Table of Contents


     
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 10-K
 
ý     ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the fiscal year ended: December 31, 20152017
 
o        TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the transition period from           to           
 
Commission File Number: 001-15781
BERKSHIRE HILLS BANCORP, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
Delaware 04-3510455
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
 
24 North60 State Street, Pittsfield,Boston, Massachusetts 0120102109
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
 
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (413) 236-3149(800) 773-5601, ext. 133773
 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
 
 Title of each class Name of Exchange on which registered 
 Common stock, par value $0.01 per share New York Stock Exchange 
 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
 
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.  Yes oý
No ýo
 
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.  Yes o No ý
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes ý No o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes ý No o
 
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of the Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. ýo

 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.  See the definition of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.  (Check one)
 
Large Accelerated Filer x
 
Accelerated Filer o
   
Non-Accelerated Filer o
 
Smaller Reporting Company o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).  Yes o No ý
 
The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates was approximately $822 million,$1.4 billion, based upon the closing price of $28.48$35.15 as quoted on the New York Stock Exchange as of the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter.
 
The number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s common stock as of February 25, 201623, 2018 was 31,078,770.45,369,422.
 
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE: Portions of the Proxy Statement for the 20162018 Annual Meeting of StockholdersShareholders are incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K.
     





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PART I

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Certain statements contained in this document that are not historical facts may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (referred to as the Securities Act), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (referred to as the Securities Exchange Act), and are intended to be covered by the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You can identify these statements from the use of the words “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “would,” “plan,” “potential,” “estimate,” “project,” “believe,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “expect,” “target” and similar expressions. These forward-looking statements are subject to significant risks, assumptions and uncertainties, including among other things, changes in general economic and business conditions, increased competitive pressures, changes in the interest rate environment, legislative and regulatory change, changes in the financial markets, and other risks and uncertainties disclosed from time to time in documents that Berkshire Hills Bancorp files with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which reflect our expectations only as of the date of this report. We do not assume any obligation to revise forward-looking statements except as may be required by law.

GENERAL

Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc. (“Berkshire” or “the Company”) is headquartered in Pittsfield,Boston, Massachusetts. Berkshire is a Delaware corporation and the holding company for Berkshire Bank (“the Bank”) and Berkshire Insurance Group.Group, Inc.

The Bank profiles itself as follows:




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The Company views itself as well positioned in an attractive footprint as illustrated below:


Berkshire’s common shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the trading symbol “BHLB.” At year-end 2015,2017, Berkshire’s closing stock price was $29.11$36.60 and there were 30.97445.290 million shares outstanding. Berkshire is a regional bank and financial services company providing the service capabilities of a larger institution and the focus and responsiveness of a local partner to its communities. The Company seeks to distinguish itself based on the following attributes:
Strong momentum and improving profitability
Diversified revenue drivers and controlled expenses
Well positioned footprint in attractive markets
AMEB culture
Solid internal capital generation supports growth - results driven
Focused on long-term profitability goals and shareholder value
Acquisition disciplines a strength in a consolidating market

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The Bank operates under the brand of America’s Most Exciting Bank®Bank® providing an engaging and innovative customer experience driven by its AMEB culture which is:


The Bank has 93113 full-service banking offices in its New England, and upstate New York, footprint, which extends along Interstate 90 from Boston to Syracuse, and along Interstate 91 from Hartford into Vermont.Mid-Atlantic footprint. The Bank also has commercial and retail lending offices located in Eastern Massachusetts. The Company’s operations include those acquired as a result of four bank mergers in 2011 through 2012, aowns mortgage banking company acquisition in 2012, the acquisition of 20 New York branches in 2014, and the acquisition of Hampden Bancorp, Inc. (“Hampden”), in the second quarter of 2015.

To augment its commercial lending operations, the Company acquired all of the outstanding equity of Firestone Financial Corp. (“Firestone”),specialty equipment finance subsidiaries which now operates as a subsidiary of Berkshire Bank. Firestoneserve markets nationwide. Additionally, it is a commercial specialty finance company providing secured installmentleading provider of SBA loan equipment financing for small and medium-sized businesses. Firestone originates commercial and industrial loans to a national customer basesolutions in several niche industries.

On October 27, 2015, the Company entered into a purchase and assumption agreement with 44 Business Capital, LLC (“44 Business Capital”) and Parke Bank.targeted markets. The Company will acquire theoffers a wide range of deposit, lending, insurance, and wealth management products to retail and commercial customers in its market areas. Its business model of 44 Business Capitalgoal is to expand and certain other assets of Parke Bank's SBA 7(a) loan program operations. The Company has agreed to purchase certain small business loans from Parke Bank. The transaction is subject to receipt of required regulatory approvalsdeepen market share and is expected to be completed during the first six months of 2016.wallet share through organic growth and acquisition strategies.

The Bank serves the following regions:regions shown below:

Greater Boston, where the Company has relocated its headquarters in a prominent downtown Boston financial district location. This region includes 19 branch offices and several lending offices. The Company expanded in this region with its acquisition of Commerce Bancshares Corp. (“Commerce”) in October 2017. Berkshire’s asset based lending operations and the headquarters of its Firestone Financial subsidiary are located in this region. Greater Boston is the largest economic area in New England. The Greater Boston combined statistical area, including Worcester, is the sixth largest in the country. Boston is viewed as a leading commercial real estate market nationally, including foreign demand for investment real estate. Major local industries include biotechnology, technology, education, healthcare, trade, and financial service. The Boston MSA 2016 GDP was $423 billion and the Worcester 2016 MSA GDP was $42 billion.


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Western New England, with 23 banking offices, includingbranches, includes the Company’s headquarters in Pittsfield, Mass. This region includestraditional Berkshire County Mass., which is the Company’s traditional market, where it has a leading market share in many of its product lines. This region also includes Southern Vermont, and many of the region’s branches are in communities close to Route 7, which runs north/south through the valleys to the west of the Berkshire Hills and Green Mountains. This region is within commuting range of both Albany, N.Y., and Springfield, Mass., and is known throughout the world as a tourist and recreational destination area, with vacation and second home traffic from Boston and New York City. The Pittsfield 20142016 MSA GDP totaled $6 billion.

New York, with 43 banking offices39 branches serving the Albany Capital District and Central New York. Albany is the state capital and is part of New York’s Tech Valley which is gaining prominence as a world technology hub including leading edge nanotechnology initiatives representing a blend of private enterprise and public investment. The Company’s Central New York area includes operations in the Rome/Utica MSA and in the Syracuse MSA. These are markets along Interstate 90 with longstanding local industries and expansion influences from the Albany Capital District. The Albany/Schenectady 20142016 MSA GDP was $49$52 billion, and the Rome/Utica/Syracuse total 20142016 MSA GDP was $42$38 billion.

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Hartford/Springfield, with 25 banking offices24 branches serving the market along the Connecticut River in this region, which is the second largest economic area in New England. This region is centrally located between Boston and New York City at the crossroads of Interstate 91, which traverses the length of New England, and Interstate 90, which traverses the width of Massachusetts. This region also has easy access to Bradley International Airport, which is a major airport serving central New England. Major local industries include insurance, defense manufacturing, education, and assembly/distribution. The Springfield area is receiving major commercial investment including the first Massachusetts casino/entertainment complex, railcar manufacturing, and highway development.complex. The Hartford/Springfield combined 20142016 MSA GDP was $110 billion.
Eastern Massachusetts, with lending offices and two branch offices located in towns west and north of Boston. Eastern Massachusetts is the largest economic area in New England, and the Company’s banking operations extend from Worcester within the commuting and commerce area of Boston, east to Boston and its suburbs. Boston is viewed as a leading commercial real estate market nationally, including foreign demand for commercial and multifamily properties.  The Bank’s Asset Based Lending Group is headquartered in this region, and serves middle market businesses throughout the Company’s footprint. The Boston/Worcester combined 2014 MSA GDP was $420$114 billion.

During 2015,
Mid-Atlantic, with 8 branches and mortgage banking and SBA lending operations. Berkshire established its presence in this region in 2016 with its acquisition of First Choice Bank (“First Choice”) located in the Company continued to executePrinceton, New Jersey area and its strategy to align individual branch profitability within the contextacquisition of the breadthbusiness assets and operations of its footprint as a core competency.44 Business Capital, LLC ("44 Business Capital"), located in the greater Philadelphia area. Major local industries include bio-science, financial services, trade, iron, steel and rubber. The Company sold or consolidated eight branches duringPhiladelphia MSA 2016 GDP was $431 billion, while the year, including three acquired from Hampden. The Company also sold its Tennessee operations and consolidated three other branches in its New York and Springfield markets. The Company expects to further execute this strategy inTrenton 2016 through continued analysisMSA GDP was $27 billion.


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Shown below is information about total loans and deposits within the Company’s New England/New Yorkbanking footprint, by region, as of year-end 2015.2017 (wholesale deposit and loan balances are excluded).


These regions are viewed as having favorable demographicseconomic and demographic characteristics and provide an attractive regional niche for the Bank to distinguish itself from larger national and super-regional banks, as well as from smaller community banks, while serving its market area. The Bank is the only locally headquartered regional bank serving this footprint. The Company views its footprint as comparatively stable, with modest economic growth prospects in rural areas and higher growth prospects in more developed areas. The strongest growth is expected to be in Eastern Massachusetts and the New York Capital District. The Company views itself as positioned to take advantage of the best growth opportunities as they develop across its geography. The Company’s regions have competitive economic strengths in precision manufacturing, distribution, technology, health care, and education which are expected to continue to support above average personal incomes and wealth. These regions include two major U.S. metropolitan areas and port cities - Boston and the Philadelphia area. As a result of its growth, the Company has increased and diversified its revenues both geographically and by product type and this has improved its flexibility in pursuing growth opportunities as they arise. The Company believes it has attractive long-term growth prospects because of the

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Bank’s positioning as one of thea leading regional banksbank in its markets with the ability to serve retail and commercial customers with a strong product set and responsive local management. The Company also has a goalacquired and is developing targeted national lending operations to deepensupport its wallet share as a result of its focused cross sales program across its various business lines including insurancestrategic growth and wealth management.
The Company has recruited executives with experience in regional bank management and has augmented its management team as it has expanded into a diversified regional financial services provider. In addition to business acquisitions, Berkshire’s expansion has been based on team and talent recruitment.profitability. The Company also pursues organic growth through ongoing business development, de novo branching, product development, and product development.delivery channel diversification and enhancement. The Bank promotes itself as America’s Most Exciting Bank®
. Its vision is to excel as a high performing market leader with the right people, attitude, and energy providing an engaging and exciting customer and team member experience. This brand and culture statement is expected to driveviewed as driving customer engagement, loyalty, market share, and profitability.
The Company offers a wide range of deposit, lending, insurance, and wealth management products to retail, commercial, not-for-profit, and municipal customers in its market areas. The Company’s product offerings also include retail and commercial electronic banking, commercial cash management, and commercial interest rate swaps. The Company stresses a culture of teamwork and performance excellence to produce customer satisfaction to support its strategic growth and profitability. The Company utilizes Six Sigma tools to improve operational effectiveness and efficiency. The Company convertedIt focuses on the recruitment and acquisition of teams with established market reach and experience to support its core banking systems to a new scalable technology platform in 2012, with goals to enhance service, efficiency, reliability, customer relationship management, distribution channels, product quality,overall growth and revenue generation. The systems provide deeper and more granular customer and operational data that Berkshire is mining in order to better inform its strategic direction and business execution. Berkshire has also expanded its mobile banking and remote capture offerings and utilizes its web site and online banking tools to extend the convenience that it offers to customers.development.

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COMPANY WEBSITE AND AVAILABILITY OF SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION FILINGS

Information regarding the Company is available through the Investor Relations tab at berkshirebank.com. The Company’s annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and any amendments to those reports filed pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 are available free of charge at sec.gov and at berkshirebank.com under the Investor Relations tab. Information on the website is not incorporated by reference and is not a part of this annual report on Form 10-K.

COMPETITION

The Company is subject to strong competition from banks and other financial institutions and financial service providers. Its competition includes national and super-regional banks. Non-bank competitors include credit unions, brokerage firms, insurance providers, financial planners, and the mutual fund industry. New technology is reshaping customer interaction with financial service providers and the increase of internet-accessible financial institutions increases competition for the Company’s customers. The Company generally competes on the basis of customer service, relationship management, and the fair pricing of loan and deposit products and wealth management and insurance services. The location and convenience of branch offices is also a significant competitive factor, particularly regarding new offices. The Company does not rely on any individual, group, or entity for a material portion of its deposits.

LENDING ACTIVITIES

General. The Bank originates loans in the four basic portfolio categories discussed below. Lending activities are limited by federal and state laws and regulations. Loan interest rates and other key loan terms are affected principally by the Bank’s credit policy, asset/liability strategy, loan demand, competition, and the supply of money available for lending purposes. These factors, in turn, are affected by general and economic conditions, monetary policies of the federal government, including the Federal Reserve, legislative tax policies, and governmental budgetary matters. Most of the Bank’s loans held for investment are made in its market areas and are secured by real estate located in its market areas. Lending is therefore affected by activity in these real estate markets. The Bank does not engage in subprime lending activities. The Bank monitors and manages the amount of long-term fixed-rate lending volume. Adjustable-rate loan products generally reduce interest rate risk but may produce higher loan losses in the event of sustained rate increases. The Bank retains most of thegenerally originates loans it originates, althoughfor investment except for residential mortgages, which are generally originated for sale on a servicing released basis. Additionally, the Bank generally sells its originations of conforming fixed rate residential mortgages.also originates SBA 7A loans for sale to investors. The Bank also conducts wholesale purchases and sales of loans and loan participations generally with other banks doing business in its markets, including selected national banks.

The Bank changed its charter several years ago from a savings bank to a trust company, which is the common charter for Massachusetts chartered commercial banks. The majority of the Bank’s held for investment loans are commercial loans. The Company’s strategy is to be a leading regional bank commercial banking provider in its regional markets, and to develop commercial market share and wallet share across its commercial banking product areas. The Company’s recent expansion into more urban markets is targeted to facilitate further development of this strategy. The Company also is building its specialized commercial business lines which have higher margins and provide for revenue diversification and geographic expansion into other national markets. The Bank’s loan portfolio includes loans acquiredBank has focused on team recruitments to establish its market prominence and deliver revenue synergies in recent business combinations and such loans generally conform to the loans from the Bank’s business activities.new markets entered by acquisition.

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Loan Portfolio Analysis. The following table sets forth the year-end composition of the Bank’s loan portfolio in dollar amounts and as a percentage of the portfolio at the dates indicated. Further information about the composition of the loan portfolio is contained in Note 6 - Loans of the Loans footnote in the consolidated financial statements.Consolidated Financial Statements.

Item 1 - Table 1 - Loan Portfolio Analysis
 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013
   Percent   Percent   Percent   Percent   Percent   Percent   Percent   Percent   Percent   Percent
   of   of   of   of   of   of   of   of   of   of
(In millions) Amount Total Amount Total Amount Total Amount Total Amount Total Amount Total Amount Total Amount Total Amount Total Amount Total
Residential mortgages $1,815.0
 32% $1,496.2
 32% $1,384.3
 33% $1,324.3
 33% $1,020.4
 35%
                    
Commercial real estate 2,059.8
 36
 1,611.6
 34
 1,417.1
 34
 1,413.5
 35
 1,156.2
 39
 $3,264
 39% $2,617
 40% $2,060
 36% $1,612
 35% $1,417
 34%
Commercial and industrial loans 1,048.3
 18
 804.4
 17
 687.3
 16
 600.1
 15
 410.3
 14
 1,804
 22
 1,062
 16
 1,048
 18
 804
 17
 687
 16
Total commercial loans 3,108.1
 54
 2,416.0
 52
 2,104.4
 50
 2,013.6
 50
 1,566.5
 53
 5,068
 61
 3,679
 56
 3,108
 54
 2,416
 52
 2,104
 50
                    
Residential mortgages 2,103
 25
 1,893
 29
 1,815
 32
 1,496
 32
 1,384
 33
Consumer 802.2
 14
 768.4
 16
 691.8
 17
 650.7
 16
 369.6
 13
 1,128
 14
 978
 15
 802
 14
 768
 16
 692
 17
Total loans $5,725.3
 100% $4,680.6
 100% $4,180.5
 100% $3,988.6
 100% $2,956.5
 100% $8,299
 100% $6,550
 100% $5,725
 100% $4,680
 100% $4,180
 100%
                                        
Allowance for loan losses (39.3) 

 (35.7) 

 (33.3) 

 (33.2)  
 (32.4)  
 (52) 

 (44) 

 (39) 

 (35)  
 (33)  
Net loans $5,686.0
  
 $4,644.9
 

 $4,147.2
 

 $3,955.4
  
 $2,924.1
  
 $8,247
  
 $6,506
 

 $5,686
 

 $4,645
  
 $4,147
  

Residential Mortgages. The Bank offers fixed-rate and adjustable-rate residential mortgage loans with maturities of up to 30 years that are fully amortizing with monthly loan payments. Berkshire’s loan products are available through FNMA, FHLMC, government insured, and state programs. In addition, the Bank offers a suite of portfolio products through Berkshire Bank. Berkshire Bank is an in-house Direct Endorsed Lender for FHA. It also offers VA, USDA, FHA Reverse, State Housing, Home Path, HARP, and other government sponsored mortgage programs. The Company targets that its programs and pricing are highly competitive in the marketplace as it pursues opportunities to expand market share in its footprint.
Residential mortgages are generally underwritten according to the Federal National Mortgage Association (“Fannie Mae”) or the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Association (“Freddie Mac”) guidelines for loans they designate as “A” or “A-” (these are referred to as “conforming loans”). Private mortgage insurance is generally required for loans with loan-to-value ratios in excess of 80%. The Bank also originates loans above conforming loan amount limits, referred to as “jumbo loans,” which are generally conforming to secondary market guidelines for these loans. The Bank does not offer subprime mortgage lending programs.
The Bank generally sells most of its newly originated conforming fixed rate mortgages. It also purchases or sells seasoned mortgage loans in the secondary mortgage market when opportunities become available. The Bank is approved as a direct seller to Fannie Mae, retaining the servicing rights. The majority of the Bank’s secondary marketing is to national institutional secondary market investors on a servicing-released basis. Sales of mortgages generally involve customary representations and warranties and are nonrecourse in the event of borrower default. The Bank is also an approved originator of loans for sale to the Federal Housing Administration (“FHA”), U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (“VA”), and state housing agency programs.
The Bank offers adjustable rate (“ARM”) mortgages which do not contain interest-only or negative amortization features. After an initial term of six months to 10 years, the rates on these loans generally reset every year based upon a contractual spread or margin above the average yield on U.S. Treasury securities. ARM loan interest rates may rise as interest rates rise, thereby increasing the potential for default. At year-end 2015, the Bank’s adjustable rate mortgage portfolio totaled $544 million. The Bank also originates loans to individuals for the construction and acquisition of personal residences. These loans generally provide 15-month construction periods followed by a permanent mortgage loan, and follow the Bank’s normal mortgage underwriting guidelines.
Following its purchase of a mortgage banking company in 2012, the Bank has expanded its residential mortgage program and in 2014 rebranded the program as Berkshire Home Lending. Berkshire Bank is the preferred mortgage lender for the Massachusetts Teachers Association, and has been among the top ten banks in Massachusetts and Rhode Island for residential mortgage volume in certain periods in recent years.

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Commercial Real Estate. The Bank originates commercial real estate loans on properties used for business purposes such as small office buildings, industrial, healthcare, lodging, recreation, or retail facilities. ThisCommercial real estate loans are provided on owner-occupied properties and on investor-owned properties. The portfolio also includes commercial 1-4 family and multifamily properties. The Bank’s expansion in Greater Boston may involve increased lending to finance new types of properties and reliance on more expensive property values compared to its traditional markets. Loans may generally be made with amortizations of up to 25 years and with interest rates that adjust periodically (primarily from short-term to five years). Most commercial real estate loans are originated with final maturities of 10 years or less. As part of its business activities, the Bank also enters into commercial loan participations with regional and national banks and purchases and sells commercial loans. The Bank views its owner-occupied commercial real estate loans intogether with its footprint.commercial and industrial loans as constituting the primary relationship based component of its commercial lending activities.

Commercial real estate loans are among the largest of the bank’sBank’s loans, and may have higher credit risk and lending spreads.The Company believed that its competitive advantage for new originations was strongest in the $5-10 million size range.spreads. Because repayment is often dependent on the successful operation or management of the properties, repayment of suchcommercial real estate loans may be affected by adverse conditions in the real estate market or the economy. The Bank seeks to minimizemanage these risks through strict adherence to its underwriting standardsdisciplines and portfolio management processes. The Bank generally requires that borrowers have debt service coverage ratios (the ratio of available cash flows before debt service to debt service) of at least 1.25 times based on stabilized cash flows of leases in place, with some exceptions for national credit tenants. For variable rate loans, the Bank underwrites debt service coverage to interest rate shocks of 300 basis points or higher based on a minimum of 1.0 times coverage and it uses loan maturities to manage risk based on the lease base and interest sensitivity. Loans at origination may be made up to 80% of appraised value based on property type and risk, with sublimits of 75% or less for designated specialty property types. Generally, commercial real estate loans requireare supported by full or partial personal guarantees by the principals. Credit enhancements in the form of additional collateral or guarantees are normally considered for start-up businesses without a qualifying cash flow history.

The Bank offers interest rate swaps to certain larger commercial mortgage borrowers. These swaps allow the Bank to originate a mortgage based on short-term LIBOR rates and allow the borrower to swap into a longer-term fixed rate. The Bank simultaneously sells an offsetting back-to-back swap to an investment grade national bank so that it does not retain this fixed-rate risk. The Bank also records fee income on these interest rate swaps based on the terms of the offsetting swaps with the bank counterparties.

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The Bank originates construction loans to developers and commercial borrowers in and around its markets. The maximum loan to value limits for construction loans follow FDIC supervisory limits, up to a maximum of 8085 percent. The Bank commits to provide the permanent mortgage financing on most of its construction loans on income-producing property. Advances on construction loans are made in accordance with a schedule reflecting the cost of the improvements. Construction loans include land acquisition loans up to a maximum 50 percent loan to value on raw land. Construction loans may have greater credit risk due to the dependence on completion of construction and other real estate improvements, as well as the sale or rental of the improved property. The Bank generally mitigates these risks with presale or preleasing requirements and phasing of construction.
 
Commercial and Industrial Loans. The Bank offers secured commercial term loans with repayment terms which are normally limited to the expected useful life of the asset being financed, and generally not exceeding ten years. The Bank also offers revolving loans, lines of credit, letters of credit, time notes and Small Business Administration guaranteed loans. Business lines of credit have adjustable rates of interest and can be committed or are payable on demand, subject to annual review and renewal. Commercial and industrial loans are generally secured by a variety of collateral such as accounts receivable, inventory and equipment, and are generally supported by personal guarantees. Loan-to-value ratios depend on the collateral type and generally do not exceed 80 percent of orderly liquidation value. Some commercial loans may also be secured by liens on real estate. The Bank generally does not make unsecured commercial loans. Commercial loans are of higher risk and are made primarily on the basis of the borrower’s ability to make repayment from the cash flows of its business. Further, any collateral securing such loans may depreciate over time, may be difficult to monitor and appraise and may fluctuate in value. The Bank gives additional consideration to the borrower’s credit history and the guarantor’s capacity to help mitigate these risks. Additionally, the Bank uses loan structures including shorter terms, amortizations, and advance rate limitations to additionally mitigate credit risk. The Company considers these loans, together with its owner-occupied commercial real estate loans, as constituting the primary relationship based component of its commercial lending activities.

The Asset Based Lending Group serves the commercial middle market in New England, as well as the Bank’s market in northeastern New York. ThisIn 2017, this group expanded into the Mid-Atlantic. The group expands the Bank’s business lending offerings to include revolving lines of credit and term loans secured by accounts receivable, inventory, and other assets to manufacturers, distributors and select service companies experiencing seasonal working capital needs, rapid sales growth, a turnaround, buyout or recapitalization with credit needs ranging from $2 to $25 million. Asset based lending involves monitoring loan collateral so that outstanding balances are always properly secured by business assets, which reduces the risks associated with these loans. At year-end 2017, asset based loans outstanding totaled $306 million.

In 2016, the Bank created the new Specialty Lending Group to oversee its equipment lending, SBA lending, and small business lending activities. The acquisition ofspecialty equipment lending operation is conducted by Firestone Financial Corp. ("Firestone"), which was acquired in the third quarter of 2015 allowed the Company to expand its specialty commercial and industrial lending.2015. Firestone originates loans secured by business-essential equipment through over 160 equipment distributors and manufacturers and directly via the end borrower in all fifty50 states. Key customer segments include the fitness, carnival,

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gaming, and entertainment industries. These loans function similarly to the Bank’s commercial and industrial portfolio. However, some credits have payment schedules tailored to the meet the needs of the seasonality of these borrowers’ businesses. These loans generally have higher interest rates than the Bank's other commercial loans, reflecting the niche expertise required in servicing these industries. Firestone’s loans outstanding totaled $227 million at year-end 2017.

In 2016, Berkshire acquired 44 Business Capital, a dedicated SBA 7(A) program lending team based in the Philadelphia area. This team originates loans primarily in the Mid-Atlantic area. This team sells the guaranteed portions of these loans with servicing retained and the Bank retains the unguaranteed portions of the loans, which are pari-passu with the SBA for loan repayment. Some of the SBA’s underwriting parameters are outside of the Bank’s normal commercial lending standards. The Bank is a preferred SBA lender and closely manages the servicing portfolio pursuant to SBA requirements. This team is the Bank’s largest source of commercial lending fee revenue, and it is targeting to further expand these operations to other markets, as well as increasing SBA product penetration to the market served by Firestone. Berkshire also originates SBA loans in its regional markets. The SBA’s annual report of SBA originators for the year-ended September 30, 2017 ranked Berkshire 17th in the nation

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by number of loans and 32nd by dollar amount of loans. Berkshire has the top SBA ranking in several of its regional markets.

Residential Mortgages. Through its mortgage banking operations, the Bank offers fixed-rate and adjustable-rate residential mortgage loans to individuals with maturities of up to 30 years that are fully amortizing with monthly loan payments. The majority of loans are originated for sale with rate lock commitments which are recorded as derivative financial instruments. Mortgages are generally underwritten according to U.S. government sponsored enterprise guidelines designated as “A” or “A-” and referred to as “conforming loans”. The Bank also originates jumbo loans above conforming loan amounts which generally are consistent with secondary market guidelines for these loans and are often held in portfolio. The Bank does not offer subprime mortgage lending programs. The Bank buys and sells seasoned mortgages primarily with smaller financial institutions operating in its markets.

The majority of the Bank’s secondary marketing is to U.S. secondary market investors on a servicing-released basis. The Bank also sells directly to government sponsored enterprises with servicing retained. Mortgage sales generally involve customary representations and warranties and are nonrecourse in the event of borrower default. The Bank is also an approved originator of loans for sale to the Federal Housing Administration (“FHA”), U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (“VA”), state housing agency programs, and other government sponsored mortgage programs.

The Bank does not offer interest-only or negative amortization mortgage loans. At year-end 2017, the Bank’s mortgage portfolio repricing within five years totaled $494 million. Adjustable rate mortgage loan interest rates may rise as interest rates rise, thereby increasing the potential for default. The Bank also reorganized its small business lending function to includeoriginates construction loans which generally provide 15-month construction periods followed by a permanent mortgage loan, and follow the retail division in the origination of conforming small business loans in order to provide the best service to community businesses. The small business lending program is for businesses generally with annual revenues of up to $10 million and whose loan relationship with the bank is $2 million or less. The program has two distinct thresholds: branch originated loans for borrowers with revenues of $2 million or less, total loan relationship with the bank is $250 thousand or less -- and loan requests are $50 thousand or less for lines of credit and $100 thousand or less for term loans; and Business Banker originated loans for borrowers with revenues of $10 million or less, total loan relationship is $2 million or less and loan requests up to $2 million for all lending products. The program also handles an exception managed loan portfolio for loans and loan relationships under $250 thousand which require limited documentation to provide timely credit to small businesses.Bank’s normal mortgage underwriting guidelines.

Most of the Bank’s mortgages are originated by commissioned mortgage lenders. With the First Choice Bank acquisition of 44 Business Capital, which is expected to close in the first six months ofDecember 2016, the Company intends to expandacquired First Choice Loan Services Inc. ("First Choice Loan Services"), which now operates its smallmortgage banking business lending operations toas a national customer footprint.subsidiary of Berkshire Bank. This operation has a team of more than 400 members originating mortgages in targeted markets in nine states, with headquarters in East Brunswick, N.J. With increased originations,First Choice Loan Services, Berkshire is now one of the Company expects to actively sell manytop 50 bank originators of these creditsmortgages in the U.S. First Choice Loan Services originates directly through its originators as well as online including a mortgage marketing partnership with Costco.

Berkshire’s mortgage banking operations are its largest source of non-interest income. The Company targets to earn a pre-tax margin of approximately 0.30% on its origination volume. The portfolio of mortgages held for sale is a high yielding short term asset. The Bank’s portfolio of mortgages held for investment is a significant source of interest income to the bank. Mortgage operations require significant interest rate risk management both for the interest rate lock derivative financial instruments and for the long term assets held in portfolio. Mortgage banking also requires flexible and scalable operations due to the volatility of mortgage demand over time. Investor management is integral to maintaining the secondary market.market support that is required for these operations. The management of commissioned originations staff across national markets in this highly regulated business line requires strong controls and compliance management.

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Consumer Loans. The Bank’s consumer loans consist principallyare centrally underwritten and processed by its experienced consumer lending team based in Syracuse, New York. The Bank’s primary consumer lending activity is indirect auto lending. In the second half of 2015, the Bank recruited new leadership to expand this activity from its Central New York base to other parts of Berkshire’s footprint. The Bank provides prime auto loans to finance new and used autos and is evaluating secondary marketing to further support this activity. At year-end 2017, outstanding auto and other loans totaled $718 million. The Bank’s other major consumer lending activity is prime home equity lending, following its conforming mortgage underwriting guidelines with more streamlined verifications and documentation. Most of these outstanding loans are prime based home equity lines of credit and indirect automobile loans, together with second mortgage loans and other consumer loans. The Bank’s home equity lines of credit are typically secured by first or second mortgages on borrowers’ residences. Home equity lines have an initial revolving period up to 15 years, followed by an amortizing term up to 20 years. These loans are normally indexed to the prime rate. Home equity loans also include amortizing fixed-rate second mortgages with terms up to 15 years. Lending policies for combined debt service and collateral coverage are similar to those used for residential first mortgages, although underwriting verifications are more streamlined. Thea maximum combined loan-to-value isof 85 percent. Home equity line credit risks include the risk that higher interest rates will affect repayment and possible compression of collateral coverage on second lien home equity lines. Acquired operations of Beacon Federal in 2012 included a significant consumer lending function focused on indirect originations of automobileAt year-end 2017, home equity loans primarily in central New York. For new automobiles, the amount financed could be up to 100 percent of the value of the vehicle, plus applicable taxes and dealer charges (i.e., warranty and insurance charges). For used automobiles, the amount of the loan was limited to the “loan value” of the vehicle, as established by industry guides. Beginning in the latter part of 2013, the Bank decided to de-emphasize originations of super-prime loans, and as a result, the indirect portfolio has been declining. In the third quarter of 2015, the Bank recruited a senior leader for this business line to develop an indirect program in New England and New York for prime auto loans with a goal of later developing a secondary marketing program to further support this activity.totaled $410 million.

Maturity and Sensitivity of Loan Portfolio. The following table shows contractual final maturities of selected loan categories at year-end 2015.2017. The contractual maturities do not reflect premiums, discounts, deferred costs, andor prepayments.
 
Item 1 - Table 2 - Loan Contractual Maturity - Scheduled Loan Amortizations are not included in the maturities presented.
Contractual Maturity One Year One to More Than   One Year One to More Than  
(In thousands) or Less Five Years Five Years Total or Less Five Years Five Years Total
        
Construction mortgage loans:  
  
  
  
Construction real estate loans:  
  
  
  
Commercial $59,909
 $206,427
 $
 $266,336
Residential $20,962
 $7,093
 $
 $28,055
 2,717
 124
 2,569
 5,410
Commercial 27,340
 226,330
 
 253,670
Commercial and industrial loans 269,075
 599,318
 179,870
 1,048,263
 307,577
 918,136
 578,226
 1,803,939
Total $317,377
 $832,741
 $179,870
 $1,329,988
 $370,203
 $1,124,687
 $580,795
 $2,075,685
 
For the $1.0$1.7 billion of loans above which mature in more than one year, $253 million$0.5 billion of these loans are fixed-rate and $837 million$1.2 billion are variable rate.

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Loan Administration. Lending activities are governed by a loan policy approved by the Board’s Risk Management and Capital Committee. Internal staff perform and monitor post-closing loan documentation review, quality control, and commercial loan administration. The lending staff assigns a risk rating to all commercial loans, excluding point scored small business loans. Management primarily relies on internal risk management staff to review the risk ratings of the majority of commercial loan balances.


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The Bank’s lending activities follow written, non-discriminatory underwriting standards and loan origination procedures established by the Risk Management and Capital Committee and Management.Management, under the leadership of the Chief Risk Officer. The Bank’s loan underwriting is based on a review of certain factors including risk ratings, recourse, loan-to-value ratios, and material policy exceptions. The Risk Management and Capital Committee has established individual and combined loan limits and lending approval authorities. Management’s Executive Loan Committee is responsible for commercial and residential loan approvals in accordance with these standards and procedures. Generally, commercial lending management has the authority to approve pass rated secured commercial loans (with normal credit risk)can be approved jointly up to $1$7 million in conjunction with a Credit Officerby the regional lending manager and regional credit officer. Loans up to $4.5$15 million and in conjunctioncan be approved with the additional signature of the Chief Credit Officer up to $10 million. The Chief Credit Officer hasOfficer. Loans in excess of this amount, and designated lower rated loans are approved by the authority to approve up to $7.5 million for pass rated credits with major policy exceptions and pass/watch rated credits and up to $2.5 million for special mention rated credits. The Executive Loan Committee approves secured loans over these amounts (and over $1.5 million unsecured).Committee. These limits were expanded in 2016. The Bank tracks exceptions that are approved to loan underwriting standardsexceptions and exception reports are actively monitored by executive lending management. In 2015, the Bank promoted its Chief Risk Officer to President of the Bank and recruited an experienced credit professional to the position of Chief Risk Officer.

The Bank’s lending activities are conducted by its salaried and commissioned loan personnel. Designated salaried branch staff originate conforming residential mortgages and receive bonuses based on overall performance. Additionally, the Bank employs commissioned residential mortgage originators. Commercial lenders receive salaries and are eligible for bonuses based on individual and overall performance. The Bank purchases whole loans and participations in loans from banks headquartered in its market and from outside of its market. These loans are underwritten according to the Bank’s underwriting criteria and procedures and are generally serviced by the originating lender under terms of the applicable agreement. The Bank routinely sells newly originated, fixed-rate residential mortgages in the secondary market. Customer rate locks are offered without charge and rate locked applications are generally committed for forward sale or hedged with derivative financial instruments to minimize interest rate risk pending delivery of the loans to the investors. The Bank also sells residential mortgages and commercial loan participations on a non-recourse basis. The Bank issues loan commitments to its prospective borrowers conditioned on the occurrence of certain events. Loan origination commitments are made in writing on specified terms and conditions and are generally honored for up to 60 days from approval; some commercial commitments are made for longer terms. The Company also monitors pipelines of loan applications and has processes for issuing letters of interest for commercial loans and preapprovalspre-approvals for residential mortgages, all of which are generally conditional on completion of underwriting prior to the issuance of formal commitments.

The loan policy sets certain limits on concentrations of credit and requires periodic reporting of concentrations to the Risk Management Committee. In most cases, the commercial loan hold limit is 5% of risk based capital for loan transactions and 8% of risk based capital for lending relationships. Loans outstanding to the ten largest relationships averaged $24.2 million each, or 3.8% of the Bank's risk based capital at year-end 2015.Capital Committee. The Bank also actively monitors its 25 largest borrower relationships. Commercial real estate is generally managed within federal regulatory monitoring guidelines of 300% of risk based capital for non-owner occupied commercial real estate and 100% for commercial construction loans. At year-end 2015,2017, non-owner occupied commercial real estate totaled 227%270% of Bank risk based capital and outstanding commercial construction loans were 39%40% of Bank risk based capital. The Bank has hold limits for several categories of commercial specialty lending including healthcare, hospitality, designated franchises, and leasing, as well as hold limits for designated commercial loan participations purchased. In most cases, these limits are below 100% of risk based capital for all outstandings in each monitored category.

Problem Assets. The Bank prefers to work with borrowers to resolve problems rather than proceeding to foreclosure. For commercial loans, this may result in a period of forbearance or restructuring of the loan, which is normally done at current market terms and does not result in a “troubled” loan designation. For residential mortgage loans, the Bank generally follows FDIC guidelines to attempt a restructuring that will enable owner-occupants to remain in their home. However, if these processes fail to result in a performing loan, then the Bank generally will initiate foreclosure or other proceedings no later than the 90th day of a delinquency, as necessary, to minimize any potential loss. Management reports delinquent loans and non-performing assets to the Board quarterly. Loans are generally removed from accruing status when they reach 90 days delinquent, except for certain loans which are well secured and in the process of collection. All loanLoan collections are managed throughby a combination of the related business

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units and the Bank’s special assets group, except for consumer loanwhich focuses on larger, riskier collections which are managed byand the Retail group and Firestone collections, which are handled by that subsidiary.recovery of purchased credit impaired loans.

Real estate acquiredobtained by the Bank as a result of loan collections, including foreclosures, is classified as real estate owned until sold. When property is acquired it is recorded at fair market value less estimated selling costs at the date of foreclosure, establishing a new cost basis. Holding costs and decreases in fair value after acquisition are expensed. Interest income that would have been recorded for 20152017, if non-accruing loans had been current according to their original terms, amounted to $0.8$1.2 million. Included in the amount is $177$181 thousand related to troubled debt restructurings. The amount of interest income on those loans that was recognized in net income in 20152017 was $0.1$0.7 million. Included in this amount is $95$362 thousand related to troubled debt restructurings. Interest

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income on accruing troubled debt restructurings totaled $0.8$1.6 million for 2015.2017. The total carrying value of troubled debt restructurings was $22.0$42.0 million at year-end.

The following table sets forth additional information on year-end problem assets and accruing troubled debt restructurings (“TDR”). Due to accounting standards for business combinations, non-accrual loans of acquired banks are recorded as accruing on the acquisition date. Therefore, measures related to accruing and non-accruing loans reflect these standards and may not be comparable to prior periods.

Item 1 - Table 3 - Problem Assets and Accruing TDR

(In thousands) 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013
          
Non-accruing loans:  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Residential mortgages $3,966
 $3,908
 $7,868
 $7,466
 $7,010
Commercial real estate 4,882
 12,878
 13,739
 12,617
 14,280
 $7,267
 $5,883
 $4,882
 $12,878
 $13,739
Commercial and industrial loans 8,259
 1,705
 2,355
 3,681
 990
 7,311
 7,523
 8,259
 1,705
 2,355
Residential mortgages 2,883
 3,795
 3,966
 3,908
 7,868
Consumer 3,768
 3,214
 3,493
 1,748
 1,954
 5,438
 5,039
 3,768
 3,214
 3,493
Total non-performing loans 20,875
 21,705
 27,455
 25,512
 24,234
 22,899
 22,240
 20,875
 21,705
 27,455
Real estate owned 1,725
 2,049
 2,758
 1,929
 1,900
 
 151
 1,725
 2,049
 2,758
Repossessed assets 1,147
 
 
 
 
Total non-performing assets $22,600
 $23,754
 $30,213
 $27,441
 $26,134
 $24,046
 $22,391
 $22,600
 $23,754
 $30,213
                    
Troubled debt restructurings (accruing) $12,497
 $12,612
 $8,344
 $3,641
 $1,263
 $36,172
 $28,241
 $12,497
 $12,612
 $8,344
Accruing loans 90+ days past due $5,229
 $4,568
 $9,223
 $18,977
 $10,184
 $16,480
 $9,863
 $5,229
 $4,568
 $9,223
                    
Total non-performing loans/total loans 0.36% 0.46% 0.66% 0.64% 0.82% 0.28% 0.34% 0.36% 0.46% 0.66%
Total non-performing assets/total assets 0.29% 0.37% 0.53% 0.52% 0.65% 0.21% 0.24% 0.29% 0.37% 0.53%

Asset Classification and Delinquencies. The Bank performs an internal analysis of its commercial loan portfolio and assets to classify such loans and assets in a manner similar to that employed by federal banking regulators. There are four classifications for loans with higher than normal risk: Loss, Doubtful, Substandard, and Special Mention. Usually an asset classified as Loss is fully charged-off. Substandard assets have one or more defined weaknesses and are characterized by the distinct possibility that the insured institution will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected. Doubtful assets have the weaknesses of substandard assets with the additional characteristic that the weaknesses make collection or liquidation in full on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions, and values questionable, and there is a high possibility of loss. Assets that do not currently expose the insured institution to sufficient risk to warrant classification in one of the aforementioned categories, but possess weaknesses, are designated Special Mention. Please see the additional discussion of non-accruing and potential problem loans in Item 7 and additional information in theNote 7 - Loan Loss Allowance Note toof the consolidated financial statements.Consolidated Financial Statements. Impaired loans acquired in business combinations are normally rated Substandard or lower and the fair value assigned to such loans at acquisition includes a component for the possibility of loss if deficiencies are not corrected.


