Note 1—Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Accounting
The consolidated financial statements of FHN, including its subsidiaries, have been prepared in conformity with accounting
principles generally accepted in the United States of America and follow general practices within the industries in which it
operates. This preparation requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the
financial statements and accompanying notes. These estimates and assumptions are based on information available as of the
date of the financial statements and could differ from actual results.
Merger with IBERIABANK Corporation
On July 1, 2020, FHN and IBERIABANK Corporation closed their merger of equals transaction. Historical periods prior to the
closing of the merger only reflect results of legacy FHN operations. Subsequent to closing, results reflect all post-merger
activity. Refer to Note 2 – Acquisitions and Divestitures for additional information regarding the transaction.
Reclassification
In connection with the IBKC merger, certain captions in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and Consolidated Statements of
Income, loan categories, and business activities within the segments were realigned. Amounts reported in prior periods'
consolidated financial statements, which represent FHN's pre-merger financial results, have been reclassified to conform to
the current presentation.
Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of FHN and other entities in which it has a controlling financial
interest. Variable Interest Entities for which FHN or a subsidiary has been determined to be the primary beneficiary are also
consolidated. Affiliates for which FHN is not considered the primary beneficiary and in which FHN does not have a controlling
financial interest are accounted for by the equity method. These investments are included in other assets, and FHN’s
proportionate share of income or loss is included in noninterest income. All significant intercompany transactions and
balances have been eliminated.
Revenues
Revenue is recognized when the performance obligations under the terms of a contract with a client are satisfied in an
amount that reflects the consideration FHN expects to be entitled. FHN derives a significant portion of its revenues from fee-
based services. Noninterest income from transaction-based fees is generally recognized immediately upon completion of the
transaction. Noninterest income from service-based fees is generally recognized over the period in which FHN provides the
service. Any services performed over time generally require that FHN render services each period and therefore FHN
measures progress in completing these services based upon the passage of time and recognizes revenue as invoiced.
Following is a discussion of FHN's key revenues within the scope of ASC 606, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers",
except as noted.
Fixed Income
Fixed income includes fixed income securities sales, trading, and strategies, loan sales and derivative sales which are not
within the scope of revenue from contracts with customers. Fixed income also includes investment banking fees earned for
services related to underwriting debt securities and performing portfolio advisory services. FHN's performance obligation for
underwriting services is satisfied on the trade date while advisory services is satisfied over time.
Mortgage Banking and Title Income
Mortgage banking and title income includes mortgage servicing income, title income, mortgage loan originations and sales,
derivative settlements, as well as any changes in fair value recorded on mortgage loans and derivatives. Mortgage banking
income from 1) sale of loans, 2) settlement of derivatives, 3) changes in fair value of loans, derivatives and servicing rights and
4) servicing of loans are not within the scope of revenue from contracts with customers. Title income is earned when FHN
fulfills its performance obligation at the point in time when the services are completed.
Deposit Transactions and Cash Management
Deposit transactions and cash management activities include fees for services related to consumer and commercial deposit
products (such as service charges on checking accounts), cash management products and services such as electronic
transaction processing (Automated Clearing House and Electronic Data Interchange), account reconciliation services, cash
vault services, lockbox processing, and information reporting to large corporate clients. FHN's obligation for transaction-based
services is satisfied at the time of the transaction when the service is delivered while FHN's obligation for service based fees is
satisfied over the course of each month.
Brokerage, Management Fees and Commissions
Brokerage, management fees and commissions include fees for portfolio management, trade commissions, and annuity and
mutual fund sales. Asset-based management fees are charged based on the market value of the client’s assets. The services
associated with these revenues, which include investment advice and active management of client assets are generally
performed and recognized over a month or quarter. Transactional revenues are based on the size and number of transactions
executed at the client’s direction and are generally recognized on the trade date.
Trust Services and Investment Management
Trust services and investment management fees include investment management, personal trust, employee benefits, and
custodial trust services. Obligations for trust services are generally satisfied over time but may be satisfied at points in time for
certain activities that are transactional in nature.
Card and Digital Banking Fees
Card and digital banking fees include credit interchange and network revenues and various card-related fees. Interchange
income is recognized concurrently with the delivery of services on a daily basis. Card-related fees such as late fees, currency
conversion, and cash advance fees are loan-related and excluded from the scope of ASC 606.
Contract Balances
As of December 31, 2021, accounts receivable related to products and services on non-interest income were $12 million. For
the year ended December 31, 2021, FHN had no material impairment losses on non-interest accounts receivable and there
were no material contract assets, contract liabilities or deferred contract costs recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets
as of December 31, 2021. Credit risk is assessed on these accounts receivable each reporting period and the amount of
estimated uncollectible receivables is not material.
Transaction Price Allocated to Remaining Performance Obligations
For the year ended December 31, 2021, revenue recognized from performance obligations related to prior periods was not
material. Revenue expected to be recognized in any future year related to remaining performance obligations, excluding
revenue pertaining to contracts that have an original expected duration of one year or less and contracts where revenue is
recognized as invoiced, is not material.
Refer to Note 20 - Business Segment Information for a reconciliation of disaggregated revenue by major product line and
reportable segment.
Statements of Cash Flows
For purposes of these statements, cash and due from banks, federal funds sold, and securities purchased under agreements
to resell are considered cash and cash equivalents. Federal funds are usually sold for one-day periods, and securities
purchased under agreements to resell are short-term, highly liquid investments.
Debt Investment Securities
Debt securities that may be sold prior to maturity are classified as AFS and are carried at fair value. The unrealized gains and
losses on debt securities AFS, including securities for which no credit impairment exists, are excluded from earnings and are
reported, net of tax, as a component of other comprehensive income within shareholders’ equity and the Consolidated
Statements of Comprehensive Income. Debt securities which management has the intent and ability to hold to maturity are
reported at amortized cost. Interest only strips were classified in securities AFS and valued at elected fair value in periods
prior to October 1, 2021 at which time they were transferred to trading securities. See Note 24 - Fair Value of Assets and
Liabilities for additional information. Realized gains and losses (i.e., from sales) for debt investment securities are determined
by the specific identification method and reported in noninterest income.
