree, over the fair value of the net assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date. Goodwill and intangible assets acquired in a purchase business combination and determined to have an indefinite useful life are not amortized, but tested for impairment at least annually or more frequently in events and circumstances exists that indicate that a goodwill impairment test should be performed. The Company has selected November 1 as the date to perform the annual impairment test. Intangible assets with definite useful lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives to their estimated residual values. Goodwill is the only intangible asset with an indefinite life on our balance sheet.

Other intangible assets consist of core deposit intangibles that represent the value of long-term deposit relationships acquired in a business combination. Core deposit intangibles are amortized over the estimated useful lives of the deposit accounts acquired. The core deposit intangible as a result of the Cardinal merger, is amortized over an estimated useful life of twenty years on an accelerated basis. For the core deposit intangible as a result of the Great State merger, we used an estimated useful life of seven years on an accelerated basis for the amortization.

Cash Value of Life Insurance

The Bank is owner and beneficiary of life insurance policies on certain current and former employees and directors. The Company records these policies in the consolidated balance sheets at cash surrender value, with changes recorded in noninterest income in the consolidated statements of income.

Leases

We have performed an evaluation of our leasing contracts and activities. We have developed our methodology to estimate the right-of use assets and lease liabilities, which is based on the present value of lease payments. There was not a material change to the timing of expense recognition. See additional discussion of leases in Note 9 to the consolidated financial statements.

Income Taxes

Provision for income taxes is based on amounts reported in the statements of income (after exclusion of non-taxable income such as interest on state and municipal securities) and consists of taxes currently due plus deferred taxes on temporary differences in the recognition of income and expense for tax and financial statement purposes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are included in the financial statements at currently enacted income tax rates applicable to the period in which the deferred tax assets or liabilities are expected to be realized or settled. As changes in tax laws or rates are enacted, deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted through the provision for income taxes.

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

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 line of credit arrangements, commercial letters of credit, and standby letters of credit. Such financial instruments are recorded when they are funded.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Fair values of financial instruments are estimated using relevant market information and other assumptions, as more fully disclosed in Note 12. Fair value estimates involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment. Changes in assumptions or in market conditions could significantly affect the estimates.

Advertising Expense

The Company expenses advertising costs as they are incurred. Advertising expense for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 amounted to $217 thousand and $135 thousand, respectively.

Basic Earnings per Share

Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing income available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period, after giving retroactive effect to stock splits and dividends. For the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, there were no dilutive instruments.