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Allowance for Loan Losses. The Bank’s loan portfolio is regularly reviewed by management to evaluate the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses. The allowance represents management’s estimate of inherent incurred losses that are probable and estimable as of the date of the financial statements. The allowance includes a specific component for impaired loans (a “specific loan loss reserve”) and a general component for portfolios of all outstanding loans (a “general loan loss reserve”). At the time of acquisition, no allowance for loan losses is assigned to loans acquired in business combinations. These loans are carried at fair value, including the impact of expected losses, as of the acquisition date. An allowance on such loans is established subsequent to the acquisition date through the provision for loan losses based on an analysis of factors including environmental factors.  The loan loss allowance is discussed further in the Note about1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies inof the consolidated financial statements.Consolidated Financial Statements.

Management believes that it uses the best information available to establish the allowance for loan losses. However, future adjustments to the allowance for loan losses may be necessary, and results of operations could be adversely affected if circumstances differ substantially from the assumptions used in making its determinations. Because the estimation of inherent losses cannot be made with certainty, there can be no assurance that the existing allowance for loan losses is adequate or that increases will not be necessary should the quality of any loan or loan portfolio category deteriorate as a result of the factors discussed above. Additionally, the regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, also periodically review

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the Bank’s allowance for loan losses. Such agencies may require the Bank to make additional provisions for estimated losses based upon judgments different from those of management. Any material increase in the allowance for loan losses may adversely affect the Bank’s financial condition and results of operations.

The following table presents an analysis of the allowance for loan losses for the five years indicated:

Item 1 - Table 4 - Allowance for Loan Loss
(In thousands) 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013
          
Balance at beginning of year $35,662
 $33,323
 $33,208
 $32,444
 $31,898
 $43,998
 $39,308
 $35,662
 $33,323
 $33,208
Charged-off loans:  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Residential mortgages 1,857
 2,596
 2,426
 2,647
 1,322
Commercial real estate 7,546
 5,684
 5,026
 4,229
 4,046
 4,646
 3,104
 7,546
 5,684
 5,026
Commercial and industrial loans 3,110
 3,010
 2,917
 697
 1,443
 4,217
 5,715
 3,110
 3,010
 2,917
Residential mortgages 1,603
 2,865
 1,857
 2,596
 2,426
Consumer 2,175
 2,563
 2,467
 1,877
 885
 4,118
 2,342
 2,175
 2,563
 2,467
Total charged-off loans 14,688
 13,853
 12,836
 9,450
 7,696
 14,584
 14,026
 14,688
 13,853
 12,836
          
Recoveries on charged-off loans:  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Residential mortgages 205
 365
 399
 103
 231
Commercial real estate 582
 270
 549
 52
 189
 235
 303
 582
 270
 549
Commercial and industrial loans 458
 228
 211
 96
 109
 424
 389
 458
 228
 211
Residential mortgages 313
 304
 205
 365
 399
Consumer 363
 361
 414
 373
 150
 423
 358
 363
 361
 414
Total recoveries 1,608
 1,224
 1,573
 624
 679
 1,395
 1,354
 1,608
 1,224
 1,573
          
Net loans charged-off 13,080
 12,629
 11,263
 8,826
 7,017
 13,189
 12,672
 13,080
 12,629
 11,263
Allowance attributed to loans acquired by merger 
 
 
 
 
Provision for loan losses 16,726
 14,968
 11,378
 9,590
 7,563
 21,025
 17,362
 16,726
 14,968
 11,378
Transfer of commitment reserve 
 
 
 
 
Balance at end of year $39,308
 $35,662
 $33,323
 $33,208
 $32,444
 $51,834
 $43,998
 $39,308
 $35,662
 $33,323
                    
Ratios:  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Net charge-offs/average loans 0.25
 0.29
 0.29
 0.26
 0.27
 0.19% 0.21% 0.25% 0.29% 0.29%
Recoveries/charged-off loans 10.95
 8.84
 12.25
 6.60
 8.82
 9.57
 9.65
 10.95
 8.84
 12.25
Net loans charged-off/allowance for loan losses 33.28
 35.41
 33.80
 26.58
 21.63
 25.44
 28.80
 33.28
 35.41
 33.80
Allowance for loan losses/total loans 0.69
 0.76
 0.80
 0.83
 1.10
 0.62
 0.67
 0.69
 0.76
 0.80
Allowance for loan losses/non-accruing loans 188.30
 164.30
 121.37
 130.17
 133.88
 226.36
 197.83
 188.30
 164.30
 121.37

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The following tables present year-end data for the approximate allocation of the allowance for loan losses by loan categories at the dates indicated (including an apportionment of any unallocated amount). The first table shows for each category the amount of the allowance allocated to that category as a percentage of the outstanding loans in that category. The second table shows the allocated allowance together with the percentage of loans in each category to total loans. Management believes that the allowance can be allocated by category only on an approximate basis. The allocation of the allowance to each category is not indicative of future losses and does not restrict the use of any of the allowance to absorb losses in any category. Due to the impact of accounting standards for acquired loans, data in the accompanying tables may not be comparable between accounting periods.

Item 1 - Table 5A - Allocation of Allowance for Loan Loss by Category (as of year-end)
 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013
(Dollars in thousands) Amount
Allocated
 Percent of
Amount
Allocated
to Total
Loans in
Each Category
 Amount
Allocated
 Percent of
Amount
Allocated
to Total
Loans in
Each Category
 Amount
Allocated
 Percent of
Amount
Allocated
to Total
Loans in
Each Category
 Amount
Allocated
 Percent of
Amount
Allocated
to Total
Loans in
Each Category
 Amount
Allocated
 Percent of
Amount
Allocated
to Total
Loans in
Each Category
 Amount
Allocated
 Percent  Allocated to Total Loans in Each Category Amount
Allocated
 Percent  Allocated to Total Loans in Each Category Amount
Allocated
 Percent  Allocated to Total Loans in Each Category Amount
Allocated
 Percent  Allocated to Total Loans in Each Category Amount
Allocated
 Percent  Allocated to Total Loans in Each Category
                    
Residential mortgages $8,614
 0.47% $7,480
 0.50% $7,562
 0.55% $6,444
 0.49% $3,420
 0.34%
Commercial real estate 16,493
 0.80% 15,539
 0.96
 16,112
 1.13
 19,275
 1.36
 22,176
 1.92
 $20,699
 0.63% $18,801
 0.72% $16,494
 0.80% $15,539
 0.96% $16,112
 1.13%
Commercial and industrial loans 8,688
 0.83% 6,322
 0.79
 5,770
 0.85
 5,707
 0.95
 4,566
 1.11
 14,975
 0.83% 10,611
 1.00% 8,715
 0.83% 6,322
 0.79% 5,770
 0.85%
Residential mortgages 10,018
 0.48% 8,571
 0.45% 8,589
 0.47% 7,480
 0.50% 7,562
 0.55%
Consumer 5,513
 0.69% 6,321
 0.82
 3,879
 0.56
 1,782
 0.27
 2,282
 0.62
 6,142
 0.54% 6,015
 0.61% 5,510
 0.69% 6,321
 0.82% 3,879
 0.56%
                                        
Total $39,308
 0.69% $35,662
 0.76% $33,323
 0.80% $33,208
 0.83% $32,444
 1.10% $51,834
 0.62% $43,998
 0.67% $39,308
 0.69% $35,662
 0.76% $33,323
 0.80%
 

Item 1 - Table 5B - Allocation of Allowance for Loan Loss (as of year-end)
 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013
(Dollars in thousands) Amount
Allocated
 Percent of
Loans in
Each
Category to Total
Loans
 Amount
Allocated
 Percent of
Loans in
Each
Category to Total
Loans
 Amount
Allocated
 Percent of
Loans in
Each
Category to Total
Loans
 Amount
Allocated
 Percent of
Loans in
Each
Category to Total
Loans
 Amount
Allocated
 Percent of
Loans in
Each
Category to Total
Loans
 Amount
Allocated
 Percent of
Loans in
Each
Category to Total
Loans
 Amount
Allocated
 Percent of
Loans in
Each
Category to Total
Loans
 Amount
Allocated
 Percent of
Loans in
Each
Category to Total
Loans
 Amount
Allocated
 Percent of
Loans in
Each
Category to Total
Loans
 Amount
Allocated
 Percent of
Loans in
Each
Category to Total
Loans
                    
Residential mortgages $8,614
 21.91% $7,480
 31.97% $7,562
 33.11% $6,444
 33.20% $3,420
 34.51%
Commercial real estate 16,493
 41.96
 15,539
 34.43
 16,112
 41.26
 19,275
 35.44
 22,176
 39.11
 $20,699
 39.33% $18,801
 39.95% $16,494
 41.96% $15,539
 34.43% $16,112
 41.26%
Commercial and industrial loans 8,688
 22.10
 6,322
 17.19
 5,770
 9.08
 5,707
 15.05
 4,566
 13.88
 14,975
 21.74% 10,611
 16.22% 8,715
 22.10% 6,322
 17.19% 5,770
 9.08%
Residential mortgages 10,018
 25.34% 8,571
 28.90% 8,589
 21.91% 7,480
 31.97% 7,562
 33.11%
Consumer 5,513
 14.03
 6,321
 16.41
 3,879
 16.55
 1,782
 16.31
 2,282
 12.50
 6,142
 13.59% 6,015
 14.93% 5,510
 14.03% 6,321
 16.41% 3,879
 16.55%
                                        
Total $39,308
 100.00% $35,662
 100.00% $33,323
 100.00% $33,208
 100.00% $32,444
 100.00% $51,834
 100.00% $43,998
 100.00% $39,308
 100.00% $35,662
 100.00% $33,323
 100.00%

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INVESTMENT SECURITIES ACTIVITIES
The securities portfolio provides cash flow to protect the safety of customer deposits and as a potential source of liquidity. The portfolio is also used to manage interest rate risk and to earn a reasonable return on investment. Decisions are made in accordance with the Company’s investment policy and include consideration of risk, return, duration, and portfolio concentrations. Day-to-day oversight of the portfolio rests with the Chief Financial Officer and the Treasurer. The Enterprise Risk Management/Asset-Liability Committee meets multiple times each quarter and reviews investment strategies. The Risk Management and Capital Committee of the Board of Directors provides general oversight of the investment function.

The Company has historically maintained a high-quality portfolio of managed duration mortgage-backed securities, together with a portfolio of municipal bonds including national and local issuers and local economic development bonds issued to non-profit organizations. Nearly all of the mortgage-backed securities are issued by Ginnie Mae, Fannie Mae, or Freddie Mac, and consisting principally of collateralized mortgage obligations (generally consisting of planned amortization class bonds). Other than securities issued by the above agencies, no other issuer concentrations exceeding 10% of stockholders’ equity existed at year-end 2015.2017. The municipal portfolio provides tax-advantaged yield, and the local economic development bonds were originated by the Company to area borrowers. All of the Company’s available for sale municipal securities are investment-grade rated and most of the portfolio carries credit enhancement protection. The Company invests in investment grade corporate bonds and commercial mortgage-backed securities. Purchases of non-investment grade fixed-income securities consistinghave consisted primarily of capital instruments issued by local and regional financial institutions and a mutual fund investing in non-investment grade bonds of national corporate issuers.issuers and in community reinvestment projects.  The Company also invests in equity securities of local financial institutions, including those that might be future potential partners, as well as dividend yielding equity securities of national corporate exchange traded issuers. Historically, the Company acquired equity securities in the Bank, which was allowed under its savings bank charter. As a result of the Bank's charter change in 2014, the Bank can no longer purchase equity securities. Due to the higher financing costssecurity purchases after that date have been conducted at the holding company and changes in risk based capital calculations, the Company decreased its total holdings of equity securities in 2015.level. The CompanyBank owns restricted equity in the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston (“FHLBB”) based on its operating relationship with the FHLBB. The Company owns an interest rate swap against a tax advantaged economic development bond issued to a local not-for-profit organization, and as a result this security is carried as a trading account security. The Bank did not record any write-downs of investment securities during the year and none of the Company’s investment securities were other-than-temporarily impaired at year-end. The Company generally designates investment securities as available for sale, but sometimes designates longer-duration municipal bonds and similar securities as held to maturity based on its intent. This also allows the Company to more effectively manage the potential impact of longer-duration, fixed-rate securities on stockholders' equity in the event of rising interest rates.

Based on a new accounting pronouncement effective in 2018, unrealized gains and losses on equity securities available for sale will be recorded to current period income, rather than to equity. The Company is assessing its portfolio strategies in the context of this accounting change.
The following tables present the year-end amortized cost and fair value of the Company’s securities, by type of security, for the three years indicated.

Item 1 - Table 6A - Amortized Cost and Fair Value of Securities
 2015 2014 2013 2017 2016 2015
(In thousands) Amortized
Cost
 Fair
Value
 Amortized
Cost
 Fair
Value
 Amortized
Cost
 Fair
Value
 Amortized
Cost
 Fair
Value
 Amortized
Cost
 Fair
Value
 Amortized
Cost
 Fair
Value
Securities available for sale  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Municipal bonds and obligations $99,922
 $104,561
 $127,013
 $133,699
 $77,852
 $77,671
 $113,427
 $118,233
 $117,910
 $119,816
 $99,922
 $104,561
Mortgage-backed securities 960,907
 959,865
 824,865
 829,652
 610,326
 601,429
 1,142,656
 1,130,403
 948,661
 945,129
 960,907
 959,865
Other bonds and obligations 57,742
 56,064
 74,953
 73,525
 61,123
 58,975
 131,167
 132,278
 78,877
 79,051
 57,742
 56,064
Marketable equity securities 30,522
 33,967
 48,992
 54,942
 20,041
 21,973
 36,483
 45,185
 47,858
 65,541
 30,522
 33,967
            
Total securities available for sale $1,149,093
 $1,154,457
 $1,075,823
 $1,091,818
 $769,342
 $760,048
 $1,423,733
 $1,426,099
 $1,193,306
 $1,209,537
 $1,149,093
 $1,154,457
                        
Securities held to maturity  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Municipal bonds and obligations $94,642
 $97,967
 $4,997
 $4,997
 $4,244
 $4,244
 $270,310
 $278,895
 $203,463
 $204,986
 $94,642
 $97,967
Mortgage-backed securities 68
 71
 70
 74
 73
 75
 92,115
 92,242
 95,302
 95,495
 68
 71
Tax advantaged economic development bonds 36,613
 38,537
 37,948
 39,594
 40,260
 41,101
 34,357
 33,818
 35,278
 36,874
 36,613
 38,537
Other bonds and obligations 329
 329
 332
 332
 344
 344
 321
 321
 325
 325
 329
 329
            
Total securities held to maturity $131,652
 $136,904
 $43,347
 $44,997
 $44,921
 $45,764
 $397,103
 $405,276
 $334,368
 $337,680
 $131,652
 $136,904
                        
Trading account security $11,984
 $14,189
 $12,554
 $14,909
 $13,096
 $14,840
 $10,755
 $12,277
 $11,387
 $13,229
 $11,984
 $14,189
            
Restricted equity securities $71,018
 $71,018
 $55,720
 $55,720
 $50,282
 $50,282
 $63,085
 $63,085
 $71,112
 $71,112
 $71,018
 $71,018


Item 1 - Table 6B - Amortized Cost and Fair Value of Securities
 2015 2014 2013 2017 2016 2015
(In thousands) Amortized
Cost
 Fair
Value
 Amortized
Cost
 Fair
Value
 Amortized
Cost
 Fair
Value
 Amortized
Cost
 Fair
Value
 Amortized
Cost
 Fair
Value
 Amortized
Cost
 Fair
Value
            
U.S. Treasuries, other Government agencies and corporations $991,497
 $993,903
 $873,927
 $884,668
 $630,442
 $623,478
 $1,271,254
 $1,267,830
 $1,091,821
 $1,106,165
 $991,497
 $993,903
Municipal bonds and obligations 243,162
 255,254
 182,513
 193,199
 135,451
 137,855
 428,849
 443,223
 368,038
 374,905
 243,161
 255,254
Other bonds and obligations 129,089
 127,410
 131,004
 129,577
 111,749
 109,601
 194,573
 195,684
 150,314
 150,488
 129,089
 127,411
                        
Total Securities $1,363,750
 $1,376,568
 $1,187,444
 $1,207,444
 $877,642
 $870,934
 $1,894,676
 $1,906,737
 $1,610,173
 $1,631,558
 $1,363,747
 $1,376,568

The schedule includes available-for-sale and held-to-maturity securities, as well as the trading security and restricted equity securities.

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The following table summarizes year-end 20152017 amortized cost, weighted average yields, and contractual maturities of debt securities. Yields are shown on a fully taxable equivalent basis. A significant portion of the mortgage-based securities are planned amortization class bonds. Their expected durations are 3-5 years at current interest rates, but the contractual maturities shown reflect the underlying maturities of the collateral mortgages. Additionally, the mortgage-based securities maturities shown below are based on final maturities and do not include scheduled amortization. Yields include amortization and accretion of premiums and discounts.

Item 1 - Table 7 - Weighted Average Yield
One Year or Less More than One
Year to Five Years
 More than Five Years
to Ten Years
 More than Ten Years TotalOne Year or Less More than One
Year to Five Years
 More than Five Years
to Ten Years
 More than Ten Years Total
(In millions)Amortized
Cost
 Weighted
Average
Yield
 Amortized
Cost
 Weighted
Average
Yield
 Amortized
Cost
 Weighted
Average
Yield
 Amortized
Cost
 Weighted
Average
Yield
 Amortized
Cost
 Weighted
Average
Yield
Amortized
Cost
 Weighted
Average
Yield
 Amortized
Cost
 Weighted
Average
Yield
 Amortized
Cost
 Weighted
Average
Yield
 Amortized
Cost
 Weighted
Average
Yield
 Amortized
Cost
 Weighted
Average
Yield
                   
Municipal bonds and obligations$3.6
 1.22% $4.1
 4.3% $10.5
 5.2% $176.4
 5.6% $194.6
 5.5%$1.6
 3.6% $28.7
 3.8% $26.4
 4.8% $327.0
 5.0% $383.7
 4.9%
Mortgage-backed securities0.1
 5.5% 2.6
 2.8% 6.2
 2.1% 952.1
 2.3% $961.0
 2.3%0.1
 3.0% 4.1
 2.4% 45.8
 2.3% 1,184.6
 2.5% 1,234.6
 2.5%
Other bonds and obligations
 % 17.0
 6.7% 31.3
 5.0% 46.4
 5.1% $94.7
 5.3%0.3
 4.7% 29.8
 5.0% 57.6
 5.4% 78.4
 3.5% 166.1
 4.4%
Total$3.7
 1.34% $23.7
 5.9% $48.0
 4.6% $1,174.9
 2.9% $1,250.3
 3.0%$2.0
 3.7% $62.6
 4.3% $129.8
 4.2% $1,590.0
 3.1% $1,784.4
 3.2%


DEPOSIT ACTIVITIES AND OTHER SOURCES OF FUNDS
Deposits are the major source of funds for the Bank’s lending and investment activities. Deposit accounts are the primary product and service interaction with the Bank’s customers. The Bank serves personal, commercial, non-profit, and municipal deposit customers. Most of the Bank’s deposits are generated from the areas surrounding its branch offices. The Bank offers a wide variety of deposit accounts with a range of interest rates and terms. The Bank also periodically offers promotional interest rates and terms for limited periods of time. The Bank’s deposit accounts consist of demand deposits (non-interest-bearing checking), NOW (interest-bearing checking), regular savings, money market savings, and time certificates of deposit. The Bank emphasizes its transaction deposits -- checking and NOW accounts -- for personal accounts and checking accounts promoted to businesses. These accounts have the lowest marginal cost to the Bank and are also often a core account for a customer relationship. The Bank offers a courtesy overdraft program to improve customer service, and also provides debit cards and other electronic fee producing payment services to transaction account customers. The Bank offers targeted online deposit account opening capabilities for personal accounts. The Bank promotes remote deposit capture devices so that commercial accounts can make deposits from their place of business. Additionally, the Bank offers a variety of retirement deposit accounts to personal and business customers. Deposit related fees are a significant source of fee income to the Bank, including overdraft and interchange fees related to debit card usage. Deposit service fee income also includes other miscellaneous transactiontransactions and convenience services sold to customers through the branch system as part of an overall service relationship. The Bank offers compensating balance arrangements for larger business customers as an alternative to fees charged for checking account services. Berkshire’s Business Connection is a personal financial services benefit package designed for the employees of its business customers. In addition to providing service through its branches, Berkshire provides services to deposit customers through its private bankers, MyBankers, commercial/small business relationship managers, and call center representatives. Commercial cash management services are an important commercial service offered to commercial depositors and a fee income source to the bank. With the Commerce acquisition, the Bank acquired a commercial payment processing business that serves regional and national payroll service bureau customers. Online banking and mobile banking functionality is increasingly important as a component of deposit account access and service delivery. The Company also is monitoring the development of payment services which are growing in their importance in the personal and commercial deposit markets. Near year-end, the Company recruited experienced senior officers to enhance its offerings and market development for government banking and international services, which are expected to support further development of commercial deposit sources.

The Bank’s deposits are insured by the FDIC. The Bank has in the past offered additional 100 percent deposit insurance at no charge to customers through the Massachusetts Deposit Insurance Fund (“DIF”). The Bank terminated its participation in this fund in 2014 and the related insurance protection was phased out in 2015. The Bank began usingutilizes brokered time deposits more actively in 2014 and continued to expand this funds source in 2015 in order to broaden its funding base, augment its interest rate risk management vehicles, and to support loan growth. The primary source of brokered deposits is time deposits, which increased from $23 million at year-end 2013 to $380 million at year-end 2014 and $784 million at year-end 2015. The Bank also expanded its use ofoffers brokered reciprocal money market depositsarrangements to provide additional deposit protection to certain large commercial and

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institutional accounts. These balances are viewed as part of overall relationship balances with regional customers. These deposits increased from $9 million at year-end 2014 to $102 million at year-end 2015. Brokered deposits are sourced through fourselected Board approved brokers; these deposits are viewed as potentially more volatile than other deposits and are managed as a component of the Bank's liquidity policies.

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The following table presents information concerning average balances and weighted average interest rates on the Bank’s interest-bearing deposit accounts for the years indicated. Deposit amounts in the following tables include balances associated with discontinued operations.

Item 1 - Table 8 - Average Balance and Weighted Average Rates for Deposits
 2015 2014 2013 2017 2016 2015
(In millions) Average
Balance
 Percent
of Total
Average
Deposits
 Weighted
Average
Rate
 Average
Balance
 Percent
of Total
Average
Deposits
 Weighted
Average
Rate
 Average
Balance
 Percent
of Total
Average
Deposits
 Weighted
Average
Rate
 Average
Balance
 Percent
of Total
Average
Deposits
 Weighted
Average
Rate
 Average
Balance
 Percent
of Total
Average
Deposits
 Weighted
Average
Rate
 Average
Balance
 Percent
of Total
Average
Deposits
 Weighted
Average
Rate
                  
Demand $972.6
 19% 
 $805.0
 18% 
 $655.7
 17% 
 $1,296.4
 18% % $1,081.0
 19% % $972.6
 19% %
NOW 462.9
 9
 0.2
 417.2
 9
 0.1
 355.2
 9
 0.1
 591.0
 8
 0.3
 487.8
 8
 0.1
 462.9
 9
 0.2
Money market 1,444.1
 28
 0.4
 1,442.3
 33
 0.1
 1,389.2
 35
 0.9
 1,935.8
 27
 0.6
 1,470.3
 26
 0.5
 1,444.1
 28
 0.4
Savings 582.4
 11
 0.2
 476.4
 11
 0.1
 442.2
 11
 0.1
 680.1
 10
 0.1
 610.8
 11
 0.1
 582.4
 11
 0.2
Time 1,684.8
 33
 0.9
 1,265.4
 29
 0.7
 1,085.8
 28
 1.2
 2,581.1
 37
 1.2
 2,094.8
 36
 1.1
 1,684.8
 33
 0.9
Total $5,146.8
 100% 0.5% $4,406.3
 100% 0.4% $3,928.1
 100% 0.5% $7,084.4
 100% 0.6% $5,744.7
 100% 0.5% $5,146.8
 100% 0.5%


At year-end 2015,2017, the Bank had time deposit accounts in amounts of $100 thousand or more maturing as follows:
 
Item 1 - Table 9 - Maturity of Deposits > $100,000
Maturity Period Amount Weighted
Average
Rate
 Amount Weighted Average Rate
(In thousands)  
  
  
  
Three months or less $384,389
 0.62% $656,814
 1.10%
Over 3 months through 6 months 408,160
 0.71
 350,824
 1.31
Over 6 months through 12 months 182,438
 0.97
 395,429
 1.39
Over 12 months 465,793
 1.42
 753,353
 1.72
Total $1,440,780
 1.01% $2,156,420
 1.40%
 
The Company also uses borrowings from the FHLBB as an additional source of funding, particularly for daily cash management and for funding longer duration assets. FHLBB advances also provide more pricing and option alternatives for particular asset/liability needs. The FHLBB functions as a central reserve bank providing credit for member institutions. As an FHLBB member, the Company is required to own capital stock of the organization. Borrowings from this institution are secured by a blanket lien on most of the Bank’s mortgage loans and mortgage-related securities, as well as certain other assets. Advances are made under several different credit programs with different lending standards, interest rates, and range of maturities. 

The Company has a $15 million trust preferred obligation outstanding as well as $74 million in senior subordinated notes. The Company’s common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Subject to certain limitations, the Company can also choose to issue common stock, preferred stock, subordinated debt, or senior debt in public stock offerings and can also potentially obtain privately placed common and preferred stock, and subordinated, and senior debt from institutional andor private investors.placements. The Company maintains a universal shelf registration with the SEC to facilitate future potential capital issuances.


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DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The Company uses interest rate swap instruments for its own account to fix the interest rate on some of its borrowings, all of which are designated as cash flow hedges. The Company also offers interest rate swaps to commercial loan customers who wish to fix the interest rates on their loans, and the Company backs these swaps with offsetting swaps with national bank counterparties. With other lending institutions, the Company engages in risk participation agreements. These arrangements are structured similarly to its swaps with commercial borrowers, but a different bank is the lead underwriter. The Company gets paid a fee to take on the risk associated with having to make the lead bank whole on Berkshire’s portion of the pro-rated swap should the borrower default. These swaps are designated as economic hedges. Based on changes in federal regulation, interest rate swaps that meet certain criteria to be viewed as conforming are required to be cleared through exchanges beginning when the $10 billion threshold is crossed. The Bank has designated a national financial institution as its clearing agent.

Additionally, theThe Company’s mortgage banking activities result in derivatives. Interest rate lock commitmentsCommitments to lend are provided on applications for residential mortgages intended for resale and are accounted for as non-hedging derivatives. The Company arranges offsetting forward sales commitments for most of these rate-locks with national bank counterparties, which are

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designated as economic hedges. Rate locks provided forCommitments on applications intended to be held for investment are not accounted for as derivative financial instruments.Theinstruments. The Company has a policy for managing its derivative financial instruments, and the policy and program activity are overseen by the Risk Management and Capital Committee. Derivative financial instruments with counterparties which are not customers are limited to a select number of national financial institutions. Collateral may be required based on financial condition tests. The Company works with third-party firms which assist in marketing derivative transactions, executing transactions, and providing information for bookkeeping and accounting purposes.

The Company sometimes uses interest rate swap instruments for its own account to fix the interest rate on some of its borrowings, all of which have been designated as cash flow hedges. The Company terminated its outstanding cash flow hedges in the first quarter of 2017. The Company evaluates these hedges as part of its overall interest rate risk management. The Company also expects to begin offering forward foreign exchange derivatives to its commercial markets as part of its expanded international banking services. The Company expects to back these forwards with offsetting forwards with national bank counterparties. This activity would be targeted to support routine commercial needs of customers engaged in international trading activities and would only be offered for bank approved currencies and durations.

WEALTH MANAGEMENT SERVICES
The Company’s Wealth Management Group provides consultative investment management, trust administration, and trust relationshipsfinancial planning to individuals, businesses, and institutions, with an emphasis on personal investment management. The Wealth Management Group has built a track record over more than a decade with its dedicated in-house investment management team. Wealth Management services include investment management, trust administration, and estate planning. The Bank also provides a full line of investment products, financial planning, and brokerage services through BerkshireBanc Investment Services utilizing Commonwealth Financial Network as the broker/dealer. The Group’s principal operations are in Western New England and it is expanding services in the Company’s other regions.

In 2016, the Bank purchased the business assets and operations of Ronald N. Lazzaro, P.C., a provider of financial advisory services in Rutland, Vermont. At year-end 2015,2017, assets under management totaled $1.5 billion, including $0.9$1.0 billion in the Bank’s traditional wealth/trust platform $0.3 billion inand the Bank’s registeredremainder is managed through its investment advisor Renaissance Investment Group targeting high net worth clients,services and $0.3 billion in investment accounts offered through BerkshireBanc Investment Services offered through the Commonwealth Financial Network. Totalfinancial advisory teams. The Bank is integrating with its growing private banking and MyBanker teams to further develop wealth management assets have more than doubled in the past five years through acquisition and talent recruitment and reflecting investment performance and the strength of the AMEB brand and referrals from the banking business teams. The wealth platforms have been designed to be scalable as the Group further penetrates markets in its footprint. The Company employs over 20 wealth management professionals many of whom are licensed and credentialed with the CFP®, CFA, CTFA, and/or a JD. Wealth management is a significant element of the Berkshire’s plan to increase market and wallet share, diversify revenues, and improve profitability. The Company considers acquisitions of wealth management businesses in support of its growth strategy.account generation.

INSURANCE

As an independent insurance agent, the Berkshire Insurance Group represents a carefully selected group of financially sound, reputable insurance companies offering attractive coverage at competitive prices. The Insurance Group offers a full line of personal and commercial property and casualty insurance. It also offers employee benefits insurance and a full line of personal life, health, and financial services insurance products. Berkshire Insurance Group operates a focused cross-sell program of insurance and banking products through all offices and branches of the Bank with some of the Group’s offices located within the Bank’s branches. The Group’s principal operations are in Western New England, and it is expanding its services in the Company’s other regions. The Group focuses on the Bank’s distribution channels in order to broaden its retail and commercial customer base. The Company may consider acquisitions of insurance agencies in support of its growth strategy.

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PERSONNEL

At year-end 2015,2017, the Company had 1,2211,992 full time equivalent employeesemployee positions -- an increase of 130261 since the end of 2014,2016, including staffpositions added through the Commerce business combinations with Hampdencombination and Firestone.the impact of the First Choice integration in 2017. Commerce reported FTE staff of 226 positions shortly before the merger date. Berkshire continues to develop itsit’s staffing, including staff for new branches and hires related to team development. The Company has also developed staff with targeted skills to deepen the Company’s infrastructure. The Company’s employees are not represented by a collective bargaining unit.

SUBSIDIARY ACTIVITIES
The Company wholly-owns two active consolidated subsidiaries: the Bank and Berkshire Insurance Group.Group, Inc. The Bank operates as a commercial bank under a Massachusetts trust company charter. Berkshire Insurance Group is incorporated in Massachusetts. Berkshire Bank owns Firestone Financial, LLC which is a Massachusetts limited liability company, First Choice Loan Services Inc. which is a New Jersey corporation, as well as consolidated subsidiaries operated as Massachusetts securities corporations. The Company also owns all of the common stock of a Delaware statutory business trust, Berkshire Hills Capital Trust I. The capital trust is unconsolidated and its only material asset is a $15 million trust preferred security related to the junior subordinated debentures reported in the Company’s consolidated financial statements.Consolidated Financial Statements. Additional information about the subsidiaries is contained in Exhibit 21 to this report.

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REGULATION AND SUPERVISION
General

The Company is a Delaware corporation and a bank holding company that has elected financial holding company status within the meaning of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended. As such, it is registered with, supervised by and required to comply with the rules and regulations of the Federal Reserve Board. The Federal Reserve Board requires the Company to file various reports and also conducts examinations of the Company. The Company must receive the approval of the Federal Reserve Board to engage in certain transactions, such as acquisitions of additional banks and savings associations. The Company was previously regulated as a savings and loan holding company. However, in July 2014, the Company became a bank holding company in connection with the Bank’s conversion to a Massachusetts trust company charter. As a result, the Company is now regulated as a bank holding company and has further elected to become a financial holding company. As a financial holding company, the Company may engage in activities that are financial in nature or incidental to a financial activity.

The Bank is a Massachusetts-chartered trust company and its deposits are insured up to applicable limits by the FDIC. The Bank was previously a Massachusetts-chartered savings bank and converted to a Massachusetts-chartered trust company in July 2014. The Bank is subject to extensive regulation by the Massachusetts Commissioner of Banks (the “Commissioner”), as its chartering agency, and by the FDIC, as its deposit insurer. The Bank is required to file reports with the Commissioner and the FDIC concerning its activities and financial condition in addition to obtaining regulatory approvals prior to entering into certain transactions such as mergers with, or acquisitions of, other depository institutions or branches of other institutions. The Commissioner and the FDIC conduct periodic examinations to test the Bank’s safety and soundness and compliance with various regulatory requirements. The regulatory structure gives the regulatory authorities extensive discretion in connection with their supervisory and enforcement activities and examination policies, including policies with respect to the classification of assets and the establishment of adequate loan loss reserves for regulatory purposes. Any change in such regulatory requirements and policies, whether by the Commissioner, the Massachusetts legislature, the FDIC, the Federal Reserve Board, or Congress, could have a material adverse impact on the Company, the Bank, and their operations.
In January 2015, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts enacted “An Act Modernizing the Banking Laws and Enhancing the Competitiveness of State-Chartered Banks.” Among other things, the legislation attempts to better synchronize Massachusetts laws with federal requirements in the same area, streamlines the process for an institution to engage in activities permissible for federally chartered and out of state institutions, consolidates corporate governance statutes, and authorizes the Commissioner to establish a tiered supervisory system for Massachusetts chartered institutions based on factors such as asset size, capital level, balance sheet composition, examination rating, compliance, and other factors deemed appropriate. The new provisions of Massachusetts banking law took effect on April 7, 2015.

Federal Legislation

The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”) was enacted in 2010. The Dodd-Frank Act has significantly changed the bank regulatory structure and is affecting the lending, investment, trading and operating activities of depository institutions and their holding companies. The Dodd-Frank Act eliminated the Office of Thrift Supervision, the Company’s previous primary federal regulator, as of July 21, 2011.

Additionally, the Dodd-Frank Act created a new Consumer Financial Protection Bureau as an independent bureau of the Federal Reserve Board. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau assumed responsibility for the implementation of the federal financial consumer protection and fair lending laws and regulations, a function previously assigned to prudential regulators, and has authority to impose new requirements. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has broad rule-making authority for a wide range of consumer protection laws that apply to all banks and savings institutions, including the authority to prohibit “unfair, deceptive or abusive” acts and practices. However, institutions of less than $10 billion in assets, such as the Bank, continue to be examined for compliance with consumer protection and fair lending laws and regulations by, and are subject to the primary enforcement authority of their prudential regulator rather than the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has finalized the rule implementing the “Ability to Repay” requirements of the Dodd-Frank Act. The regulations generally require creditors to make a reasonable, good faith determination as to a borrower’s ability to repay most residential mortgage loans. The final rule establishes a safe harbor for certain “Qualified Mortgages,” which contain certain features deemed less risky and omit certain other characteristics considered to enhance risk. The Ability to Repay final rules became effective on January 10, 2014.

The Dodd-Frank Act also broadened the base for Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation assessments for deposit insurance and permanently increased the maximum amount of deposit insurance to $250,000 per depositor. The Dodd-Frank Act increased shareholder influence over boards of directors by requiring companies to give shareholders a non-binding vote on executive

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compensation and so-called “golden parachute” payments. The legislation directed the Federal Reserve Board to promulgate rules prohibiting excessive compensation paid to company executives, regardless of whether or not the company is publicly traded. The Dodd-Frank Act also provided for originators of certain securitized loans to retain a percentage of the risk for transferred credits, directed the Federal Reserve Board to regulate pricing of certain debit card interchange fees, repealed restrictions on paying interest on checking accounts and contained a number of reforms related to mortgage origination.

Many of the provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act are subject to delayed effective dates and/or require the issuance of implementing regulations. The regulatory process is ongoing and the impact on operations cannot yet be fully assessed. However, there is a significant possibilityexpectation that the Dodd-Frank Act will, at a minimum, result in increased regulatory burden, compliance costs and interest expense for the Company and the Bank.

Certain regulatory requirements applicable to the Company, including certain changes made by the Dodd-Frank Act, are referred to below or elsewhere herein.below. The description of statutory provisions and regulations applicable to financial institutions and their holding companies set forth in this Form 10-K does not purport to be a complete description of such statutes

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and regulations and their effects on the Company and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the actual laws and regulations.

Massachusetts Banking Laws and Supervision
General. As a Massachusetts-chartered depository institution, the Bank is subject to supervision, regulation, and examination by the Commissioner and to various Massachusetts statutes and regulations which govern, among other things, investment powers, lending and deposit-taking activities, borrowings, maintenance of surplus and reserve accounts, distribution of earnings and payment of dividends. In addition, the Bank is subject to Massachusetts consumer protection and civil rights laws and regulations. The approval of the Commissioner is required for a Massachusetts-chartered institution to establish or close branches, merge with other financial institutions, issue stock, and undertake certain other activities.

Massachusetts law and regulations generally allow Massachusetts institutions to engage in activities permissible for federally chartered banks or banks chartered by another state. The 2015 legislation establishedThere is a 30-day notice procedure to the Commissioner in order to engage in such activities.  The legislationMassachusetts law also authorized Massachusetts institutions to engage in activities determined to be “financial in nature”,nature,” or incidental or complementary to such a financial activity, subject to a 30-day notice to the Commissioner.

Dividends. AUnder Massachusetts stock institution, such aslaw, the Bank may declare cash dividends from net profits not more frequently than quarterly and non-cash dividends at any time. No dividends may be declared, credited, or paid if the institution’s capital stock is impaired. A Massachusetts stockAn institution with outstanding preferred stock may not, without the prior approval of the Massachusetts Commissioner, of Banks, declare dividends to the common stock without also declaring dividends to the preferred stock. The approval of the Commissioner is generally required if the total of all dividends declared in any calendar year exceeds the total of its net profits for that year combined with its retained net“net profits,” as defined, of the preceding two years, less any required transfer to surplus or a fund for the retirement of any preferred stock. Net profits for this purpose means the remainder of all earnings from current operations plus actual recoveries on loans and investments and other assets after deducting from the total thereof all current operating expenses, actual losses, accrued dividends on preferred stock, if any, and all federal and state taxes.years.

Loans to One Borrower Limitations. Massachusetts banking law grants broad lending authority. However, with certain limited exceptions, total obligations of one borrower to an institution may not exceed 20.0% of the total of the institution’s capital, which is defined under Massachusetts law as the sum of the institution’s capital stock, surplus account and undivided profits.
Loans to a Bank’s Insiders. The 2015 Massachusetts legislation provided that Massachusetts law incorporates federal regulations governing extensions of credit to insiders and the prior Massachusetts requirements were repealed.

Investment Activities. In general, Massachusetts-chartered institutions may invest in preferred and common stock of any corporation organized under the laws of the United States or any state provided such investments do not involve control of any corporation and do not, in the aggregate, exceed 4.0% of the bank’s deposits. Massachusetts-chartered institutions may also invest an amount equal to 1.0% of their deposits in stocks of Massachusetts corporations or companies with substantial employment in Massachusetts which have pledged to the Commissioner that such monies will be used for further development within the Commonwealth. However, these powers are constrained by federal law.law, which generally limit the activities and equity investments of state banks to those permitted for national banks.

Regulatory Enforcement Authority. Any Massachusetts-chartered institution that does not operate in accordance with the regulations, policies, and directives of the Commissioner may be sanctioned for non-compliance, including seizure of the property and business of the institution and suspension or revocation of its charter. The Commissioner may, under certain

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circumstances, suspend or remove officers or directors who have violated the law, conducted the institution’s business in a manner which is unsafe, unsound or contrary to the depositors interests, or been negligent in the performance of their duties. In addition, upon finding that an institution has engaged in an unfair or deceptive act or practice, the Commissioner may issue an order to cease and desist and impose a fine on the institution concerned. Finally, Massachusetts consumer protection and civil rights statutes applicable to the Bank permit private individual and class action lawsuits and provide for the rescission of consumer transactions, including loans, and the recovery of statutory and punitive damage and attorney’s fees in the case of certain violations of those statutes.

Massachusetts has other statutes or regulations that are similar to the federal provisions discussed below.

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Federal Regulations
Capital Requirements. Federal regulations require FDIC insured depository institutions to meet several minimum capital standards: a common equity Tier 1 capital to risk-based assets ratio of 4.5%, a Tier 1 capital to risk-based assets ratio of 6.0%, a total capital to risk-based assets of 8.0%, and a 4.0% Tier 1 capital to total assets leverage ratio. The existing capital requirements were effective January 1, 2015 and are the result of a final rule implementing regulatory amendments based on recommendations of the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision and certain requirements of the Dodd-Frank Act.

Common equity Tier 1 capital is generally defined as common stockholders’ equity and retained earnings. Tier 1 capital is generally defined as common equity Tier 1 and additional Tier 1 capital. Additional Tier 1 capital includes certain noncumulative perpetual preferred stock and related surplus and minority interests in equity accounts of consolidated subsidiaries. Total capital includes Tier 1 capital (common equity Tier 1 capital plus additional Tier 1 capital)1capital) and Tier 2 capital. Tier 2 capital is comprised of capital instruments and related surplus, meeting specified requirements, and may include cumulative preferred stock and long-term perpetual preferred stock, mandatory convertible securities, intermediate preferred stock and subordinated debt. Also included in Tier 2 capital is the allowance for loan and lease losses limited to a maximum of 1.25% of risk-weighted assets and, for institutions that have exercised an opt-out election regarding the treatment of accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”), up to 45% of net unrealized gains on available-for-sale equity securities with readily determinable fair market values. The Bank chose the opt-out election. Institutions that have not exercised the AOCI opt-out have AOCI incorporated into common equity Tier 1 capital (including unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities). Calculation of all types of regulatory capital is subject to deductions and adjustments specified in the regulations.