The evaluation of credit risk for HTM debt securities mirrors the process described below for loans held for investment. AFS
debt securities are reviewed for potential credit impairment at the individual security level. The evaluation of credit risk
includes consideration of third-party and government guarantees (both explicit and implicit), senior or subordinated status,
credit ratings of the issuer, the effects of interest rate changes since purchase and observable market information such as
issuer-specific credit spreads. Credit losses for AFS debt securities are generally recognized through establishment of an
allowance for credit losses that cannot exceed the amount by which amortized cost exceeds fair value. Charge-offs are
recorded as reductions of the security’s amortized cost and the credit allowance. Subsequent improvements in estimated
credit losses result in reduction of the credit allowance, but not beyond zero. However, if FHN has the intent to sell or if it is
more-likely-than-not that it will be compelled to sell a security with an unrecognized loss, the difference between the
security's carrying value and fair value is recognized through earnings and a new amortized cost basis is established for the
security (i.e., no allowance for credit losses is recognized).
FHN has elected to exclude accrued interest receivable from the fair value and amortized cost basis on debt securities when
assessing whether these securities have experienced credit impairment. Additionally, FHN has elected to not measure an
allowance for credit losses on AIR for debt securities based on its policy to write off uncollectible interest in a timely manner,
which generally occurs when delinquency reaches no more than 90 days for all security types. Any such write offs are
recognized as a reduction of interest income. AIR for debt securities is included within other assets in the Consolidated
Balance Sheet.
Equity Investment Securities
Equity securities are classified in other assets. Banks organized under state law may apply to be members of the Federal
Reserve System. Each member bank is required to own stock in its regional Federal Reserve Bank. Given this requirement, FRB
stock may not be sold, traded, or pledged as collateral for loans. Membership in the Federal Home Loan Bank network
requires ownership of capital stock. Member banks are entitled to borrow funds from the FHLB and are required to pledge
mortgage loans as collateral. Investments in the FHLB are non-transferable and, generally, membership is maintained
primarily to provide a source of liquidity as needed. FRB and FHLB stock are recorded at cost and are subject to impairment
reviews. FHN's subsidiary, First Horizon Bank, was a state member bank throughout 2021.
Other equity investments primarily consist of mutual funds which are marked to fair value through earnings. Smaller balances
of equity investments without a readily determinable fair value are recorded at cost minus impairment with adjustments
through earnings for observable price changes in orderly transactions for the identical or a similar investment of the same
issuer.
Fed Funds Sold and Purchased
Fed funds sold and purchased represent unsecured overnight funding arrangements between participants in the Federal
Reserve system primarily to assist banks in meeting their regulatory cash reserve requirements. Fed Funds sold are evaluated
for credit risk each reporting period. Due to the short duration of each transaction and the history of no credit losses, no
credit loss has been recognized.
Securities Purchased Under Agreements to Resell and Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase
FHN purchases short-term securities under agreements to resell which are accounted for as collateralized financings except
where FHN does not have an agreement to sell the same or substantially the same securities before maturity at a fixed or
determinable price. All of FHN’s securities purchased under agreements to resell are recognized as collateralized financings.
Securities delivered under these transactions are delivered to either the dealer custody account at the FRB or to the
applicable counterparty. Securities sold under agreements to repurchase are offered to cash management clients as an
automated, collateralized investment account. Securities sold under agreements to repurchase are also used by the
consumer/commercial bank to obtain favorable borrowing rates on its purchased funds. All of FHN's securities sold under
agreements to repurchase are secured borrowings.
Collateral is valued daily and FHN may require counterparties to deposit additional securities or cash as collateral, or FHN may
return cash or securities previously pledged by counterparties, or FHN may be required to post additional securities or cash as
collateral, based on the contractual requirements for these transactions.
FHN’s fixed income business utilizes securities borrowing arrangements as part of its trading operations. Securities borrowing
transactions generally require FHN to deposit cash with the securities lender. The amount of cash advanced is recorded within
securities purchased under agreements to resell in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. These transactions are not considered
purchases and the securities borrowed are not recognized by FHN. FHN does not conduct securities lending transactions.
Securities purchased under agreements to resell and securities borrowing arrangements are evaluated for credit risk each
reporting period. As presented in Note 23 - Master Netting and Similar Agreements - Repurchase, Reverse Repurchase, and
Securities Borrowing Transactions, these agreements are collateralized by the related securities and collateral maintenance
provisions with counterparties, including replenishment and adjustment on a transaction specific basis. This collateral includes
both the securities collateral for each transaction as well as offsetting securities sold under agreements to repurchase with
the same counterparty. Given the history of no credit losses and collateralized nature of these transactions, no credit loss has
been recognized.
Loans Held for Sale
Loans originated or purchased for which management lacks the intent to hold are included in loans held for sale in the
Consolidated Balance Sheets. FHN generally accounts for loans held for sale at the lower of amortized cost or market value,
with an exception for certain mortgage loans held for sale and repurchased loans that are not governmentally insured which
are carried under the fair value option of reporting.
•Fair Value Option Election. These loans consist of originated fixed rate single-family residential mortgage loans that are
committed to be sold in the secondary market. Gains and losses on these mortgage loans are included in mortgage
banking and title income.
•Other loans held for sale. For these loans, gains on sale are recognized through noninterest income. Net unrealized
losses, if any, are recognized through a valuation allowance that is also recorded as a charge to noninterest income.