In determining the amount of risk-weighted assets for purposes of calculating risk-based capital ratios, all assets, including certain off-balance sheet assets (e.g., recourse obligations, direct credit substitutes, residual interests) are multiplied by a risk weight factor assigned by the regulations based on the risks believed inherent in the type of asset. Higher levels of capital are required for asset categories believed to present greater risk. For example, a risk weight of 0% is assigned to cash and U.S. government securities, a risk weight of 50% is generally assigned to prudently underwritten first lien one to four-family residential mortgages, a risk weight of 100% is assigned to commercial and consumer loans, a risk weight of 150% is assigned to certain past due loans and a risk weight of between 0% and 600% is assigned to permissible equity interests, depending on certain specified factors.

In addition to establishing the minimum regulatory capital requirements, the regulations limit capital distributions and certain discretionary bonus payments to management if the institution does not hold a “capital conservation buffer” consisting of 2.5% of common equity Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted asset above the amount necessary to meet its minimum risk-based capital requirements. The capital conservation buffer requirement is being phased in beginning January 1, 2016 at 0.625% of risk-weighted assets and increasing each year until fully implemented at 2.5% on January 1, 2019. During the 2017 calendar year, the capital conservation buffer was 1.275%. The buffer increased to 1.875% on January 1, 2018.

In assessing an institution’s capital adequacy, the FDIC takes into consideration not only these numeric factors, but qualitative factors as well, and has the authority to establish higher capital requirements for individual institutions where deemed necessary. As a bank holding company, the Company is also subject to regulatory capital requirements, as described in a subsequent section.

Interstate Banking and Branching. Federal law permits an institution, such as the Bank, to acquire another institution by merger in a state other than Massachusetts unless the other state has opted out. Federal law, as amended by the Dodd-Frank Act, authorizes de novo branching into another state to the extent that the target state allows its state chartered banks to establish branches within its borders. The Bank operates branches in New York, Vermont, Connecticut, New Jersey, and Connecticut,Pennsylvania as well as Massachusetts. At its interstate branches, the Bank may conduct any activity authorized under Massachusetts law that is permissible either for an institution chartered in that state (subject to applicable federal restrictions) or a branch in that state of an out-of-state national bank. The New York State Superintendent of Banks, the Vermont Commissioner of Banking and Insurance, and the Connecticut Commissioner of Banking, the New Jersey Commissioner of Banking and Insurance and the Pennsylvania Secretary of Banking and Securities may exercise certain regulatory authority over the Bank’s branches in their respective states.

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Prompt Corrective Regulatory Action. Federal law requires among other things, that federal bank regulatory authorities take “prompt corrective action” with respect to banks that do not meet minimum capital requirements. For these purposes,this purpose, the law establishes three categories of capital deficient institutions:  undercapitalized, significantly undercapitalized, and critically undercapitalized.

Federal law establishes a system of prompt corrective action to resolve the problems of undercapitalized institutions. The FDIC has adopted regulations to implementimplementing the prompt corrective action legislation. The regulationslaw were amended to incorporate the previously mentioneddiscussed increased regulatory capital standards that were effective January 1, 2015. An institution is deemed to be “well capitalized” if it has a total risk-based capital ratio of 10.0% or greater, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 8.0% or greater, a leverage ratio of 5.0% or greater, and a common equity Tier 1 ratio of 6.5% or greater. An institution is “adequately capitalized” if it has a total risk-based capital ratio of 8.0% or greater, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 6.0% or greater, a leverage ratio of 4.0% or greater, and a common equity Tier 1 ratio of 4.5% or greater. An institution is “undercapitalized” if it has a total risk-based capital ratio of less than 8.0%, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of less than 6.0%, a leverage ratio of less than 4.0%, or a common equity Tier 1 ratio of less than 4.5%. An institution is deemed to be “significantly undercapitalized” if it has a total risk-based capital ratio of less than 6.0%, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of less than 4.0%, a leverage ratio of less than 3.0%, or a common equity Tier 1 ratio of less than 3.0%. An institution is considered to be “critically undercapitalized” if it has a ratio of tangible equity (as defined in the regulations) to total assets that is equal to or less than 2.0%.

“Undercapitalized” banks must adhere to growth, capital distribution (including dividend), and other limitations and are required to submit a capital restoration plan. No institution may make a capital distribution, including payment as a dividend, if it would be “undercapitalized” after the payment. A bank’s compliance with such plans is required tomust be guaranteed by its holding company in an amount equal to the lesser of 5% of the institution’s total assets when deemed “undercapitalized” or the amount needed to comply with regulatory capital requirements. If an “undercapitalized” bank fails to submit an acceptable plan, it is treated as if it is “significantly undercapitalized.” “Significantly undercapitalized” banks must comply with one or more of a number of additional restrictions, including but not limited to an order by the FDIC to sell sufficient voting stock to become “adequately capitalized”,capitalized,” requirements to reduce assets and cease receipt of deposits from correspondent banks or dismiss directors or officers, and restrictions on interest rates paid on deposits, compensation of executive officers, and capital distributions by the holding company. “Critically undercapitalized” institutions must comply with additional sanctions including, subject to a narrow exception, the appointment of a receiver or conservator within 270 days after it obtains such status.

At December 31, 2015,2017, the Bank met the criteria for being considered “well capitalized” as defined in the prompt corrective action regulations.

Transactions with Affiliates and Loans to Insiders. Transactions between depository institutions and their affiliates are governed by Sections 23A and 23B of the Federal Reserve Act. In a holding company context, at a minimum, the parent holding company of an institution and any companies which are controlled by suchthe holding company are affiliates of the institution. Generally, Section 23A limits the extent to which the institution or its subsidiaries may engage in “covered transactions,” such as loans, with any one affiliate to 10% of such institution’s capital stock and surplus, and containssurplus. There is also an aggregate limit on all such transactions with all affiliates to 20% of capital stock and surplus. Loans to affiliates and certain other specified transactions must comply with specified collateralization requirements. Section 23B requires that transactions with affiliates be on terms that are no less favorable to the institution or its subsidiary as similar transactions with non-affiliates.

Further, federalFederal law also restricts an institution with respect to loans to directors, executive officers, and principal stockholders (“insiders”). Loans to insiders and their related interests may not exceed, together with all other outstanding loans to such persons and affiliated entities, the institution’s total capital and surplus. Loans to insiders above specified amounts must receive the prior approval of the Board of Directors. Further, loans to insiders must be made on terms substantially the same as offered in comparable transactions to other persons, except that such insiders may receive preferential loans made under a benefit or compensation program that is widely available to the institution’s employees and does not give preference to the insider over the employees. Federal law places additional limitations on loans to executive officers. Massachusetts law previously had a separate law regarding insider transactions but that law was amended in 2015 to generally incorporate the federal restrictions.

Enforcement. The FDIC has extensive enforcement authority over insured institutions, including the Bank. This enforcement authority includes, among other things, the ability to assess civil money penalties, issue cease and desist orders and remove directors and officers. In general, these enforcement actions may be initiated in response to violations
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Table of laws and regulations and unsafe or unsound practices. The FDIC has authority under federal law to appoint a conservator or receiver for an insured institution under certain circumstances.Contents

Insurance of Deposit Accounts. The Bank’s deposit accounts are insured by the deposit insurance fundDeposit Insurance Fund of the FDIC up to applicable limits. The FDIC insures deposits up to the standard maximum deposit insurance amount (“SMDIA”) of $250,000.

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The deposit insurance limit was increased in response to the Dodd-Frank Act, which, among other provisions, made permanent the increase in the SMDIA from $100,000 to $250,000. The Dodd-Frank Act provided for temporary unlimited coverage of certain noninterest bearing transaction accounts, but such unlimited coverage expired on December 31, 2012.

The FDIC has adopted a risk-based insurance assessment system.charges insured depository institutions premiums to maintain the Deposit Insurance Fund. The FDIC assigns an institution to one of four risk categories based on the institution’s financial condition and supervisory ratings. An institution’s assessment rate depends on the capital category and supervisory category to which it is assigned and certain adjustments set forth in FDIC regulations. Institutions deemed to present higher risk to the insurance fund pay higher assessments. The overall assessment range, including prospective adjustments, is 2.5 to 45 basis points. Assessment rates are scheduled to decline asDodd-Frank Act required the FDIC fund reserve ratio improves. As required by the Dodd-Frank Act, FDICto revise its procedures to base its assessments are now based onupon each insured institution’s total assets less Tiertangible equity instead of deposits.

Under the FDIC’s risk-based assessment system, insured institutions are assessed based on perceived risk to the Deposit Insurance Fund with institutions deemed less risky pay lower FDIC assessments. Effective July 1, capital, rather2016, assessments for most institutions are based on financial measures and supervisory ratings derived from statistical modeling estimating the probability of failure within three years. The assessment range (inclusive of possible adjustments) was reduced to 1.5 basis points to 30 basis points for institutions of less than deposits, as was previously$10 billion in total assets, also effective July 1, 2016. The Dodd-Frank Act required that banks of greater than $10 billion in assets bear the case.burden of raising the Deposit Insurance Fund reserve ratio from 1.15% to 1.35%. Such institutions are now subject to an annual surcharge of 4.5 basis points of total assets exceeding $10 billion. This surcharge will remain in place until the earlier of the Deposit Insurance Fund reaching the 1.35% ratio or December 31, 2018, at which point a shortfall assessment would be applied.

FDIC insured institutions are also required to pay assessments to the FDIC to fund interest payments on bonds issued by the Financing Corporation, an agency of the federal government established to recapitalize a predecessor deposit insurance fund. These assessments will continue until the Financing Corporation bonds mature in 2017 through 2019. The assessment rate is adjusted quarterly to reflect changes in the assessment base of the fund. For the quarter ended December 31, 2015,2017, the Financing Corporation assessment amounted to 0.600.54 basis points of total assets less Tier 1 capital.

Insurance of deposits may be terminated by the FDIC upon a finding that the institution has engaged in unsafe or unsound practices, is in an unsafe or unsound condition to continue operations or has violated any applicable law, regulation, rule, order or condition imposed by a regulator. Management does not know of any practice, condition or violation that might lead to termination of FDIC deposit insurance.
The Dodd-Frank Act increased the minimum target federal deposit insurance fund ratio from 1.15% of estimated insured deposits to 1.35% of estimated insured deposits. The FDIC must seek to achieve the 1.35% ratio by September 30, 2020. Insured institutions with assets of $10 billion or more are supposed to fund the increase. The Dodd-Frank Act eliminated the 1.50% maximum fund ratio, instead leaving it to the discretion of the FDIC. The FDIC has exercised that discretion by establishing a long range fund ratio of 2.00%.

The FDIC has authority to increase insurance assessments. A significant increase in insurance premiums would likely have an adverse effect on the operating expenses and results of operations of the Bank. Management cannot predict what insurance assessment rates will be in the future.

Federal Home Loan Bank System. The Bank is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank system, which consists of 12 regional Federal Home Loan Banks that provide a central credit facility primarily for member institutions. The Bank, as a member, is required to acquire and hold shares of capital stock in the FHLBB.

The Federal Home Loan Banks are required to provide funds for certain purposes including contributing funds for affordable housing programs. These requirements, and general financial results, could reduce the amount of dividends that the Federal Home Loan Banks pay to their members and result in the Federal Home Loan Banks imposing a higher rate of interest on advances to their members. Historically, the FHLBB has paid dividends to member banks based on money market rates. These dividends were suspended for a time due to losses reported in 2008 and they remain at nominal levels.

Enforcement
The Federal Deposit Insurance CorporationFDIC has primary federal enforcement responsibility over state chartered banks.banks that are not members of Federal Reserve System, which includes the Bank. The Federal Deposit Insurance CorporationFDIC has authority to bring enforcement actions against such institutions and their “institution-related parties,” including officers, directors, certain shareholders, and attorneys, appraisers and accountants who knowingly or recklessly participate in wrongful action likely to have an adverse effect on an insured institution. Formal enforcement action may range from the issuance of a capital directive or cease and desist order to removal of officers and/or directors of the institution or receivership or conservatorship in certain circumstances. Potential civil money penalties cover a wide range of violations and actions, and range up to $25 thousand per day unless a finding of reckless disregard is made,or, in which case penalties may beextreme cases, as high as $1.0 million per day.

Holding Company Regulation
General. In July 2014, the Company’s changed status from that of a savings and loan holding company to that of a bank holding company through the Bank’s conversion from a Massachusetts-chartered savings bank to a Massachusetts-chartered

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trust company. By doing so, the previously applicable requirement that the Bank comply with the Qualified Thrift Lender Test, which required that a specified percentage of assets be in primarily residential mortgage-related investments, was eliminated.
Holding Company Regulation
General.The Company is now subject to examination, regulation, and periodic reporting as a bank holding company under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended. The Company is required to obtain the prior approval of the Federal Reserve Board to acquire all, or substantially all, of the assets of any other bank or bank holding company. Prior Federal Reserve Board approval would be required for the Company to acquire direct or indirect ownership or control of any voting securities of any bank or bank holding company if, after such acquisition, it would, directly or indirectly, own or control more than five percent of any class of voting shares of the bank or bank holding company. In addition to the approval of the Federal Reserve Board, prior approval may also be necessary from other agencies having supervisory jurisdiction over the bank to be acquired before any bank acquisition can be completed.

A bank holding company is generally prohibited from engaging in non-banking activities, or acquiring direct or indirect control of more than five percent of the voting securities of any company engaged in non-banking activities. One of the principal exceptions to this prohibition is for activities found by theThe Federal Reserve Board to be sohas allowed by regulation some exceptions based on activities closely related to banking or managing or controlling banks as to be a proper incident thereto. Some of the principal activities that the Federal Reserve Board has determined by regulation to be so closely related to banking are:including: (i) making or servicing loans; (ii) performing certain data processing services; (iii) providing discount brokerage services; (iv) acting as fiduciary, investment or financial advisor; (v) leasing personal or real property; (vi) making investments in corporations or projects designed primarily to promote community welfare; and (vii)(v) acquiring a savings and loan association whose direct and indirect activities are limited to those permitted for bank holding companies.

The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act of 1999 authorized a bank holding company that meets specified conditions, including being “well capitalized” and “well managed,”managed” as defined in the regulations, to opt to become a “financial holding company” and thereby engage in a broader array of financial activities than previously permitted.activities. Such activities can include insurance and investment banking. The Company has elected to become a financial holding company.

The Company is subject to the Federal Reserve Board’s capital adequacy guidelinesrequirements for bank holding companies (on a consolidated basis). Such guidelines have historically been similar to, though less stringent than, those of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation for the depository institution subsidiaries.companies.  The Dodd-Frank Act however, required the Federal Reserve Board to promulgate consolidated capital requirements for depository institution holding companies that are no less stringent, both quantitatively and in terms of components of capital, than those applicable to institutions themselves. Instruments such as cumulative preferred stock and trust preferred securities are no longer includable as Tier 1 capital, as was primarily the case with bank holding companies, subject to certain grandfathering rules. The previously discussed final rule regarding regulatory capital requirements implementsimplemented the Dodd-Frank Act as to bank holding company capital standards. Consolidated regulatory capital requirements identical to those applicable to the Bank are applied to the Company, effective January 1, 2015. As is the case with institutions themselves, the capital conservation buffer will beis being phased in between 2016 and 2019.

A bank holding company is generally required to give the Federal Reserve Board prior written notice of any purchase or redemption of then outstanding equity securities if the gross consideration for the purchase or redemption, when combined with the net consideration paid for all such purchases or redemptions during the preceding 12 months, is equal to 10% or more of the company’s consolidated net worth. The Federal Reserve Board may disapprove such a purchase or redemption if it determines that the proposal would constitute an unsafe and unsound practice, or would violate any law, regulation, Federal Reserve Board order or directive, or any condition imposed by, or written agreement with, the Federal Reserve Board. There is an exception to this approval requirement for well-capitalized bank holding companies that meet certain other conditions. The Federal Reserve Board’s policies also requirepolicy requires that a bank holding company serve as a source of financial strength to its subsidiary banks by standing ready to use available resources to provide adequate capital funds to those banks during periods of financial stress or adversity and by maintaining the financial flexibility and capital-raising capacity to obtain additional resources for assisting its subsidiary banks where necessary. The Dodd-Frank Act codified the source of strength doctrine.

The Federal Reserve Board has issued a policy statement regarding the payment of dividends and the repurchase of shares of common stock by bank holding companies. In general, the policy provides that dividends should be paid only out of current earnings and only if the prospective rate of earnings retention by the holding company appears consistent with the organization’s capital needs, asset quality and overall financial condition. Regulatory guidance provides for prior regulatory consultation with respect to dividends in certain circumstances such as where the company’s net income for the past four quarters, net of dividends’ previously paid over that period, is insufficient to fully fund the dividend or the company’s overall rate of earnings retention is inconsistent with the company’s capital needs and overall financial condition. The ability of a holding company to pay dividends may be restricted if a subsidiary bank becomes undercapitalized.
Federal regulations require a bank holding company to give the Federal Reserve Board prior written notice of any repurchase or redemption of then outstanding equity securities if the gross consideration for the repurchase or redemption, when combined with the net consideration paid for all such repurchases or redemptions during the preceding 12 months, is equal to 10% or more of the company’s consolidated net worth. The guidance alsoFederal Reserve Board may disapprove such a purchase or redemption under certain circumstances. There is an exception to this approval requirement for well-capitalized bank holding companies that meet certain other conditions. Federal Reserve policy provides for regulatory consultation prior to a holding company redeeming or repurchasing regulatory capital instruments whenunder specified circumstances regardless of the applicability of the previously referenced notification requirement.

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holding company is experiencing financial weaknesses or redeeming or repurchasing common stock or perpetual preferred stock that would result in a net reduction as of the end of a quarter in the amount of such equity instruments outstanding compared with the beginning of the quarter in which the redemption or repurchase occurred. These regulatory policies could affect the ability of the Company to pay dividends, repurchase shares of its stock, or otherwise engage in capital distributions.

The status of the Company as a registered bank holding company under the Bank Holding Company Act does not exempt it from certain federal and state laws and regulations applicable to corporations generally, including, without limitation, certain provisions of the federal securities laws.

Acquisition of the Company. Under the Change in Bank Control Act, no person may acquire control of a bank holding company such as the Company unless the Federal Reserve Board has been given 60 days’ prior written notice and has not issued a notice disapproving the proposed acquisition, taking into consideration certain factors, including the financial and managerial resources of the acquirer and the competitive effects of the acquisition. Control, as defined under federal law, means ownership, control of or holding irrevocable proxies representing more than 25% of any class of voting stock, control in any manner of the election of a majority of the company’s directors, or a determination by the regulator that the acquirer has the power to direct, or directly or indirectly to exercise a controlling influence over, the management or policies of the institution. Acquisition of more than 10% of any class of a bank holding company’s voting stock constitutes a rebuttable presumption of control under the regulations under certain circumstances including where, is the case with the Company, the issuer has registered securities under Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

Massachusetts Holding Company Regulation. In addition to the federal holding company regulations, a bank holding company organized or doing business in Massachusetts must comply with regulationsrequirements under Massachusetts law. Approval of the Massachusetts regulatory authorities wouldis generally be required for the Company to acquire 25 percent or more of the voting stock of another depository institution. Similarly, prior regulatory approval would be necessary for any person or company to acquire 25 percent or more of the voting stock of the Company.

Mergers and Acquisitions
The term “bank holding company,” forCompany and the purposeBank have authority to engage, and have engaged, in acquisitions of other depository institutions. Such transactions are subject to a variety of conditions including, but not limited to, required stockholder approvals and the receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals. Necessary regulatory approvals include those required by the federal Bank Holding Company Act and/or Bank Merger Act, Massachusetts law and, if the target institution is defined generally to include any company which, directly or indirectly, owns, controls or holds with power to vote morelocated in a state other than 25 percentMassachusetts, the law of that state. When considering merger applications, the federal regulators must evaluate such factors as the financial and managerial resources and future prospects of the voting stockparties, the convenience and needs of each of two or more banking institutions, including commercial banks and state co-operative banks, savings banks and savings and loan association and national banks, federal savings banks and federal savings and loan associations. In general, a holding company controlling, directly or indirectly, only one banking institution will not be deemedthe communities to be served (including performance of the parties under the Community Reinvestment Act), competitive factors, any risk to the stability of the United States banking or financial system and the effectiveness of the institutions involved in combating money laundering activities. Both the Bank Holding Company Act and the Bank Merger Act provide for a bank holding company forwaiting period of 15 to 30 days following approval by the purposesfederal banking regulator within which the United States Department of Massachusetts law. UnderJustice may file objections to the merger under the federal antitrust laws. Massachusetts law requires the prior approval of theCommissioner (or Board of Bank Incorporation is required before any ofin certain cases) to consider such factors as whether competition among banking institutions will be unreasonably affected and whether public convenience and advantage will be promoted (including whether the following: any company becoming a bank holding company; any bank holding company acquiring direct or indirect ownership or control of more than five percent of the voting stock of, or all or substantially all of the assets of, a banking institution; or any bank holding company merging with another bank holding company. Although the Company is not a bank holding company for purposes of Massachusetts law, any future acquisition of ownership, control, or the power to vote 25 percent or more of the voting stock of another banking institution or bank holding company would cause it to become such.merger will result in net new benefits).

Legislation. The U.S. Congress, state lawmaking bodies, and federal and state regulatory agencies continue to consider a number
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Other Regulations
Consumer Protection Laws. The Bank is subject to federal and state consumer protection statutes and regulations applicable to depository institutions including, but not limited to,institutions. These include the following:
Truth-In-Lending Act, governing disclosures of credit terms to consumer borrowers;
Home Mortgage Disclosure Act, requiring financial institutions to provide certain information about home mortgage and refinance loans;
the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, creed or other prohibited factors in extending credit;
the Fair Credit Reporting Act, governing the provision of consumer information to credit reporting agencies and the use of consumer information;
the Fair Debt Collection Act, governing the manner in which consumer debts may be collected by collection agencies; and
the Electronic Funds Transfer Act, governing automatic deposits to and withdrawals from deposit accounts and customers’ rights and liabilities arising from the use of automated teller machines and other electronic banking services.

The Bank also is subject to Massachusetts and federal laws protecting the confidentiality of consumer financial records, and limiting the ability of the institution to share non-public personal information with third parties.

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The Community Reinvestment Act (“CRA”) establishes a requirement for federal banking agencies that, in connection with examinations of depository institutions within their jurisdiction, the agencies evaluate the record of the depository institutions in meeting the credit needs of their local communities, including low- and moderate-income neighborhoods, consistent with the safe and sound operation of those institutions. These factors are also considered in evaluating mergers, acquisitions and applications to open a branch or new facility. Under the CRA, institutions are assigned a rating of “outstanding,” “satisfactory,” “needs to improve,” or “substantial non-compliance.” A less than “satisfactory” rating would result in the suspension of any growth of the Bank through acquisitions or opening de novo branches until the rating is improved. As of the most recent CRA examination by the FDIC, the Bank’s CRA rating was “satisfactory.”

Anti-Money Laundering Laws. The Bank is subject to extensive anti-money laundering provisions and requirements, which require the institution to have in place a comprehensive customer identification program and an anti-money laundering program and procedures. These laws and regulations also prohibit depository institutions from engaging in business with foreign shell banks; require depository institutions to have due diligence procedures and, in some cases, enhanced due diligence procedures for foreign correspondent and private banking accounts; and improve information sharing between depository institutions and the U.S. government. The Bank has established policies and procedures intended to comply with these provisions.

Taxation
    
The Company reports its income on a calendar year basis using the accrual method of accounting. This discussion of tax matters is only a summary and is not a comprehensive description of the tax rules applicable to the Company and its subsidiaries. Further discussion of income taxation is contained in Note 15 - Income Taxes of the income taxes note to the consolidated financial statements.Consolidated Financial Statements. The federal income tax laws apply to the Company in the same manner as to other corporations with some exceptions. The Company may exclude from income 100 percent of dividends received from the Bank and from Berkshire Insurance Group as members of the same affiliated group of corporations. The Company reports income on a calendar year basis to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Massachusetts tax law generally permits special tax treatment for a qualifying limited purpose “securities corporation.” The Bank’s securities corporations all qualify for this treatment, and are taxed at a 1.3% rate on their gross income.

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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

The risks set forth below, in addition to the other risks described in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, may adversely affect ourthe Company's business, financial condition, and operating results. In addition to the risks set forth below and the other risks described in this annual report, there may also be additional risks and uncertainties that are not currently known to usthe Company or that wethe Company currently deemdeems to be immaterial that could materially and adversely affect ourthe Company's business, financial condition or operating results. As a result, past financial performance may not be a reliable indicator of future performance, and historical trends should not be used to anticipate results or trends in future periods. Further, to the extent that any of the information contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K constitutes forward-looking statements, the risk factors set forth below also are cautionary statements identifying important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of us.
Overall Business Risks
The Company’s Business May Be Adversely Affected by Conditions in the Financial Markets and Economic Conditions Generally and Locally.
National and international markets continue to recover from the aftermath of the severe recession. Numerous fiscal and monetary policy measures address the evolving conditions related to the uneven conditions of economic and financial recovery. National and international economic and financial events pose risks to the financial services industry and to the Company and its markets. A deterioration of business and economic conditions, particularly in our local markets, could adversely affect the credit quality of the Company’s loans, results of operations and financial condition.Company.

Lending
Deterioration in the Housing Sector, Commercial Real Estate, and Related Markets May Adversely Affect Business and Financial Results.
Real estate lending is a major business activity for the Company. Real estate market conditions affect the value and marketability of real estate collateral, and they also affect the cash flows, liquidity, and net worth of many borrowers whose operations and finances depend on real estate market conditions. Adverse conditions in ourthe Company's market areas could reduce our growth rate,rates, affect the ability of our customers to repay their loans, and generally affect ourthe Company's financial condition and results of operations. Potential increases in interest rates could increase capitalization rates which could adversely affect commercial property appraisals and collateral value.

The Company’s Emphasis on Commercial Lending May Expose the Company to Increased Lending Risks, Which Could Hurt Profits.
Berkshire plans to continue to emphasize the origination ofThe Company emphasizes commercial loans,lending, which generally exposes usthe Company to a greater risk of nonpayment and loss because repayment of such loans often depends on the successful operations and income stream of the borrowers. Commercial loans are historically more sensitivesusceptible to delinquency, default, and loss during economic downturns. Such sensitivity includes potentially higher default rates and possible reduction of collateral values. Commercial lending involves larger loan sizes and larger relationship exposures, which can have awith greater potential impact on profits in the event of adverse loan performance. The majority of the Company’s commercial loans are secured by real estate and subject to the previously discussed real estate risk factors. Commercial lending sometimes involves constructionGeographic expansion may result in new risks not identified by the Company or other development financing, which it is dependentunfamiliar with monitoring or resolving. Recent expansion has been focused on the future success of new operations. The Company’s commercial lending activities have extended across wider parts of its New England and New York markets into areasGreater Boston market, where the CompanyBank may be financing projects with larger loan amounts and where the Bank has less business experience. The Company’s commercial lending includes asset based lending, which depends on the Company’s processes for monitoring and being able to liquidate collateral on which these loans rely. The Company has expanded and re-engineered its small business loan origination processexperience than in order to accelerate growth. The acquisition of Firestone Financial and the pending acquisition of 44 Business Capital expand the Company’s commercial lending outside of the Northeast and involve customers and business operations more removed from its traditional customer basemarket areas and operating organization. Additionally, the Company has expanded its wholesale purchases and sales of loans and loan participations with other banks doing businesswhere competition may result in its markets, including participations in national credits. Commercial loans may increase as a percentage of total loans, and commercialdifferent lending may continue to expose the company to increased risks.structures.

The Allowance for Loan Losses May ProveCompany is subject to be Insufficienta variety of risks in connection with any sale of loans it may conduct.
In connection with the Company’s sale of one or more loan portfolios, it may make certain representations and warranties to Absorb Losses in The Loan Portfolio.
Like all financial institutions,the purchaser concerning the loans sold and the procedures under which those loans have been originated and serviced. If any of these representations and warranties are invalid, the Company maintains an allowancemay be required to indemnify the purchaser for loanany related losses, which is its estimateor it may be required to repurchase part or all of the probable losses that are inherentaffected loans, which may be impaired. The Company may also be required to repurchase loans as a result of borrower fraud or in the event of early payment default by the borrower on a loan portfolio asit has sold. The Company’s ability to maintain seller/servicer relationships with government agencies and government backed entities may be jeopardized in the event of the financial statement date. emergence of one or more of the above risks. Demand for the Company’s loans in the secondary markets could also be affected by these risks, which could lead to a reduction in related business activities.

The allowanceCompany may be required to reduce the value of any loans it marks as held for loan losses may not be sufficient to cover actual loan losses, and future provisions for loan lossessale, which could materially and adversely affect operating results. its results of operations.

The accounting measurements relatedCompany is exposed to impairmentrisk of environmental liability when it takes title to property. In the course of its business, the Company may foreclose on and take title to real estate. As a result, the loan loss allowance require significant estimates which areCompany could be subject to uncertaintyenvironmental liabilities with respect to these properties for property damage, personal injury, investigation and changes relating to new information and changing circumstances. Additionally, the allowance can only reflectclean-up costs. The costs associated with investigation or remediation activities could be substantial. The Company

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those losses which are reasonably estimable. Accordingly, at any time, there may be probable losses inherent in the portfolio but which are not reasonably estimable until additional information emerges which can form the basis for a reasonable estimate.
State and federal regulators, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the allowance for loan losses and may require an increase in the allowance for loan losses through additional provisions for loan losses chargedsubject to expense, or to decrease the allowance for loan losses through loan charge-offs, net of recoveries. Any such additional provisions for loan losses or charge-offs, as requiredcommon law claims by these regulatory agencies, could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
Estimates Related to Accounting for Acquired Loans May Differ From Actual Results.
Under generally accepted principles for business combinations, there is no loan loss allowance initially recorded for acquired loans, which are recorded at net fair value on the acquisition date. This net fair value generally includes embedded loss estimates for acquired loans with deteriorated credit quality. These estimates arethird parties based on projections of expected cash flows for these problem loans, which in many cases rely on estimates derivingdamages and costs resulting from environmental contamination emanating from the liquidation of collateral. If the projections are inadequate, the fair value estimates may exceed the actual collectability of the balances, and this may result in the related loans being considered by Berkshire as impaired, which would result in a reduction in interest income. The tangible book value recorded by the Company is based in part on these estimates, and if fair value estimates differ from actual collectability and subsequent earnings may differ from original estimates. Measures of tangible book value and earnings impacts of business combinations are frequently used in evaluating the merits and value of business combinations. The Company has recorded significant income resulting from collections of acquired impaired loans which exceeded the fair value estimates originally established. Additionally, accounting for acquired loans involves ongoing assessments of the timing and amount of expected loan collections. Numerous assumptions and estimates are integral to purchased loan accounting, and actual results could be different from prior estimates.property.
New Regulations Could Restrict the Company’s Ability to Originate and Sell Mortgage Loans.
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ("CFPB") issued a rule designed to clarify for lenders how they can avoid monetary damages under the Dodd-Frank Act, which would hold lenders accountable for ensuring a borrower’s ability to repay a mortgage. Loans that meet this “qualified mortgage” definition will be presumed to have complied with the new ability-to-repay standard. The CFPB’s rule on qualified mortgages could limit our ability or desire to make certain types of loans or loans to certain borrowers, or could make it more expensive and/or time consuming to make these loans, which could limit our growth or profitability.

Operating

Expansion, Growth, and Acquisitions Could Negatively Impact Earnings If Not Successful.
The Company plans to achieve significant growthgrow organically, by geographic expansion, through business line expansion, and through acquisitions. We have recently expanded into new geographic markets and anticipate that we will continue to expand into additional geographic markets as we grow. The success of thisSuccessful expansion depends on our ability to continue to maintainthe maintenance and developdevelopment of an infrastructure appropriate to support and integrate such growth. Also, successadequate infrastructure. Success also depends on thecustomer acceptance by customers of us and our services in these new markets and, in the case of expansion through acquisitions, our success depends on many factors, including the long-term recruitment and retention of key personnel and acquired customer relationships. The profitability of our expansion strategy alsoProfitability depends on whether the income we generate in the new marketsgenerated will offset the increased expenses of operating a larger entity with increased personnel, more branch locations and additional product offerings. In 2013, revenues decreased in the second half of the year due to changes related to loans and operations acquired in the prior two years.expenses. The Company has implemented certain expense restructuring activities, related in part to the rationalization of acquired operations. Such activities expose us to risk that revenues may be affected or that changesChanges in operations may result in inefficiencies or control deficiencies that could contribute to financial or market share losses.deficiencies.

Berkshire continues to identify and evaluate opportunities to expand through acquisition of banks, branches, finance companies, insurance agencies, and wealth management firms. Some of these opportunities could result in further geographic expansion. Merger and acquisition activities are subject to a number of risks, including lending, operating, and integration risks. Growth through acquisitionSuch growth requires careful due diligence, evaluation of risks, and projections of future operations and financial conditions.  Actual results may differ from our expectations andAdverse developments could have a material adverse effect on ourthe Company's financial condition and results of operations. Growth through acquisition alsoAcquisitions often involves the negotiation and execution ofinvolve extensive merger agreements. Such agreements, which may give riselead to litigation constrain us in certain ways,risks or expose us to other risks beyond our normal operating risks.constraints.

The Company has recruited executive and business line management to support its growth and expansion, and it has absorbed management of acquired operations. The integration of new management exposes the Company toThis involves retention risks, operating

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risks, and financial risks. Such recruitment can affect the retention of new and old business, and can also be affected by competitive reactions and other relationship risks in retaining accounts. The relocation of the Company’s headquarters may affect operational functioning.

Regulatory examinations of existing and acquired operations may result in the identification of certain operatingidentify matters requiring remediation, undisclosed deficiencies related to regulatory compliance, deficiencies that arise as a result of integration of acquired operations and operating activities conducted by those operations subsequent to the merger date, or impacts on existing business operations which are being integrated with the acquired operations. Any identified deficienciesattention. Deficiencies related to regulatory compliance may result in changes that affect operating revenues and costs, including the scope or scale of business activities and/or potential future expansion initiatives. As a privately held company, Firestone was not recently subject to bankThe Company has crossed the $10 billion threshold for additional Dodd Frank regulatory supervisionrequirements. These regulations affect revenues and the integration of its operations requiredoperating costs, and introduce additional compliance initiatives for existingrequirements. If targeted earnings accretion is not achieved, some profitability metrics may be reduced. The Company may also face additional acquisition approval requirements, and acquired operations. Due to the pending acquisition agreement for the operations of 44 Business Capital, which is an SBA preferred lender operating in the mid-Atlantic, additional compliance activitiesgrowth plans could be slowed if expected approvals are anticipated to integrate these operations.not obtained.

Competition From Financial Institutions and Other Financial Service Providers May Adversely Affect the Company’s Growth and Profitability.
Competition in the banking and financial services industry is intense. Larger banking institutions have substantially greater resources and lending limits and may offer certain services that we do not.not offered by the Company. Local competitors with excess capital may accept lower returns on new business. There is increased competition by out-of-market competitors through the internet and mobile technology. Federal regulations and financial support programs may in some cases favor competitors. Competition includes competition for banking teams and talent. Competition creates risk that revenues, earnings, or market share could be adversely affected by the loss of talent.

Market Changes May Adversely Affect Demand For The Company’s Services and Impact Revenue, Costs, and Earnings.
Channels for servicing the Company’s customers are evolving rapidly, with less reliance on traditional branch facilities, more use of online and mobile banking, and demand for universal bankers and other relationship managers who can service multiple product lines. The Company has an ongoing process for evaluating the profitability of its branch system and other office and operational facilities. The identification of unprofitable operations and facilities can lead to restructuring charges and introduce the risk of disruptions to revenues and customer relationships. The Company competes with larger providers who are rapidly evolving their service channels and escalating the costs of evolving the service process.

The Company is Subject to Security and Operational Risks Relating to Ourthe Use of Technology that Could Damage Ourthe Company's Reputation and Our Business.
Security breaches of confidential information in our internet and mobile banking activitiestechnology platforms could expose usthe Company to possible liability and damage ourits reputation. Any compromise of our data security could also deter customers from using our internet bankingthe

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Company's services. We relyThe Company relies on industry standard internet security systems to provide the security and authentication necessarysystems to effect secure transmission of data. These precautions may not protect ourthe Company's security systems from compromises or breaches and could result in damage to ourits reputation and our business. We utilizeThe Company utilizes third party core banking software, and for some systems we havein addition to other outsourced our data processing to a third party.processing. If our third party providers encounter difficulties or if we havethe Company has difficulty in communicating and/or transmitting with such third parties, it could significantly affect ourits ability to adequately process and account for customer transactions, which could significantly affect ourits business operations. We utilizeThe Company interfaces with electronic payments systems which are subject to security and operational risks. The Company utilizes file encryption in designated internal systems and networks and areis subject to certain state and federal regulations regarding how we managethe Company manages data security. OurThe Company's enterprise governance risk and compliance function includes a framework of controls, policies and technologies to monitor and protect information from cyberattacks, mishandling, and loss, together with safeguards related to the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information. Natural disasters and disaster recovery risks could affect ourits operating systems, which could affect ourits reputation. OurThe Company's business continuity program addresses crisis management, business impact, and data and systems recovery. Potential problems with the management of technology security and operational risks may affect regulatory compliance, which could affect operating costs and expansion plans.

The Company Faces Cybersecurity Risks, Including Denial of Service Attacks, Hacking and Identity Theft that Could Result in the Disclosure of Confidential Information or the Creation of Unauthorized Transactions, Which Could Adversely Affect the Company’s Business or Reputation and Create Significant Legal and Financial Exposure.
The Company’s computer systems and network infrastructure are subject to security risks and could be susceptible to cyber-attacks, such as denial of service attacks, hacking, terrorist activities or identity theft. Financial services institutions and companies engaged in data processing have reported breaches in the security of their websites or other systems, some of which have involved sophisticated and targeted attacks intended to obtain unauthorized access to confidential information, destroy data, steal financial assets, disable or degrade service, or sabotage systems, often through the introduction of computer viruses or malware, cyber-attacks and other means. Denial of service attacks have been launched against a number of large financial services institutions. As a growing regional bank, the Company anticipates that it may be subject to similar attacks in the future. Hacking and

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identity theft risks could cause serious reputational harm and possible financial loss to the Company. Cyber threats are rapidly evolving and the Company may not be able to anticipate or prevent all such attacks.

The Company may incur increasing costs in an effort to minimize these risks and could be held liable for any security breach or loss. Despite efforts to ensure the integrity of its systems, the Company will not be able to anticipate all security breaches of these types, and the Company may not be able to implement effective preventive measures against such security breaches. The techniques used by cyber criminals change frequently and can originate from a wide variety of sources, including outside groups such as external service providers, organized crime affiliates, terrorist organizations or hostile foreign governments. Those parties may also attempt to fraudulently induce employees, customers or other users of the Company’s systems to disclose sensitive information in order to gain access to its data or that of its clients.clients or to conduct unauthorized financial transactions.

These risks may increase in the future as the Company continues to increase its mobile-payment and other internet-based product offerings and expands its internal usage of web-based products and applications. A successful penetration or circumvention of system security could cause serious negative consequences to the Company, including significant disruption of operations, misappropriation of confidential information of the Company or that of its customers, or damage to computers or systems of the Company or those of its customers and counterparties. A security breach could result in violations of applicable privacy and other laws, financial loss to the Company or to its customers, loss of confidence in the Company’s security measures, significant litigation exposure, and harm to the Company’s reputation, all of which could have a material adverse effect on the Company.


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The Company is subject to regulatory environment changes regarding privacy and data protection and could have a material impact on our results of operations.
The growth and expansion of the company into a variety of new fields may potentially involve new regulatory issues/requirements such as the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) or the New York Department of Financial Services (NYDFS) Cybersecurity Regulation. The potential costs of compliance with or imposed by new/existing regulations and policies that are applicable to us may affect the use of our products and services and could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations.

The Company needs to stay current on technological changes in order to compete and meet customer demands.
The financial services market is changing rapidly with frequent introductions of new technologies which increase service and improve efficiency. Some of the Company’s competitors have substantially greater resources to invest in technological improvements than it currently has. The Company may not be able to effectively implement new technology-driven products and services or be successful in marketing these products and services to its customers.

Financial and Operating Counterparties Expose the Company to Risks.
We have increased ourThe Company's use of derivative financial instruments primarily interest rate swaps, which exposes us to financial and contractual risks with counterparty banks. We maintaincounterparties. The Company maintains correspondent bank relationships, manage certain loan participations, engage in securities and funding transactions, and engage inundergo other activities with financial counterparties that are customary to ourits industry. WeThe Company also utilizeutilizes services from major vendors of technology, telecommunications, and other essential operating services. There is financial and operating risk in these relationships, which we seekthe Company seeks to manage through internal controls and procedures, but there are no assurances that wethe Company will not experience loss or interruption of ourits business as a result of unforeseen events with these providers. OurThe Company's expanded mortgage lending and mortgage banking operations have also exposed us to more counterparty transactions including the use of third parties to participate in the management of interest rate risk and mortgage sales and hedging. Financial and operational risks are inherent in these counterparty relationships. The Company could experience losses if there are failures in the controls or accounting, including those related to derivatives activities or if there are performance failures by any counterparties. The risk of loss is increased when interest rates change suddenly and if the intended hedging objectives are not achieved as a result of market or counterparty behaviors.