Loans and Leases
Generally, loans are stated at principal amounts outstanding, net of unearned income. Interest on loans is recognized on an
accrual basis at the applicable interest rate on the principal amount outstanding. Loan origination fees and direct costs as well
as premiums and discounts are amortized as level yield adjustments over the respective loan terms. Unamortized net fees or
costs, premiums and discounts are recognized in interest income upon early repayment of the loans. Loan commitment fees
are generally deferred and amortized on a straight-line basis over the commitment period.
Equipment financing leases to commercial clients are primarily classified as direct financing and sales-type leases. Equipment
financing leases are reported at the net lease investment, which represents the sum of minimum lease payments over the
lease term and the estimated residual value, less unearned interest income. Interest income is accrued as earned over the
term of the lease based on the net investment in leases. Fees incurred to originate the lease are deferred and recognized as
an adjustment of the yield on the lease.
FHN has elected to exclude accrued interest receivable from the amortized cost basis on its held-for-investment loan
portfolio. FHN has also elected to not measure an allowance for credit losses on AIR for loans held for investment based on its
policy to write off uncollectible interest in a timely manner, which occurs when a loan is placed on nonaccrual status. Such
write-offs are recognized as a reduction of interest income. AIR for held-for-investment loans is included within other assets in
the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
FHN has continued to accrue interest on loans for which payment deferrals have been extended to borrowers affected by the
COVID-19 pandemic. Deferrals are typically made in increments of three or six months. Cumulative deferrals of six months or
longer are beyond FHN's normal write-off practices for accrued interest. Therefore, these interest deferrals do not qualify for
FHN's election to not recognize a credit loss allowance for accrued interest. Accordingly, FHN has estimated credit losses for
COVID-19 interest deferrals which is included within AIR in other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Nonaccrual and Past Due Loans
Generally, loans are placed on nonaccrual status if it becomes evident that full collection of principal and interest is at risk,
impairment has been recognized as a partial charge-off of principal balance due to insufficient collateral value and past due
status, or on a case-by-case basis if FHN continues to receive payments, but there are other borrower-specific issues.
Consumer loans are generally placed into nonaccrual status no later than 90 days past due.
•The accrual status policy for commercial TDRs follows the same internal policies and procedures as other commercial
portfolio loans.
•Residential real estate loans discharged through Chapter 7 bankruptcy and not reaffirmed by the borrower (“discharged
bankruptcies”) are placed on nonaccrual and are reported as TDRs. They are not returned to accrual status even if current
and performing in the future.
•Current second lien residential real estate loans that are junior to first liens are placed on nonaccrual status if in
bankruptcy.
•Consumer real estate (HELOC and residential real estate installment loans), if not already on nonaccrual per above
situations, are placed on nonaccrual if the loan is 30 or more days delinquent at the time of modification and is also
determined to be a TDR.
When commercial and consumer loans within each portfolio segment and class are placed on nonaccrual status, accrued but
uncollected interest is reversed and charged against interest income. Management may elect to continue the accrual of
interest when the estimated net realizable value of collateral is sufficient to recover the principal balance and accrued
interest. Interest payments received on nonaccrual loans are normally applied to outstanding principal first. Once all principal
has been received, additional interest payments are recognized on a cash basis as interest income.
Generally, commercial and consumer loans within each portfolio segment and class that have been placed on nonaccrual
status can be returned to accrual status if all principal and interest is current and FHN expects full repayment of the remaining
contractual principal and interest. This typically requires that a borrower make payments in accordance with the contractual
terms for a sustained period of time (generally for a minimum of six months) before being returned to accrual status. For
TDRs, FHN may also consider a borrower’s sustained historical repayment performance for a reasonable time prior to the
restructuring in assessing whether the borrower can meet the restructured terms, as it may indicate whether the borrower is
capable of servicing the level of debt under the modified terms.
Residential real estate loans discharged through Chapter 7 bankruptcy and not reaffirmed by the borrower are not returned
to accrual status. For current second liens that have been placed on nonaccrual because the first lien is 90 or more days past
due or is a TDR or bankruptcy, the second lien may be returned to accrual upon pay-off or cure of the first lien.
Charge-offs
For all commercial and consumer loan portfolio segments, all losses of principal are charged to the ALLL in the period in which
the loan is deemed to be uncollectible.
For consumer loans, the timing of a full or partial charge-off generally depends on the loan type and delinquency status.
Generally, for the consumer real estate segment, a loan will be either partially or fully charged-off when it becomes 180 days
past due. At this time, if the collateral value does not support foreclosure, balances are fully charged-off and other avenues of
recovery are pursued. If the collateral value supports foreclosure, the loan is charged-down to net realizable value (collateral
value less estimated costs to sell) and is placed on nonaccrual status. For residential real estate loans discharged in Chapter 7
bankruptcy and not reaffirmed by the borrower, the fair value of the collateral position is assessed at the time FHN is made
aware of the discharge and the loan is charged down to the net realizable value (collateral value less estimated costs to sell).
Within the credit card and other portfolio segment, credit cards and installment loans secured by automobiles are normally
charged-off upon reaching 180 days past due while other non-real estate consumer loans are charged-off upon reaching 120
days past due.
For acquired PCD loans where all or a portion of the loan balance had been charged off prior to acquisition, and for which
active collection efforts are still underway, the ALLL recorded at acquisition is immediately charged off if required by FHN’s
existing charge off policy. Additionally, FHN is required to consider its existing policies in determining whether to charge off
any financial assets, regardless of whether a charge-off was recorded by the predecessor company. The initial ALLL recognized
on PCD assets includes the gross-up of the loan balance reduced by immediate charge-offs for loans previously charged off by
the predecessor company or which meet FHN’s charge-off policy on the date of acquisition. Charge-offs against the allowance
related to such acquired PCD loans do not result in an income statement impact.