The Company May Not Be Able to Attract and Retain Skilled People.
OurThe Company's success depends, in large part, on ourits ability to attract new employees, retain and motivate ourits existing employees, and continue to compensate employees competitively. Competition for the best people in our industry can be intense and wethe Company may not be able to hire or retain appropriately qualified individuals. As a result of recent revenue declines and expense restructuring activities, the Company could experience challenges in the retention of existing employees.

Controls and Procedures May Fail or Be Circumvented.
Management regularly reviews and updates the Company’s internal controls, disclosure controlsrequirements and procedures,practices, and corporate governance policies and procedures. Any system of controls, however well designed and operated, is based in part on certain assumptions and can only provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurances that the objectives of the system are met. Any failure or circumvention of the controls and procedures or failure to comply with regulations related to controls and procedures could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations, and financial condition.
Retail Lending Changes Expose the Company to Operating Risks.
Volatile conditions in mortgage markets have been reflected in changes in the Company’s mortgage operations. The Company has expanded its recruitment and re-engineered its mortgage banking activities (including a systems conversion) and changed its management of this function. Similarly, consumer indirect auto lending has varied between high growth and declines in a short amount of time. In 2015, the Company recruited new indirect auto lending leadership. These changes expose us to operating risks and expose the Bank to the risk of loan losses, losses related to interest rate risk management, compliance, litigation, and other risks common in consumer lending operations.
Derivatives and Counterparty Risks Have Increased.
Berkshire could experience losses if there are failures in the controls or accounting for these activities or if there are performance failures by any of these new counterparties. The risk of loss is increased when interest rates change suddenly and if the intended hedging objectives are not achieved as a result of market or counterparty behaviors. The sudden change in interest rates in 2013 contributed to lower mortgage banking profitability in 2013.

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Liquidity
OurThe Company's Wholesale Funding Sources May Prove Insufficient to Replace Deposits at Maturity and Support Our Operations and Future Growth.
WeThe Company must maintain sufficient funds to respond to the needs of depositors and borrowers. As a part of ourits liquidity management, we usethe Company uses a number of funding sources in addition to deposit growth and repayments and maturities ofcash flows from loans and investments. These sources include Federal Home Loan Bank advances, proceeds from the sale of loans, and liquidity resources at the holding company. Most recently, theThe Company has expanded its use ofuses brokered deposits both to support ongoing growth and to provide enhanced deposit insurance to support large dollar commercial relationships. OurThe Company's financial flexibility will be severely constrained if we arethe Company is unable to maintain our access to wholesale funding or if adequate financing is not available to accommodate future growth at acceptable costs. Finally, if we are required to rely more heavily on more expensive funding sources to support future growth, our revenues may not increase proportionately to cover our costs. In this case, our operating margins and profitability would be adversely affected. Turbulence in the capital

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and credit markets may adversely affect our liquidity and financial condition and the willingness of certain counterparties and customers to do business with us.the Company.

OurThe Company's Ability to Service Our Debt, Pay Dividends, and Otherwise Pay Our Obligations as They Come Due Is Substantially Dependent on Capital Distributions from the Bank, and These Distributions Are Subject to Regulatory Limits and Other Restrictions.
A substantial source of our holding company income is the receipt of dividends from the Bank, from which we service ourthe Company services debt, pay our obligations, and pay shareholder dividends. The availability of dividends from the Bank is limited by various statutes and regulations. It is possible, depending upon the financial condition of the Bank and other factors, that the applicable regulatory authorities could assert that payment of dividends or other types of payments are an unsafe or unsound practice. If the Bank is unable to pay dividends, to us, wethe Company may not be able to service our debt, pay ourdebt obligations, or pay dividends on ourits common stock. The inability to receive dividends from

Secondary mortgage market conditions could have a material impact on the Bank would adversely affect our business,Company’s financial condition and results of operationsoperations.
In addition to being affected by interest rates, the secondary mortgage markets are also subject to investor demand for residential mortgage loans and prospects.increased investor yield requirements for these loans. These conditions may fluctuate or worsen in the future. As a result, a prolonged period of secondary market illiquidity may reduce the Company’s loan production volumes and operating results.

Secondary markets are significantly affected by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and Ginnie Mae (collectively, the “Agencies”) for loan purchases that meet their conforming loan requirements. These agencies could limit purchases of conforming loans due to capital constraints, a change in the criteria for conforming loans or other factors. Proposals to reform mortgage finance could affect the role of the Agencies and the market for conforming loans which comprise the majority of the Company’s mortgage lending and related originations income.
 
Interest Rates
Changes inMarket Interest RatesRate Conditions Could Adversely Affect Results of Operations and Financial Condition.
Net interest income is ourthe Company's largest source of income. Changes in interest rates can affect the level of net interest income and other elements of net income. The Company’s interest rate sensitivity is discussed in more detail in Item 7A of this report. The Company principally manages interest ratereport and is the primary market risk by managingto its volume and mix of earning assets and funding liabilities. In a changing interest rate environment, the Company may not be able to manage this risk effectively. If the Company is unable to manage interest rate risk effectively, its business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially harmed.operations. Changes in interest rates can also affect the demand for the Company’s products and services, and the supply conditions in the U.S. financial and capital markets. Changes in the level of interest rates may negatively affect the Company’s ability to originate real estate loans, the value of its assets and its ability to realize gains from the sale of our assets, all of which ultimately affect our earnings.

Securities Market Values
Declines in the Value of Certain Investment Securities Could Require Write-Downs, Which Would Reduce Our Earnings.
Unrealized losses on investment securities result from changes in credit spreads and liquidity issues in the marketplace, along with changes in the credit profile of individual securities issuers. A continued declineDeclines in the value of theseinvestment securities due to market conditions and/or other factorsissuer impairment could result in an other-than-temporary impairment write-down which wouldlosses that can reduce capital and earnings. The Company has increased itsCompany’s investment in equity securities and non-investment grade debt securities which may exhibit morepresent heightened credit risk and price volatility. Some of the Company’s securitiesrisks. Under new accounting standards, equity gains and losses are locally originated economic development bonds. These securities could become impaired duerecorded to economic and real estate market conditions which also affect loan risk.current period operating results. The Company has an investment in the stock of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston. If the capitalization of a Federal Home Loan BankBoston ("FHLBB"), including the FHLBB, became substantially diminished it which could result in a write-down which would reduce our earnings. Future regulatory pronouncements could affectin the securities portfolio and its carrying value.event of impairment.

Taxation

Changes in Tax Preference Items May Affect Results of Operations.
The Company’s effective income tax rate is lower than the statutory rate. The benefit of tax preference items increased in 2015, primarily due to the Bank’s increased equity ownership in investment tax credit entities as an aspect of its overall operating and financial strategy for building customer relationships, supporting its communities, and contributing to profitability. These investments are discussed below in the Income Tax Expense section of Item 7. The availability of these benefits depends on federal and state tax legislation and on rulings by taxing authorities. Additionally, the availability of these investments depends

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on the qualifying supply of eligible projects and their utility to the Company depends on risk management and regulatory factors. The Company expects that tax preference items will contribute less benefit to its future effective tax rate due to increased pre-tax profits as a result of its growth. Higher tax expense due to planned or unplanned changes in tax preference items may result in lower profitability. Quarterly results depend on the timing of investments and accounting principles for income tax expense recognition, and quarterly results may vary significantly from annual results.

RegulatoryChanges in Federal Tax Policy May Affect Results of Operations.
Changes in federal tax policy may result in unexpected impacts to markets and customer behaviors. New tax regulations may result in changes to deductions and tax preferences, which could require a further write-down of the

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deferred tax asset. Changes could affect the Company’s financial results and also could affect the profitability of tax preferred investments.
 
Regulatory
Legislative and Regulatory Initiatives May Affect Business Activities and Increase Operating Costs.
The potential exists for additionalNew federal or state laws and regulations regardingcould affect lending, funding practices, capital, and liquidity standards. Bank regulatory agencies are expected to be more active in responding to concerns and trends identified in examinations, including the expected issuance of many formal enforcement orders. In addition, newNew laws, regulations, and other regulatory changes may also increase our compliance costs and affect our business and operations. Moreover, the FDIC sets the cost of our FDIC insurance premiums, which can affect our profitability.

The Company is required by federal and state regulatory authorities to maintain adequate levels of capital to support our operations. Regulatory capital requirements and their impact on the Company may change. It may need to raise additional capital in the future to support operations and continued growth. OurThe Company's ability to raise capital, if needed, will depend on conditions in the capital markets at that time, which are outside of our control,its condition and performance, and on our financial performance.market conditions. If we cannot raise additional capital is not available when needed, it could affect operations and the execution of the strategic plan, which includes further expanding operations through internal growth and acquisitions.

The Dodd-Frank Act made extensive changes in the regulation of insured depository institutions. In addition to eliminating the OTS and creating the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the Dodd-Frank Act, among other things, directed changes in the way that institutions are assessed for deposit insurance, mandated the imposition of more rigorous consolidated capital requirements on savings and loan holding companies, required originators of certain securitized loans to retain a percentage of the risk for the transferred loans, stipulated regulatory rate-setting for certain debit card interchange fees, repealed restrictions on the payment of interest on commercial demand deposits, and contained a number of reforms related to mortgage originations. The impact of many of the provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act is ongoing as further regulations are promulgated. The Company expects that the Dodd-Frank Act will, at a minimum, result in increased regulatory burden, compliance costs and interest expense for the Company. New laws, regulations, and other regulatory changes, along with negative developments in the financial industry and the domestic and international credit markets, may significantly affect the markets in which the Company does business, the markets for and value of ourits loans and investments, and our ongoing operations, costs and profitability. For more information, see “Regulation and Supervision” in Item 1 of this report.

The Short-term and Long-term Impact ofIn 2017, the Changing Regulatory Capital Requirements and New Capital Rules is Uncertain.
The federal banking agencies have adopted proposals that have substantially amendedCompany crossed the regulatory risk-based capital rules applicable to the Bank and the Company. The amendments implemented the “Basel III” regulatory capital reforms and changes required$10 billion asset threshold established by the Dodd-Frank Act.act. The new rules apply regulatory capital requirements to bothCompany and the Bank are now subject to closer supervision by their primary regulators and the consolidated Company.Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. The amended rules included new minimum risk-based capitalCompany and leverage ratios, which became effective in January 2015, with certain requirements to be phased in beginning in 2016, and refined the definition of what constitutes “capital” for purposes of calculating those ratios.

The new minimum capital level requirements applicable to the Bank and the Company include: (i) a new common equity Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 4.5%; (ii) a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 6% (increased from 4%); (iii) a total risk-based capital ratio of 8% (unchanged from current rules); and (iv) a Tier 1 leverage ratio of 4% for all institutions. The amended rules also establish a “capital conservation buffer” of 2.5% above the new regulatory minimum capital ratios, and would result in the following minimum ratios: (i) a common equity Tier 1 capital ratio of 7.0%; (ii) a Tier 1 capital ratio of 8.5%; and (iii) a total capital ratio of 10.5%. Theare subject to new capital conservation buffer requirement willstress testing requirements which require significant new resources and infrastructure. If the Company’s compliance with the enhanced supervision and requirements is insufficient, there can be phased in beginning in January 2016 at 0.625% of risk-weighted assetssignificant negative consequences for its operations, profitability, and will increase each year until fully implemented in January 2019. An institution will be subject to limitations on paying dividends, engaging in share repurchases, and paying discretionary bonuses if its capital level falls below the buffer amount. These limitations will establish a maximum percentage of eligible retained income that could be utilized for such actions.

The Basel III changes and other regulatory capital requirements will result in generally higher regulatory capital standards. The application of more stringent capital requirements to the Bank and the consolidated Company could, among other things, result in lower returns on invested capital, require the raising of additional capital, and result in regulatory actions if we were to be unable to comply with such requirements. Furthermore, the imposition of liquidity requirements in connection with the

32




implementation of Basel III could result in our having to lengthen the term of our funding, restructure our business models, and/or increase our holdings of liquid assets. Implementation of changes to asset risk weightings for risk based capital calculations, items included or deducted in calculating regulatory capital and/or additional capital conservation buffers could result in management modifying its business strategy and could further limit our ability to make distributions, including paying out dividends or buying back shares.further pursue its strategic growth plan.

Provisions of Ourthe Company's Certificate of Incorporation, Bylaws, and Delaware Law, as Well as State and Federal Banking Regulations, Could Delay or Prevent a Takeover of Us by a Third Party.
Provisions in ourthe Company's certificate of incorporation and bylaws, the corporate law of the State of Delaware, and state and federal regulations could delay, defer or prevent a third party from acquiring us, despite the possible benefit to our stockholders, or otherwise adversely affect the price of ourits common stock. These provisions include: limitations on voting rights of beneficial owners of more than 10 percent of our common stock; supermajority voting requirements for certain business combinations; the election of directors to staggered terms of three years;one year; and advance notice requirements for nominations for election to ourthe Company's Board of Directors and for proposing matters that stockholders may act on at stockholder meetings. In addition, we arethe Company is subject to Delaware laws, including one that prohibits us from engaging in a business combination with any interested stockholder for a period of three years from the date the person became an interested stockholder unless certain conditions are met. These provisions may discourage potential takeover attempts, discourage bids for ourthe Company's common stock at a premium over market price or adversely affect the market price of, and the voting and other rights of the holders of, ourits common stock. These provisions could also discourage proxy contests and make it more difficult for you and other stockholders to elect directors other than the candidates nominated by ourthe Board.

GoodwillSignificant Accounting Estimates May Not Be Realized in Accordance with Recorded Estimates.
Unexpected Changes May Adversely Affect Condition or Performance.
The Company’s significant accounting policies are described in Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies of the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this report. The SEC defines “critical accounting policies” as those that require application of management’s most difficult, subjective or complex judgments, often as a result of the need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain and Other Intangible Assetsmay change in future periods. The Company’s critical accounting policies are further discussed in Item 7 of this report. If actual events and results do not conform to critical estimates, there could be a material impact on financial condition, operating performance, and execution of the strategic plan.


34




Mergers and Acquisitions
Acquisitions Have Resulted in Significant Goodwill, Which if it Becomes Impaired Would be Required to be Written Down, Resulting in a Negative Impact on Earnings.may disrupt the Company’s business and dilute stockholder value.
The initial recordingCompany completed its acquisition of Commerce Bancshares Corp. in October 2017. The Company regularly evaluates merger and subsequent impairment testingacquisition opportunities with other financial institutions and financial services companies. Future mergers or acquisitions involving cash, debt, or equity securities may occur from time to time. The Company seeks acquisition partners that offer either significant market presence or the potential to expand its market footprint and improve profitability through economies of goodwillscale or expanded services.

Acquiring other banks, businesses, or branches may have an adverse effect on the Company’s financial results and may involve various other intangible assets requires subjective judgments about the estimates of the fair value of assets acquired. Factors that may significantly affect the estimates include specific industry or market sector conditions, changesrisks commonly associated with acquisitions, including, among other things:
difficulty in revenue growth trends, customer behavior, competitive forces, cost structures and changes in discount rates. It is possible that future impairment testing could result in an impairment ofestimating the value of goodwill or intangible assets, or both. If we determine impairment exists atthe target company
payment of a given point in time, our earningspremium over book and market values that may dilute the book value of the related intangible asset(s) will be reduced by the amount of the impairment. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the results of impairment testing on goodwill and adjusted deposit intangible assets have no impact on ourCompany’s tangible book value and earnings per share in the short and long term;
exposure to unknown or contingent liabilities, or asset quality problems, of the target company;
unexpected regulatory capital levels. These are non-GAAP financial measures. They areresponses to merger related applications
larger than anticipated merger-related expenses;
difficulty and expense of integrating the operations and personnel of the target company, and retaining key employees and customers;
inability to realize the expected revenue increases, cost savings, increases in geographic or product presence, and/or other projected benefits; and
potential diversion of Company management’s time and attention.

If the Company is unable to successfully integrate an acquired company, the anticipated benefits may not a substitute for GAAP measures and should only be consideredrealized fully or may take longer to realize than expected. A significant decline in conjunction withasset valuations or cash flows may also prevent the Company’s GAAP financial information.attainment of targeted results. Additional discussion about the risk of acquisitions is included above in the discussion of Operating Risk.

Trading of ourthe Company's Common Stock
The Trading History of The Company’s Common Stock Is Characterized By Low Trading Volume. The Value of Your InvestmentShareholder Investments May be Subject To Sudden Decreases Due To the Volatility of the Price of Ourthe Common Stock.
The level of interest and trading in the Company’s stock depends on many factors beyond ourthe Company's control. The market price of ourthe Company's common stock may be highly volatile and subject to wide fluctuations in response to numerous factors, including, but not limited to, the factors discussed in other risk factors and the following: actual or anticipated fluctuations in operating results; changes in interest rates; changes in the legal or regulatory environment; press releases, announcements or publicity relating to the Company or its competitors or relating to trends in its industry; changes in expectations as to future financial performance, including financial estimates or recommendations by securities analysts and investors; future sales of ourits common stock; changes in economic conditions in ourthe marketplace, general conditions in the U.S. economy, financial markets or the banking industry; and other developments affecting our competitors or us.developments. These factors may adversely affect the trading price of ourthe Company's common stock, regardless of our actual operating performance, and could prevent stockholders from selling their common stock at a desirable price.

In the past, stockholders have brought securities class action litigation against a company following periods of volatility in the market price of their securities. WeThe Company could be the target of similar litigation in the future, which could result in substantial costs and divert management’s attention and resources.

3335





Recent Mergers

Recent Merger Activity May Create Unforeseen Risks For the Bank and the Company.
The Company previously reported risk factors related to the acquisitions of Hampden and Firestone. While these business combinations have been completed, the Company continues to manage the business, compliance, and control risks of these recently acquired operations. The Company has a pending agreement to acquire the business operation of 44 Business Capital. The Company expects to complete this acquisition in the first quarter of 2016 and the consummation of this acquisition will expose the Company to risk factors similar to those related to Hampden and Firestone, including achieving the targeted benefits and investment returns. If this acquisition is not completed, the Company may face risks related to liabilities arising from the failure to complete the merger agreement and disruption of its business plans for expanding its operations and earnings.


ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
 
None.


ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
 
The Company andCompany's headquarters are located at 60 State Street in leased property in Boston, Mass. The Bank's headquarters are located in owned and leased facilities located in Pittsfield, Mass. The Company also owns or leases other facilities within its primary market areas: Greater Boston (including Worcester, MA); Berkshire County, Massachusetts; Pioneer Valley (Springfield area), Massachusetts; Southern Vermont; the Capital Region (Albany area), New York; Central New York; Northern Connecticut; and Central/Eastern Massachusetts. Theand Princeton area, New Jersey. As of December 31, 2017, the Company has 93had 113 full-service branches in Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut, Vermont, Central New Jersey, and Vermont, including seven branches in the Springfield area resulting from the Hampden acquisition in 2015.Eastern Pennsylvania.
 
The Company also has seven regional headquarters. The seven regional locations which are full-service commercial offices located in Boston, MA.; Pittsfield, Mass.MA.; Springfield, Mass.MA.; Albany, N.Y.; East Syracuse, N.Y.; Hartford, Conn.; Westborough, Mass.Worcester, MA.; Burlington, MA.; and Burlington, Mass.Lawrenceville, N.J. In addition, the Company has five residential mortgageeight lending locations in Central/Eastern, Massachusetts. The Bank's wholly-owned subsidiary, Firestone Financial, LLC, is headquartered in the Boston metro area.

Berkshire Insurance Group Inc. operates from 12 locations in Western Massachusetts and East Syracuse, N.Y. in both standalonestand-alone premises as well as in rented space located in the Bank’s premises.

The Company obtained 10 branch banking locations through its acquisitionacquired Commerce Bancshares ("Commerce") in October of Hampden Bancorp2017, obtaining 13 branches in and around the Worcester, MA area. The Company also assumed Commerce's three branches and three lending offices in the second quarter of 2015. Boston metro area.

The Company consolidated threeacquired First Choice Bank in December of these2016, assuming eight full-service branches on acquisition date. The three branches were identified as overlapping with existing banking locations and the Company reasoned their consolidation would create operational efficiencies. Additionally, in October 2014, the Bank opened a new branch banking office in the Westborough, Massachusetts facility which it had previously established asPrinceton, N.J. and greater Philadelphia areas. As a regional commercial headquarters serving the Worcester and Central/Eastern Massachusetts markets. In January 2014, Berkshire completed the acquisition of 20 New York branches, reaching more communities between Albany and Syracuse. As part of the acquisition, two branches were consolidatedFirst Choice Loan Services Inc., headquartered in Central New York. TheEast Brunswick, N.J., became a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Bank. As a national mortgage lender, the Company also opened a new office in Loudonville, New York in January 2014, as part ofacquired its ongoing organic expansion. During the fourth quarter,12 loan production offices across six states. In 2016, the Company sold two existing branches that management determined to have redundancy with its Tennessee operations which consisted of one branch banking location.current footprint.

Berkshire continues to expandenhance its new retail branch design which eliminates traditional teller counters and provides an interactive customer service environment through “pod” stations which include automated cash handling technology. In many cases, this branch design also includes a multimedia community room which is offered for use by nonprofit community groups. The Company has begun introducing MyTeller automated remote teller stations at new offices and targeted existing offices.

3436





ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

AtAs of December 31, 2015,2017, neither the Company nor the Bank was involved in any pending legal proceedings believed by management to be material to the Company’s financial condition or results of operations. Periodically, there have been various claims and lawsuits involving the Bank, such as claims to enforce liens, condemnation proceedings on properties in which the Bank holds security interests, claims involving the making and servicing of real property loans, and other issues incident to the Bank’s business. However, other than the items noted below, neither the Company nor the Bank is a defendant party to any pending legal proceedings that it believes, in the aggregate, would have a material adverse effect on the financial condition or operations of the Company. Additionally, an estimate of future, probable losses cannot be estimated as of December 31, 2017.

Following the public announcement of the execution of the AgreementOn April 28, 2016, Berkshire Hills and Plan of Merger, dated November 3, 2014 (the “Merger Agreement”), by and among the Company and Hampden Bancorp, Inc. (“Hampden”), on or about February 11, 2015,Berkshire Bank were served with a purported shareholder of Hampdencomplaint filed a shareholder class action lawsuit in the SuperiorUnited States District Court, of the CommonwealthDistrict of Massachusetts, for Hampden County against Hampden,Springfield Division. The complaint was filed by an individual Berkshire Bank depositor, who claims to have filed the Directors of Hampden and the Company (the “Hampden shareholder litigation”). The Hampden shareholder litigation purports to be broughtcomplaint on behalf of alla purported class of Hampden’s public stockholdersBerkshire Bank depositors, and alleges that (i)violations of the directors of Hampden breached their fiduciary duties to its stockholders by,Electronic Funds Transfer Act and certain regulations thereunder, among other things, failingmatters. On July 15, 2016, the complaint was amended to take steps necessary to obtain a fairadd purported claims under the Massachusetts Consumer Protection Act. The complaint seeks, in part, compensatory, consequential, statutory, and adequate price for Hampden’s common stock, (ii) Hampdenpunitive damages. Berkshire Hills and its directors failed to disclose material facts in its proxy solicitation materials for its shareholder vote to approveBerkshire Bank deny the transaction set forthallegations contained in the Merger Agreement, and (iii) the Company knowingly aided and abetted Hampden’s directors’ breach of fiduciary duty.
Hampden, its Directors and the Company all denycomplaint and are vigorously defending eachthis lawsuit.

On January 29, 2018, the Bank was served with an amended complaint filed nominally against Berkshire Hills in the Business Litigation Session of the allegations assertedMassachusetts Superior Court sitting in Suffolk County. The amended complaint was filed by two residuary beneficiaries of an estate planning trust that was administered by the Bank as successor trustee following the death of the trust donor, and alleges the Bank breached its fiduciary duty and violated the Massachusetts Consumer Protection Act in the Hampden shareholder litigation. Managementcourse of performing its duties as trustee. The complaint seeks compensatory, statutory, and punitive damages. Berkshire Hills and Berkshire Bank deny the Company believesallegations contained in the Hampden shareholder litigation will not have any material adverse effect on the financial condition or operations of the Company.complaint and are vigorously defending this lawsuit.


ITEM 4.  MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not Applicable.


3537




PART II 

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDERSHAREHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

Market Information

The common shares of the Company trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “BHLB”. The following table sets forth the quarterly high and low sales price information and dividends declared per share of common stock in 20152017 and 2014.2016.
2015 High Low Dividends
Declared
2017 High Low Dividends
Declared
First quarter $27.85
 $24.32
 $0.19
 $37.45
 $32.90
 $0.21
Second quarter 28.99
 27.12
 0.19
 38.65
 33.55
 0.21
Third quarter 29.49
 26.91
 0.19
 39.00
 32.85
 0.21
Fourth quarter 30.40
 26.93
 0.19
 40.00
 35.10
 0.21
2014      
2016      
First quarter $27.28
 $23.95
 $0.18
 $28.93
 $24.71
 $0.20
Second quarter 26.64
 22.06
 0.18
 28.18
 24.80
 0.20
Third quarter 25.11
 22.37
 0.18
 28.37
 25.90
 0.20
Fourth quarter 26.91
 22.84
 0.18
 37.35
 27.25
 0.20
 
The Company had approximately 3,6793,646 holders of record of common stock at February 25, 2016.23, 2018.

Dividends

The Company intends to pay regular cash dividends to common stockholders;and preferred shareholders; however, there is no assurance as to future dividends because they are dependent on the Company’s future earnings, capital requirements, financial condition, and regulatory environment. Dividends from the Bank have been a source of cash used by the Company to pay its dividends, and these dividends from the Bank are dependent on the Bank’s future earnings, capital requirements, and financial condition.  Further information about dividend restrictions is provideddisclosed in Note 18 - Shareholders’ Equity and Earnings per Common Share of the Stockholders’ Equity note in the consolidated financial statements.Consolidated Financial Statements.

Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities; Use of Proceeds from Registered Securities

The Company occasionally engages in the practiceissues unregistered shares of transferring unregistered securities for the purpose of completing business transactions. These shares are issuedcommon stock to vendors or other organizations as consideration in contracts for the purchase of assets, services performed in accordance with each contract.or operations. The Company transferred 7,688issued 30,478 shares in 20152017 and 3,3168,014 shares in 2014.2016.

Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchases
The Company purchased 18,113 shares of common stock in the fourth quarter of 2015, which was the maximum number of shares available for purchase under the repurchase program authorized on March 26, 2013. On December 2, 2015, the Company announced that its Board of Directors authorized a new stock repurchase program, pursuant to which the Company may repurchase up to 500 thousand shares of the Company's common stock, representing approximately 1.6% of the Company’s then outstanding shares. The timing of the purchases will depend on certain factors, including but not limited to, market conditions and prices, available funds, and alternative uses of capital. The stock repurchase program may be carried out through open-market purchases, block trades, negotiated private transactions or pursuant to a trading plan adopted in accordance with Rule 10b5-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Any repurchased shares will be recorded as treasury shares. The repurchase plan will continue until it is completed or terminated by the Board of Directors. As of year-end 2015,2017, no shares had been purchased under this program.

3638



Table of Contents


Period  Total number of
shares purchased
 Average price
paid per share
 Total number of shares
purchased as part of
publicly announced
plans or programs
 Maximum number of
shares that may yet
be purchased under
the plans or programs
October 1-31, 2015 
 $
 
 18,113
November 1-30, 2015 
 
 
 18,113
December 1-31, 2015 18,113
 30.31
 18,113
 500,000
Total 18,113
 30.31
 18,113
 500,000
Period Total number of
shares purchased
Average price
paid per share
Total number of shares
purchased as part of
publicly announced
plans or programs
Maximum number of
shares that may yet
be purchased under
the plans or programs
October 1-31, 2017
$

500,000
November 1-30, 2017


500,000
December 1-31, 2017


500,000
Total


500,000

Common Stock Performance Graph

The performance graph compares the Company’s cumulative stockholdershareholder return on its common stock over the last five years to the cumulative return of the NYSE Composite Index and the PHLX KBW Regional Bank Index. Total stockholdershareholder return is measured by dividing total dividends (assuming dividend reinvestment) for the measurement period plus share price change for a period by the share price at the beginning of the measurement period. The Company’s cumulative stockholdershareholder return over a five-year period is based on an initial investment of $100 on December 31, 2010.2012.

Information used on the graph and table was obtained from a third party provider, a source believed to be reliable, but the Company is not responsible for any errors or omissions in such information.


 Period Ending Period Ending
Index 12/31/10 12/31/11 12/31/12 12/31/13 12/31/14 12/31/15 12/31/12 12/31/13 12/31/14 12/31/15 12/31/16 12/31/17
Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc. 100.00
 103.50
 114.74
 134.86
 135.80
 152.33
 100.00
 117.53
 118.35
 132.76
 173.10
 175.94
NYSE Composite Index 100.00
 93.89
 106.02
 130.59
 136.10
 130.67
 100.00
 126.06
 134.62
 129.40
 144.72
 171.66
PHLX KBW Regional Banking Index 100.00
 92.86
 102.57
 147.35
 147.65
 156.50
 100.00
 146.30
 149.67
 158.62
 219.27
 223.02

In accordance with the rules of the SEC, this section captioned “Common Stock Performance Graph,” shall not be incorporated by reference into any of our future filings made under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or the Securities Act of 1933. The Common Stock Performance Graph, including its accompanying table and footnotes, is not deemed to be soliciting material or to be filed under the Exchange Act or the Securities Act.

3739



Table of Contents

ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
 
The following summary data is based in part on the consolidated financial statementsConsolidated Financial Statements and accompanying notes, and other schedules appearing elsewhere in this Form 10-K. Historical data is also based in part on, and should be read in conjunction with, prior filings with the SEC.
  At or For the Years Ended December 31,
(In thousands, except per share data) 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011
           
Selected Financial Data:  
  
  
  
  
Total assets $7,831,915
 $6,502,031
 $5,672,799
 $5,296,809
 $3,992,257
Securities 1,371,316
 1,205,794
 870,091
 573,871
 533,181
Loans 5,725,236
 4,680,600
 4,180,523
 3,988,654
 2,956,570
Allowance for loan losses (39,308) (35,662) (33,323) (33,208) (32,444)
Goodwill and intangibles 334,607
 276,270
 270,662
 274,258
 223,364
Deposits 5,589,135
 4,654,679
 3,848,529
 4,100,409
 3,101,175
Borrowings and subordinated notes 1,264,147
 1,052,323
 1,064,107
 448,088
 237,402
Total stockholders’ equity 887,189
 709,287
 678,062
 667,265
 551,808
           
Selected Operating Data:  
  
  
  
  
Total interest and dividend income $247,030
 $207,042
 $203,741
 $175,939
 $138,260
Total interest expense 33,181
 28,351
 34,989
 32,551
 31,740
Net interest income (1) 213,849
 178,691
 168,752
 143,388
 106,520
Fee income 57,480
 53,434
 50,525
 51,265
 33,727
All other non-interest (loss) income (3,192) (5,664) 7,707
 2,791
 2,076
Total net revenue 268,137
 226,461
 226,984
 197,444
 142,323
Provision for loan losses 16,726
 14,968
 11,378
 9,590
 7,563
Total non-interest expense 196,829
 165,986
 157,359
 140,806
 116,442
Income tax expense - continuing operations 5,064
 11,763
 17,104
 13,223
 1,884
Net (loss) income from discontinued operations 
 
 
 (637) 914
Net income $49,518
 $33,744
 $41,143
 $33,188
 $17,348
           
Dividends per common share $0.76
 $0.72
 $0.72
 $0.69
 $0.65
Basic earnings per common share 1.74
 1.36
 1.66
 1.49
 0.97
Diluted earnings per common share 1.73
 1.36
 1.65
 1.49
 0.97
           
Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic 28,393
 24,730
 24,802
 22,201
 17,885
Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted 28,564
 24,854
 24,965
 22,329
 17,952
  At or For the Years Ended December 31,
(In thousands, except per share data) 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013
Per Common Share Data:  
    
  
  
Net earnings, diluted $1.39
 $1.88
 $1.74
 $1.36
 $1.65
Total book value per common share 32.14
 30.65
 28.64
 28.17
 27.08
Dividends 0.84
 0.80
 0.76
 0.72
 0.72
Common stock price:          
High 40.00
 37.35
 30.40
 27.28
 29.38
Low 32.85
 24.71
 24.32
 22.06
 23.38
Close 36.60
 36.85
 29.11
 26.66
 27.27
Performance Ratios: (1)  
  
  
  
  
Return on assets 0.56% 0.74% 0.68% 0.55% 0.78%
Return on equity 4.45
 6.44
 6.14
 4.87
 6.09
Net interest margin, fully taxable equivalent (FTE) (2) 3.40
 3.31
 3.34
 3.30
 3.67
Fee income/Net interest and fee income 29.41
 22.80
 21.18
 23.02
 23.04
Growth Ratios:  
  
  
  
  
Total commercial loans 37.79%
 18.39% 28.65% 14.80% 4.51%
Total loans 26.71
 14.41
 22.32
 11.96
 4.81
Total deposits 32.13
 18.48
 20.08
 20.95
 (6.14)
Total net revenues, (compared to prior year) 41.05
 11.18
 18.40
 (0.23) 14.96
Earnings per share, (compared to prior year) (26.06) 8.62
 27.21
 (17.58) 10.74
Selected Financial Data:  
  
  
  
  
Total assets $11,570,751
 $9,162,542
 $7,831,086
 $6,501,079
 $5,671,724
Total earning assets 10,509,163
 8,340,287
 7,140,387
 5,923,462
 5,085,152
Securities 1,898,564
 1,628,246
 1,371,316
 1,205,794
 870,091
Total loans 8,299,338
 6,549,787
 5,725,236
 4,680,600
 4,180,523
Allowance for loan losses (51,834) (43,998) (39,308) (35,662) (33,323)
Total intangible assets 557,583
 422,551
 334,607
 276,270
 270,662
Total deposits 8,749,530
 6,622,092
 5,589,135
 4,654,679
 3,848,529
Total borrowings 1,137,075
 1,313,997
 1,263,318
 1,051,371
 1,063,032
Total shareholders’ equity 1,496,264
 1,093,298
 887,189
 709,287
 678,062
 ____________________________________

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Table of Contents

  At or For the Years Ended December 31,
  2017 2016 2015 2014 2013
Selected Operating Data:  
  
  
  
  
Total interest and dividend income $360,258
 $280,439
 $247,030
 $207,042
 $203,741
Total interest expense 65,463
 48,172
 33,181
 28,351
 34,989
Net interest income (3) 294,795
 232,267
 213,849
 178,691
 168,752
Fee income 122,801
 68,606
 57,480
 53,434
 50,525
All other non-interest income (loss) 2,888
 (2,755) (3,192) (5,664) 7,707
Total net revenue 420,484
 298,118
 268,137
 226,461
 226,984
Provision for loan losses 21,025
 17,362
 16,726
 14,968
 11,378
Total non-interest expense 299,710
 203,302
 196,829
 165,986
 157,359
Income tax expense - continuing operations 44,502
 18,784
 5,064
 11,763
 17,104
Net income $55,247
 $58,670
 $49,518
 $33,744
 $41,143
           
Dividends per preferred share $0.42
 $
 $
 $
 $
Dividends per common share 0.84
 0.80
 0.76
 0.72
 0.72
Basic earnings per common share 1.40
 1.89
 1.74
 1.36
 1.66
Diluted earnings per common share 1.39
 1.88
 1.73
 1.36
 1.65
           
Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic 39,456
 30,988
 28,393
 24,730
 24,802
Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted 39,695
 31,167
 28,564
 24,854
 24,965
           
Asset Quality and Condition Ratios: (4)  
  
  
  
  
Net loans charged-off/average loans 0.19% 0.21% 0.25% 0.29% 0.29%
Allowance for loan losses/total loans 0.62
 0.67
 0.69
 0.76
 0.80
Loans/deposits 95
 99
 102
 101
 109
           
Capital Ratios:  
  
  
  
  
Tier 1 capital to average assets - Company (5) 9.01% 7.88% 7.71% 7.01% N/A
Total capital to risk-weighted assets - Company (5) 12.43
 11.87
 11.91
 11.38
 N/A
Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets - Company (5) 11.15
 10.07
 9.94
 9.03
 N/A
Shareholders’ equity/total assets 12.93
 11.93
 11.33
 10.91
 11.95

(1)  All performance ratios are annualized and are based on average balance sheet amounts, where applicable.
(2) Fully taxable equivalent considers the impact of tax advantaged investment securities and loans.
(3)  For the years 2014 and 2013, the above schedule includes an immaterial adjustment of prior period interest income earned on loans acquired in bank acquisition. For
(4)  Generally accepted accounting principles require that loans acquired in a business combination be recorded at fair value, whereas loans from business activities are recorded at cost. The fair value of loans acquired in a business combination includes expected loan losses, and there is no loan loss allowance recorded for these loans at the year 2011,time of acquisition. Accordingly, the above schedule includes an immaterial correctionratio of the loan loss allowance to total loans is reduced as a result of the existence of such loans, and this measure is not directly comparable to prior periods. Similarly, net loan charge-offs are normally reduced for loans acquired in a business combination since these loans are recorded net of expected loan losses. Therefore, the ratio of net loan charge-offs to average loans is reduced as a result of the existence of such loans, and this measure is not directly comparable to prior year lease accounting.periods. Other institutions may have loans acquired in a business combination, and therefore there may be no direct comparability of these ratios between and among other institutions.
(5) In July 2014, the Company changed its status from a savings and loan holding company to a bank holding company through the Bank's conversion from a Massachusetts-chartered savings bank to a Massachusetts-chartered trust company. As a result of this change, the Company became subject to bank holding company capital requirements including the requirement to report Tier 1 capital to average assets, Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets, and total capital to risk-weighted assets.

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Table of Contents

  At or For the Years Ended December 31,
  2015 2014 2013 2012 2011
           
Selected Operating Ratios and Other Data: (1)  
  
  
  
  
Share Data:  
  
  
  
  
Book value per share $28.64
 $28.17
 $27.08
 $26.53
 $26.09
Market price at year end $29.11
 $26.66
 $27.27
 $23.86
 $22.19
           
Performance Ratios:  
  
  
  
  
Return on average assets 0.68% 0.55% 0.78% 0.73% 0.50%
Return on average equity 6.14
 4.87
 6.09
 5.66
 3.64
Interest rate spread 3.19
 3.15
 3.47
 3.47
 3.38
Net interest margin 3.31
 3.26
 3.63
 3.62
 3.57
Non-interest income/total net revenue 20.25
 21.09
 25.65
 27.38
 27.16
Non-interest expense/average assets 2.71
 2.69
 2.97
 3.11
 3.34
Dividend payout ratio 43.68
 52.94
 41.57
 46.31
 67.01
           
Growth Ratios:  
  
  
  
  
Total loans 22.32% 11.96% 4.81% 34.91% 38.02%
Total deposits 20.08
 20.95
 (6.14) 32.22
 40.68
Total net revenue 18.40
 (0.23) 14.96
 38.73
 33.39
           
Asset Quality Ratios: (3)  
  
  
  
  
Net loans charged-off/average total loans 0.25% 0.29% 0.29% 0.26% 0.27%
Allowance for loan losses/total loans 0.69
 0.76
 0.80
 0.83
 1.10
           
Capital Ratios:  
  
  
  
  
Tier 1 capital to average assets - Company (4) 7.71% 7.01% N/A
 N/A
 N/A
Total capital to risk-weighted assets - Company (4) 11.91
 11.38
 N/A
 N/A
 N/A
Tier 1 capital to average assets - Bank 7.66
 7.18
 7.99
 7.46
 8.41
Total capital to risk-weighted assets - Bank 11.16
 10.78
 11.62
 11.79
 11.29
Stockholders’ equity/total assets 11.33
 10.91
 11.95
 12.60
 13.82
Tangible common stockholders’ equity to tangible assets (2) 7.37
 6.96
 7.54
 7.82
 8.71

(1)All performance ratios are based on average balance sheet amounts where applicable.
(2)Tangible common stockholders’ equity to tangible assets exclude goodwill and other intangibles. This is a non-GAAP financial measure that the Company believes provides investors with information that is useful in understanding its financial performance and condition.
(3)Generally accepted accounting principles require that loans acquired in a business combination be recorded at fair value, whereas loans from business activities are recorded at cost. The fair value of loans acquired in a business combination includes expected loan losses, and there is no loan loss allowance recorded for these loans at the time of acquisition. Accordingly, the ratio of the loan loss allowance to total loans is reduced as a result of the existence of such loans, and this measure is not directly comparable to prior periods. Similarly, net loan charge-offs are normally reduced for loans acquired in a business combination since these loans are recorded net of expected loan losses. Therefore, the ratio of net loan charge-offs to average loans is reduced as a result of the existence of such loans, and this measure is not directly comparable to prior periods. Other institutions may have loans acquired in a business combination, and therefore there may be no direct comparability of these ratios between and among other institutions.
(4)In July 2014, the Company changed its status from a savings and loan holding company to a bank holding company through the Bank's conversion from a Massachusetts-chartered savings bank to a Massachusetts-chartered trust company. As a result of this change, the Company became subject to bank holding company capital requirements including the requirement to report tier 1 capital to average assets and total capital to risk-weighted assets.

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Table of Contents

Average Balances, Interest and Average Yields/Cost
 
The following table presents an analysis of average rates and yields on a fully taxable equivalent basis for the years presented. Tax exempt interest revenue is shown on a tax-equivalent basis for proper comparison.
 
Item 6 - Table 3 - Average Balance, Interest and Average Yields / Costs
 2015 2014 2013 2017 2016 2015
(Dollars in millions) Average
Balance
 Interest Average
Yield/
Rate
 Average
Balance
 Interest Average
Yield/
Rate
 Average
Balance
 Interest Average
Yield/
Rate
 
Average
Balance
 Interest 
Average
Yield/
Rate
 
Average
Balance
 Interest 
Average
Yield/
Rate
 
Average
Balance
 Interest 
Average
Yield/
Rate
                  
Interest-earning assets:  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Assets  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Loans: (1)  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Residential loans $1,622.8
 $62.6
 3.86% $1,410.2
 $55.8
 3.96% $1,271.7
 $51.5
 4.05%
Commercial real estate 1,881.2
 81.1
 4.31
 1,525.5
 65.2
 4.27
 1,380.8
 74.3
 5.38
 $2,789.8
 $130.0
 4.66% $2,239.6
 $95.8
 4.28% $1,881.2
 $81.1
 4.31%
Commercial and industrial loans 932.4
 41.8
 4.48
 709.9
 28.1
 3.95
 637.9
 29.6
 4.64
 1,259.9
 65.7
 5.21
 1,019.7
 51.2
 5.02
 932.4
 41.8
 4.48
Residential loans 1,962.4
 71.5
 3.64
 1,808.8
 66.1
 3.66
 1,622.8
 62.6
 3.86
Consumer loans 802.5
 26.1
 3.25
 744.0
 25.4
 3.42
 654.7
 29.6
 4.52
 1,032.6
 39.4
 3.82
 873.3
 29.9
 3.42
 802.5
 26.1
 3.25
Total loans (3) 5,238.9
 211.6
 4.04
 4,389.6
 174.5
 3.98
 3,945.1
 185.0
 4.69
Total loans 7,044.7
 306.6
 4.35
 5,941.4
 243.0
 4.09
 5,238.9
 211.6
 4.04
Investment securities (2) 1,300.9
 38.9
 2.99
 1,158.7
 35.2
 3.04
 701.1
 19.6
 2.79
 1,757.3
 60.3
 3.43
 1,260.5
 41.4
 3.28
 1,300.9
 38.9
 2.99
Short-term investments and loans held for sale 62.2
 0.7
 1.10
 37.9
 0.6
 1.47
 71.3
 1.5
 2.10
 134.5
 4.6
 3.38
 51.6
 0.9
 1.70
 62.2
 0.7
 1.10
Total interest-earning assets 6,602.0
 251.2
 3.81
 5,586.2
 210.3
 3.76
 4,717.5
 206.1
 4.37
 8,936.5
 371.5
 4.16
 7,253.5
 285.3
 3.93
 6,602.0
 251.2
 3.81
Intangible assets 311.5
  
  
 278.0
  
  
 272.2
  
  
 449.7
 0
  
 347.7
  
  
 311.5
  
  
Other non-interest earning assets 341.0
  
  
 308.6
  
  
 317.1
  
  
 428.4
 0
  
 357.9
  
  
 341.0
  
  
Total assets $7,254.5
  
  
 $6,172.8
  
  
 $5,306.8
  
  
 $9,814.6
  
  
 $7,959.1
  
  
 $7,254.5
  
  
                                    
Interest-bearing liabilities:  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Liabilities and shareholders' equityLiabilities and shareholders' equity
Deposits:  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
NOW accounts $462.9
 $0.7
 0.15% $417.2
 $0.6
 0.15% $355.2
 $0.8
 0.23%
Money market accounts 1,444.1
 5.9
 0.41
 1,442.3
 5.5
 0.38
 1,389.2
 5.7
 0.41
Savings accounts 582.4
 0.9
 0.15
 476.4
 0.7
 0.15
 442.2
 0.7
 0.17
NOW $591.0
 $1.5
 0.25% $487.8
 $0.7
 0.14% $462.9
 $0.7
 0.15%
Money market 1,935.8
 11.2
 0.58
 1,470.3
 7.0
 0.48
 1,444.1
 5.9
 0.41
Savings 680.1
 0.9
 0.14
 610.8
 0.7
 0.12
 582.4
 0.9
 0.15
Certificates of deposit 1,684.8
 15.5
 0.92
 1,265.4
 12.4
 0.98
 1,085.8
 13.6
 1.25
 2,581.1
 30.3
 1.17
 2,094.8
 22.5
 1.07
 1,684.8
 15.5
 0.92
Total interest-bearing deposits (3) 4,174.2
 23.0
 0.55
 3,601.3
 19.2
 0.53
 3,272.4
 20.8
 0.63
Borrowings and notes (4) 1,212.5
 10.2
 0.84
 1,024.4
 9.2
 0.89
 655.3
 14.1
 2.16
Total interest-bearing deposits 5,788.0
 43.9
 0.76
 4,663.7
 30.9
 0.66
 4,174.2
 23.0
 0.55
Borrowings and notes (3) 1,373.8
 21.6
 1.57
 1,218.2
 17.3
 1.42
 1,212.5
 10.2
 0.84
Total interest-bearing liabilities 5,386.7
 33.2
 0.62
 4,625.7
 28.4
 0.61
 3,927.7
 34.9
 0.89
 7,161.8
 65.5
 0.91
 5,881.9
 48.2
 0.82
 5,386.7
 33.2
 0.62
Non-interest-bearing demand deposits 972.6
  
  
 805.0
  
  
 655.7
  
  
 1,296.4
  
  
 1,081.0
  
  
 972.6
  
  
Other non-interest-bearing liabilities 89.0
  
  
 49.1
  
  
 48.1
  
  
 112.6
  
  
 85.2
  
  
 89.1
  
  
Total liabilities 6,448.3
  
  
 5,479.8
  
  
 4,631.5
  
  
 8,570.8
  
  
 7,048.1
  
  
 6,448.4
  
  
Equity 806.1
  
  
 693.0
  
  
 675.3
  
  
Total shareholders' equity 1,243.8
  
  
 911.0
  
  
 806.1
  
  
Total liabilities and equity $7,254.4
  
  
 $6,172.8
  
  
 $5,306.8
  
  
 $9,814.6
  
  
 $7,959.1
  
  
 $7,254.5
  
  
Net interest-earning assets $1,215.3
  
  
 $960.5
  
  
 $802.4
  
  
 $1,774.7
  
  
 $1,371.6
  
  
 $1,215.3
  
  
Net interest income   $218.0
     $181.9
     $171.2
     $306.0
     $237.1
     $218.0
  
                  

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 2015 2014 2013 2017 2016 2015
(Dollars in millions) Average
Balance
 Interest Average
Yield/
Rate
 Average
Balance
 Interest Average
Yield/
Rate
 Average
Balance
 Interest Average
Yield/
Rate
 
Average
Balance
 Interest 
Average
Yield/
Rate
 
Average
Balance
 Interest 
Average
Yield/
Rate
 
Average
Balance
 Interest 
Average
Yield/
Rate
Net interest spread  
  
 3.25%  
  
 3.11%  
  
 3.19%
Net interest margin (4)  
  
 3.40
  
  
 3.31
  
  
 3.34
Cost of funds  
  
 0.77
  
  
 0.69
  
  
 0.52
Cost of deposits  
  
 0.62
  
  
 0.54
  
  
 0.45
Interest-earning assets/interest-bearing liabilities  
  
 124.78
  
  
 123.32
  
  
 122.56
                  
Supplementary data  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Total non-maturity deposits $3,462.0
  
  
 $3,140.9
  
  
 $2,842.3
  
  
 $4,503.3
  
  
 $3,649.9
  
  
 $3,462.0
  
  
Total deposits 5,146.8
  
  
 4,406.3
  
  
 3,928.1
  
  
 7,084.4
  
  
 5,744.7
  
  
 5,146.8
  
  
Fully taxable equivalent adjustment 4.2
  
  
 3.3
  
  
 2.6
  
  
 11.2
  
  
 8.1
  
  
 6.4
  
  
                  
Interest rate spread  
  
 3.19%  
  
 3.15%  
  
 3.48%
Net interest margin  
  
 3.31
  
  
 3.26
  
  
 3.63
Cost of funds  
  
 0.52
  
  
 0.52
  
  
 0.77
Cost of deposits  
  
 0.45
  
  
 0.44
  
  
 0.53
Interest-earning assets/interest-bearing liabilities  
  
 122.56
  
  
 120.76
  
  
 120.50

Notes:
(1)The average balances of loans include nonaccrual loans, and deferred fees and costs.
(2)The average balance of investment securities is based on amortized cost.
(3)The above schedule includes loans and deposit balances of discontinued operations in operating accounts as well as loans and deposit balances associated with the Tennessee branch sale.
(4)The average balances of borrowings and notes include the capital lease obligation presented under other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet.
(1) The average balances of loans include nonaccrual loans, and deferred fees and costs.
(2) The average balances of loans include nonaccrual loans, and deferred fees and costs.
(3) The average balances of borrowings and notes include the capital lease obligation presented under other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet.
(4) Purchased loan accretion totaled $14.8 million, $8.1 million, and $7.6 million for the years-ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively. The effect of purchased loan accretion on the net interest margin was an increase in all years, which is shown sequentially as follows beginning with the most recent year and ending with the earliest year: 0.17%, 0.11%, and 0.12%.

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Table of Contents

RATE/VOLUME ANALYSISRate/Volume Analysis

The following table presents the effects of rate and volume changes on the fully taxable equivalent net interest income. Tax exempt interest revenue is shown on a tax-equivalent basis for proper comparison. For each category of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, information is provided with respect to changes attributable to (1) changes in rate (change in rate multiplied by prior year volume), (2) changes in volume (change in volume multiplied by prior year rate), and (3) changes in volume/rate (change in rate multiplied by change in volume) have been allocated proportionately based on the absolute value of the change due to the rate and the change due to volume.

Item 6 - Table 4 - Rate Volume Analysis
  2015 Compared with 2014 2014 Compared with 2013 (1)
  (Decrease) Increase Due to (Decrease) Increase Due to
(In thousands) Rate Volume Net Rate Volume Net
             
Interest income:  
  
  
  
  
 $
Residential loans $(1,396) $8,234
 $6,838
 $(1,173) $5,501
 $4,328
Commercial real estate $526
 15,363
 $15,889
 (16,074) 6,987
 $(9,087)
Commercial and industrial loans $4,117
 9,622
 $13,739
 (4,640) 3,125
 $(1,515)
Consumer loans $(1,299) 1,877
 $578
 (7,849) 3,685
 $(4,164)
Total loans 1,948
 35,096
 37,044
 (29,736) 19,298
 (10,438)
Investment securities $(529) 4,227
 $3,698
 1,234
 14,390
 $15,624
Short-term investments and loans held for sale $(168) 293
 $125
 (376) (592) $(968)
Total interest income 1,251
 39,616
 40,867
 (28,878) 33,096
 4,218
             
Interest expense:  
  
  
  
  
  
NOW accounts $(35) 68
 $33
 (301) 126
 $(175)
Money market accounts $410
 7
 $417
 (462) 214
 $(248)
Savings accounts $30
 162
 $192
 (101) 55
 $(46)
Certificates of deposit $(768) 3,888
 $3,120
 (3,236) 2,031
 $(1,205)
Total deposits (1) (363) 4,125
 3,762
 (4,100) 2,426
 (1,674)
Borrowings $(543) 1,610
 $1,067
 (10,659) 5,696
 $(4,963)
Total interest expense (1) (906) 5,735
 4,829
 (14,759) 8,122
 (6,637)
Change in net interest income $2,157
 $33,881
 $36,038
 $(14,119) $24,974
 $10,855

Notes:
  2017 Compared with 2016 2016 Compared with 2015 
  (Decrease) Increase Due to (Decrease) Increase Due to
(In thousands) Rate Volume Net Rate Volume Net
Interest income:  
  
  
  
  
 

Commercial real estate $9,145
 $25,080
 $34,225
 $(591) $15,335
 $14,744
Commercial and industrial loans 1,999
 12,457
 14,456
 5,294
 4,120
 9,414
Residential loans (259) 5,595
 5,336
 (3,427) 6,920
 3,493
Consumer loans 3,698
 5,839
 9,537
 1,416
 2,379
 3,795
Total loans 14,583
 48,971
 63,554
 2,692
 28,754
 31,446
Investment securities 1,985
 16,978
 18,963
 3,667
 (1,238) 2,429
Short-term investments and loans held for sale 1,405
 2,271
 3,676
 324
 (132) 192
Total interest income $17,973
 $68,220
 $86,193
 $6,683
 $27,384
 $34,067
             
Interest expense:  
  
  
  
  
  
NOW accounts $627
 $165
 $792
 $(39) $35
 $(4)
Money market accounts 1,698
 2,506
 4,204
 1,000
 109
 1,109
Savings accounts 122
 88
 210
 (212) 42
 (170)
Certificates of deposit 2,205
 5,561
 7,766
 2,861
 4,140
 7,001
Total deposits 4,652
 8,320
 12,972
 3,610
 4,326
 7,936
Borrowings 1,981
 2,338
 4,319
 7,008
 48
 7,056
Total interest expense $6,633
 $10,658
 $17,291
 $10,618
 $4,374
 $14,992
Change in net interest income $11,340
 $57,562
 $68,902
 $(3,935) $23,010
 $19,075
(1) The average yields presented in the average balances, interest and average yields/cost table for total deposits and total interest expense are based on total balances and show an increase in average yields from 2014 to 2015; however, the chart above shows a decrease due to rate for total deposits and total interest expense because of a change in mix.

NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

This document contains certain non-GAAP financial measures in addition to results presented in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”). These non-GAAP measures are intended to provide the reader with additional supplemental perspectives on operating results, performance trends, and financial condition. Non-GAAP financial measures are not a substitute for GAAP measures; they should be read and used in conjunction with the Company’s GAAP financial information. A reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures to GAAP measures is provided below. In all cases, it should be understood that non-GAAP measures do not depict amounts that accrue directly to the benefit of shareholders. An item which management excludes when computing non-GAAP adjusted earnings can be of substantial importance to the Company’s results for any particular quarter or year. The Company’s non-GAAP adjusted earnings information set forth is not necessarily comparable to non-GAAP information which may be presented by other companies. Each non-GAAP measure used by the Company in this report as supplemental financial data should be considered in conjunction with the Company’s GAAP financial information.

The Company utilizes the non-GAAP measure of adjusted earnings in evaluating operating trends, including components for adjusted revenue and expense. These measures exclude amounts which the Company views as unrelated to its normalized operations, including securities gains/losses, gains on the sale of business operations, losses recorded for hedge terminations, merger costs, restructuring costs, systems conversion costs, and out-of-period adjustments.certain dispute settlement costs. Non-GAAP adjustments are presented net of an adjustment for income tax expense. In 2014,2017, there was a large adjustment for the write-down of the deferred tax asset at year-end due to the comparative magnitudepassage of federal tax reform. There was also an adjustment for investments in employees and communities which were made by the Company in recognition of the non-GAAP items, this adjustment was determined asfuture benefits of federal tax reform. The Company also measures adjusted revenues and adjusted expenses which result from the difference between the GAAP tax rateabove adjustments.

The Company calculates certain profitability measures based on its adjusted revenue, expenses, and the effective tax rate applicable to operating income.
earnings. The Company also calculates adjusted earnings per share based on its measure of adjusted earnings. The Company views these amounts as important to understanding its operating trends, particularly due to the impact of accounting standards related to merger and acquisition activity. Analysts also rely on these measures in estimating and evaluating the Company’s performance. Management also believes that the computation of non-GAAP adjusted earnings and adjusted earnings per share may facilitate the comparison of the Company to other companies in the financial services industry.

Charges related to merger and acquisition activity consist primarily of severance/benefit related expenses, contract termination costs, and professional fees. Systems conversion costs relate primarily to the Company’s core systems conversion and related systems conversions costs. Restructuring costs primarily consist of the Company's continued effort to create efficiencies in operations through calculated adjustments to the branch banking footprint.  Out-of-period accounting adjustments for interest income on acquired loans were recorded following systems conversions and merger related accounting activity. Expense adjustments include variable rate compensation related to non-operating items.

The Company also adjusts certain equity related measures to exclude intangible assets due to the importance of these measures to the investment community.

The following table summarizes the reconciliation of non-GAAP items recorded for the time periods and dates indicated:
  At or for the Quarters Ended At or For the Years Ended
(Dollars in thousands) December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014
Net income (GAAP) $16,013
 $11,398
 $49,518
 $33,744
         
Non-GAAP measures  
  
  
  
Adj: Gain on sale of securities, net 357
 
 (2,110) (482)
Adj: Loss on termination of hedges 
 
 
 8,792
Adj: Acquisition, restructuring, conversion and other related expenses (1) 1,118
 1,762
 17,611
 8,492
Adj: Restructuring expense (1) (112) 54
 4,454
 3,095
Adj: Out-of-period adjustment (2)  
 
 
 1,381
Adj: Income taxes (959) (1,114) (5,409) (7,185)
         
Net non-operating charges 516
 648
 10,092
 10,998
Total adjusted income (non-GAAP) (A) $16,529
 $12,046
 $59,610
 $44,742
Total revenue $70,996
 $60,847
 $268,137
 $226,461
Adj: Gain on sale of securities and other non-recurring gain, net 357
 
 (2,110) (482)
Adj: Loss on termination of hedges 
 
 
 8,792
Adj: Out-of-period adjustment (2) 
 
 
 1,381
Total operating revenue $71,353
 $60,847
 $266,027
 $236,152
         
Total non-interest expense $48,279
 $41,676
 $196,830
 $165,986
Less: Total non-operating expense (see above) (1,118) (1,762) (17,611) (8,492)
Operating non-interest expense $47,161
 $39,914
 $179,219
 $157,494
         
Net earnings per share, diluted (GAAP) $0.52
 $0.46
 $1.73
 $1.36
Plus: Non-operating earnings per share, diluted 0.02
 0.02
 0.36
 0.44
Adjusted earnings per share, diluted (A/G) 0.54
 0.48
 2.09
 1.80
         
Average diluted shares outstanding (thousands) (GAAP)
 30,694
 24,912
 28,564
 24,854
Average operating diluted shares outstanding (thousands) (G)
 30,694
 24,912
 28,564
 24,854
(Dollars in millions, except per share data)        
Total assets, period-end (GAAP) $7,832
 $6,502
 $7,832
 $6,502
Less: intangible assets, period-end 335
 276
 335
 276
Total tangible assets, period-end 7,497
 6,226
 7,497
 6,226
Total stockholders’ equity, period-end (GAAP) $887
 $709
 $887
 $709
Less: intangible assets, period-end 335
 276
 335
 276
Total tangible stockholders’ equity, period-end 553
 433
 553
 433
  At or For the Years Ended
(Dollars in thousands) December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015
GAAP Net income $55,247
 $58,670
 $49,518
Non-GAAP measures  
  
  
Adj: Gain on sale of securities, net (12,598) 551
 (2,110)
Adj: Net gains on sale of business operations (296) (1,085) 
Adj: Loss on termination of hedges 6,629
 
 
Adj: Acquisition, restructuring, conversion, and other related expenses (1) 31,558
 15,761
 17,611
Adj: Employee and Community Investment 3,400
 
 
Adj: Deferred tax asset impairment 18,145
 
 
Adj: Income taxes (11,277) (5,455) (5,409)
Net non-operating charges 35,561
 9,772
 10,092
Total adjusted net income (non-GAAP) $90,808
 $68,442
 $59,610
GAAP Total revenue $420,484
 $298,118
 $268,137
Adj: Gain on sale of securities, net (12,598) 551
 (2,110)
Adj: Net gains on sale of business operations (296) (1,085) 
Adj: Loss on termination of hedges 6,629
 
 
Total adjusted operating revenue (non-GAAP) $414,219
 $297,584
 $266,027
GAAP Total non-interest expense $299,710
 $203,302
 $196,830
Less: Total non-operating expense (see above) (31,558) (15,761) (17,611)
Less: Employee and Community Reinvestment (3,400) 
 
Adjusted operating non-interest expense (non-GAAP) $264,752
 $187,541
 $179,219
(in millions, except per share data)      
Total average assets $9,815
 $7,958
 $7,249
Total average shareholders' equity 1,244
 911
 805
Total average tangible shareholders equity 793
 563
 494
Total average tangible common shareholders equity 784
 563
 494
Total tangible shareholders’ equity, period-end 939
 671
 553
Total tangible common shareholders’ equity, period-end 898
 671
 553
Total tangible assets, period-end 11,013
 8,740
 7,496
Total common shares outstanding, period-end (thousands) 45,290
 35,673
 30,974
Average diluted shares outstanding (thousands)
 39,695
 31,167
 28,564
Earnings per share, diluted $1.39
 $1.88
 $1.73
Plus: Net adjustments per share, diluted 0.90
 0.32
 0.36
Adjusted earnings per share, diluted 2.29
 2.20
 2.09
Book value per common share, period-end 32.14
 30.65
 28.64
Tangible book value per common share, period-end 19.83
 18.81
 17.84
Total shareholders' equity/total assets 12.93
 11.93
 11.33
Total tangible shareholders' equity/total tangible assets 8.52
 7.68
 7.37
Average operating diluted shares outstanding (thousands)
 39,695
 31,167
 28,564
Performance Ratios      
GAAP return on assets 0.56
 0.74
 0.68
Adjusted return on assets 0.93
 0.86
 0.82
GAAP return on equity 4.45
 6.44
 6.15
Adjusted return on equity 7.31
 7.51
 7.40
Adjusted return on tangible common equity 11.82
 12.47
 12.49
Efficiency ratio 59.97
 58.27
 60.88
Supplementary Data (in thousands)
      
Tax benefit on tax-credit investments 10,182
 11,134
 16,127
Non-interest income charge on tax-credit investments (8,693) (8,993) (11,406)
Net income on tax-credit investments 1,489
 2,143
 4,721
Intangible amortization 3,493
 2,927
 3,563
Fully taxable equivalent income adjustment 11,227
 8,098
 6,354

(1)Acquisition, restructuring, conversion, and other related expenses includesincluded $24.9 million of merger and acquisition expenses and $6.7 million of restructuring expenses for the year-ended December 31, 2017. For the year-ended 2016, these expenses included $13.5 million in merger and acquisition expenses and $2.3 million of restructuring expenses. For the year-ended 2015, these expenses included $13.2 million in merger and acquisition expenses and $4.5 million of restructuring, expenses for the year ended December 31, 2015. For the year ended 2014, these expenses included $5.4 million in merger and acquisition expenses and $3.1 million of restructuring, conversion, and other expenses.
(2)The out-of-period adjustments shown above relate to interest income earned on loans acquired in bank acquisitions.

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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

GENERAL
This discussion is intended to assist in understanding the financial condition and results of operations of the Company. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statementsConsolidated Financial Statements "financial statements" and accompanying notes contained in this report.

SUMMARY
2017 was a transformational year for Berkshire. Major accomplishments included:
Growing revenue by more than 40%
Gaining a major position in Worcester - an important regional market
Moving the corporate headquarters to Boston and expanding the Boston market team
Crossing the $10 billion threshold for total assets
Completing the largest acquisition and largest public stock offering since its initial public offering

Critical components of the year’s progress were the acquisition of Worcester-based Commerce Bancshares Corp. (“Commerce”) in October and the integration of Princeton, NJ area First Choice Bank (“First Choice”) acquired in December 2016. Berkshire is now the largest regional banking company headquartered in Boston and the third largest in New England. The Company views itself as well positioned to serve the needs and support the growth of Greater Boston, the sixth largest combined statistical area in the country. Throughout the year, the Company maintained a focus on improving profitability through scale, business mix selection, and ongoing management of expenses.

Total revenue increased by 41% in 2017 and reached an annualized level of $463 million in the fourth quarter, which included the newly acquired Commerce operations. Full year pre-tax earnings increased by 29% to $100 million. Federal income tax reform near year-end lowered the future statutory tax rate but necessitated a write-down of the net deferred tax asset. This resulted in an $18 million provisional non-cash charge at the end of 2017 which reduced income after taxes to $55 million in 2017 from $59 million in the prior year.

The Company uses the non-GAAP measure of adjusted earnings, and related metrics, to evaluate the results of its operations. In addition to charges related to tax reform, adjusting items in 2017 included merger costs, securities gains, and the termination of contracts related to premises and interest rate hedges. GAAP earnings per share declined to $1.39 in 2017 from $1.88 in the prior year, while adjusted EPS improved by 4% to $2.29 from $2.20. Similarly, the GAAP return on assets decreased to 0.56% from 0.74%, whereas the adjusted ROA improved by 8% to 0.93% from 0.86%. The Company is targeting to improve this measure to over 1.00% and views its 2017 results as strong progress towards this goal. The GAAP return on equity measured 4.45% in 2017, and the non-GAAP measure of adjusted return on tangible common equity measured 11.82%.

Berkshire’s primary metrics of financial condition generally improved during the year, including capital, liquidity, and asset quality. While the economic climate has been supportive, the Company remains vigilant with its financial disciplines with a goal to maintain our operations and soundness when industry circumstances become more challenging. The Federal Reserve Bank increased short term interest rates during the year, which also resulted in a flattening of the yield curve. The Company estimated that these movements were positive for its financial results. Business development resulted in 8% organic loan growth and 6% organic deposit growth, measured before the Commerce impact. Driven by fee income, non-interest income grew by 91%, reaching 30% of total revenue, and including the benefit of specialty lending and mortgage banking operations acquired in 2016.

Due to the shares issued as merger consideration for Commerce, together with shares issued in a public offering for general corporate purposes in May, total year-end common shares outstanding increased by 27% to 45.3 million, and year-end shareholders’ equity increased by 37% to $1.5 billion. The increase in equity included 522 thousand preferred shares with a book value of $41 million. Both book value per common share and the non-GAAP measure of tangible book value per share increased by 5% during the year, including the benefit of new shares issued.

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Berkshire increased the quarterly common dividend by 5% in January 2017, and this was followed by another increase of 5% declared in January 2018.

Berkshire relocated its corporate headquarters to 60 State Street in Boston, which is well located in the downtown financial hub. It now has four offices serving Boston and a total of 19 offices in the Greater Boston area, including Worcester. Berkshire recruited commercial and private banking leadership for this market, along with commercial leadership for the Mid-Atlantic operations, and seasoned specialists in international and government banking. Berkshire continues to expand its virtual teller and MyBanker resources to cost-effectively strengthen its sales and service channels.

The Company consolidated three branch offices and opened two new branches during the year. By year-end, full time equivalent staff totaled nearly 2,000 positions. In conjunction with the federal tax reform, Berkshire announced additional investments in its team and communities, including an increase in the minimum wage, bonuses for most employees, investments in training at AMEBU (America’s Most Exciting Bank University), and a $2 million contribution to Berkshire’s foundation which provides community charitable support. Berkshire crossed the $10 billion regulatory threshold for total assets with a goal that future Commerce-related earnings accretion will more than offset higher regulatory costs and will provide support for further profitability improvement.

COMPARISON OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AT DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2016
Summary: Berkshire offers a competitive mix of loan and deposit products to serve the retail and commercial markets in its regions, and in certain national specialty lending markets. Net interest income from these products is its primary revenue source; the related staff, facilities, and systems are its primary operating expenses. The Company emphasizes services and fee revenue business to deepen market and wallet share and to diversify revenues. Additionally, increasing regulatory requirements related to capital and liquidity have led to more emphasis on products and services that do not require balance sheet resources. The Company has expanded its wholesale lending and deposit practices to provide more product and balance sheet flexibility.

Berkshire continued to extend, deepen, and diversify its banking footprint in 2017, with total assets of $11.6 billion at year-end. Total assets increased by $2.4 billion, or 26%, including $1.8 billion acquired with Commerce. Most categories of assets and liabilities increased due to this merger. Excluding acquired Commerce balances, organic loan growth from business activities was $0.5 billion, or 8%, and organic deposit growth was $0.4 billion, or 6%.
Shareholders’ equity increased by $0.4 billion, or 37%, mostly due to the stock issued in the stock offering and as merger consideration. Berkshire also benefited from strong internal capital generated from operations. There was improvement in most primary metrics related to capital, liquidity, and asset quality.

Investment Securities. Berkshire’s goal is to maintain a high quality portfolio consisting primarily of liquid investment securities with managed durations, supported primarily by wholesale funds. The portfolio generates interest income and provides additional liquidity and interest rate risk management flexibility. The portfolio is managed to contribute to earnings per share and return on equity, taking into account regulatory risk classifications.
The Company continuously evaluates the portfolio’s size, yield, diversification, risk, and duration.

In 2017, the portfolio average yield increased despite ongoing interest rate pressures in medium term instruments. Due to its size, Berkshire created earnings synergy by restructuring the mix of acquired Commerce short and long term investments - contributing to the targeted earnings accretion of that acquisition. Portfolio growth was also targeted to leverage the excess capital from the May common stock offering, reducing the near-term EPS dilution from the new shares while the Commerce acquisition was pending, and to supplement loan growth as a use of this capital.

Total investment securities increased by $270 million, or 17%, to $1.9 billion in 2017, including a $114 million balance contributed by the Commerce acquisition. The portfolio increase included a $199 million increase in available for sale agency collateralized mortgage obligations and a $74 million increase in held to maturity municipal bonds, as these remain the primary components of the portfolio, balancing interest rate sensitivity and yield. The Company also increased its investment in available for sale corporate bonds by $55 million, with the growth concentrated in financial institution subordinated debt securities.

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The Company sold equity securities, producing a $20 million net reduction in these securities and realizing $13 million in total net securities gains. These gains were already included as a component of shareholders’ equity in accumulated other comprehensive income. This sale took advantage of strong market conditions for bank stocks and the realized capital gains contributed to the Company’s tax management objectives. The Company’s available for sale equities portfolio totaled $45 million at year-end 2017, consisting mostly of northeast bank stocks and high yield equities. The adoption of ASU 2016-01 requires that current period unrealized gains and losses on these securities be recognized in income beginning in 2018. The Company is assessing its strategies in light of these requirements.

The fourth quarter portfolio yield decreased slightly to 3.55% from 3.58% from year-to-year, while the full year yield increased to 3.43% from 3.28%. Due to the federal tax reform, the Company estimated that the fully taxable equivalent yield of the securities portfolio would decrease by approximately 0.15% in future periods. This is primarily due to the municipal bond portfolio, which continues to meet the Company’s profitability objectives despite the lower taxable equivalent yield.

The year-end weighted average life of the bond portfolio decreased slightly to 5.5 years from 5.9 years. The Company estimates that the average life of the portfolio would increase to 8.7 years in the event of a 300 basis point increase in interest rates. Debt securities not meeting investment grade criteria totaled $70 million at year-end 2017 and consisted primarily of unrated bank debt securities acquired in the Commerce merger, as well as certain high yield corporate bonds. There were no impairments recorded during the year or at year-end, and all securities were performing during the year and at year-end. For securities available for sale and held to maturity, the fair value of securities with unrealized losses exceeding one year was 13% of total securities at year-end 2017, compared to 2% at the prior year-end. The total unrealized loss on these securities was 3% of fair value at year-end 2017. This generally reflected lower market prices resulting from higher market rates rather than credit changes in the portfolio. The net unrealized gain on investment securities decreased to $11 million, or 0.6% of cost, at year-end 2017, compared to $20 million, or 1.3% of cost, at year-end 2016. This change primarily reflected the equity securities gains recognized on sale, as well as lower bond prices related to higher medium term interest rates at the end of 2017.

Loans. Berkshire is expanding and deepening retail and commercial lending activities through organic growth and acquisitions, including a focus on specialized lending. The Company uses secondary markets and a growing network of financial institution partners in managing and diversifying its portfolio, as well as supporting its fee income objectives and managing its capital and liquidity.

Total loans increased by $1.75 billion, or 27%, to $8.3 billion in 2017. The Commerce acquisition added $1.24 billion in balances, including $1.09 billion in commercial loans split between commercial real estate and commercial and industrial loans. Most of the Commerce loan portfolio is located in the Eastern Massachusetts markets. The Commerce loans were preliminarily valued at a $102 million, or 7.6%, discount, which was primarily due to the Commerce portfolio of taxi medallion loans located in Boston and Cambridge and reflects the adverse conditions in this business due to ride-sharing competition. Commerce also engaged in other specialty and non-conforming commercial lending activities which contributed to the discount.

Excluding the Commerce acquisition, loans increased by $509 million, or 8% in 2017. This growth included $223 million in commercial and industrial loans, $72 million in commercial real estate, and $162 million in net growth in residential mortgages. Total commercial loans increased organically by 8% and, including the Commerce balances, commercial loans increased to 61% of total loans from 56% at the start of the year. The Company views its commercial and industrial loans and its owner occupied commercial real estate loans as an important element of its commercial relationship strategies. These loans increased by 44% to $2.35 billion in 2017 and advanced to 46% of total commercial loans at year-end 2017. Berkshire also engages in commercial loan participations and other wholesale activities as part of its balance sheet management objectives. Berkshire recruited commercial banking leadership for its expanding Greater Boston region and in its new Mid-Atlantic markets. The Company’s goal is to gain market share based on its expansion into these large and growing markets, including its positioning as the largest regional bank with corporate headquarters in Boston.


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Due to its asset management strategies in recent years, Berkshire has been positioned to support its markets while also managing well within regulatory guidelines for commercial real estate lending. Berkshire’s total non-owner occupied commercial real estate exposure measured 270% of regulatory capital at period-end, compared to 265% at the start of the year and compared to the 300% regulatory monitoring guidelines (based on regulatory definitions). Construction loan exposure was 40% of bank regulatory capital at year-end both in 2017 and 2016, compared to the 100% regulatory guideline. Berkshire monitors its commercial real estate lending risk using the enhanced processes required for banks exceeding the monitoring thresholds even though it is well margined below those thresholds.

Berkshire’s commercial specialty lending includes asset based lending, business equipment lending, and SBA lending. ABL outstandings totaled $306 million at year-end 2017. Business equipment loans, through Berkshire’s Firestone division, totaled $227 million at that date. The Bank originates SBA 7(a) loans for sale through its 44 Business Capital division (primarily in the mid-Atlantic area), as well as direct loans by its business banking teams throughout its regions. Based on the annual SBA national originations rankings as of September 30, Berkshire placed 17th nationally by SBA loan count and it placed 32nd nationally for total amount loaned. Most earnings related to SBA lending are included in loan fee income, from the sale of guaranteed portions of SBA loans.

Residential mortgages increased by $210 million, or 11%, in 2017 including $48 million contributed by the Commerce acquisition. Organic growth measured 9%. Conforming mortgage originations are produced by Berkshire’s national mortgage banking operation and are generally held for sale to the secondary market. Mortgage banking income and activity are addressed in the later fee income section of this discussion. Loans held for investment are primarily jumbo loans for which there is a more limited secondary market. Residential mortgage balances were also affected by opportunistic wholesale activity of seasoned loans, with purchases totaling $125 million and sales totaling $294 million. Consumer loan growth in 2017 totaled $150 million, or 15%, including $100 million in acquired Commerce consumer loans. Berkshire produced $59 million, or 10%, growth in auto and other loans, which was concentrated in prime indirect auto loans originated by the Company’s team in its regional markets.

The average fourth quarter loan yield increased to 4.47% in 2017 from 4.00% in 2016, reflecting the benefit of short term rate increases as well as the contributions from the fair value marked First Choice and Commerce loans and the favorable shift in mix towards higher yielding commercial loans. The fourth quarter yield increased in all major loan categories. The contribution to the net interest margin from purchased loan accretion was 0.21% and 0.10% in the above two periods respectively. The repricing terms of the total loan portfolio shortened modestly in 2017, with 42% repricing in one year, 22% in one to five years, and 36% over five years. This reflects the shift in mix towards shorter duration commercial loans. As of year-end 2016, 40% of the portfolio was scheduled to reprice within one year, 20% in one to five years, and 40% over five years.

Asset Quality. Berkshire’s Chief Risk Officer and a Risk Management and Capital Committee of the Board oversee risk management and asset quality. This includes setting loan portfolio objectives, maintaining sound underwriting, close portfolio oversight, and careful management of problem assets and potential problem assets. Additionally, merger due diligence is an integral component of maintaining asset quality. Acquired loans are recorded at fair value and are deemed performing regardless of their payment status. Therefore, some overall portfolio measures of asset quality are not comparable between years or among institutions as a result of recent business combinations. A general goal is to achieve significant resolutions of impaired loans acquired in bank mergers generally in the first two years following the acquisition date. Berkshire’s asset quality has reflected its strong credit disciplines together with the generally favorable economic environment in the extended U.S. recovery and asset values supported by the low inflation environment.

Asset quality metrics remained favorable and generally improved in 2017. Net loan charge-offs measured 0.19%. At period-end, non-performing assets were 0.21% of total assets. At year-end, the total contractual balance of purchased credit impaired loans was $209 million, with a $97 million carrying value, representing a $112 million discount, which is a 54% discount from the contractual amount. Due to the Commerce acquisition, the contractual balance more than doubled from $87 million at the start of the year, and the carrying balance more than doubled from $47 million. Included in this amount at year-end 2017 was a $12 million accretable balance including $11 million added with the Commerce acquisition.

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The Company views its problem asset metrics as generally low and benefiting from the extended period of national economic recovery and monetary stimulus following the 2008 financial crisis. Net loan charge-offs were 0.19% of average loans in 2017, compared to 0.21% in the prior year. Year-end 2017 non-performing assets totaled $24 million, or 0.21% of total assets, compared to $22 million, or 0.24% of total assets, at the start of the year. For loans from business activities, net loan charge-offs measured 0.19% of average loans in 2017, while this measure was 0.17% for average loans acquired in business combinations.

Loan Loss Allowance. The determination of the allowance for loan losses is a critical accounting estimate. The Company’s methodologies for determining the loan loss allowance are discussed in Item 1 of this report, and Item 8 includes further information about the accounting policy for the loan loss allowance and the Company’s accounting for the allowance in the Consolidated Financial Statements.

The Company considers the allowance for loan losses appropriate to cover probable incurred losses which can be reasonably estimated and which are inherent in the loan portfolio as of the balance sheet date. Under accounting standards for business combinations, acquired loans are recorded at fair value with no loan loss allowance on the date of acquisition. The fair value of acquired loans includes the impact of estimated loan losses for the life of the portfolio, including subjective assessments of risk. A loan loss allowance is recorded by the Company for the emergence of new probable and estimable losses relating to acquired loans which were not impaired as of the acquisition date. In the first period of combined operations, the Company may also establish an environmental component of the allowance related to newly acquired loans. Because of the accounting for acquired loans, some measures of the loan loss allowance are not comparable to periods prior to the acquisition date or to other financial institutions. Due to the Commerce acquisition, loans acquired in business combinations totaled $2.2 billion, or 26% of total loans at year-end 2017, compared to $1.3 billion, or 20% of total loans at year-end 2016.

The loan loss allowance increased by $8 million, or 18%, to $52 million in 2017. Due to the addition of the Commerce loans at fair value with no allowance on the merger date, this ratio decreased to 0.62% at year-end 2017 compared to 0.67% at year-end 2016. For business activities loans, the ratio of the allowance remained unchanged at 0.75%. For acquired loans, due to the addition of Commerce at fair value, this ratio decreased to 0.27% from 0.33%, and net charge-offs totaled $3 million. The year-end allowance provided 3.9X coverage of total net charge-offs, compared to 3.5X coverage in 2016. The allowance provided 2.3X coverage of year-end non-accrual loans in 2017 compared to 2.0X in 2016.

The credit risk profile of the Company’s loan portfolio is described in Note 7 - Loan Loss Allowance of the Consolidated Financial Statements. The Company’s risk management process focuses primary attention on loans with higher than normal risk, which includes loans rated special mention and classified (substandard and lower). These loans are referred to as criticized loans. Including acquired loans, they totaled $188 million, or 1.6% of total assets at year-end 2017, compared to $129 million, or 1.4% of total assets at year-end 2016. Acquired criticized loans increased by $54 million due to the Commerce acquisition. Criticized loans from business activities increased by $5 million and there was a significant shift from substandard to special mention loans, indicating improved condition of the portfolio. The Company views its potential problem loans as those loans from business activities which are rated as classified and continue to accrue interest. These loans have a possibility of loss if weaknesses are not corrected. Classified loans acquired in business combinations are recorded at fair value and are classified as performing at the time of acquisition and therefore are not generally viewed as potential problem loans. In 2017, potential problem loans decreased to $37 million from $51 million at the start of the year.

As discussed in Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies of the Consolidated Financial Statements, in June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, “Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments.” The ASU requires companies to measure all expected credit losses for financial assets held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Forward-looking information will now be used in credit loss estimates. ASU No. 2016-13 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019. Early application will be permitted for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company is evaluating the provisions of ASU No. 2016-13, and will closely monitor developments and additional guidance to determine the potential impact on the Company's consolidated financial

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statements. The Company is in the process of identifying and implementing required changes to loan loss estimation models and processes and evaluating the impact of this new accounting guidance, which at the date of adoption is expected to increase the allowance for credit losses with a resulting negative adjustment to retained earnings. It is anticipated that banks will generally carry higher loan loss allowance estimates as a result of this change and that loan loss estimates will be made at acquisition date for loans acquired in business combinations.

Other Assets. Short term investments increased by $116 million due to the overnight liquidity needed for the acquired Commerce payroll processing business. Bank owned life insurance increased by $52 million due to the purchase of additional policies, together with the Commerce acquisition. Total goodwill and intangible assets increased by $135 million which was also due to Commerce. The net deferred tax asset increased by $6 million to $47 million, with the $18 million year-end provisional write-down resulting from federal tax reform mostly offsetting the increase resulting from the Commerce acquisition.