Purchased Credit-Deteriorated Loans
At the time of acquisition FHN evaluates all acquired loans to determine if they have experienced a more-than-insignificant
deterioration in credit quality since origination. PCD loans can be identified on either an 1) individual or 2) pooled basis when
the loans share similar risk characteristics. FHN evaluates various absolute factors to assist in the identification of PCD loans,
including criteria such as, existing PCD status, risk rating of special mention or lower, nonaccrual or impaired status,
identification of prior TDRs, and delinquency status. FHN also utilizes relative factors to identify PCD loans such as commercial
loan grade migration, expansion of borrower credit spreads, declines in external risk ratings and changes in consumer loan
characteristics (e.g., FICO decline or LTV increase). In addition, factors reflective of broad economic considerations are also
considered in identifying PCD loans. These include industry, collateral type, and geographic location for the borrower’s
operations. Internal factors for origination of new loans that are similar to the acquired loans are also evaluated to assess
loans for PCD status, including increases in required yields, necessity of borrowers’ providing additional collateral and/or
guarantees and changes in acceptable loan duration. Other indicators may also be used to evaluate loans for PCD status
depending on borrower-specific communications and actions, such public statements, initiation of loan modification
discussions and obtaining emergency funding from alternate sources.
Upon acquisition, the expected credit losses are allocated to the purchase price of individual PCD loans to determine each
individual asset's amortized cost basis, typically resulting in a reduction of the discount that is accreted prospectively to
interest income. At the acquisition date and prospectively, only the unpaid principal balance is incorporated within the
estimation of expected credit losses for PCD loans. Otherwise, the process for estimation of expected credit losses is
consistent with that discussed below. As discussed below FHN applies undiscounted cash flow methodologies for the
estimation of expected credit losses, which results in the calculated amount of credit losses at acquisition that is added to the
amortized cost basis of the related PCD loans to exceed the discounted value of estimated credit losses included in the loan
valuation.
For PCD loans where all or a portion of the loan balance has been previously written-off, or would be subject to write-off
under FHN’s charge-off policy, the initial ALLL included as part of the grossed-up loan balance at acquisition was immediately
written-off, resulting in a zero period-end allowance balance and no impact on the ALLL rollforward.
Allowance for Credit Losses
The nature of the process by which FHN determines the appropriate ACL requires the exercise of considerable judgment. See
Note 5 - Allowance for Credit Losses for a discussion of FHN’s ACL methodology and a description of the models utilized in the
estimation process for the commercial and consumer loan portfolios.
Future adjustments to the ACL may be necessary if economic or other conditions differ substantially from the assumptions
used in making the estimates or, if required by regulators, based upon information at the time of their examinations or upon
future regulatory guidance. Such adjustments to original estimates, as necessary, are made in the period in which these
factors and other relevant considerations indicate that loss levels vary from previous estimates.
Management's estimate of expected credit losses in the loan and lease portfolio is recorded in the ALLL and the reserve for
unfunded lending commitments, collectively the ACL. The ACL is maintained at a level that management determines is
sufficient to absorb current expected credit losses in the loan and lease portfolio and unfunded lending commitments.
Management uses analytical models to estimate expected credit losses in the loan and lease portfolio and unfunded lending
commitments as of the balance sheet date. The models are carefully reviewed to identify trends that may not be captured in
the modeled loss estimates. Management uses qualitative adjustments for those items not reflected in the modeled loss
information such as recent changes from the macroeconomic forecasts utilized in model calculations, results of additional
stressed modeling scenarios, observed and/or expected changes affecting borrowers in specific industries or geographic
areas, exposure to large lending relationships and expected recoveries of prior charge offs. Qualitative adjustments are also
used to accommodate for the imprecision of certain assumptions and uncertainties inherent in the model calculations as well
as to align certain differences in models used by acquired loan portfolios to the methodologies described herein. Loans
accounted for at elected fair value are excluded from CECL measurements.
The ALLL is increased by the provision for loan and lease losses and is decreased by loan charge-offs. The ALLL is determined
in accordance with ASC 326-20 "Financial Instruments - Credit Losses". ASC 326-20 was adopted on January 1, 2020 and for
periods prior to that was determined in accordance with ASC 450-20-50 "Contingencies - Accruals for Loss Contingencies" and
was composed of reserves for commercial loans evaluated based on pools of credit-graded loans and reserves for pools of
smaller-balance homogeneous consumer and commercial loans. The reserve factors applied to these pools were an estimate
of probably incurred losses based on management's evaluation of historical net losses from loans with similar characteristics.
Additionally, the ALLL included specific reserves established in accordance with ASC 310-10-35 for loans determined by
management to be individually impaired as well as reserves associated with purchased credit impaired loans. Management
used analytical models to estimate probable incurred losses in the loan portfolio as of the balance sheet date. The models,
which were primarily driven by historical losses, were carefully reviewed to identify trends that may not have been captured
in the historical loss factors used in the models. Management used qualitative adjustments for those items not yet captured in
the models like then-current events, recent trends in the portfolio, current underwriting guidelines, and local and
macroeconomic trends, among other things.
Subsequent to December 31, 2019, credit loss estimation is based on the amortized cost of loans, which includes the
following:
1.Unpaid principal balance for originated assets or acquisition price for purchased assets
2.Accrued interest (see elections discussed previously)
3.Accretion or amortization of premium, discount, and net deferred fees or costs
4.Collection of cash
5.Charge-offs
Premiums, discounts and net deferred origination costs/fees affect the calculated amount of expected credit losses but they
are not considered when determining the amount of expected credit losses that are recorded.
Under CECL, a loan must be pooled when it shares similar risk characteristics with other loans. Loans that do not share similar
risk characteristics are evaluated individually. Expected credit loss is estimated for the remaining life of loan(s), which is
limited to the remaining contractual term(s), adjusted for prepayment estimates, which are included as separate inputs into
modeled loss estimates. Renewals and extensions are not anticipated unless they are included in existing loan documentation
and are not unconditionally cancellable by the lender. However, losses are estimated over the estimated remaining life of
reasonably expected TDRs which can extend beyond the current remaining contractual term.