Deposits. Berkshire views its deposit programs as central to it funding and market management goals. Retail and commercial strategies focus on transaction accounts as being key to customer relationships. Interest bearing deposit products are positioned to be competitive while offering local convenience and the safety of FDIC insurance. Due to the impacts of technology on mobile and electronic banking, preferred customer channels are shifting and the Company seeks to maximize the benefits it offers as a local provider with the scale to compete with the delivery channels of national bank and nonbank competitors. The Company has been active in shifting the number, location, and configuration of its offices and customer facing staff in order to move with its markets and to reduce overhead related to older channels that are now less favored. Current initiatives include the expansion of virtual tellers and MyBankers. The Company has also utilized brokered time deposits as an additional funds source to complement its other strategies, manage its funding costs, and to support interest rate risk management goals. With the Commerce acquisition, the Company has added a specialty payroll processing business line that processes payments for payroll service bureau customers. In 2017, Berkshire added a senior government banking professional to provide more outreach to municipal accounts in the Company’s regions. The Company has also added a senior international banking professional who is augmenting the Company’s payments related business.

Berkshire’s deposits increased in 2017 by $2.1 billion, or 32%, to $8.7 billion. The Commerce acquisition added $1.7 billion, including $0.5 billion in demand deposits, $0.8 billion in money market balances, and $0.3 billion in time deposits. Excluding Commerce, business activities resulted in 6% organic growth totaling $0.4 billion, including $0.1 billion, or 8% organic growth in money market balances and $0.3 billion, or 12% organic growth in time deposits. Time deposit growth included a $0.3 billion increase in brokered time deposits which were used to replace $0.2 billion in short term debt. Payroll deposits totaled $0.5 billion at year-end, including $0.1 billion in demand deposits and $0.4 billion in money market accounts. These balances fluctuate daily generally within a range of $0.2 - $0.5 billion, and totaled $0.3 billion at the time of the Commerce acquisition.

The Commerce acquisition added 16 branches in the Greater Boston area, including Worcester. Berkshire consolidated three branch offices in 2017, while opening two more, with another two scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2018. Excluding nonreciprocal brokered balances, average deposits per branch totaled $67 million at year-end 2017, compared to $60 million at the start of the year. The Bank is deploying its virtual teller technology in new offices and targeted existing offices. Berkshire continues to diversify its distribution network, including expanding its MyBanker and private banking teams and integrating more closely with its wealth management, investment services, small business, insurance, and other business lines. At year-end, the Bank had four offices operating in metro Boston, which serve the expanding regional team located at the new corporate headquarters on State Street.

The Commerce acquisition provided additional liquidity to Berkshire’s combined operations, as reflected in the loan/deposit ratio, which decreased to 95% at the end of the year from 99% at the start of the year. Berkshire uses brokered deposits flexibly in combination with short term borrowings in managing its liquidity position and earnings objectives. Brokered deposits totaled $1.2 billion at year-end 2017, measuring 14% of total deposits at the start of the year. Commercial deposits increased to 29% from 26% of deposits due to the commercial orientation of Commerce. At year-end, estimated uninsured deposits totaled $2.0 billion, or 27% of total nonbrokered deposits, compared to $1.4 billion, or 24%, at the start of the year.

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The cost of deposits increased to 0.66% in the fourth quarter of 2017, compared to 0.56% in the fourth quarter of the prior year. While all major deposit categories had increases, the total increase was primarily driven by a 0.18% increase in the cost of money market accounts and a 0.11% increase in the cost of time deposit accounts. Time deposit costs benefited from the amortization of purchased deposit discount related to the Commerce acquisition. Average one month treasury rates increased by 0.77% in the fourth quarter of 2017 compared to 2016. The 10 basis point increase in deposit costs has been more modest than the Company’s models, which assume that total deposit costs will increase over time by 40% of changes in market rates. The interest sensitivity of deposits in the current environment of expected future rate increases is a significant uncertainty in the banking industry, following the years of unusually low interest rates. The Company believes that it can benefit from the diverse regional conditions in which it operates, and also continues to emphasize relationship and transactions accounts to manage potential future deposit cost increases.

Borrowings and Other Liabilities. Nearly all of Berkshire’s senior borrowings at year-end were provided by the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston under established relationship programs. The FHLBB is secured by a general pledge of assets primarily consisting of mortgage backed securities and residential mortgages. The Bank uses FHLBB borrowings to manage overnight liquidity and generally to provide funding for its investment portfolio. Other components of the Bank’s wholesale funding program include correspondent banks and brokerages, and brokered deposits. For contingency liquidity purposes, the Bank has short term credit arrangements with the Federal Reserve Bank and with certain national banks and brokerages, and the holding company maintains a line of credit. There has been no regular ongoing use of these arrangements. The Company evaluates its use of borrowings and of wholesale funds in general in managing its liquidity and strategic growth plans. This is further discussed in the following section on Liquidity.

Total borrowings decreased by $177 million, or 13%, in 2017, due to increased utilization of better priced brokered time deposits to provide wholesale funding. Most borrowings are short term. The weighted average rate on borrowings was 1.81% in the fourth quarter of 2017, compared to 1.63% in the fourth quarter of 2016. The Company terminated its cash flow hedges in February 2017 as further described in the following section. The benefit to interest expense of this termination was more than offset by the market interest rate increases which increased the cost of borrowings during the year.

Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities. Berkshire utilizes derivative financial instruments to manage the interest rate risk of its borrowings, to offer these instruments to commercial loan customers for similar purposes, and as part of its residential mortgage banking activities. The instruments sold to commercial and residential mortgage customers are an important source of fee income and generally represent fixed rate contracts purchased by customers which are sold or offset by the Company with national counterparties. Derivatives related to mortgage banking vary seasonally and were not significantly changed at year-end 2017 compared to the start of the year.

The notional balance of derivative financial instruments increased to $2.5 billion at year-end 2017, compared to $2.2 billion at the start of the year. The increase in economic hedges related to commercial loan interest rate swaps was partially offset by the termination of $300 million in cash flow hedges which were fixing the cost of variable rate borrowings. The commercial loan interest rate swap derivatives include back to back hedges with national bank counterparties, along with risk participation agreements with dealer banks. This represents a 43% increase related to strong customer demand during the year.

The cash flow hedges were terminated in early February in conjunction with the integration of the acquired First Choice balance sheet, including excess deposits. The Company retired the one month rolling FHLB loans that were hedged by the terminated fixed payment interest rate swaps. The Company recorded a $7 million loss on this termination; this loss was already a component of shareholders’ equity in accumulated other comprehensive income. The swaps had a fixed pay rate of 2.3% with a remaining maturity of 2.3 years at the start of the year.

The net fair value of derivatives improved from a $3 million liability at year-end 2016 to a $3 million premium at year-end 2017. This was primarily due to the realization of the $7 million loss on the termination of the cash flow

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hedges. The $3 million premium at year-end 2017 included a $5 million premium in the mortgage pipeline (most of which has already been recognized in revenues), offset by a $2 million liability on the interest rate swap related to the economic development bond.

Stockholders’ Equity.Berkshire pursues a balance of capital to maintain financial soundness while using common equity efficiently with the goal to produce a strong return on equity and a strong return on tangible equity to support opportunities for franchise growth. Long run growth in dividends and in both book value and tangible book value per share are also viewed as elements for shareholder value creation. A sound capital structure reduces risk and enhances shareholder return and access to capital markets to support the Company’s banking activities and the markets that it serves. In its payment of dividends, management of treasury shares, issuance of equity compensation, and balancing of capital sources, the Company strives to achieve a capital structure that is attractive to the investment community and which satisfies the policy and supervision purposes of the Company’s regulators. When Berkshire negotiates business combinations, it generally targets to use its common shares as a significant component of merger consideration and to balance the mix of cash and stock to arrive at targeted capital metrics based on the characteristics of the combined banks. The Company’s common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Its preferred shares are non-voting conditionally convertible stock owned by one individual who is also the Company’s largest holder of common stock as a result of the Commerce acquisition. These holdings are restricted pursuant to an agreement filed with the SEC.

In May 2017, Berkshire completed its first public common stock offering since 2009, in the amount of $153 million (net of offering costs). This offering was for general corporate purposes and was conducted under the Company’s universal shelf registration statement with the SEC. The offering resulted in the issuance of 4.64 million shares at $34.50 per share ($32.98 per share net of costs). Also, in October, the Company completed the acquisition of Commerce Bancshares for total consideration of $229 million in a stock for stock exchange. The Company issued 4.84 million common shares and 522 thousand shares of a new Series B non-voting conditionally convertible preferred stock in this exchange, and the consideration was valued based on the $38.95 closing price of Berkshire common stock on October 13, 2017. During 2017, the Company reinvested $100 million of the stock offering proceeds in Berkshire Bank as additional paid-in capital, with the remainder held in cash at the holding company at the end of 2017. The Company considered the equity-down streamed to the bank as offsetting most of the tangible equity dilution from the Commerce merger due to the $135 million increase in goodwill and intangible assets. The Company considered the equity retained at the holding company as providing an additional capital buffer and as a source of investment in the bank to support future growth as appropriate.

Total shareholders’ equity increased by $403 million, or 37%, to $1.5 billion in 2017. This included the benefit of the $382 million in stock issuances discussed above, together with retained earnings. Total common shares outstanding increased by 9.6 million shares, or 27%, to 45.3 million shares. Preferred stock was issued in the form of 522,000 shares, which are conditionally convertible into 1,044,000 common shares and bearing a dividend as preferred shares equal to twice the per share common dividend.

Berkshire’s return on equity decreased to 4.5% in 2017 due primarily to the provisional write-down of the deferred tax asset as a result of tax reform. The non-GAAP measure of adjusted return on tangible common equity decreased to 11.8% from 12.5% primarily due to the excess equity during the year between the May stock offering and the completion of the Commerce acquisition in October. The Company focuses on its internal generation of tangible equity to support growth and dividends, as well as to support merger and other non-operating charges.

Berkshire’s capital metrics increased during the year due to the excess capital from the stock offering. The ratio of equity to assets increased to 12.9% from 11.9%, while the non-GAAP measure of tangible equity to assets increased to 8.5% from 7.7%. The Company generally targets to operate with this ratio in the 7-8% range. The consolidated risk based capital ratio increased to 12.4% from 11.9% including the excess cash held at the holding company. The Bank’s risk based capital ratio remained unchanged at 11.2%. Book value per common share increased by 5% to $32.14 and tangible book value also increased by 5% to $19.83 per common share.

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One of the requirements of the $10 billion Dodd Frank threshold is increased capital stress testing processes. The Company has invested in staff and resources to develop these processes. Based on its most recent internal modeling of financial condition as of year-end 2016, the Company expected to remain well capitalized under the most severe stress test assumptions based on its capital and dividend structure at that date. The Company plans to informally submit to regulators a stress test based on year-end 2017 data during the year 2018. The Company’s first formal submission of a stress test is planned for 2019.


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COMPARISON OF OPERATING RESULTS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2016
Summary: Berkshire’s results in 2017 included growth from acquisitions and a significant amount of charges, viewed as non-operating, which depressed GAAP results. Based on its adjusted measures, discussed further below, Berkshire produced improvement in its earnings per share and ROA measures, which are its primary strategic focus.

Berkshire’s 2017 results include the First Choice operations acquired in December 2016, including the targeted efficiencies which resulted from the integration of these operations in 2017. Results also included the Commerce operations acquired in October 2017, and the Company is targeting efficiencies in 2018 from the planned integration of those operations. Due to these business combinations, most measures of revenue, expense, income, and average balances increased in 2017 compared to 2016. Additionally, per share measures were affected by the issuance of shares as merger consideration, together with the stock offering in May 2017 which was simultaneous with the Commerce announcement. All acquisitions were targeted to be accretive to earnings and earnings per share when fully integrated, and to provide a long term double digit return on equity.

As noted previously, Berkshire uses a non-GAAP measure of adjusted net income to supplement its evaluation of its operating results. Adjusted net income excludes certain amounts not viewed as related to normalized operations. These items are primarily related to acquisition expenses. Berkshire views its net acquisition related costs as part of the economic investment for its acquisitions. These investments are intended to contribute to long term earnings growth and franchise value. Other significant charges excluded in 2017 from the adjusted earnings measure included contract termination costs for premises restructuring and the termination of hedges. These were mostly offset by the realization of gains on the sale of equity securities. The Company also recorded an $18 million charge for the provisional write-down of its net deferred tax asset following the enactment of federal tax reform near year-end. This reform is believed to contribute positively to shareholder value due to the reduction in the federal statutory tax rate beginning in 2018. Berkshire also makes references to adjusted revenues and adjusted expenses in its discussion of operating results. Please see the Non-GAAP reconciliation section of this report for more discussion and information about adjusted net income and other non-GAAP financial measures discussed in this report.

Net income decreased in 2017 by 6% to $55 million, while adjusted net income increased by 33% to $91 million. On a per share basis, net income decreased by 26% to $1.39, while adjusted net income increased by 4% to $2.29. The Company targets ongoing improvement in this measure to benefit from its investments in organic growth and acquisitions, and to improve profitability. Return on assets decreased by 24% to 0.56%, while adjusted return on assets increased by 8% to 0.93% as the Company moved closer to its target of 1.00% or higher. The federal tax reform and efficiencies from the Commerce integration are targeted to support further improvement in this measure in 2018.

The return on equity decreased by 31% to 4.5% while the adjusted return on equity decreased by 3% to 7.3% due to the excess equity on hand in 2017 while the Commerce merger was pending. The return on tangible common equity decreased by 5% to 11.8% due to the excess equity but continued to be important as a source of internal capital generation to support organic growth and dividends. The efficiency ratio increased by 3% to 60.0% due to the first full year including the acquired First Choice mortgage banking operations, which operate with narrower margins common to this business. Berkshire estimated that the efficiency of operations excluding mortgage banking improved to approximately 56%. This reflected the benefit of ongoing scale efficiencies and was achieved despite the higher regulatory cost burden as the Company crossed the $10 billion regulatory asset threshold.

Total Net Revenue. Berkshire evaluates its top line with the measure of net revenue, which is the sum of net interest income and non-interest income. The Company also measures adjusted net revenue and adjusted net revenue per share in evaluating its growth strategies, operations, and strategies for generating positive operating leverage.

Total net revenue increased in 2017 by $122 million, or 41% to $420 million. On a pro-forma basis, as set forth in the consolidated financial statements, total 2017 revenue including the Commerce operations reached $480 million, with non-interest income providing 28% of total revenue. Revenue growth in 2017 included a 27% increase in net interest income and a 79% increase in fee income. Total revenue per share increased by 11% to $10.59, and on a pro forma basis with Commerce this measure increased to $10.81. These changes indicate the combined impact of the Commerce and First Choice acquisitions on Berkshire’s scale and business mix.

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Net Interest Income. Net interest income is the primary contributor to revenue. Berkshire targets growth in net interest income based on increased business volumes related to market share gains in its markets. Pricing disciplines for loans and deposits target a balance of market share and profitability objectives, while taking into account credit, liquidity, and interest rate sensitivity objectives. The Company also borrows to fund an investment portfolio to contribute to income and profitability, together with other balance sheet objectives. Assets and liabilities acquired in business combinations are marked to market for carrying value and yield, and balance sheet adjustments are often made at or following the acquisition date to integrate the acquired balance sheet with the Company’s balance sheet. Net interest income includes significant components related to the amortization of purchase accounting adjustments and deferred items. The most significant component is purchased loan accretion related to recoveries on the resolution of acquired impaired assets, where Berkshire has regularly posted significant gains that are included in net interest income. These gains are difficult to forecast and are highly variable from quarter to quarter, and generally reflect the Company’s strong asset management capabilities and continued demand for higher yielding assets in the ongoing low rate environment. The chief focus of the Company’s market risk assessment in the sensitivity of interest income to changes in interest rates.

Annual net interest income increased by $63 million, or 27%, in 2017. As noted in the pro-forma statements in the Company’s SEC filings, the business combinations in 2016 were estimated to add $36 million in net interest income in the first year of combined operations based on the assumptions set forth therein. The Commerce pro forma estimated that it would add up to $20 million per quarter in revenue in the first year; the Company owned Commerce operations for most of the fourth quarter of 2017. Interest income also increased as a result of 8% organic increase in loans, funded primarily by the 6% organic increase in deposits. The 27% increase in net interest income was attributable to the 23% increase in average earning assets and the 3% increase in the net interest margin.

The net interest margin increased throughout 2017 from 3.21% in the fourth quarter of 2016 to 3.50% in the fourth quarter of 2017. The margin for the year improved to 3.40% in 2017 from 3.31% in 2016. Factors that contributed to the improvement in the margin included the mix shift towards higher yielding commercial loans, the increase in interest rates, the termination of the fixed payment cash flow hedges, generally low deposit betas (indicating low sensitivity to interest rate changes), and the benefit of purchase accounting initially related to First Choice and then to Commerce. The yield on earning assets increased for the year to 4.16% from 3.93%, while there was a smaller increase in the cost of funds to 0.77% from 0.69%. Berkshire’s sensitivity to interest rates is discussed in Item 7A. Generally, its loan assets tied to LIBOR and prime adjust quickly to interest rate increases, as do short term borrowings, while deposit rates move in line with market forces which have been slower to react than expected. Lending spreads in some areas were pressured by slower demand in 2017. The Company will be monitoring the impact of the tax reform for any competitive impacts on loan yields or deposit costs that might affect the margin in the future.

The Company measures the impact of purchased loan accretion on the net interest margin. This accretion totaled $15 million and contributed 0.17% to the margin in 2017, compared to $8 million and 0.11% in 2016. The recognition of accretion depends on strategies for managing purchased credit impaired loans which have significantly benefited net interest income but which are uncertain and may vary from quarter to quarter. The Company has also benefited from the amortization of discount on purchased time deposits, which is mostly recognized in the first year or two following a merger.

Non-Interest Income. Most of Berkshire’s non-interest income is fee income, including various revenue sources related to its operations. As previously discussed, Berkshire focuses on fee income to build more enduring customer relationships and to diversify away from potential volatility in net interest income. Fee income is the primary revenue source for two of the Company’s national lending businesses - mortgage banking and specialty equipment lending. Many fee income sources do not require as much investment in assets and consequently do not require as much support from regulatory capital. These revenues therefore have the potential to increase the Company’s return on assets and return on equity towards its long-term goals.

Fee income increased by $54 million, or 79% in 2017, and totaled $123 million for the year. Mortgage banking fees increased by $47 million to $54 million, representing the first full year of the acquired First Choice national

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mortgage banking operations. The First Choice mortgage banking business ranks among the top 50 U.S. mortgage banking originators. Berkshire originated $2.4 billion in total held for sale mortgages in 2017. Revenue recognition is based on interest rate lock commitments which generally are entered into before mortgages are originated. The Company targets approximately a 0.3% pre-tax profit margin measured as a percentage of total originations volume. The mortgage banking unit operates with a high percentage of variable costs, to support earnings during periods when volume declines. Direct costs of originations are netted against the total fee revenue reported.

Loan fees increased by $5 million to $21 million. Loan fees in 2017 included $9 million in SBA loan sale gains, $5 million in commercial loan interest rate swap fees, $3 million in gains on the sale of seasoned mortgages, and $2 million in asset based lending fees. The increase was primarily due to higher SBA loan volumes, and included increased cross-sale activities among the lending groups. Deposit related fees increased by $2 million, or 9%, to $27 million including the First Choice and Commerce contributions. Deposit related fees decreased to 0.38% of average deposits in 2017, compared to 0.43% in the prior year. This reflected the lower fee penetration of the acquired banks as well as the shift in mix towards commercial balances. Deposit fees in 2017 included $8 million in overdraft fees, $9 million in bank card fees, and $7 million in other service charge income. The Company expects that its card fee income will be reduced by $5-6 million per year based on the Durbin amendment to the Dodd Frank Act, as a result of crossing the $10 billion asset threshold. This reduction will begin in the second half of 2018.

Non-interest income in 2017 included $13 million in securities gains, a $7 million charge for the loss on the termination of hedges, and $3 million in other net charges. The securities gains were due to the equity securities sales described previously in the investment securities section. The loss on the termination of hedges was described previously in the derivative securities section. The $3 million in other net charges was due to a $9 million charge for the amortization of tax credit investments, which was more than offset by benefits to income tax expense as further discussed below. This charge was partially offset by $4 million in accrued income on bank owned life insurance contracts.

Provision for Loan Losses. The provision for loan losses is a charge to earnings in an amount sufficient to maintain the allowance for loan losses at a level deemed adequate by the Company. The level of the allowance is a critical accounting estimate, which is subject to uncertainty. The level of the allowance was included in the discussion of financial condition. The provision for loan losses increased by $4 million, or 21%, to $21 million in 2017. The provision for loan losses exceeded net loan charge-offs and resulted in an increase in the loan loss allowance due to portfolio growth.

Non-Interest Expense. Berkshire’s goal is to generate positive operating leverage, growing revenues through business expansion and maintaining expense management disciplines. Non-interest expense increases have generally been related to the Company’s growth, including the impact of acquisitions. The Company also invests in building its infrastructure and adding to its market teams, with a focus on fee generating business lines, as part of its long term strategy to occupy a leading position as a regional provider in its footprint. Additionally, the Company has invested in the increased compliance and risk management resources required for banks at the $10 billion threshold established in the Dodd Frank Act.

Non-interest expense includes amounts viewed by the Company as not related to recurring operations. These expenses are excluded from the Company’s non-GAAP measure of adjusted expense. The primary component of these expenses is merger related expense, which totaled $25 million in 2017 and $14 million in 2016. These expenses related mostly to the Commerce and First Choice acquisitions. Most First Choice merger related expenses have been recorded. The Company has targeted $32 million in Commerce merger related expenses, of which $21 million was recorded in 2017 and the remainder is expected to be recorded in 2018. The Company recorded restructuring and other expense totaling $7 million in 2017 and $2 million in 2016, which was primarily related to premises lease terminations as the Company has right sized its facilities. In 2017, the Company recorded $3 million in employee and community investment expense for initiatives undertaken due to the federal tax reform. Total expenses excluded from the measure of adjusted expenses totaled $35 million in 2017 compared to $16 million in 2016.
Total non-interest expense increased by $96 million, or 47%, to $300 million in 2017. Adjusted expense, excluding items discussed above, increased by $77 million, or 41%, to $265 million. The largest expense growth was in

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compensation (46%), premises and technology (30%), and marketing (276%). The compensation and marketing expense changes were affected by the mortgage banking expense structure, which has higher variable compensation expense and marketing payments related to designated business channels. Expenses benefited from the First Choice integration, which was targeted to result in $15 million in annualized cost savings on completion of integration. The Commerce integration in 2018 is targeted to result in $8 million in such annualized savings. Expenses in 2017 also benefited from the restructuring initiatives early in the year which reduced ongoing overhead costs.

The efficiency ratio increased to 59.97% in 2017 from 58.27% in 2016. The acquired mortgage banking business operates with lower margins and therefore a higher efficiency ratio. The Company estimates that it operated with an efficiency ratio of approximately 56% in 2017 excluding mortgage banking. This demonstrates the ongoing benefit of the Company’s growth strategies. Berkshire had full time equivalent staff totaling 1,992 at year-end 2017, including the Commerce positions which were reported at 226 as of September 30, 2017. Berkshire reported 1,788 full time equivalent staff as of that date. Full time equivalent staff totaled 1,731 positions as of year-end 2016.

Income Tax Expense. Income taxes are discussed in a note to the consolidated financial statements; this note is important to an understanding of this discussion.

The effective tax rate increased to 45% in 2017 from 24% in 2016. This included the $18 million charge to write-down the net deferred tax assets as a result of the federal income tax reform near year-end. Before this charge, the effective tax rate in 2017 was 26%.

The Company also measures its effective tax rate on adjusted income as a non-GAAP measure. The Company excluded the $18 million deferred tax provisional write-down from its tax expense in this analysis. The adjusted effective tax rate on adjusted pre-tax income measured 29% in 2017. This adjusted rate exceeded the 26% GAAP rate before the deferred tax charge due to the total net adjustments to GAAP income, primarily from merger charges. These charges resulted in lower GAAP pre-tax income, compared to adjusted pre-tax income. As a result, the GAAP tax rate (before the deferred tax charge) had a higher proportionate benefit from tax advantaged revenues, and therefore was lower than the adjusted rate. This is a normal occurrence for the Company due to its record of acquisitions which result in merger costs that reduce GAAP earnings.

The 29% adjusted income tax rate on adjusted income in 2017 increased from 26% in 2016. This increase primarily reflects the increase in pre-tax adjusted income and the proportionately lower benefit of slower growing tax advantaged sources and a decrease in the benefit from investment tax credit programs. As the Company has grown, ongoing earnings growth has been a normal contributor to changes in the tax rate.

The 29% adjusted effective tax rate on adjusted income in 2017 was 6% lower than the 35% federal statutory rate due to the benefit of items listed in the effective tax rate table in the consolidated financial statements. Federal tax reform reduced the future federal statutory tax rate to 21%, and also adjusted certain other deductions and benefits that impact the overall effective tax rate. The Company estimates that federal tax reform results in a projected effective tax rate of 22-24%, taking into account anticipated changes in earnings and revenue/expense mix. As previously noted, the Company expects to record Commerce merger expenses in 2018 and therefore anticipates that GAAP income may be lower than adjusted income and the GAAP tax rate may be lower than the adjusted tax rate. The actual rates recognized will depend on business, market, and tax developments in 2018.

The Company’s report on Form 10-K in 2016 commented on potential tax reform, and the actual reform and its impacts were consistent with the Company’s analysis when this reform was under discussion at the start of the year.
The Company had accumulated a net deferred tax asset totaling $41 million at the start of the year. This tax asset was further increased due to the Commerce acquisition. This asset represented the benefit of future tax deductions resulting from differences between GAAP and tax accounting based on an assumption about future earnings levels. Because tax reform reduced the future statutory tax rate, the benefit of these future deductions was reduced, and necessitated a 28% write-down of the net tax asset at year-end. As noted in the consolidated financial statement, this asset was primarily composed of items related to the allowance for loan losses and purchase accounting adjustments, and was net of liabilities consisting primarily of intangible amortization. The $18 million net write-down was the result of the tax reform impacts on these and other component items of the net deferred tax asset. Many banks reported write-downs due to the accumulation of tax assets with similar components.

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The deferred tax asset at year-end 2017 includes a $7 million balance related to unrealized capital losses on tax credit investments. The realization of these assets depends on the Company’s ability to generate future capital gains. The Company generated capital gain income from the sale of equity securities in 2017 which will be available to significantly offset these losses when they are realized in the future. The company expects to generate additional future capital gain income from a variety of sources, and has established a small $200 thousand state tax reserve on this component of the deferred tax asset.

The benefit to the overall effective rate from tax credit related investments decreased to 5% in 2017 from 8% in 2016 and 15% in 2015. The market benefit of these investments decreased in July 2016 based on updated IRS guidance, and investment supply was lower in 2017. Net of amortization charges recorded as a component of non-interest income, these investments contributed $0.04 to EPS in 2017, compared to $0.07 in 2016 and $0.17 in 2015. The Company anticipates that the supply of these investments may continue to decrease as the overall marginal corporate tax rate declines in the country.

Total Comprehensive Income. Total comprehensive income includes net income together with other comprehensive income. Comprehensive income totaled $50 million in 2017 compared to $72 million in the prior year. This $22 million decrease was mainly due to the $19 million change in other comprehensive income to a loss of $6 million in 2017 from income of $13 million in 2016. The $6 million loss is due to the realization in net income of the prior unrealized equity securities gains which were partially offset by the prior unrealized loss on cash flow hedges. In 2016, other comprehensive income of $13 million resulted from the impact of lower long term interest rates, increasing the unrealized securities gain and decreasing the unrealized loss on derivative hedges.

Commerce Acquisition. At the close of business on October 13, 2017, the Company completed the acquisition of Commerce Bancshares Corp. and the merger of Commerce Bank and Trust into Berkshire Bank. With this acquisition, Berkshire gained the leading deposit market share in Worcester, the second largest city in New England. This business combination was the catalyst for Berkshire’s corporate headquarters relocation to Boston and it filled in the Company’s Massachusetts footprint west of Boston. This merger allowed Berkshire to strategically cross the $10 billion asset threshold with the goal of absorbing the additional regulatory burden with offsets from the accretive earnings benefits of the acquisition. The Commerce acquisition included deposit balances which supplemented Berkshire’s liquidity. At the time of the merger announcement, the Company also conducted a public stock offering which had the effect of offsetting the goodwill and costs of the merger when completed, as well as providing additional capital to support future growth including targeted expansion in Greater Boston.

The consideration for the Commerce acquisition was $229 million and deal costs were estimated at $20 million after-tax ($32 million pre-tax). The stock consideration included 4.842 million common shares valued at $188 million and 522 thousand preferred shares valued at $41 million, based on the $38.95 closing price of Berkshire common stock at the closing date. The preferred stock is non-voting and convertible under certain conditions into two common shares for each preferred share. It was issued to one shareholder interest, who also acquired common shares in the merger totaling 9.9% of total Berkshire common shares outstanding at the merger date.

The merger was announced in May and closed in October. Systems integration is targeted for March 2018.
Berkshire acquired net tangible assets with a fair value of $91 million as of the merger date, including a $35 million net deferred tax asset which was subsequently written down due to federal tax reform. The Company recorded $116 million in goodwill and $22 million in intangible assets, consisting primarily of the core deposit intangible asset.

The Company included $100 million of the equity from the common stock offering in its analysis of the Commerce acquisition. This analysis also assumed that the preferred stock would be converted to common stock and assumed that transaction costs were an initial adjustment to equity. The Company filed a Form 8-K/A with the SEC on December 29, 2017 which included a combined pro forma balance sheet, and purchase accounting adjustments in Note 2 of the Consolidated Financial Statements were not materially changed from this filing.  Including the above stated assumptions, the pro forma total dilution to tangible book value per share related to the Commerce acquisition was estimated at less than 1%. The Company targeted a double digit return on equity for this acquisition based on its analysis.  The actual acquisition cost was higher than original estimates due to a higher stock price on

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Berkshire shares at closing.  The acquisition was analyzed based on the existing tax code, and the year-end federal tax reform is expected to benefit the future earnings stream targeted to payback the higher deal cost.

Pro Forma Acquisition Analysis. Note 2 - Acquisitions of the Consolidated Financial Statements includes pro forma summary financial information assuming that the Commerce acquisition had been completed as of January 1, 2016.  Pursuant to accounting principles, this pro forma financial information is based on the actual financial information of Berkshire and the acquired entity, and it includes purchase accounting adjustments but does not include targeted expense reductions or actual deal costs recorded.

The pro forma increase in revenue in 2016, the first year of acquisition, was $81 million, or 27%.  The pro forma increase in net income available to common shareholders was $20 million, or 34%, while the pro forma increase in earnings per common share was $0.27, or 14%.  This analysis did not include the $8 million, or 20%, in annual Commerce cost savings originally targeted on completion of integration.  It also did not include the 3.03 million common shares representing the $100 million portion of the public stock offering that the Company analyzed in conjunction with the acquisition.   These two factors were generally offsetting in their impact on pro forma earnings per share.  This analysis did not include the future benefit of the year-end federal tax reform or revenue synergies from changes in balance sheet management that Berkshire began undertaking subsequent to the acquisition.  It also did not project a lower provision for loan losses on Commerce operations due to the fair value accounting recorded on the merger date. The $0.27 pro forma EPS accretion did not include incremental operating cost and revenue impacts of crossing the Dodd Frank threshold. The pro forma analysis for 2017, the second year of acquisition, also indicated increases in revenue, earnings, and earnings per share.  

Quarterly Results. Quarterly results for 2017 and 2016 are presented in a note to the consolidated financial statements. Results for all of these periods have been discussed in previous SEC Forms 10-Q and 10-K, except for operations in the fourth quarter of 2017. The first quarter of 2017 was the first full quarter including the First Choice operations acquired in December 2016. Berkshire produced steady growth in earnings and earnings per share through the first nine months of the year, including the benefits from the integration of First Choice operations which were completed during this period. First quarter results included several items that were viewed as not related to ongoing operations including realized equity gains which largely offset charges for terminating hedging and premises contracts, as well as merger costs. Revenues in the second and third quarter included seasonally higher mortgage banking revenue. A loss was recorded in the fourth quarter due to the $18 million charge for the deferred tax asset write-down resulting from federal tax reform and related charges for investment in employees and community giving. The fourth quarter also had elevated merger costs due to the Commerce acquisition. The Company viewed all of the above fourth quarter items as not related to ongoing operations, and its measure of adjusted earnings per share was generally stable through the final three quarters of the year. Per share results were impacted by the common stock offering in May which was dilutive to per share earnings until these shares, as well as the shares issued for Commerce merger consideration, obtained the benefit of Commerce operations acquired in October.

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COMPARISON OF OPERATING RESULTS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND 2015
Summary: Berkshire’s 2016 results included the 44 Business Capital operations acquired in April and the First Choice Bank operations acquired in December. Berkshire’s 2015 results included the Hampden operations acquired in April and the Firestone operations acquired in August. As a result, most measures of revenue, expense, income, and average balances increased in 2016 compared to 2015 -- including the impact of acquired operations in both years. Additionally, per share measures were affected by the issuance of common shares as merger consideration. All acquisitions were targeted to be accretive to earnings and earnings per share when fully integrated, and to provide a long term double digit return on equity.

Results in 2016 continued the trend of improving profitability and further demonstrated a rebound from lower profitability in 2014. The GAAP return on assets increased by 9% to 74 basis points and the adjusted return on assets increased by 5% to 86 basis points. This was driven by the improvement in the efficiency ratio to 58.3% from 60.9%, which more than offset compression in the net interest margin and lower net tax credit benefits. The efficiency improvement resulted from positive operating leverage driven by revenue growth in conjunction with disciplined expense management. The improved return on assets contributed to higher return on equity. Internal capital generation was viewed as providing support for the dividend payout and organic business growth as well as contributing to improvement in capital metrics. In 2016, the return on equity measured 6.4% and the adjusted return on tangible equity measured 12.5%.

Total Net Revenue. Total net revenue increased by $30 million, or 11% to $298 million in 2016, reaching $304 million annualized in the fourth quarter including the new First Choice operations. Revenue growth included a 9% increase in net interest income and a 19% increase in fee income. Fourth quarter fee income increased to 26% of total revenue including First Choice mortgage banking revenues. Total revenue per share increased by 2% to $9.57 for the year 2016.

Net Interest Income. Annual net interest income increased by $18 million, or 9%, in 2016. This included the benefit of a 10% increase in average earnings asset from business expansion and was partially offset by a 1% decrease in the net interest margin to 3.31% from 3.34%. The decrease in margin during 2016 primarily reflected an increase in the cost of funds during the year to 0.73% in the final quarter of 2016 from 0.56% in the fourth quarter of 2015. This included the fixed rate interest rate swaps that became active in the first half of the year, the impact of higher short term interest rates on wholesale funding, the lengthening of time deposit maturities, and the higher cost of acquired First Choice deposits. The fourth quarter yield on earning assets was unchanged in 2016 compared to 2015. Loan yield compression was offset by higher securities yields and the benefit of the First Choice mortgage loans held for sale. The contribution of purchased loan accretion to net interest income was $8 million in both 2016 and 2015.

Non-Interest Income. Fee income increased by $11 million, or 19%, in 2016 and totaled $69 million. Loan related income grew by $8 million, or 101%, and mortgage banking income by $3 million, or 83%. These revenues benefited from the ongoing low interest rate environment through much of the year. Loan related income included SBA loan sale gains of $3 million, interest rate swap fee income of $5 million, and portfolio loan sale gains of $5 million. SBA loan sales increased due primarily to the contribution of the new 44 Business Capital team.

The increase in mortgage banking income was primarily due to the inclusion of First Choice mortgage banking operations in December. Deposit related fees were flat at $25 million and decreased to 0.43% of average deposit balances in 2016 compared to 0.49% in the prior year. Deposit fees in 2016 included $7 million in consumer overdraft income, $8 million in card related fees, and $10 million in service charges and other income.

Non-interest income in 2016 included a $1 million net gain on the sale of business operations. Berkshire recorded a charge of $3 million for all other non-interest income in 2016, compared to a charge of $5 million in the prior year. This was due to charges for the amortization of tax credit related investments, which were more than offset by benefits to income tax expense, as further discussed below. This amortization charge totaled $9 million in 2016 and $11 million in 2015. This charge was partly offset by income accrued on bank owned life insurance, which totaled $4 million both in 2016 and in 2015.


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Provision for Loan Losses. The provision for loan losses totaled $17 million in both 2016 and 2015. The provision for loan losses exceeded net loan charge-offs in both years, and resulted in an increase in the allowance for loan losses related primarily to growth in the loan portfolio during the year.

Non-Interest Expense. Total non-interest expense increased by $6 million, or 3%, in 2016. Excluding merger and restructuring costs, adjusted expenses increased by $8 million, or 5%. In comparison, total revenue increased by $30 million, or 11% and adjusted revenue increased by $32 million, or 12%. The resulting positive operating leverage improved the efficiency ratio to 58.3% in 2016 from 60.9% in 2015. This in turn led to the increases in return on assets and return on equity previously discussed. Expense growth in 2016 was mostly in the primary operating expense components of compensation, and technology due to the acquisitions and growth in business activities. Full time equivalent staff increased by 510 positions to 1,731 positions at year-end 2016 from 1,221 at the start of the year. Staff growth included 505 positions which were added with the First Choice acquisition in December.

Expense results also include merger and restructuring costs which the Company excludes from its measure of adjusted earnings. The Company views merger related costs as part of the economic investment in acquired businesses. Merger related costs totaled $14 million in 2016, including $12 million related to the First Choice acquisition. Merger related costs totaled $13 million in 2015, including $11 million related to the Hampden acquisition. Merger related costs primarily consist of severance costs, contract termination charges, professional fees, and variable compensation costs. Restructuring costs have included the write-off of uneconomic contracted costs, as well as restructuring costs to optimize the branch network in light of market changes for branch services based on the emergence of mobile banking as well as changes in customer access patterns. Restructuring and other expense totaled $2 million in 2016 and $4 million in 2015.

Income Tax Expense. The effective income tax rate increased to 24% in 2016 from 9% in 2015. This 15% increase in the tax rate included 7% less benefit from tax credits, 4% higher state income tax net impacts, and 4% all other changes, which primarily were due to the higher pretax income in 2016.

The benefit to the overall effective rate from tax credit related investments decreased to 8% in 2016 from 15% in the prior year. In July, 2016 the IRS provided updated guidance that reduced the benefits of certain entity structures related primarily to commercial historic rehabilitation projects. For 2016, the Company netted $0.07 in benefit to earnings per share from these programs, as compared to $0.17 per share in 2015 (net of amortization charges recorded in non-interest income).

The impact on the overall effective rate from net state income taxes was 2% in 2016 compared to (2%) in 2015. Normally state income taxes increase the overall effective income tax rate. The impact in 2015 was a decrease due to the mix of items affecting New York state taxes; this is not expected to reoccur. The increase in the overall effective tax rate due to higher pretax income reflected the lower proportionate benefit from tax-exempt securities and bank owned life insurance income. These benefits increased by only 10% in 2016, compared to the 42% increase in total pretax income.

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LIQUIDITY AND CASH FLOWS
Liquidity is the ability to meet cash needs at all times with available cash and established external liquidity sources or by conversion of other assets to cash at a reasonable price and in a timely manner. Berkshire evaluates liquidity at the holding company and on a consolidated basis, which is primarily a function of the Bank’s liquidity.

The primary liquidity need at the holding company is to support its capital structure, including shareholder dividends and debt service. Additionally, the holding company uses cash to support certain organizational expenses, stock purchases and buybacks, merger related costs, and limited business functions that cannot be performed at the Bank or the insurance subsidiary. The holding company primarily relies on dividends from the Bank to meet its ongoing cash needs. The holding company generally expects to maintain cash on hand equivalent to normal cash uses, including common stock dividends, for at least a one year period. Sources and uses of cash at the parent are reported in the condensed statements of the parent company included in the notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. There are certain restrictions on the payment of dividends by the Bank as discussed in Note 18 - Shareholders' Equity and Earnings Per Common Share of the Consolidated Financial Statements. As of year-end 2017, the state statutory limit on future dividend payments by the Bank totaled $53 million. This amount is based on retained earnings of the Bank and is expected to be supplemented by future bank earnings in accordance with the statutory formula. Dividends by the holding company require notice and non-objection from the Federal Reserve Bank in the event that earnings are not sufficient to cover the dividend. There was no objection to the dividend declared on fourth quarter operations which resulted in a loss due to the charge recorded due to federal tax reform.

At year-end 2017, the holding company had $83 million in cash and equivalents, compared to $43 million at the start of the year. The Parent’s cash is held on deposit in the Bank. The Parent raised $153 million in a public stock offering in May and invested $100 million into the Bank in conjunction with the Commerce acquisition in October, with the remaining cash supplementing regular liquidity held at the Parent. The Bank paid $39 million in dividends to the holding company in 2017, which was an increase from $33 million in 2016. The holding company has a $5 million unsecured line of credit, which was unused at year-end 2017 and which was reduced from $15 million during the year after the stock raise. The holding company manages a portfolio of equity securities in support of the consolidated strategy for investments and asset liability management. In 2017, the Company acquired Commerce, and all merger consideration was stock, so there was no impact on holding company liquidity, and the Commerce parent had no significant liquidity. Most merger and integration related costs are being incurred at the Bank level.

The Bank’s primary ongoing source of liquidity is customer deposits and the main use of liquidity is the funding of loans and lending commitments. Additional routine sources are borrowings, repayments of loans and investment securities, and the sale of investment securities. The Bank targets to grow customer deposits by increasing its market share among its regions in order to sustain loan growth as a primary component of its strategy. Deposit strategies also consider relative deposit costs as well as relationship and market share objectives. The Bank’s acquisition strategy is also targeted to supplement business activities including bank acquisitions and acquisitions of branches. The Commerce acquisition provided additional liquidity, as demonstrated by a decrease in Berkshire’s loans/deposits ratio to 95% at year-end 2017 from a quarter-end high of 102% during the year. The First Choice acquisition in December 2016 also improved liquidity at year-end 2016 compared to earlier levels during that year. Additionally, the Bank utilizes wholesale funding sources, including borrowings and brokered time deposits. Around year-end 2017, the Bank recruited government banking and international banking professionals who will be pursuing opportunities to develop municipal, institutional, and commercial deposit sources in the future.

The Company monitors the loans/deposits ratio in assessing directional changes in its liquidity, and in the past has allowed this metric to reach levels near 110% depending on the timing of business activity. The Company also monitors the levels of its wholesale funding in relationship to total assets. Brokered deposits can be more volatile than customer deposits depending on Company and economic events. FHLBB borrowings are in the context of standard, long-term FHLB programs but overall availability is constrained by collateral tests.

The Company also monitors the liquidity of investment securities and portfolio loans and has increased its active management of the loan portfolio to accomplish Company objectives, including liquidity goals. The Bank relies on its borrowings availability with the FHLBB for routine operating liquidity, and has other overnight borrowing relationships for contingency liquidity purposes. The Bank has improved its collateral management to improve its

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credit availability with the FHLBB and the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston. The Bank has also expanded its interest rate swaps with national counterparties to provide fixed interest instruments to large commercial borrowers. The Company has strengthened its liquidity planning and management processes in conjunction with its overall growth and regulatory expectations.

In 2017, the Bank’s primary use of funds was loan growth and the primary source of funds was deposit growth. The Bank’s balance sheet management in 2017 included the integration of the $1.8 billion Commerce balance sheet, which resulted in changes in certain asset management and funding strategies compared to the history of those operations. The Bank’s total FHLBB unused borrowing availability was $1.11 billion at year-end 2017 compared to $559 million at year-end 2016. The Bank is also expanding its list of approved correspondent banks and the availability of federal funds lines to the Company, although there has been no regular use of those lines historically or contemplated.

In acquiring Commerce, the Bank acquired their payroll deposit and transfer service, which works with payroll service bureau clients to accept their deposits and process ACH payments to their commercial customer employee accounts. The balances in this business fluctuate daily based on payroll cycles. As a result, the Bank’s daily cash management has expanded and it maintains additional focus on overnight liquidity and the management of daily cash clearing activity. During the fourth quarter, these payroll deposits averaged $242 million, with a high of $620 million and a low of $81 million.

The Bank utilizes the mortgage secondary market as a source of funds for residential mortgages which are sold into that market. Secondary market counterparties include federal mortgage agencies and selected U.S. financial institutions. The Bank works with third parties in hedging interest rate locks with to-be-announced mortgage backed securities and arranging commitments for the sale of individual loans to approved secondary market investors. Most sales are on a servicing released basis. Mortgage loans originated for sale in 2017 totaled $2.4 billion.

Berkshire has additionally developed financial institution banking relationships in and around its regions for the wholesale purchase and sale of seasoned loans. Berkshire’s financial institution banking has also expanded wholesale transactions of commercial loans, including purchases and sales of whole loans and participations in syndicated loan transactions.

The greatest sources of uncertainty affecting liquidity are deposit withdrawals and usage of loan commitments, which are influenced by interest rates, economic conditions, and competition. Due to the unusual and prolonged low interest rate environment, there is uncertainty about the behavior of deposits if interest rates increase at some future time as is anticipated. The Company believes that its market positioning and relationship focus will generally enhance the stability of its deposits, and it also models various scenarios for the purpose of contingency liquidity planning. The Bank manages the concentration of deposits from customers and in various regions and product types. The Bank relies on competitive rates, customer service, and long-standing relationships with customers to manage deposit and loan liquidity. Based on its historical experience, management believes that it has adequately provided for deposit and loan liquidity needs. Both liquidity and capital resources are managed according to policies approved by the Board of Directors and executive management and the Board reviews liquidity metrics and contingency plans on a regular basis. The Bank actively manages all aspects of its balance sheet to achieve its objectives for earnings, liquidity, asset quality, interest rate risk, and capital.

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CAPITAL RESOURCES
The Company and the Bank target to maintain sufficient capital to qualify for the “Well Capitalized” designation by federal regulators. Berkshire’s long term goal is to use capital efficiently to achieve its objective to become a higher performance company with a targeted return on equity exceeding 10%. A double digit return on equity is used to benchmark all lending and investment programs, together with all acquisition analyses. The Company seeks to maintain a competitive cost of capital and capital structure. The Company generally targets to maintain a ratio of tangible equity/tangible assets in the range of 7-8%. This ratio increased in 2017 due primarily to the benefit of the common stock offerings.

Berkshire views its internal return on tangible capital as the primary capital resource of the Company. The return on tangible equity averaged over 12% for the three years 2015-2017. The Company focuses on internal capital generation to support shareholder dividends and targeted organic growth and also to support non-operating charges and/or improvement in its capital ratios. The Company maintains a universal shelf registration of capital securities with the SEC. The shelf was used to support the $153 million public offering of common stock in May 2017. The Company sometimes uses issuances of unregistered stock for targeted small contractual payments. The Company has an approved stock repurchase program for 500,000 shares. There have been no recent repurchases under this program and no specific repurchases are presently contemplated. The Company normally uses common stock as a significant component consideration for business combinations. The resulting stock issuances have meaningfully increased the float and market capitalization of the Company, which exceeded $1.5 billion for the first time in 2017.

Due to the stock issuances in 2017, the Company has utilized most of its authorized common and preferred shares. Shareholder approval to amend the Certificate of Incorporation is required to increase authorized shares. The Company is assessing potential future actions to increase its authorized shares to support its potential future strategic growth.

The Company regularly evaluates the markets for capital instruments and views itself as well positioned to access additional capital in various ways if appropriate based on future changes in conditions. Additional discussion of the Company’s capital management is contained in the Shareholders’ Equity section of the discussion of Changes in Financial Condition in this report.

AVERAGE BALANCES, INTEREST, AVERAGE YIELDS/COST AND RATE/VOLUME ANALYSIS
Tables with the above information are presented in Item 6 of this report.

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CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS
The year-end 2017 contractual obligations were as follows:
Item 7-7A - Table 1 - Contractual Obligations
(In thousands) Total 
Less than One
Year
 
One to Three
Years
 
Three to Five
Years
 
After Five
Years
FHLBB borrowings (1) $1,047,736
 $836,115
 $204,183
 $7,438
 $
Subordinated notes 89,339
 
 
 
 89,339
Operating lease obligations (2) 96,356
 12,830
 20,080
 15,859
 47,587
Purchase obligations (3) 102,002
 16,321
 31,086
 27,507
 27,088
Total Contractual Obligations $1,335,433
 $865,266
 $255,349
 $50,804
 $164,014

Acquisition related obligations are not included.
(1) Consists of borrowings from the Federal Home Loan Bank. The maturities extend through 2027 and the rates vary by borrowing.
(2) Consists of leases, bank branches, and ATMs through 2039.
(3) Consists of obligations with multiple vendors to purchase a broad range of services.
Further information about borrowings and lease obligations is disclosed in Note 12 - Borrowed Funds and Note 17 - Other Commitments, Contingencies, and Off-Balance Sheet Activities of the Consolidated Financial Statements.

OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
In the normal course of operations, Berkshire engages in a variety of financial transactions that, in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles are not recorded in the Company’s financial statements. The Company views these transactions as ordinary to its business activities and its assessment is that there are no material changes in these arrangements at year-end 2017 compared to year-end 2016. Contractual obligations totaled $1.3 billion at year-end 2017, compared to $1.5 billion at year-end 2016. This decrease was primarily due to the lower balance of FHLBB borrowings at year-end 2017. As previously reported in the discussion of changes in financial condition, Berkshire has outstanding derivative financial instruments and engages in hedging activities, and the fair value of these contracts is recorded on the balance sheet.

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
The most significant fair value measurements recorded by the Company are those related to assets and liabilities acquired in business combinations. These measurements are discussed further in the mergers and acquisitions note to the financial statements. The premium or discount value of acquired loans has historically been the most significant element of this presentation.

Berkshire provides a summary of estimated fair values of financial instruments at each period-end. The premium or discount value of loans has historically been the most significant element of this presentation. This discount is a Level 3 estimate and reflects management’s subjective judgments. At year-end 2017, the premium value of the loan portfolio was $175 million, or 2.1% of carrying value, compared to $27 million, or 0.4% of carrying value at year-end 2016. This increase included the impact of tighter lending spreads at year-end 2017 reflecting competitive factors, along with ongoing improvements in overall asset quality.

The Company makes further measurements of fair value of certain assets and liabilities, as described in the related note in the financial statements. The most significant measurements of recurring fair values of financial instruments primarily relate to securities available for sale and derivative instruments. These measurements were included in the previous discussion of changes in financial condition, and were generally based on Level 2 market based inputs. Non-recurring fair value measurements primarily relate to impaired loans, capitalized mortgage servicing rights, and other real estate owned. When measurement is required, these measures are generally based on Level 3 inputs.

Financial instruments comprise the majority of the Company assets and liabilities. The net combined fair value of those instruments contributes to the economic value of the Company’s equity. The net premium value of financial instruments increased in 2017, reflecting the benefit of the common stock offering plus the contribution of retained

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earnings, together with the growth in the premium value of loans as discussed above. Instruments acquired in business combinations were recorded at fair value at acquisition date. These measures do not take into account the non-interest income generated by these customer relationships or the long term intangible value of the Company’s franchise in its markets.

IMPACT OF INFLATION AND CHANGING PRICES
The financial statements and related financial data presented in this Form 10-K have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, which require the measurement of financial position and operating results in terms of historical dollars, without considering changes in the relative purchasing power of money over time due to inflation. Unlike many industrial companies, substantially all of the assets and liabilities of the Bank are monetary in nature. As a result, interest rates have a more significant impact on the Bank’s performance than the general level of inflation. Interest rates may be affected by inflation, but the direction and magnitude of the impact may vary. A sudden change in inflation (or expectations about inflation), with a related change in interest rates, would have a significant impact on our operations.

IMPACT OF NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
Please refer to the notes on Recently Adopted Accounting Principles and Future Application of Accounting Pronouncements in Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies of the Consolidated Financial Statements.

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APPLICATION OF CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES
The Company’s significant accounting policies are described in Note 1 to- Summary of Significant Accounting Policies of the consolidated financial statements in this Form 10-K.Consolidated Financial Statements. Please see those policies in conjunction with this discussion. The accounting and reporting policies followed by the Company conform, in all material respects, to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States and to general practices within the financial services industry. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. While the Company bases estimates on historical experience, current information and other factors deemed to be relevant, actual results could differ from those estimates.

The SEC defines “critical accounting policies” as those that require application of management’s most difficult, subjective or complex judgments, often as a result of the need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain and may change in future periods. Please see those policies in conjunction with this discussion. Management believes that the following policies would be considered critical under the SEC’s definition:

Allowance for Loan Losses. The allowance for loan losses represents probable credit losses that are inherent in the loan portfolio at the financial statement date and which may be estimated. Management uses historical information, as well as current economic data, to assess the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses as it is affected by changing economic conditions and various external factors, which may impact the portfolio in ways currently unforeseen. Although management believes that it uses appropriate available information to establish the allowance for loan losses, future additions to the allowance may be necessary if certain future events occur that cause actual results to differ from the assumptions used in making the evaluation. Conditions in the local economy and real estate values could require the Company to increase provisions for loan losses, which would negatively impact earnings.

Acquired Loans. Loans that the Company acquired in business combinations are initially recorded at fair value with no carryover of the related allowance for credit losses. Determining the fair value of the loans involves estimating the amount and timing of principal and interest cash flows initially expected to be collected on the loans and discounting those cash flows at an appropriate market rate of interest. Going forward, the Company continues to evaluate reasonableness of expectations for the timing and the amount of cash to be collected. Subsequent decreases in expected cash flows may result in changes in the amortization or accretion of fair market value adjustments, and in some cases may result in the loan being considered impaired. For collateral dependent loans with deteriorated credit quality, the Company estimates the fair value of the underlying collateral of the loans. These values are discounted using market derived rates of return, with consideration given to the period of time and costs associated with the foreclosure and disposition of the collateral.

Income Taxes. Significant management judgment is required in determining income tax expense and deferred tax assets and liabilities. The Company uses the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes in which deferred tax assets and liabilities are established for the temporary differences between the financial reporting basis and the tax basis of the Company's assets and liabilities. The realization of the net deferred tax asset generally depends upon future levels of taxable ordinary income, taxable capital gain income, and the existence of prior years' taxable income, to which "carry back" refund claims could be made. A valuation allowance is maintained for deferred tax assets that management estimates are more likely than not to be unrealizable based on available evidence at the time the estimate is made. In determining the valuation allowance, the Company uses historical and forecasted future operating results, including a review of the eligible carry-forward periods, tax planning opportunities and other relevant considerations. In particular, income tax benefits and deferred tax assets generated from tax-advantaged commercial development projects are based on management's assessment and interpretation of applicable tax law as it currently stands. These underlying assumptions can change from period to period. For example, tax law changes or variances in projected taxable ordinary income or taxable capital gain income could result in a change in the deferred tax asset or the valuation allowance. Should actual factors and conditions differ materially from those considered by management, the actual realization of the net deferred tax asset could differ materially from the amounts recorded in the financial statements. If the Company is not able to realize all or part of its net deferred tax asset in the future, an adjustment to the deferred tax asset in excess of the valuation allowance would be charged to income tax expense in the period such determination is made.

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Goodwill and Identifiable Intangible Assets. Goodwill and identifiable intangible assets are recorded as a result of business acquisitions and combinations. These assets are evaluated for impairment annually or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of these assets may not be recoverable. When these assets are evaluated for impairment, if the carrying amount exceeds fair value, an impairment charge is recorded to income. The fair value is based on observable market prices, when practicable. Other valuation techniques may be used when market prices are unavailable, including estimated discounted cash flows and analysis of market pricing multiples. These types of analyses contain uncertainties because they require management to make assumptions and to apply judgment to estimate industry economic factors and the profitability of future business strategies. In the event of future changes in fair value, the Company may be exposed to an impairment charge that could be material.

Determination of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment of Securities. The Company evaluates debt and equity securities within the Company's available for sale and held to maturity portfolios for other-than-temporary impairment ("OTTI"), at least quarterly. If the fair value of a debt security is below the amortized cost basis of the security, OTTI is required to be recognized if any of the following are met: (1) the Company intends to sell the security; (2) it is "more likely than not" that the Company will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis; or (3) for debt securities, the present value of expected cash flows is not sufficient to recover the entire amortized cost basis. For all impaired debt securities that the Company intends to sell, or more likely than not will be required to sell, the full amount of the loss is recognized as OTTI through earnings. Credit-related OTTI for all other impaired debt securities is recognized through earnings. Noncredit related OTTI for such debt securities is recognized in other comprehensive income, net of applicable taxes. In evaluating its marketable equity securities portfolios for OTTI, the Company considers its intent and ability to hold an equity security to recovery of its cost basis in addition to various other factors, including the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than cost and the financial condition and near term prospects of the issuer. Any OTTI on marketable equity securities is recognized immediately through earnings. Should actual factors and conditions differ materially from those expected by management, the actual realization of gains or losses on investment securities could differ materially from the amounts recorded in the financial statements.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments. The Company uses fair value measurements to record fair value adjustments to certain financial instruments and to determine fair value disclosures. Trading assets, securities available for sale, and derivative instruments are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. Additionally, from time to time, the Company may be required to record at fair value other assets on a nonrecurring basis, or to establish a loss allowance or write-down based on the fair value of impaired assets. Further, the notes to financial statements include information about the extent to which fair value is used to measure assets and liabilities, the valuation methodologies used and its impact to earnings. For financial instruments not recorded at fair value, the notes to financial statements disclose the estimate of their fair value. Due to the judgments and uncertainties involved in the estimation process, the estimates could result in materially different results under different assumptions and conditions.

SUMMARY
In 2015, Berkshire expanded through acquisition and business development, and made progress in rebuilding profitability compared to the prior two years. Berkshire acquired Hampden, a Springfield area community bank, in the second quarter and Firestone, a national specialty equipment finance company, in the third quarter. Business development included ongoing commercial expansion, recruitment of market managers in targeted business lines, and investment in tax advantaged development projects in the Company’s footprint. The Company's income also continued to benefit from recoveries achieved on the resolution of impaired loans acquired in recent acquisitions.

Berkshire financed the two acquisitions primarily through the issuance of common stock, which was accretive to most of the Company’s capital metrics. The Company completed its transition from the Massachusetts Depositors Insurance Fund (“DIF”), which was initiated in 2014. Demand deposit increases drove organic deposit growth throughout this transition, even while seven branches were being consolidated and one branch was being sold as part of Berkshire’s ongoing management of its sales and service channels across its regions. Including the loans acquired with Firestone, the Company increased its utilization of wholesale funding, including expanded use of brokered deposits. Berkshire increased its shareholder dividend and also grew its tangible book value per share as a result of the double digit return on tangible equity.

Interest rates remained low throughout much of the year, and credit conditions in the region continued to be comparatively strong. As a result, industry margins remained under pressure due to ongoing yield compression and competitive conditions. Through its acquisitions and balance sheet strategies, Berkshire increased its net interest margin while also maintaining strong asset performance metrics and maintaining positive asset sensitivity. Growth in the U.S. economy contributed to economic improvement throughout most of the Company’s markets, with conditions particularly strong in the Boston and Albany markets.

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The Company improved its efficiency including the benefit of achieving the targeted 35% cost saves associated with the Hampden acquisition and lowering the funding costs of the Firestone portfolio. Berkshire improved its brand messaging with new brand signage in all locations and targeted promotions with prominent spokespersons. Community support initiatives were expanded, and mobile banking solutions were enhanced including the addition of Apple Pay® functionality. The Company promoted and reorganized executive management to strengthen leadership across its footprint and business lines.

Berkshire’s near term goal is to generate further revenue driven positive operating leverage to improve profitability. The Company is pursuing initiatives to improve fee revenues and non-interest income and the balance sheet will continue to be managed to support profitability, capital, liquidity, and interest rate risk objectives. At year-end 2015, the Company had a pending agreement to purchase a prominent SBA lender scheduled for the first quarter of 2016, which is expected to contribute to these objectives.

COMPARISON OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AT DECEMBER 31, 2015 AND 2014
Summary: Berkshire continued to extend, deepen, and diversify its banking footprint in 2015. Total assets increased by $1.3 billion, or 20%, to $7.8 billion, including $687 million in assets resulting from the Hampden acquisition and $201 million in assets resulting from the Firestone acquisition. Excluding these acquisitions, organic asset growth totaled $442 million, or 7%, primarily due to 8% loan growth excluding acquired loans. Deposits acquired from Hampden totaled $484 million, and deposit growth from business activities totaled 10% which funded most of the remaining growth in the loan portfolio. The loan/deposit ratio increased slightly to 102% from 101% during the year. The Company’s risk management maintained the momentum of favorable and improving asset quality while also producing significant recoveries of purchased impaired loans which contributed to the year’s income. The acquisitions were primarily financed with stock consideration and were accretive to Berkshire’s capital ratios. Internal capital generation was also sufficient to support growth from business activities, along with a dividend increase and strengthening of capital metrics. Berkshire’s focus on improving profitability is targeted to further strengthen internal capital generation as a fundamental element of its capital strength. Berkshire continues to manage its interest rate sensitivity with the goal of benefiting income from expected future increases in interest rates and to limit the risk to income and equity from higher interest rates in the long term.

Investment Securities. Berkshire’s goal is to maintain a high quality portfolio consisting primarily of liquid investment securities with managed durations to limit the potential for market value declines in rising rate markets. Berkshire focuses on loan growth as the primary use of funds and the primary source of interest income. The investment portfolio is an additional source of interest income and also provides additional liquidity and interest rate risk management flexibility. The Company evaluates the portfolio within its overall objectives of producing growth in earnings per share and contributing to return on equity. The Company continuously evaluates options for managing the portfolio’s size, yield, diversification, risk, and duration.

In 2015, the portfolio was generally managed to maintain yield in the ongoing environment of low interest rates and yield compression. The most significant activity related to the integration of the acquired Hampden securities portfolio. Total securities increased by $165 million, or 14%, to $1.371 billion in 2015. This included $72 million of investment securities and $83 million in cash and short term investments acquired with Hampden Bank. Hampden had liquidated a portion of its $145 million year-end 2014 investment portfolio prior to the merger and some of these amounts were reinvested by Berkshire. The overall duration of these investments was lengthened to support a higher earnings contribution from the acquired Hampden operations, and the resulting growth in Berkshire’s portfolio was concentrated in medium term agency collateralized mortgage obligations and long term municipal bonds. Most acquired municipal bonds were designated as held to maturity as part of the Company's balance sheet strategies to manage the market price risk reflected in its equity capital. In addition to its activities with investment grade securities, the Bank reduced its investment in non-investment grade securities in 2015. Investments in bank capital instruments were reduced as a result of new regulatory requirements that increased the required capital support for these investments. The Bank reduced its investment in equity securities and trust preferred securities by $23 million in 2015.

As a result of the Company’s strategies, the fourth quarter yield on the investment portfolio decreased only slightly to 2.96% in 2015 compared to 3.00% in 2014, despite the decrease in rates between those periods. The average life of the bond portfolio was 4.9 years at year-end, compared to 4.5 years at the start of the year.

The net unrealized gain on the investment portfolio was $11 million, or 0.8% of cost at year-end. This was down from $18 million, or 1.6% of cost at the start of the year. While average long term interest rates were down in 2015, they increased near year-end following the historic increase in short term rates announced by the Federal Reserve Bank in December. This caused a reduction in unrealized bond gains as of year-end. There were no impairment losses recorded in 2015 and all securities were performing during the year and at year-end.

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The Company realized $4 million in securities gains and $2 million in losses in 2015. The gains were primarily on bank equity securities, including a $2 million gain on the investment in Hampden stock as well as gains on stocks of other banks due to mergers announced by those institutions during the year. The bond losses related primarily to the reduction in non-investment grade bonds in the final quarter due to deteriorating market conditions. In addition to net securities gains, the Company also had a $1 million benefit to non-interest income from special non-dividend distributions received from certain stocks and mutual funds. As a result of its charter change in 2014, the Bank is no longer permitted to invest in new equity securities, but the holding company is permitted to make equity investments subject to certain regulatory restrictions.

Loans. Berkshire posted loan growth of $1.04 billion, or 22%, to $5.7 billion in 2015, of which 14% was contributed as a result of acquisitions and 8% was due to business activities. Growth from business activities was in residential mortgage loans and commercial loans and was a primary focus of the Company’s initiatives to increase earnings and profitability. Business activities included both direct originations in market as well as wholesale transactions with other financial institutions. Strategies included targeted remixing of the portfolio to improve pricing spreads and relationship profitability. Despite the ongoing low rate environment, Berkshire achieved an increase in the fourth quarter loan yield to 4.15% in 2015 compared to 3.96% in 2014. The portfolio was further diversified in 2015 and credit metrics improved and remained comparatively strong. The portfolio duration was lengthened modestly to contribute to the yield objective. Through its executive team expansion, Berkshire continues to strengthen its commercial loan oversight and administration and to adhere to its disciplines for credit underwriting and portfolio management. Changes in the portfolio composition in 2015 included runoff of certain balances where competitive pricing and credit conditions for renewing credits were not consistent with the Company’s underwriting and pricing guidelines. Berkshire’s asset resolution team has continued to generate significant income through recoveries in its collection and resolution of impaired loans acquired in bank acquisitions.

Loan growth from acquisitions in 2015 included the Hampden acquisition in April and the Firestone acquisition in August. The $493 million Hampden loan portfolio consisted largely of Springfield area loans and included $130 million of residential mortgages, $281 million of commercial loans, and $82 million of consumer loans. At acquisition, the portfolio was recorded with a 1.7% discount to Hampden’s net carrying value. This $8 million discount included a $12 million discount on purchased credit impaired loans, and a net $4 million premium on non-impaired loans which primarily reflected the premium value of fixed rate loans. Since 2011, Hampden’s annual net loan charge-offs averaged less than 0.20% of average loans. The Firestone portfolio consisted of equipment loans to small specialized businesses in a national portfolio which have higher lending spreads that reflect the additional administration that is characteristic of this specialized business line. Berkshire views the credit history of these acquired operations as favorable. The $194 million Firestone portfolio was recorded with a 1.4% discount to net carrying value. This $3 million discount included a $4 million discount on purchased credit impaired loans, and a net $1 million premium on non-impaired loans.

Berkshire has also emphasized the development of its SBA loan program and has achieved a leading position as an originator of SBA guaranteed loans in several of its regional markets. Commercial loans secured with government guarantees increased to $39 million from $16 million in 2015. Near the end of 2015, Berkshire announced an agreement to acquire the lending team of 44 Business Capital, a nationally ranked SBA originator that will further contribute to the growth and diversification of Berkshire's SBA lending business.

Berkshire continues to focus on strategic commercial loan growth to increase earnings, market share, and business relationships, while taking advantage of its size and geographic positioning to gain market share from national banks. The Bank’s commercial banking teams operate out of its seven commercial regional offices to provide commercial real estate and commercial and industrial loans together with commercial depository and banking services, as well as insurance and wealth management services. The Bank also has an asset based lending group based in its Burlington, MA office which services the entire footprint. The addition of Firestone represents an expansion of Berkshire’s commercial specialty lending operations and is the first line of business with a national footprint. The Company’s growing small business banking team is part of the Bank’s retail organization and small business loans are included in commercial loan totals. This team improved its competitive position and was a leader in SBA lending in several of Berkshire’s regions in 2015. The planned acquisition of 44 Business Capital will broaden and strengthen Berkshire’s SBA lending capabilities and add the Mid-Atlantic and other geographies to its lending operations. These expanded SBA operations will also add a secondary marketing and loan servicing capacity which is expected to diversify revenues, expand product competitiveness, and lead to further business volume growth. This complements the expanded wholesale component of the Company’s lending operations which include regional and national loan participations as well as loan purchases and potential sales of targeted commercial loan products.

The commercial loan portfolio increased by $692 million, or 29%, in 2015, including $475 million in acquired loans. The remaining $217 million increase in commercial loans represented 9% organic growth. Most of this growth was in commercial real estate loans, including construction loans, multifamily loans, and non-owner occupied commercial real estate. Recent regulatory pronouncements have reiterated guidance for management of commercial real estate exposures. As measured by

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regulatory categories, the commercial real estate portfolio measured 232% of the Bank's risk based capital at year-end 2015 and commercial construction loans measured 40% of risk based capital. The growth of commercial and industrial loans in 2015 was primarily due to the Firestone acquisition, and including the impact of this change, the Company reduced certain other C&I exposures to support its objectives for improving the net interest margin and overall return on equity. The Company has no significant direct exposure to the oil and gas industries. During the year, certain relationships were outplaced or released to competition based on the Company’s pricing and credit disciplines. Improvements in the loan yield and in asset quality included the benefit of these activities. In the final quarter of the year, the yield on commercial loans before purchased loan accretion was 4.27% which was increased significantly from 3.90% in the final quarter of 2014 due to the acquisition, growth, and mix strategies.

Berkshire’s Home Lending operation originated approximately $791 million in residential mortgages in 2015, compared to approximately $546 million in the prior year. A decrease in long term interest rates in the first quarter of 2015 spurred higher refinancing volume in the first half of the year, and originations slowed in the second half of the year.

Residential real estate markets were comparatively strong in Eastern Massachusetts, where the majority of the Company’s loan originators are located. Additionally, the Company added to its originations team in other regions in its footprint.

The Company originates a significant portion of its mortgages for sale to manage interest rate risk associated with fixed rate mortgages. Revenue is recorded at the time that the application is rate-locked. The Company originated $438 million in rate-locks of held for sale mortgages in 2015, compared to $304 million in the prior year. Most jumbo mortgages are retained due to the lack of secondary market demand, and much of the Eastern Massachusetts production consists of jumbo mortgages due to elevated home prices in that region. Rate lock income on mortgages originated for sale is the primary component of Berkshire’s mortgage banking fee income. Net of acquired Hampden loans and net of secondary market sales and other wholesale purchases and sales of residential mortgages, the mortgage portfolio increased by $189 million, or 13% in 2015. Wholesale purchases of mortgages in and around Berkshire’s markets totaled $124 million and wholesale sales of seasoned mortgages totaled $121 million. Gains on seasoned loan sales are a component of other loan related non-interest income. Due to ongoing interest rate compression, the yield on the portfolio decreased to 3.72% in the fourth quarter of 2015 compared to 3.88% in the same quarter of 2014.

The consumer loan portfolio increased by $34 million, or 4%, to $802 million in 2015 due to $82 million in acquired Hampden balances. Excluding the acquired balances, the portfolio decreased by $48 million, or 6% due to planned runoff of indirect auto loans. In the latter part of 2014, the Company changed its strategy to de-emphasize lower rate super prime indirect auto loans as part of its net interest margin strategy, and the indirect auto portfolio has declined steadily since that time. In the third quarter of 2015, Berkshire announced the recruitment of a new team leader to expand the Company’s network for prime indirect auto paper and the Company expects that consumer loan outstandings will increase in 2016 as this team builds new business volume, and the Company contemplates potential secondary market sales of indirect auto loans in future years based on its fee income and balance sheet strategies. The consumer loan portfolio yield decreased to 3.30% in the fourth quarter of 2015, compared to 3.35% in the final quarter of 2014 due to ongoing yield compression and the Company’s origination strategies. The portfolio yield was increasing in the second half of 2015, including the benefit of the acquired Hampden loans and the aging and runoff of the older super prime loans. The Company’s goal is to maintain the yield of this portfolio and to gradually increase it if interest rates remain steady or increase.

Berkshire favors a profile of net interest income related interest rate risk that is neutral or asset sensitive and accepts a profile of equity at risk which is modestly liability sensitive due to market factors in the ongoing low rate environment. The Bank offers back-to-back interest rate swaps to certain commercial loan customers, which allows the Bank to book a variable rate loan while providing the customer with a contract to fix its interest rate. This allows the Company to be more competitive with national financing sources without booking long-term, fixed rate assets at current low interest rates, as well as providing a source of fee income. At year-end 2015, approximately 32% of the loan portfolio was scheduled to reprice within one year, 27% was scheduled to reprice in one - five years, and 41% was scheduled to reprice over five years. The comparable percentages at the prior year-end were 37%, 24%, and 39% respectively. The duration of the portfolio lengthened modestly in 2015 as part of the Company’s strategy for improving the net interest margin. The Company estimated that the fair value of net loans exceeded carrying value by approximately 1.0% at year-end 2015, compared to 1.1% at the start of the year. This decrease reflected the impact of the acquired loans recorded at fair value and higher year-end interest rates, offsetting the benefit of improved asset quality.

Asset Quality. Berkshire has a Chief Risk Officer and a Risk Management and Capital Committee of the Board which keep a close focus on maintaining strong asset quality. This includes setting loan portfolio objectives, maintaining sound underwriting, close portfolio oversight, and careful management of problem assets and potential problem assets. Additionally, merger due diligence is an integral component of maintaining asset quality. Acquired loans are recorded at fair value and are deemed

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performing regardless of their payment status. Therefore, some overall portfolio measures of asset quality are not comparable between years or among institutions as a result of recent business combinations. A general goal is to achieve significant resolutions of impaired loans acquired in bank mergers in the first year following the acquisition date. Berkshire’s asset quality has reflected its strong credit disciplines together with the generally favorable economic characteristics of its region.

Net loan charge-offs were 0.25% of average loans in 2015, compared to 0.29% in the prior year. Year-end 2015 non-performing assets decreased to $23 million, or 0.29% of total assets, from $24 million, or 0.37% of total assets, at the start of the year. For loans from business activities, net loan charge-offs measured 0.26% of average loans in 2015, while this measure was 0.23% for average loans acquired in business combinations.

Loans classified as accruing troubled debt restructurings decreased to $12 million from $13 million during the year. Foreclosed real estate was unchanged at $2 million. Accruing loans over 90 days past due improved to 0.06% from 0.8% of total loans, and loans delinquent 30-89 days improved to 0.32% from 0.42% of total loans.

At year-end 2015, the remaining carrying balance of purchased credit impaired loans was $21 million and the contractual amount owed on these loans was $40 million. The comparable measures at year-end 2014 were $14 million and $26 million, respectively. In 2015, purchased credit impaired loans acquired from Hampden were recorded with a fair value of $17 million compared to a $29 million contractual balance. The balances acquired from Firestone were recorded with a value of $2 million compared to a $5 million contractual balance.

In the fourth quarter of 2015, Berkshire entered into an agreement to acquire the business model of 44 Business Capital and certain other assets of Parke Bank's SBA 7(a) loan program operations. As part of the agreement, 44 Business Capital's team will join Berkshire. The agreement includes the purchase of SBA loans totaling approximately $38 million that were originated through this team. These loans share pro rata with the SBA in the collateral and creditor rights under the loan agreements.
The underwriting parameters for the lending operations of Firestone and 44 Business Capital reflect the specialized nature of these operations and are in some respects outside of Berkshire’s traditional underwriting guidelines. Berkshire views the credit histories of these operations as favorable and has established controls to integrate these operations into its credit administration processes. They are expected to enhance the Company’s product capabilities and diversify its relationship base and related revenues and credit risk characteristics.

Loan Loss Allowance. The determination of the allowance for loan losses is a critical accounting estimate. The Company’s methodologies for determining the loan loss allowance are discussed in Item 1 of this report, and Item 8 includes further information about the accounting policy for the loan loss allowance and the Company’s accounting for the allowance in the consolidated financial statements.
The Company considers the allowance for loan losses appropriate to cover probable losses which can be reasonably estimated and which are inherent in the loan portfolio as of the balance sheet date. Under accounting standards for business combinations, acquired loans are recorded at fair value with no loan loss allowance on the date of acquisition. The fair value of acquired loans includes the impact of estimated loan losses for the life of the portfolio, including factors which are not probable or inherent as of the acquisition date, and including subjective assessments of risk. A loan loss allowance is recorded by the Company for the emergence of new probable and estimable losses relating to acquired loans which were not impaired as of the acquisition date. Because of the accounting for acquired loans, some measures of the loan loss allowance are not comparable to periods prior to the acquisition date or to other financial institutions. Loans acquired in business combinations totaled $1.16 billion, or 20% of total loans at year-end 2015, compared to $762 million, or 16% of total loans at year-end 2014.

The Company viewed its asset quality as comparatively good and improving in 2015 based on both its loans from business activities as well as acquired loans. The Company viewed the overall environmental factors as supportive of this assessment, including economic conditions and real estate market conditions and values.

The total amount of the allowance increased in 2015, while the ratio of the allowance to total loans decreased to 0.69% from 0.76%. For loans from business activities, this ratio decreased to 0.76% of total loans from 0.84%. For loans acquired in business combinations, the ratio increased slightly to 0.41% from 0.38%. The year-end allowance provided 3.0X coverage of total net charge-offs in 2015, compared to 2.8X in 2014. The allowance provided 1.9X coverage of year-end non-accrual loans in 2015 compared to 1.6X in 2014.

The credit risk profile of the Company’s loan portfolio is described in the Loan Loss Allowance note in the consolidated financial statements. The Company’s risk management process focuses primary attention on loans with higher than normal risk, which includes loans rated special mention and classified (substandard and lower). These loans are referred to as criticized loans. Including acquired loans, criticized loans totaled $145 million, or 1.9% of total assets, at year-end 2015 compared to

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$130 million, or 2.0% of assets at year-end 2014. The Company views its potential problem loans as those loans from business activities which are rated as classified and continue to accrue interest. These loans have a possibility of loss if weaknesses are not corrected. Classified loans acquired in business combinations are recorded at fair value and are classified as performing at the time of acquisition and therefore are not generally viewed as potential problem loans. In 2015, potential problem loans decreased to $61 million from $67 million. Criticized assets include two $10 million secured commercial loan participations related to raw materials companies that are performing and which were downgraded in 2015 due to revenue declines. The Company’s evaluation of its credit risk profile also compares the amount of criticized loan and foreclosed assets to the total of the Bank’s Tier 1 Capital plus the loan loss allowance. This ratio was 24% at year-end 2015, compared to 28% at the start of the year.

The Financial Accounting Standards Board has issued a Proposed Accounting Standards Update (Subtopic 825-15), more commonly referred to as the Current Expected Credit Loss model, or CECL. It is proposed to move from an incurred loss model to a life-of-expected loss model. FASB has proposed to remove the probability threshold, adding forecasting, and requiring more in-depth analysis and disclosure for the credit loss estimation. It is anticipated that banks will generally carry higher loan loss allowance estimates as a result of this change and that loan loss estimates be made at acquisition date for loans acquired in business combinations. Further analysis of the impacts of this expected change will depend on final implementation rules.

Other Assets. There were immaterial changes in total premises and the category of other assets in 2015 due to the acquisitions and growth in business activities. Total intangible assets increased by $58 million to $335 million due to the goodwill associated with the Hampden and Firestone acquisitions. Intangibles totaled 6.3% of the assets acquired with Hampden and 7.8% of the acquired Firestone assets. Bank owned life insurance and the net deferred tax asset increased primarily due to the impact of the acquisitions. Cash and short term investments increased due to business growth and to high overnight funds at year-end.

Deposits. Berkshire’s deposits increased by $934 million, or 20%, to $5.6 billion in 2015. This funded most of the 22% increase in the loan portfolio. The acquired Hampden deposits contributed a 10% increase in the portfolio, brokered time deposits contributed 9%, and 3% growth was contributed by transaction account balances. Ongoing business development remains focused on relationship oriented retail and commercial offerings. The Company has actively managed its branch network in recent years. In 2015, the Company added ten branches through the Hampden acquisition and consolidated seven branches and sold its Tennessee branch (related to the 2012 Beacon Federal acquisition). The total branch count was 93 offices at the end of the year, compared to 91 at the start of the year. The Company is evaluating further opportunities for denovo locations and branch designs and technology enhancements, as well as additional sales/consolidations of existing branches. Berkshire continues to diversify its distribution network, including expanding its My Banker and private banking teams and integrating more closely with its wealth management, investment services, small business, insurance, and other business lines. Berkshire also continues to enhance its mobile and electronic delivery channels, and introduced the Apple Pay® service in 2015. The Company is initiating the rollout of real time customer feedback technology. In 2015, the Company completed its shift away from the Massachusetts Depositors Insurance Fund (“DIF”) due to the Company’s growth beyond the DIF insurance limits. There were mix shifts in the deposit portfolio as management adjusted its strategies following the Hampden acquisition and targeted newer market segments and institutional balances.

The Hampden deposit portfolio consisted largely of Springfield area accounts and increased Berkshire's estimated market share to a top four position in that market. These acquired deposits included $97 million in demand deposits, $51 million in NOW accounts, $62 million in money market accounts, $120 million in savings balances, and $154 million in time account balances. Berkshire’s deposit cost decreased from 0.44% in the fourth quarter of 2014 to 0.42% in the second quarter of 2015 and then increased to 0.48% in the fourth quarter reflecting higher costs of money market accounts related to targeted promotions.

Transaction accounts, which include demand deposit and NOW accounts, increased by 12% in 2015, excluding acquired balances. Most of this growth was in the second half of the year and included strong growth of both personal and commercial account balances. Checking accounts are an important focus of Berkshire’s relationship acquisition and development strategies. Total personal deposit accounts were $3.35 billion, or 69% of total deposits excluding brokered time accounts at year-end 2015. This percentage was unchanged from year-end 2014.

The Company has increased its utilization of brokered time deposits over the last two years to better manage deposit costs and interest rate risk, and to diversify its funding of loan portfolio growth. Brokered time deposits increased by $404 million to $784 million in 2015. At year-end, the average maturity of this portfolio was 7 months, with an average cost of 0.70%. Additionally, as a result of its DIF insurance termination, the Company has increased its use of reciprocal money market deposits, which offer full insurance to certain commercial and institutional customers in the Company’s markets. These balances increased to $102 million from $9 million during the year and are viewed as components of the Company’s relationship deposit balances. Also related to the DIF termination, the Company has increased its pledging of investment

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securities to collateralize certain municipal deposit account balances. Securities pledged to these accounts increased to $136 million from $42 million during the year.

Borrowings and Other Liabilities. All of Berkshire’s senior borrowings at year-end were provided by the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston under established relationship programs. The FHLBB is secured by a general pledge of assets primarily consisting of mortgage backed securities and residential mortgages. The Bank uses FHLBB borrowings to manage overnight liquidity and generally to provide funding for its investment portfolio. Other components of the Bank’s wholesale funding program include correspondent banks and brokerages, and brokered deposits. For contingency liquidity purposes, the Bank has short term credit arrangements with the Federal Reserve Bank and with certain national banks and brokerages, and the holding company maintains a line of credit. There has been no regular ongoing use of these arrangements. As previously discussed, over the last two years, the Bank has expanded its use of time deposits raised through established broker relationships to fund a portion of loan growth, as an alternative to borrowed funds. The Company evaluates its use of borrowings and of wholesale funds in general in managing its liquidity and strategic growth plans. This is further discussed in the following section on Liquidity.