Management has developed multiple current expected credit losses models which segment the loan and lease portfolio by
borrower type and loan or lease type to estimate expected lifetime expected credit losses for loans and leases that share
similar risk characteristics. Estimates of expected credit losses incorporate consideration of available information that is
relevant to assessing the collectability of future cash flows. This includes internal and external information relating to past
events, current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts of future conditions. FHN utilizes internal and external
historical loss information, as applicable, for all available historical periods as the initial point for estimating expected credit
losses. Given the duration of historical information available, FHN considers its internal loss history to fully incorporate the
effects of prior credit cycles. The historical loss information may be adjusted in situations where current loan characteristics
(e.g., underwriting criteria) differ from those in existence at the time the historical losses occurred. Historical loss information
is also adjusted for differences in economic conditions, macroeconomic forecasts and other factors management considers
relevant over a period extending beyond the measurement date which is considered reasonable and supportable.
FHN generally measures expected credit losses using undiscounted cash flow methodologies. Credit enhancements (e.g.,
guarantors) that are not freestanding are considered in the estimation of uncollectible cash flows. Estimation of expected
credit losses for loan agreements involving collateral maintenance provisions include consideration of the value of the
collateral and replenishment requirements, with the maximum loss limited to the difference between the amortized cost of
the loan and the fair value of the collateral. Expected credit losses for loans for which foreclosure is probable are measured at
the fair value of collateral, less estimated costs to sell when disposition through sale is anticipated. Additionally, for borrowers
experiencing financial difficulty certain loans are valued at the fair value of collateral when repayment is expected to be
provided substantially through the operation of the collateral. The fair value of the collateral is reduced for estimated costs to
sell when repayment is expected through sale of the collateral. Expected credit losses for TDRs are measured in accordance
with ASC 310-40, which generally requires a discounted cash flow methodology, whereby the loans are measured based on
the present value of expected future payments discounted at the loan’s original effective interest rate.
Expected recoveries of previously charged-off amounts are also included as a qualitative adjustment in the estimation of
expected credit losses, which reduces the amount of the allowance recognized. Estimates of recoveries on previously charged-
off assets included in the allowance for loan losses do not exceed the aggregate of amounts previously written off and
expected to be written off for an individual loan or pool.
Since CECL requires the estimation of credit losses for the entire expected life of loans, loss estimates are highly sensitive to
changes in macroeconomic forecasts, especially when those forecasts change dramatically in short time periods. Additionally,
under CECL credit loss estimates are more likely to increase rapidly in periods of loan growth.
Expected credit losses for unfunded commitments are estimated for periods where the commitment is not unconditionally
cancellable by FHN. The measurement of expected credit losses for unfunded commitments mirrors that of loans with the
additional estimate of future draw rates (timing and amount).The liability for credit losses inherent in lending-related
commitments, such as letters of credit and unfunded loan commitments, is included in Other liabilities on the Consolidated
Balance Sheets and established through a charge to the provision for credit losses.
Premises and Equipment
Premises and equipment are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization and include additions that
materially extend the useful lives of existing premises and equipment. All other maintenance and repair expenditures are
expensed as incurred. Premises and equipment held for sale are generally valued at appraised values which reference recent
disposition values for similar property types but also consider marketability discounts for vacant properties. The valuations of
premises and equipment held for sale are reduced by estimated costs to sell. Impairments, and any subsequent recoveries,
are recorded in noninterest expense. Gains and losses on dispositions are reflected in noninterest income and expense,
respectively.
Depreciation and amortization are computed on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets and are
recorded as noninterest expense. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the lesser of the lease periods or the
estimated useful lives using the straight-line method. Useful lives utilized in determining depreciation for furniture, fixtures
and equipment and for buildings are three years to fifteen years and seven years to forty-five years, respectively.
Other Real Estate Owned
Real estate acquired by foreclosure or other real estate-owned consists of properties that have been acquired in satisfaction
of debt. These properties are carried at the lower of the outstanding loan amount or estimated fair value less estimated costs
to sell the real estate. At the time acquired, and in conjunction with the transfer from loans to OREO, there is a charge-off
against the ALLL if the estimated fair value less costs to sell is less than the loan’s cost basis. Subsequent declines in fair value
and gains or losses on dispositions, if any, are charged to other expense on the Consolidated Statements of Income.
Required developmental costs associated with acquired property under construction are capitalized and included in
determining the estimated net realizable value of the property, which is reviewed periodically, and any write-downs are
charged against current earnings.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
Goodwill represents the excess of cost over net assets of acquired businesses less identifiable intangible assets. On an annual
basis, or more frequently if necessary, FHN assesses goodwill for impairment. Other intangible assets primarily represent
client lists and relationships, acquired contracts, covenants not to compete and premium on purchased deposits, which are
amortized over their estimated useful lives. Intangible assets related to acquired deposit bases are primarily amortized over
10 years using an accelerated method. Management evaluates whether events or circumstances have occurred that indicate
the remaining useful life or carrying value of amortizing intangibles should be revised. Other intangibles also include smaller
amounts of non-amortizing intangibles for title plant and state banking licenses.
Servicing Rights
FHN recognizes the rights to service mortgage and other loans as separate assets, which are recorded in other assets in the
Consolidated Balance Sheets, when purchased or when servicing is contractually separated from the underlying loans by sale
with servicing rights retained. For loan sales with servicing retained, a servicing right, generally an asset, is recorded at fair
value at the time of sale for the right to service the loans sold. All servicing rights are identified by class and amortized over
the remaining life of the loan with periodic reviews for impairment.
Transfers of Financial Assets
Transfers of financial assets, or portions thereof which meet the definition of a participating interest, 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 legally isolated from FHN, 2) the transferee has the right to pledge or exchange the assets with no
conditions that constrain the transferee and provide more than a trivial benefit to FHN, and 3) FHN does not maintain
effective control over the transferred assets. If the transfer does not satisfy all three criteria, the transaction is recorded as a
secured borrowing. If the transfer is accounted for as a sale, the transferred assets are derecognized from FHN’s balance
sheet and a gain or loss on sale is recognized. If the transfer is accounted for as a secured borrowing, the transferred assets
remain on FHN’s balance sheet and the proceeds from the transaction are recognized as a liability.
Derivative Financial Instruments
FHN accounts for derivative financial instruments in accordance with ASC 815 which requires recognition of all derivative
instruments on the balance sheet as either an asset or liability measured at fair value through adjustments to either
accumulated other comprehensive income within shareholders’ equity or current earnings. Fair value is defined as the price
that would be received to sell a derivative asset or paid to transfer a derivative liability in an orderly transaction between
market participants on the transaction date. Fair value is determined using available market information and appropriate
valuation methodologies. FHN has elected to present its derivative assets and liabilities gross on the Consolidated Balance
Sheets. Amounts of collateral posted or received have not been netted with the related derivatives unless the collateral
amounts are considered legal settlements of the related derivative positions. See Note 22 - Derivatives for discussion on
netting of derivatives.
FHN prepares written hedge documentation, identifying the risk management objective and designating the derivative
instrument as a fair value hedge or cash flow hedge as applicable, or as a free-standing derivative instrument entered into as
an economic hedge or to meet clients’ needs. All transactions designated as ASC 815 hedges must be assessed at inception
and on an ongoing basis as to the effectiveness of the derivative instrument in offsetting changes in fair value or cash flows of
the hedged item. For a fair value hedge, changes in the fair value of the derivative instrument and changes in the fair value of
the hedged asset or liability attributable to the hedged risk are recognized currently in earnings. For a cash flow hedge,
changes in the fair value of the derivative instrument are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income and
subsequently reclassified to earnings as the hedged transaction impacts net income. For fair value hedges, the entire change
in the fair value of the hedging instrument included in the assessment of effectiveness is recorded to the same financial
statement line item (e.g., interest expense) used to present the earnings effect of the hedged item. For cash flow hedges, the
entire fair value change of the hedging instrument that is included in the assessment of hedge effectiveness is initially
recorded in other comprehensive income and later recycled into earnings as the hedged transaction(s) affect net income with
the income statement effects recorded in the same financial statement line item used to present the earnings effect of the
hedged item (e.g., interest income). For free-standing derivative instruments, changes in fair values are recognized currently
in earnings. See Note 22 - Derivatives for additional information.
Cash flows from derivative contracts are reported as operating activities on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
Leases
At inception, all arrangements are evaluated to determine if they contain a lease, which is defined as a contract, or part of a
contract, that conveys the right to control the use of identified property, plant, or equipment for a period of time in exchange
for consideration. Control is deemed to exist when a lessor has granted and a lessee has received both the right to obtain
substantially all of the economic benefits from use of the identified asset and the right to direct the use of the identified asset
throughout the period of use.
Lessee
As a lessee, FHN recognizes lease (right-of-use) assets and lease liabilities for all leasing arrangements with lease terms that
are greater than one year. The lease asset and lease liability are recognized at the present value of estimated future lease
payments, including estimated renewal periods, with the discount rate reflecting a fully-collateralized rate matching the
estimated lease term. Renewal options are included in the estimated lease term if they are considered reasonably certain of
exercise. Periods covered by termination options are included in the lease term if it is reasonably certain they will not be
exercised. Additionally, prepaid or accrued lease payments, lease incentives and initial direct costs related to lease
arrangements are recognized within the right-of-use asset. Each lease is classified as a financing or operating lease which
depends on the relationship of the lessee’s rights to the economic value of the leased asset. For finance leases, interest on the
lease liability is recognized separately from amortization of the right-of-use asset in earnings, resulting in higher expense in
the earlier portion of the lease term. For operating leases, a single lease cost is calculated so that the cost of the lease is
allocated over the lease term on a generally straight-line basis. Substantially all of FHN’s lessee arrangements are classified as
operating leases. For leases with a term of 12 months or less, FHN does not to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities and
expense is generally recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
Lease assumptions and classification are reassessed upon the occurrence of events that result in changes to the estimated
lease term or consideration. Modifications to lease contracts are evaluated to determine 1) if a right to use an additional asset
has been obtained, 2) if only the lease term and/or consideration have been revised or 3) if a full or partial termination has
occurred. If an additional right-of use-asset has been obtained, the modification is treated as a separate contract and its
classification is evaluated as a new lease arrangement. If only the lease term or consideration are changed, the lease liability is
revalued with an offset to the lease asset and the lease classification is re-assessed. If a modification results in a full or partial
termination of the lease, the lease liability is revalued through earnings along with a proportionate reduction in the value of
the related lease asset and subsequent expense recognition is similar to a new lease arrangement.
Lease assets are evaluated for impairment when triggering events occur, such as a change in management intent regarding
the continued occupation of the leased space. If a lease asset is impaired, it is written down to the present value of estimated
future cash flows and the prospective expense recognition for that lease follows the accelerated expense recognition
methodology applicable to finance leases, even if it remains classified as an operating lease.
Sublease arrangements are accounted for consistent with the lessor accounting described below. Sublease arrangements are
evaluated to determine if changes to estimates for the primary lease are warranted or if the sublease terms reflect
impairment of the related lease asset.
Lease assets are recognized in Other assets and lease liabilities are recognized in Other liabilities in the Consolidated Balance
Sheets. Since substantially all of its leasing arrangements relate to real estate, FHN records lease expense, and any related
sublease income, within Occupancy expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
Lessor
As a lessor, FHN also evaluates its lease arrangements to determine whether a finance lease or an operating lease exists and
utilizes the rate implicit in the lease arrangement as the discount rate to calculate the present value of future cash flows.
Depending upon the terms of the individual agreements, finance leases represent either sales-type or direct financing leases,
both of which require de-recognition of the asset being leased with offsetting recognition of a lease receivable that is
evaluated for impairment similar to loans. Other than equipment lease entered into as part of commercial lease financing
arrangements, all of FHN's lessor arrangements are considered operating leases.
Lease income for operating leases is recognized over the life of the lease, generally on a straight line basis. Lease incentives
and initial direct costs are capitalized and amortized over the estimated life of the lease. Lease income is not significant for
any reporting periods and is classified as a reduction of net occupancy expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
Investment Tax Credit
FHN has elected to utilize the deferral method for acquired investments that generate investment tax credits. This includes
both solar and historic tax credit investments. Under this approach the investment tax credits are recorded as an offset to the
related investment on the balance sheet. Credit amounts are recognized in earnings over the life of the investment within the
same income or expense accounts as used for the investment.
Advertising and Public Relations
Advertising and public relations costs are generally expensed as incurred.
Income Taxes
FHN accounts for income taxes using the asset and liability method pursuant to ASC 740, “Income Taxes,” which requires the
recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included
in the financial statements. Under this method, FHN’s deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences
between financial statement carrying amounts and the corresponding tax basis of certain assets and liabilities using enacted
tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The effect of a change in tax rates on DTAs
and DTLs is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.
Additionally, DTAs are subject to a “more likely than not” test to determine whether the full amount of the DTAs should be
recognized in the financial statements. FHN evaluates the likelihood of realization of the DTA based on both positive and
negative evidence available at the time, including (as appropriate) scheduled reversals of DTLs, projected future taxable
income, tax planning strategies, and recent financial performance. If the “more likely than not” test is not met, a valuation
allowance must be established against the DTA. In the event FHN determines that DTAs are realizable in the future in excess
of their net recorded amount, FHN would make an adjustment to the valuation allowance, which would reduce income tax
expense.
FHN records uncertain tax positions in accordance with ASC 740 on the basis of a two-step process in which (1) it is
determined whether it is more likely than not that the tax positions will be sustained on the basis of the technical merits of
the position and (2) for those tax positions that meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, the largest amount of
tax benefit that is more than 50 percent likely to be realized upon ultimate settlement with the related tax authority is
recognized. FHN's ASC 740 policy is to recognize interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of
income tax expense. Accrued interest and penalties are included within the related tax asset/liability line in the Consolidated
Balance Sheet.
FHN and its eligible subsidiaries are included in a consolidated federal income tax return. FHN files separate returns for
subsidiaries that are not eligible to be included in a consolidated federal income tax return. Based on the laws of the
applicable state where it conducts business operations, FHN either files consolidated, combined, or separate returns.
Earnings per Share
Earnings per share is computed by dividing net income or loss available to common shareholders by the weighted average
number of common shares outstanding for each period. Diluted earnings per share in net income periods is computed by
dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding
adjusted to include the number of additional common shares that would have been outstanding if the potential dilutive
common shares resulting from performance shares and units, restricted shares and units, and options granted under FHN’s
equity compensation plans and deferred compensation arrangements had been issued. FHN utilizes the treasury stock
method in this calculation. Diluted earnings per share does not reflect an adjustment for potentially dilutive shares in periods
in which a net loss available to common shareholders exists.
Equity Compensation
FHN accounts for its employee stock-based compensation plans using the grant date fair value of an award to determine the
expense to be recognized over the life of the award. Stock options are valued using an option-pricing model, such as Black-
Scholes. Restricted and performance shares and share units are valued at the stock price on the grant date. For awards with
service vesting criteria, expense is recognized using the straight-line method over the requisite service period (generally the
vesting period). Forfeitures are recognized when they occur. For awards vesting based on a performance measure, anticipated
performance is projected to determine the number of awards expected to vest, and the corresponding aggregate expense is
adjusted to reflect the elapsed portion of the performance period. If a performance period extends beyond the required
service term, total expense is adjusted for changes in estimated achievement through the end of the performance period.
Some performance awards include a total shareholder return modifier (“TSR Modifier”) that operates after determination of
the performance criteria, affecting only the quantity of awards issued if the minimum performance threshold is attained. The
effect of the TSR Modifier is included in the grant date fair value of the related performance awards using a Monte Carlo
valuation technique. The fair value of equity awards with cash payout requirements, as well as awards for which fair value
cannot be estimated at grant date, is remeasured each reporting period through vesting date. Performance awards with pre-
grant date achievement criteria are expensed over the period from the start of the performance period through the end of
the service vesting term. Awards are amortized using the nonsubstantive vesting methodology which requires that expense
associated with awards having only service vesting criteria that continue vesting after retirement be recognized over a period
ending no later than an employee’s retirement eligibility date.
Phantom stock awards are accounted for as liability awards and are remeasured at each reporting period based on changes in
their fair value, which is based on changes in common share prices, until the date of cash settlement. Compensation cost for
each reporting period until settlement is based on the change (or a portion of the change, depending on the percentage of the
requisite service that has been rendered at the reporting date) in the fair value of the phantom stock award for each reporting
period.
Repurchase and Foreclosure Provision
The repurchase and foreclosure provision is the charge to earnings necessary to maintain the liability at a level that reflects
management’s best estimate of losses associated with the repurchase of loans previously transferred in whole loans sales or
securitizations, or make whole requests as of the balance sheet date. See Note 17 - Contingencies and Other Disclosures for
discussion related to FHN’s obligations to repurchase such loans.
Legal Costs
Generally, legal costs are expensed as incurred.Costs related to equity issuances are netted against capital surplus. Costs
related to debt issuances are included in debt issuance costs that are recorded within term borrowings.
Contingency Accruals
Contingent liabilities arise in the ordinary course of business, including those related to lawsuits, arbitration, mediation, and
other forms of litigation. FHN establishes loss contingency liabilities for matters when loss is both probable and reasonably
estimable in accordance with ASC 450-20-50 “Contingencies - Accruals for Loss Contingencies”. If loss for a matter is probable
and a range of possible loss outcomes is the best estimate available, accounting guidance generally requires a liability to be
established at the low end of the range. Expected recoveries from insurance and indemnification arrangements are
recognized if they are considered equally as probable and reasonably estimable as the related loss contingency up to the
recognized amount of the estimated loss. Gain contingencies and expected recoveries from insurance and indemnification
arrangements in excess of the associated recorded estimated losses are generally recognized when received. Recognized
recoveries are recorded as offsets to the related expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income. The favorable resolution
of a gain contingency generally results in the recognition of other income in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
Contingencies assumed in business combinations are evaluated through the end of the one-year post-closing measurement
period. If the acquisition-date fair value of the contingency can be determined during the measurement period, recognition
occurs as part of the acquisition-date fair value of the acquired business. If the acquisition-date fair value of the contingency
cannot be determined, but loss is considered probable as of the acquisition date and can be reasonably estimated within the
measurement period, then the estimated amount is recorded within acquisition accounting. If the requirements for inclusion
of the contingency as part of the acquisition are not met, subsequent recognition of the contingency is included in earnings.
Business Combinations
Assets and liabilities acquired in business combinations are generally recognized at their fair values as of the acquisition date,
with the related transaction costs expensed in the period incurred. Specified items such as net investment in leases as lessor,
acquired operating lease assets and liabilities as lessee, employee benefit plans and income-tax related balances are
recognized in accordance with accounting guidance that results in measurements that may differ from fair value. FHN may
record provisional amounts at the time of acquisition based on available information. The provisional valuation estimates may
be adjusted for a period of up to one year (“measurement period”) from the date of acquisition if new information is obtained
about facts and circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date that, if known, would have affected the measurement of
the amounts recognized as of that date. Business combinations are included in the financial statements from the respective
dates of acquisition. Adjustments recorded during the measurement period are recognized in the current reporting period.
The excess of purchase price over the valuation of specifically identified assets and liabilities is recorded as goodwill. In
certain circumstances the net values of assets and liabilities acquired may exceed the purchase price, which is recognized
within non-interest income as a purchase accounting gain.
2022 Merger Agreement with Toronto-Dominion Bank
On February 27, 2022, FHN entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “TD Merger Agreement”) with The Toronto-
Dominion Bank, a Canadian chartered bank (“TD”), TD Bank US Holding Company, a Delaware corporation and indirect, wholly
owned subsidiary of TD (“TD-US”), and Falcon Holdings Acquisition Co., a Delaware corporation and direct, wholly owned
subsidiary of TD-US (“Merger Sub”). Refer to Note 27 – Subsequent Events, beginning on page ##, for additional information regarding the proposed transaction. Merger and integration expenses related to the Proposed TD Merger will be recorded in
FHN’s Corporate segment. No such expenses were recognized during 2021.
Accounting Changes With Extended Transition Periods
In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04, “Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting”
which provides several optional expedients and exceptions to ease the potential burden in accounting for (or recognizing the
effects of) reference rate reform on financial reporting. The provisions of ASU 2020-04 primarily affect 1) contract
modifications (e.g., loans, leases, debt, and derivatives) made in anticipation that a reference rate (e.g., LIBOR) will be
discontinued and 2) the application of hedge accounting for existing relationships affected by those modifications. The
provisions of ASU 2020-04 are effective upon release and apply only to contracts, hedging relationships, and other
transactions that reference LIBOR or another reference rate expected to be discontinued because of reference rate reform.
The expedients and exceptions provided by ASU 2020-04 do not apply to contract modifications made and hedging
relationships entered into or evaluated after December 31, 2022, except for hedging relationships existing as of December 31,
2022, that an entity has elected certain optional expedients for and that are retained through the end of the hedging
relationship. FHN has identified contracts affected by reference rate reform and developed modification plans for those
contracts. FHN has elected to utilize the optional expedients and exceptions provided by ASU 2020-04 for certain contract
modifications that have already been implemented. FHN anticipates that it will continue to utilize the expedients and
exceptions for future modifications in situations where they mitigate potential accounting outcomes that do not faithfully
represent management’s intent or risk management activities, consistent with the purpose of the standard.
The FASB has voted to approve an extension of the transition window for ASU 2020-04 until December 31, 2024, consistent
with key USD LIBOR tenors continuing to be published through June 30, 2023.
In January 2021, the FASB issued ASU 2021-01, "Scope" to expand the scope of ASU 2020-04 to apply to certain contract
modifications that were implemented in October 2020 by derivative clearinghouses for the use of Secure Overnight Funding
Rate (SOFR) in discounting, margining and price alignment for centrally cleared derivatives, including derivatives utilized in
hedging relationships. ASU 2021-01 also applies to derivative contracts affected by the change in discounting convention
regardless of whether they are centrally cleared (i.e., bi-lateral contracts can also be modified) and regardless of whether they
reference LIBOR. ASU 2021-01 was effective immediately upon issuance with retroactive application permitted. FHN elected
to retroactively apply the provisions of ASU 2021-01 because FHN's centrally cleared derivatives were affected by the change
in discounting convention and because FHN has other bi-lateral derivative contracts that may be modified to conform to the
use of SOFR for discounting. Adoption did not have a significant effect on FHN's reported financial condition or results of
operations.