Total borrowings increased by $212 million, or 20%, to $1.26 billion in 2015. This included $119 million in acquired Hampden borrowings. Acquired Firestone borrowings were replaced with brokered time deposits. Most borrowings are short term; they totaled $1.07 billion, or 85% of total borrowings, at year-end 2015. The weighted average rate on short term borrowings was 0.43% at year-end. FHLBB short term rates are generally priced at a premium of up to 0.25% compared to short term treasury rates, and they are viewed as well correlated with LIBOR. Due to the Federal Reserve Bank’s 0.25% hike in the target Fed Funds rate in December 2015, the Company expects the cost of short term borrowings to increase in 2016. Additionally, the cost of interest rate swaps is a component of borrowings interest expense. These swaps are discussed in the following section, and the cost of forward starting swaps becomes effective in 2016 and is expected to contribute to higher borrowing costs in 2016.

Other liabilities increased by $6 million to $91 million in 2015. The balance at year-end 2014 included a $22 million amount payable for commercial loan participation interests purchased at year-end; there was no similar balance due at year-end 2015. This decrease was partially offset by a $10 million increase in the fair value liability of derivative securities which is discussed in a later section, along with growth in operating accruals.

Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities.  Berkshire utilizes derivative financial instruments to manage the interest rate risk of its borrowings, to offer these instruments to commercial loan customers for similar purposes, and as part of its residential mortgage banking activities. The instruments sold to commercial and residential mortgage customers are an important source of fee income. Demand for these products tends to vary inversely with the direction of interest rates, and they are more popular when interest rates are decreasing and customers wish to lock in long term fixed interest rates that the Company cannot offer directly based on its own funding sources.

The notional value of derivatives increased by $332 million, or 32%, to $1.37 billion in 2015. This included $320 million due to growth in commercial loan interest rate swaps, reflecting the improved market demand and the Company’s focus on serving this niche, which often involves larger, stronger commercial accounts with other relationship potential. Each such swap involves a derivative sold to the customer and a generally matching derivative purchased from a national counterparty. Accordingly, this net growth reflects about $160 million in underlying loans to provide commercial customers with a contracted fixed rate while allowing the Bank to record a variable rate loan. This net growth from $90 million in the prior year contributed to the increase in loan related fee income previously discussed.

There were no significant changes in the cash flow hedges on bank borrowings or the non-hedging derivatives related to mortgage banking. The cash flow hedges consist of $300 million in forward starting three year interest rate swaps which become effective on average in the second quarter of 2016 at an average annual cost of 2.29% and which hedge certain short term FHLBB borrowings. The cost of these hedges will be included in borrowings interest expense when they become effective, which is expected to increase funding costs and decrease the net interest margin as a result. These hedges are an important component of maintaining the Bank’s positive interest rate sensitivity. The unrealized loss on these hedges increased to $9 million at the end of the year from $3 million at the start of the year due to the change in market expectations that rates will stay lower for longer compared to earlier expectations. This change was the primary factor in the increase in the overall estimated fair value liability on all derivatives to $11 million from $6 million during the year.

Stockholders’ Equity.Berkshire pursues a balance of capital to maintain financial soundness while using common equity efficiently with the goal to produce a strong return on equity and a strong return on tangible equity to support opportunities for franchise growth. Long run growth in dividends and in both book value and tangible book value per share are also viewed as elements for shareholder value creation. A sound capital structure reduces risk and enhances shareholder return and access to

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capital markets to support the Company’s banking activities and the markets that it serves. In its payment of dividends, management of treasury shares, issuance of equity compensation, and balancing of capital sources, the Company strives to achieve a capital structure that is attractive to the investment community and which satisfies the policy and supervision purposes of the Company’s regulators. When Berkshire negotiates business combinations, it generally targets to use its common shares as a significant component of merger consideration and to balance the mix of cash and stock to arrive at targeted capital metrics based on the characteristics of the combined banks. All of the Company’s outstanding equity is owned by common stockholders and its stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange. In addition to shares held in Treasury, a Bank subsidiary also owns 169 thousand Berkshire shares as a result of the conversion of Hampden shares, and these shares are also excluded from shares outstanding.

Shareholders’ equity increased by $178 million, or 25%, to $887 million in 2015, including $157 million issued for the acquisitions and $27 million in retained earnings. Total shares outstanding increased by 5.791 million, or 23%, to 30.974 million. Book value per share increased by 2% to $28.64 from $28.17. Both acquisitions were modestly dilutive to tangible book value per share as discussed in a later section, but retained earnings were sufficient to boost tangible book value per share by 4% to $17.84 from $17.19. The acquisitions were accretive to the Company’s capital ratios, and there was an increase in the ratio of tangible equity to tangible assets to 7.4% from 7.0%. Tangible equity is a non-GAAP financial measure commonly used by investors and it excludes goodwill and other intangible assets. The Company was within the range of 7 - 8% that it generally targets for this measure and also considers its return on tangible equity as a source of capital strength for improving its condition and supporting its growth. The ratio of equity to assets also increased to 11.3% from 10.9% and the Company’s risk based capital ratio improved to 11.9% from 11.4%. The Company’s goal is to remain eligible for the regulatory designation of Well Capitalized for the Company and the Bank. 

COMPARISON OF OPERATING RESULTS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2015 AND 2014
Summary: Berkshire’s 2015 results included the Hampden operations acquired in April and the Firestone operations acquired in August. As a result, most measures of revenue, expense, income, and average balances increased compared to 2014. In some cases, this report refers to annualized fourth quarter results to indicate the run rate of operations including the fully integrated acquired businesses.

As noted previously, Berkshire uses a non-GAAP measure of adjusted net income to supplement its evaluation of its operating results. Adjusted net income excludes certain amounts not viewed as related to ongoing operations. These items are primarily related to acquisitions and restructuring expenses, together with gains recorded on securities and investments in acquired banks. Berkshire views its net acquisition related costs as part of the economic investment for its acquisitions. These investments are intended to contribute to long term earnings growth and franchise value.

2015 results demonstrated a rebound from lower profitability in 2014. The adjusted return on assets increased to 0.85% in the fourth quarter of 2015 from a low of 0.71% in the second quarter of 2014. This included the benefit of an increase in the net interest margin to 3.35% from 3.26% for these dates, and an improvement in the efficiency ratio to 60.6% from 63.0%. The GAAP return on assets in these periods was 0.82% and 0.75% respectively, and included net merger and restructuring charges The increase in profitability included the benefit of positive operating leverage produced by growth from acquisitions and business activities. Based on adjusted earnings, the adjusted return on tangible equity measured 12.5% in 2015, which is a level of internal capital generation that supports Berkshire’s dividend (36% payout ratio on 2015 adjusted earnings per share) as well as ongoing growth from business activities and further strengthening of the Company’s capital metrics. The GAAP return on equity in 2015 was 6.1%.

Recent results stem from Berkshire’s strategy to build profitability and shareholder value through disciplined growth based around the power of its investment in a well-positioned regional franchise and a competitive market position supported by its unique brand and culture. This strategy includes taking advantage of opportunities offered by banks, companies, and teams that are looking for a regional partner to provide the resources necessary to meet market demand economically in light of the regulatory and margin pressures on revenues and earnings. The Company’s long term profitability goals include a return on assets exceeding 1% and a double digit return on equity.

Total Net Revenue. Berkshire evaluates its top line with the measure of net revenue, which is the sum of net interest income and non-interest income. The Company also evaluates adjusted net revenue in evaluating its operations and the revenue component of its strategies for generating positive operating leverage. Berkshire also measures adjusted revenue per share in evaluating its growth strategies.

Total annual net revenue increased by $42 million, or 18%, to $268 million in 2015. Annualized net revenue totaled $284 million in the final quarter of the year, when both acquisitions were fully integrated. Annual results included a 20% increase in

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net interest income and a 14% increase in non-interest income. Fee income decreased to 21% of net interest and fee income in 2015 from 23% in 2014. Berkshire’s long term goal is to increase fee income to 30% of total revenue by increasing wallet share through cross sales, product expansion, and balance sheet management. The decrease in the fee income contribution in 2015 was due to the lower fee product penetration of the acquired businesses. Berkshire believes that these acquired operations present fee revenue synergy opportunities that may be developed in the future. Both acquisitions were funded significantly with stock consideration, and fourth quarter annualized revenue per share decreased to $9.25 in 2015 from $9.77 in 2014. The acquired businesses reported $39 million in annualized net revenue in the first quarter of 2015, the final reported quarter prior to acquisition. These acquired revenues contributed most of the Company’s revenue growth during the year, and totaled $6.93 per share based on the 5.6 million shares issued as merger consideration. Due to their higher profitability after cost saves at Hampden and improved funding costs at Firestone, both of these businesses were expected to contribute a double digit return on equity to future results.

Net Interest Income. Net interest income is the primary contributor to revenue. Berkshire targets growth in net interest income based on increased business volumes related to market share gains in its markets. Pricing disciplines for loans and deposits target a balance of market share and profitability objectives, while taking into account credit, liquidity, and interest rate sensitivity objectives. The Company also borrows to fund an investment portfolio to contribute to income and profitability, together with other balance sheet objectives. Acquired assets and liabilities are marked to market for carrying value and yield, and balance sheet adjustments are often made at or following the acquisition date to integrate the acquired balance sheet with the Company’s balance sheet. In 2015, the most significant adjustment was the replacement of Firestone’s borrowings with lower cost brokered time deposits as the primary funding source for that operation. Net interest income includes significant components related to the amortization of purchase accounting adjustments and deferred items. The most significant component is purchased loan accretion related to recoveries on the resolution of acquired impaired assets, where Berkshire has regularly posted significant gains that are included in net interest income. These gains are difficult to forecast and are highly variable from quarter to quarter, and generally reflect the Company’s strong asset management capabilities and continued strong demand for higher yielding assets in the ongoing low rate environment.

Annual net interest income increased by $35 million, or 20%, in 2015. This included the benefit of an 18% increase in average earning assets as well as an increase in the net interest margin. The growth in earning assets was previously discussed in the changes in financial condition regarding loans and investments, and included the benefit of acquisitions and business activities. Fourth quarter annualized net interest income increased by $48 million, or 26%, to $235 million. The annualized net interest income of the acquired operations was $35 million in their final quarterly reported operations.

The net interest margin was generally declining through 2014 and then expanded in 2015, primarily due to the contribution of the acquired operations. The full year net interest margin increased to 3.31% in 2015 from 3.26% in 2014. The expansion mostly reflected higher yields on commercial loans (due to the acquisitions and the remix of the commercial portfolio) which was partially offset by lower yields on mortgages and consumer loans due to yield compression in the ongoing low rate environment. The improved margin also reflected a modest lengthening of asset durations and shortening of liability durations. The net interest margin was 3.35% in the final quarter of 2015. The Company’s goal is to maintain the margin in its business activities but the overall margin is expected to decrease modestly as a result of the additional cost of the forward interest rate swaps that become effective in 2016 as well as less benefit from purchased loan accretion as the portfolio of purchased credit impaired loans is further reduced from ongoing collections activities. The Company’s goal is to maintain volume growth and market share improvement that will produce overall growth in net interest income despite possible margin tightening from these factors. As discussed in the following section on Market Risk, the Company expects that there will be ongoing market pressures on the net interest margin if the low interest rate environment persists and if the yield curve flattens, and it is positioned with a target to benefit if interest rates increase from the historic lows seen in recent years.

The contribution of purchased loan accretion to net interest income was $7.6 million in 2015, including $2.4 million in the final quarter of the year. This accretion was $6.7 million in 2014. For the above respective periods, the net interest margin measured before purchased loan accretion was 3.19%, 3.22%, and 3.16% respectively. Most purchased loan accretion results from recoveries on the resolution of purchased credit impaired loans resulting from bank mergers. The fair market value of these loans is normally significantly discounted from the contractual and carrying value at the time of the merger and Berkshire’s team has produced significant recoveries of value as a result of its asset management disciplines and improving market conditions for impaired assets as a result of the economic recovery and ongoing low interest rates. At year-end 2015, Berkshire’s remaining carrying amount for these loans was $21 million, which was a 47% discount from the contractual balance of $40 million. This discount included a balance of $7 million in accretable discount which was expected to be recorded as interest income through the ongoing performance of these loans. The new impaired loans acquired as a result of the Hampden and Firestone transactions had a total carrying balance of $34 million which had a market discount of 46%, resulting in an $18 million carrying balance for Berkshire.


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Non-Interest Income. Most of Berkshire’s non-interest income is fee income, which generally represents business activities with customers in Berkshire’s markets. The Company pursues growth in market share and wallet share across its business lines, including banking, insurance, and wealth management. In commercial banking, Berkshire pursues commercial and industrial loans with relationships that provide non-interest bearing demand deposit balances and that utilize fee services including electronic banking and cash management services. Fee income includes revenues related to the sale of interest rate swap derivative securities to commercial customers, as well as gains recorded on the sale of residential mortgages and commercial loans previously held for investment. Other non-interest income includes non-dividend distributions on investment securities, as well as securities gains/losses which the company excludes from its adjusted earnings. Non-interest income is reduced by the amortization of the Company’s recorded investment in tax credit investments which generate offsetting benefits to income tax expense.

Fee income increased by $4 million, or 8%, to $57 million in 2015. Fourth quarter annualized fee income increased by $5 million, or 10%, to $57 million, including the $3 million estimated benefit from acquired operations and net of a $10 million increase in annualized tax credit investment amortization charges. Loan related income increased by $2 million to $8 million for the year. This included a $1 million increase in interest rate swap income to $4 million and a $1 million increase in gains on the sale of seasoned loans to $2 million. Mortgage banking income increased by $2 million to $4 million. Both loan related income and mortgage banking income benefited from higher volume due to low interest rates through much of 2015, as illustrated by the 40 basis point decrease in average ten year U.S. treasury rates to 2.14% in 2015 from 2.54% in the prior year. Additionally, the lower rate environment contributed to wider gain on sale spreads for both mortgage banking revenue and seasoned loan sales. Fee income variances for deposit, wealth, and insurance revenues were no greater than 2% from year to year and generally reflected lower margins on increased business volumes, including lower fee revenue penetration in acquired Hampden operations. Deposit related fee income in 2015 totaled $25 million and included $10 million in overdraft charges, $7 million in card related income, and $8 million in all other deposit related revenue. Annualized fourth quarter deposit related fees declined to 0.46% of average deposits in 2015 from 0.53% in 2014 including the impact of lower Hampden related fees. Wealth management fees in 2015 benefited from higher average securities prices which contributed to portfolio values on which these fees are based.

In addition to fee income, non-interest income includes other items, as well as securities/gains losses. Other items include the amortization of the carrying balance in tax credit investment projects, which is more than offset by benefits included in income tax expense. The Company’s investment in these projects increased in 2015 due to certain redevelopment projects in its markets which include capital gains credits which are recorded at origination based on future expected capital gains income. This amortization, which is a charge against non-interest revenues, increased to $11 million in 2015 from $2 million in the prior year. These projects are discussed in the following section on income tax expense. Other items included in non-interest income in 2015 were $4 million in accrued income on bank owned life insurance policies and $1 million in distributions on investments. Securities gains/losses in both years consisted of gains on equity securities offset by bond losses. Stock gains totaled $4 million in 2015 as discussed in the earlier section on Investment Securities. In 2014, a $9 million loss was recorded on the termination of hedges as a result of the New York branch purchase; this loss was already recorded in equity and the income statement charge had no direct impact on total equity when it was recorded.

Provision for Loan Losses. The provision for loan losses is a charge to earnings in an amount sufficient to maintain the allowance for loan losses at a level deemed adequate by the Company. The level of the allowance is a critical accounting estimate, which is subject to uncertainty. The level of the allowance was included in the discussion of financial condition. The provision for loan losses totaled $17 million in 2015, compared to $15 million in 2014. The provision for loan losses exceeded net loan charge-offs in both years, and resulted in an increase in the allowance for loan losses related primarily to growth in the loan portfolio during the year.

Non-Interest Expense. Berkshire’s goal is to generate positive operating leverage, growing revenues through market share expansion and maintaining expense management disciplines. Non-interest expense increases have generally been related to the Company’s growth, including the impact of acquisitions. The Company also invests in building its infrastructure and adding to its market teams, with a focus on fee generating business lines, as part of its long term strategy to occupy a leading position as a regional provider in its footprint. Expense results also include merger and restructuring costs which the Company excludes from its measure of adjusted earnings. The Company views merger related costs as part of the economic investment in acquired businesses. Restructuring costs have included the write-off of uneconomic contracted costs including contracts of acquired operations, as well as ongoing costs to optimize the branch network in light of market changes for branch services based on the emergence of mobile banking as well as changes in customer access patterns.

Total non-interest expense increased by $31 million, or 19%, in 2015. Excluding merger and restructuring costs, these expenses increased by $22 million, or 14%. This increase included $16 million in operating expenses of the acquired operations based on their final reported results in the first quarter of 2015. Cost saves related to acquisitions and to restructuring are important

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elements of the Company’s strategies related to efficiency and return on equity. Based on their final reported results, annualized operating expenses totaled $17 million for Hampden and $10 million for Firestone. The Company believes that it achieved its goal of 35% cost saves for Hampden by the end of 2015. The Company did not target any cost saves for Firestone except for reducing borrowing costs, which are an element of net interest income and were achieved.

The efficiency ratio improved to 61.3% from 63.2% as the Company pursues its goal to reduce this ratio below 60%. The efficiency ratio improved to 60.6% in the final quarter of the year including Hampden cost saves. The fourth quarter ratio of adjusted non-interest expense to average assets decreased to 2.43% in 2015 from 2.49% in 2014.

Expense growth in 2015 was mostly in the primary operating expense components of compensation, occupancy, and technology due to the acquisitions and growth in business activities. Full time equivalent staff totaled 1,221 at year-end 2015, a 12% increase from 1,091 a year earlier, including staff related to acquired operations.

Merger and restructuring expense totaled $18 million in 2015, compared to $8 million in the prior year. These expenses in 2015 included $11 million related to Hampden, $2 million related to Firestone, and $5 million related to restructuring including the 8 branches that were consolidated or sold. Berkshire has consistently focused on managing its branch network in recent years through a combination of consolidations, closings, sales and relocations, as well as purchasing branches and open de novo offices. In 2014, merger costs included $4 million for the New York branch acquisition and $2 million for Hampden, and restructuring costs totaled $2 million. Merger related costs primarily consist of severance costs, contract termination charges, professional fees, and variable compensation costs.

Income Tax Expense. Berkshire utilizes several tax strategies which allow the Company to operate in a tax effective manner and deliver tax savings. As a result, the Company’s effective tax rate is lower than the statutory rate based on the federal and state income taxes in its market area. The Company participates in federal and state tax credit programs and other tax advantaged investment opportunities which are encouraged under the Internal Revenue Code. The Company has also established security corporation subsidiaries and, through its subsidiaries, purchases tax exempt bonds. In 2014, the Company increased its resources in its tax management function and is pursuing additional opportunities to develop tax effective strategies which will deliver additional tax benefits and tax savings based on its expanded footprint and operating activities.

Berkshire increased its ownership in investment tax credit entities as an aspect of its overall operating and financial strategy for building customer relationships, supporting its communities, and contributing to profitability. In 2015, the company recorded a $16 million reduction in the income tax provision related to tax credits and deductions generated primarily from investment in historic rehabilitation and low income housing projects. The company recorded an $11 million reduction in the carrying balance as a corresponding charge against non-interest income, with a $5 million resulting net contribution to net income. In 2014, there was a $2.3 million reduction in the tax provision and a $1.5 million charge against non-interest income, resulting in a $0.8 million net contribution to net income. As a result of the tax credit program, the Company’s effective income tax rate decreased to 9% in 2015 from 26% in 2014. Measured before the tax credit benefit, the effective income tax rate was 32% in 2015, compared to 30% in 2014. In addition to the tax credit benefit, the Company’s effective tax rate also benefits from its investments in municipal bonds and bank owned life insurance.

At year-end 2015, the company’s other assets included a $3 million unamortized balance of the company’s equity ownership interest in these entities. A deferred tax asset related to these programs includes a $3 million federal tax credit carryforward from past investment in new markets and renewable energy projects. The tax credit carryforward is expected to be realized in the future based on the company’s ability to generate sufficient future ordinary operating income. The company recorded an additional $3 million deferred tax asset with respect to future expected capital losses from investment in historic rehabilitation and low income housing projects. This is the Company’s first significant utilization of capital gain related tax benefits and realization of those benefits depends on realization of projected future capital gains. The company expects to realize the tax benefit from these capital losses in the future based on the company’s ability to generate future capital gain income from a variety of sources. Investment tax credit programs depend on federal tax policy and administrative rulings and the future availability of such programs depends on future policy and administrative processes.

The Company reports adjusted earnings per share excluding specified items. The effective tax rate on these adjusted earnings per share was estimated to be 15% in 2015. This rate was higher than the 9% GAAP tax rate in 2015 due to the lower proportionate benefit of tax advantaged items compared to the estimated adjusted pretax income. The 15% rate was lower than the 30% equivalent rate in 2014 due to the increased tax credit benefits recorded in 2015. The Company expects that the tax rate on adjusted earnings per share will revert back to the 2014 levels at the beginning of 2016. The Company expects to record additional tax credit benefits in the second half of 2016 as a result of additional investments in related projects, with the result that the full year rate on adjusted earnings is expected to be below 30%. The anticipated merger expenses for 44 Business

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Capital are not significant and therefore the expected GAAP effective tax rate in 2016 is not expected to be significantly different from the rate on adjusted earnings, based on conditions known at the start of the year.

Hampden Bancorp Acquisition.The Hampden acquisition was completed on April 17, 2015. Hampden was a community bank headquartered in Springfield, Massachusetts and serving the Springfield area. This in-market merger was targeted to benefit all constituencies, bringing additional products and services to the Hampden customers, providing revenue synergies and cost efficiencies to the combined operations, and boosting Berkshire's Springfield deposit share in the Springfield Metropolitan Statistical Area to the top 4 position based on most recent data. Berkshire is the largest Massachusetts based bank now serving the Springfield market. Berkshire consolidated 3 of the Hampden branches in the second quarter and now operates a total of 17 branches in that market, including 7 former Hampden offices.

The total acquisition cost was $114 million and Berkshire issued 4.2 million common shares as merger consideration, net of 169 thousand shares held by Berkshire. Merger related costs included $8 million in pre-tax merger related costs recorded by Hampden and $11 million recorded by Berkshire. The Company believes that it achieved its goal of 35% cost saves by the end of 2015. The Company has also consolidated three Hampden branches and recorded non-operating restructuring charges in 2015 for these consolidations. The Company estimates that Hampden's operations contributed to improvements in its operating profitability ratios and that these operations will provide additional accretion to earnings in 2016 based on a full year of integrated operations including all targeted cost saves.

Due to the stock issued as merger consideration, the Company estimates that the Hampden acquisition improved the ratio of tangible equity/tangible assets and also contributed positively to regulatory capital ratios. The merger was estimated as $0.33 dilutive to Berkshire’s tangible book value per share. The Company estimated that the acquired operations contributed $0.02 to earnings per share in the fourth quarter of 2015, including estimated 35% cost saves which were completed in the fourth quarter. The Company continues to target tangible book value dilution payback within approximately 3 years from the merger date based on merger related adjusted EPS accretion. The Company also continues to target double digit long run return on the equity invested in this acquisition.

Firestone Financial Acquisition.The Firestone acquisition was completed on August 7, 2015. Based in Needham,
Massachusetts, Firestone is a longstanding profitable commercial specialty finance company providing secured installment loan equipment financing for small and medium-sized businesses. Firestone lends nationally, financing fitness equipment, carnival rides and games, amusement and video entertainment, gaming, vending, laundry, and ATM machines. This acquisition provides revenue diversification to Berkshire and increased opportunities for cross sales of existing Berkshire products and services. This business is viewed as complementary to Berkshire's existing specialized financing businesses, including asset based lending and SBA loan programs. Firestone is being operated as a subsidiary of Berkshire Bank and is maintaining its existing operations with a goal of expanding its programs based on Berkshire's increased capital and financing capabilities.

Financial results in 2015 included $2 million in pre-tax Firestone merger related charges. The merger consideration paid to shareholders was $56 million, consisting of approximately 75% stock and 25% cash and the Company issued 1.442 million shares as consideration. The Company estimates that this acquisition was accretive to adjusted earnings per share and profitability metrics, as well as to capital ratios. The Firestone merger was estimated as $0.05 dilutive to the Company’s tangible book value per share. Berkshire estimated that Firestone operations contributed $0.01 to earnings per share in the fourth quarter of 2015, which was the first full quarter of combined operations. No cost saves were targeted for this business combination. The Company's goal is that Firestone's operations will produce a double digit return on its equity investment and tangible book value dilution will be repaid from Firestone's operating earnings accretion in 2.5 years.

Results of Segment and Parent Operations. In prior periods, the Company reported two subsidiary operating segments - banking and insurance. Due to growth in the banking segment, the Company determined that as of fiscal year end 2015 it has only one segment based on accounting principles. Accordingly, there is no disclosure of segment and parent operations except for the note in the financial statements regarding the parent. Results for Berkshire Bank in 2015 generally followed the levels and trends of consolidated results. Insurance net income increased modestly in 2015, as earnings benefited from expense reductions that exceeded the modest decrease in revenue.

Total Comprehensive Income. Berkshire’s total comprehensive income in 2015 was $40 million, compared to $49 million in the prior year. The $16 million increase in net income was offset by a $25 million decrease in other comprehensive income due primarily to a net $22 million after-tax change in available for sale securities from an unrealized gain in 2014 to an unrealized loss in 2015. The change in securities fair value was discussed in an earlier section of this report. The increase in the unrealized loss on the Company’s forward starting interest rate swaps on borrowings also contributed to the decrease in other comprehensive income in 2015.


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Quarterly Results. Quarterly results for 2015 and 2014 are presented in a note to the consolidated financial statements. Quarterly results were affected by the revenue downturn in 2013 and subsequent actions to improve profitability. Quarterly results have also been affected by purchased loan accretion and by merger and restructuring related net costs. The Company also evaluates adjusted earnings on a quarterly basis to supplement its understanding of operating trends. Based on these evaluations, the Company believed that its adjusted results on a per share basis improved sequentially in all quarters in 2014 and 2015 except for the fourth quarter of 2015 when adjusted results were flat. Similarly, operating profitability determined on an adjusted basis improved throughout 2014 and 2015, although not yet back to levels prevailing at the start of 2013.

In 2015, quarterly revenue and expense reflected the Hampden acquisition on April 17 and the Firestone acquisition on August 7. Results also reflected the increased benefit of tax credit related investments beginning in the first quarter. By the fourth quarter, all acquired operations were fully integrated and the Company estimated that it completed the planned Hampden cost saves during the quarter. As a result, fourth quarter operations were generally reflective of the Company’s current run rate including the acquired operations. In the preceding discussion of 2015 results, references have been made to fourth quarter adjusted results to demonstrate the full benefit of the year’s actions.

In 2014, revenue and expense increased in the first quarter due to the addition of the acquired New York branches. First quarter non-interest income and expense were significantly affected by merger related net charges. As a result, the Company recorded a net loss in the first quarter. Total revenue increased sequentially in each of the next three quarters as business volume growth more than offset a gradual tightening in the net interest margin due to changes in purchased loan accretion and ongoing asset yield compression. The net interest margin increased to 3.23% from 3.20% in the final quarter. Excluding non-operating charges, non-interest expense was generally flat through mid-year. Adjusted expenses increased due to growth in the fourth quarter, and the Company also recorded merger charges related to the pending acquisition of Hampden Bancorp. As a result, net income decreased slightly in the final quarter after rising in the second and third quarters. Fourth quarter net income of $0.46 per share was 10% higher in 2014 compared to 2013 due to the ongoing benefit of positive operating leverage generated by revenue growth driven by higher volumes.

COMPARISON OF OPERATING RESULTS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2014 AND 2013
Summary: Berkshire’s results in 2014 included the New York branch operations acquired on January 17, 2014. As a result, many measures of revenue, expense, income, and average balances increased compared to prior periods. In 2013, changes in market conditions resulted in a downturn in mortgage banking revenue and accelerated runoff of acquired impaired and non-relationship loans. Quarterly earnings per share decreased to $0.33 in the third quarter of 2013 from $0.48 in the second quarter of 2013. Management reorganized and restructured its expenses in the second half of the 2013, and quarterly earnings improved to $0.42 per share in the fourth quarter of 2013. Berkshire leveraged its expanded footprint in 2014 with the New York branch purchase and strong loan growth, and earnings per share improved further to $0.46 in the fourth quarter of 2014. Adjusted earnings per share advanced to $0.48 in this quarter, which was a 20% improvement from $0.40 per share in the fourth quarter of 2013. In 2014, the Company developed revenue synergies, operating efficiencies, and improved product and service capabilities based on the combination of its larger footprint and enhanced infrastructure. Full year net income totaled $33.7 million, or $1.36 per share, in 2014 compared to $41.1 million, or $1.65 per share, in the prior year. These full year changes were the result of the quarterly changes discussed above. Berkshire’s adjusted net income measured $1.80 per share in 2014, which was down slightly from $1.87 in the prior year. As noted above, quarterly operating results had rebounded significantly by the end of 2014 while not yet fully recovering to the level of earnings prior to the revenue decline around midyear 2013. The return on equity in the final quarter of 2014 improved to 6.5% and the return on assets improved to 0.71%.

Total Net Revenue. Total net revenue was approximately $226 million in both 2014 and 2013. Annualized net revenue improved to $243 million in the final quarter of 2014, or $9.77 per share. Excluding net securities gains, this represented an increase of 17%, or $35 million, from annualized net revenue in the final quarter of 2013 and was also a 3% increase over the similar measure in 2012. The growth in 2014 included approximately $16 million in anticipated revenue benefit from the acquired New York branches as well as approximately $5 million in benefit from lower borrowing costs related to the hedge termination. Management estimated that fourth quarter revenue increased by approximately 8% from organic growth and business expansion in 2014 from 2013 including volume related increases in both net interest income and fee revenue.

Net Interest Income. Gross interest income increased by $3 million, or 2%, in 2014 compared to 2013. The average balance of earning assets increased by 18%, which was mostly offset by a decrease in the net interest margin to 3.26% in 2014 from 3.63% in 2013. Total loan interest income decreased by $12 million, or 6%, but this was more than offset by a $15 million, or 85%, increase in securities and other interest income as acquired New York deposits were initially used to fund growth in the securities portfolio. The decrease in loan interest income was due to lower average yields. While average loan balances increased by 11%, the average loan yield decreased to 3.98% in 2014 from 4.69% in 2013. By the fourth quarter, yield

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compression had decreased and based on ongoing volume growth, fourth quarter loan interest income increased by 5% over the same period in 2013.

Purchased loan accretion totaled $6.7 million in 2014, which was down significantly from $18.1 million in 2013 due to the seasoning of the portfolio. Purchased impaired loans totaled $14 million at year-end 2014, which was 54% of the contractual balance of $26 million of these loans. The unamortized balance of net accretable yield on impaired loans was $2.5 million at year-end 2014 compared to $2.6 million at the start of the year.

The overall yield on earning assets decreased to 3.73% in the fourth quarter of 2014 from 3.97% in the fourth quarter of 2013. Excluding purchased loan accretion, the yield decreased to 3.62% from 3.73%. The cost of funds decreased to 0.52% from 0.73% including the benefit of the hedge terminations in the first quarter. Through its balance sheet management, Berkshire was able to offset the earning asset yield compression so that the fourth quarter 2014 net interest margin of 3.23% was only down by 0.03% compared to 3.26% in 2013. Excluding purchased loan accretion, the fourth quarter margin improved to 3.12% from 3.07% in those same periods.

Non-Interest Income. Fee income increased by $3 million, or 6%, in 2014 compared to 2013. Fourth quarter fee income increased by $2 million, or 17%, from year to year. This included an estimated $1 million related to the branch purchase and $1 million related to all other factors. All major categories of fee income were up year-over-year in the fourth quarter due to Berkshire’s growth. For the full year, most categories were up except for mortgage banking fee income and other loan related fee income. Due to a spike in interest rates, mortgage banking revenues declined sharply around midyear 2013 from elevated levels that have not recurred and are not expected to recur.

Deposit related fees increased by $6 million, or 34%, to $25 million in 2014, including an estimated $4 million related to the New York branch acquisition. These branches acquired from a national bank had a higher rate of fee income generation compared to the Company’s existing deposits. Accordingly, the annualized ratio of deposit fee income to average deposits increased to 0.54% in the fourth quarter of 2014 compared to 0.48% in the same quarter of the prior year. Deposit fees in 2014 included $10 million in overdraft income, $8 million in card fee income, and $7 million in service charge income.

Mortgage banking income decreased by 51% to $2.6 million in 2014 from $5.2 million in the prior year. Berkshire’s mortgage banking revenue is recorded on interest rate lock commitments related to loans originated for sale. The volume of these commitments was $304 million in 2014. The Company recorded 2.12% in gross revenue on these commitments and 0.84% net of direct costs of origination in 2014. Wealth management revenue increased by 10% in 2014 to $9.5 million from $8.7 million, including the benefit of higher market prices for assets under management. Total wealth assets under management increased to $1.4 billion from $1.3 billion in 2014.

In addition to fee revenues, non-interest income included an $8.8 million loss recorded on the termination of hedges in 2014 and net securities gains totaling $4.8 million in 2013. The securities gains in 2013 were primarily related to the sale of bank equity securities to realize strong market appreciation on these securities. The hedge termination loss in 2014 was a result of the branch acquisition and is further described in the notes to the financial statements. This loss was the recognition of a fair value loss already recorded in equity and therefore had no direct impact on shareholders’ equity when it was recorded.

All other non-interest income totaled $2.6 million in 2014 and $2.9 million in 2013. Results in 2014 included $3.1 million recorded for the accrual of earnings on bank owned life insurance and were net of $1.5 million in charges representing the book loss on tax shelter investments. These losses are more than offset by tax credit benefits as described in the later section on income tax expense.

Provision for Loan Losses. The provision for loan losses totaled $15.0 million in 2014, compared to $11.4 million in 2013. The provision for loan losses exceeded net loan charge-offs in both years, and resulted in an increase in the allowance for loan losses related to growth in the loan portfolio during the year.

Non-Interest Expense. Total non-interest expense increased by $9 million, or 5%, in 2014. The Company estimated that it added approximately $13 million in annual expense related to the New York branch purchase. Total merger, restructuring, and conversion expense decreased by $6 million to $8 million in 2014. The Company estimated that total non-interest expense increased approximately 2% before the impacts of the branch purchase and the changes in merger, restructuring, and conversion expense. Total non-interest expense decreased to 2.69% of average assets in 2014 from 2.97% in 2013. The Company’s non-GAAP measure of adjusted non-interest expense decreased to 2.55% of assets from 2.68 for these respective periods, and decreased further to 2.49 in the fourth quarter of 2014.

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Expense growth was mostly in the primary operating expense components of compensation, occupancy, and technology. In total, these costs increased by $17 million, or 16 %, in 2014. Excluding the costs related to the acquired branches, these costs were up an estimated 3% for the year. All other operating costs were down $1.3 million in 2014 compared to 2013 due to a $2.4 million decrease in professional services from elevated levels in 2013.

Merger and restructuring expense totaling $8.5 million in 2014 included $5.4 million in merger charges related primarily to the branch acquisition, including professional fees and integration costs with related compensation. Restructuring expenses totaled $3.1 million and included charges related to the Bank’s charter change in the third quarter, together with costs for financial systems and certain branch closings and property liquidations. The higher $14.8 million in costs in 2013 were due primarily to the integration of the acquired operations of Beacon Federal Bancorp and the enterprise expense restructuring project that was initiated in the third quarter of that year.

Full time equivalent staff totaled 1,091 at year-end 2014, compared to 939 at the prior year-end. This increase included an estimated 92 positions related to the acquired New York branch operations and an additional 6% increase in total staff related to the Company’s business growth and expansion, including targeted investment in commercial, retail and wealth management market teams.

Income Tax Expense. The effective income tax rate of 26% in 2014 was lower than the 29% rate in 2013, including the higher proportionate benefit of tax preference items in 2014 that resulted from the decrease in pre-tax income from year-to-year. The effective tax rate on adjusted earnings was estimated to be 30% in 2014 and 31% in 2013. In both years, this rate was higher than GAAP tax rate due to the lower proportionate benefit of tax preference items compared to the higher adjusted pre-tax income, which excluded net charges related to merger, restructuring, and other designated expense items.

LIQUIDITY AND CASH FLOWS
Liquidity is the ability to meet cash needs at all times with available cash and from established external liquidity sources or by conversion of other assets to cash at a reasonable price and in a timely manner. Berkshire evaluates liquidity at the holding company and on a consolidated basis, which is primarily a function of the Bank’s liquidity.

The primary liquidity need at the holding company is to support its capital structure, including shareholder dividends and debt service. Additionally, the holding company uses cash to support certain organizational expenses, stock purchases and buybacks, merger related costs, and limited business functions that cannot be performed at the Bank or the insurance subsidiary. The holding company primarily relies on dividends from the Bank to meet its ongoing cash needs. The holding company generally expects to maintain cash on hand equivalent to normal cash uses, including common stock dividends, for at least a one year period. Sources and uses of cash at the parent are reported in the condensed financial statements of the parent company included in the notes to the consolidated financial statements. There are certain restrictions on the payment of dividends by the Bank as discussed in the Stockholders’ Equity note to the consolidated financial statements. As of year-end 2015, the statutory limit on future dividend payments by the Bank totaled $68 million. This amount is based on retained earnings of the Bank and is expected to be supplemented by future bank earnings in accordance with the statutory formula.

At year-end 2015, the holding company had $36 million in cash and equivalents, compared to $31 million at the start of the year. The Parent’s cash is held on deposit in the Bank. The Bank paid $28 million in dividends to the holding company in 2015, which was an increase from $12 million in 2014, when the Bank retained more earnings to support the New York branch purchase. Dividends to the holding company from the insurance subsidiary totaled $6 million in 2015, and no such dividends were paid in 2014. The holding company has a $10 million unsecured line of credit, which was fully utilized at the start of 2015 and which was unused at year-end 2015.

The Bank’s primary ongoing source of liquidity is customer deposits and the main use of liquidity is the funding of loans and lending commitments. Additional routine sources are borrowings, repayments of loans and investment securities, and the sale of investment securities. The Bank targets to grow customer deposits by increasing its market share among its regions in order to sustain loan growth as a primary component of its strategy. Deposit strategies also consider relative deposit costs as well as relationship and market share objectives. The Bank’s acquisition strategy is also targeted to supplement business activities including bank acquisitions and acquisitions of branches, such as the 2014 New York branch purchase. Additionally, the Bank has expanded its use of wholesale funding sources, including borrowings and brokered time deposits. The Company monitors the loans/deposits ratio in assessing directional changes in its liquidity, and in the past has allowed this metric to reach levels near 110% depending on the timing of business activity, while generally keeping it closer to 100% as a working target. The Company also monitors the levels of its wholesale funding in relationship to total assets. Brokered deposits can be more volatile than customer deposits depending on Company and economic events. FHLBB borrowings are in the context of standard, long-term FHLB programs but overall availability is constrained by collateral tests. The Company also monitors the liquidity of

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investment securities and portfolio loans and has increased its active management of the loan portfolio to accomplish Company objectives, including liquidity goals. The Bank relies on its borrowings availability with the FHLBB for routine operating liquidity, and has other overnight borrowing relationships for contingency liquidity purposes. In 2015, the Bank increased its pledging of investment securities to support municipal deposits and its use of two way reciprocal money market accounts to provide additional deposit assurance to institutional customers following its termination in the Massachusetts Depositors Insurance Fund. The Bank also expanded its interest rate swaps with national counterparties to provide fixed interest instruments to large commercial borrowers. The Bank has strengthened its liquidity planning and management processes in conjunction with its overall growth and regulatory expectations.

In 2015, the Bank’s primary uses of funds were loan growth and the replacement of Firestone’s borrowings and the primary source of funds were brokered deposits. During the year, the Bank shifted more of its assets into the FHLBB collateral pool, including acquired Hampden assets which Hampden had used for similar purposes. Total FHLBB unused borrowing availability was $576 million at year-end, compared to $246 million at the start of the year.

The Bank utilizes the mortgage secondary market as a source of funds for residential mortgages which are sold into that market. This business volume expanded in 2015 as a result of higher residential mortgage demand. Secondary market counterparties include federal mortgage agencies and national financial institutions. The secondary market for jumbo mortgages has been limited in recent years and these mortgages have become more prevalent in the Bank’s originations mix. The majority of these loan originations were retained on the Bank’s books in 2015. Over the last two years, the Bank has also increased its wholesale purchases and sales of loans including residential mortgages, consumer loans, and commercial loans and loan participations. Commercial loan growth has also included purchases of participations in syndicated loan transactions. These participations are variable rate and the Company views these assets as more liquid and saleable through secondary market channels.

Under the Enhanced Prudential Standards which became effective under federal regulation at midyear in 2014, the largest banks are required to adopt a number of practices to manage and reduce liquidity risk. These standards do not apply directly to Berkshire but are affecting U.S. deposit markets. In some circumstances, these standards increase the attractiveness of retail deposits and decrease the attractiveness of large commercial deposits for the largest banks, and these changes may affect the competitive conditions that evolve based on these new standards. Including the acquired Hampden deposits, the Bank’s estimate of its total deposit balances which exceed FDIC insurance limits increased to $1.34 billion, or 24% of total deposits at year-end 2015 from $1.07 billion, or 23%, at the start of the year.

The greatest sources of uncertainty affecting liquidity are deposit withdrawals and usage of loan commitments, which are influenced by interest rates, economic conditions, and competition. Due to the unusual and prolonged low interest rate environment, there is uncertainty about the behavior of deposits if interest rates increase at some future time as is anticipated. The Company believes that its market positioning and relationship focus will generally enhance the stability of its deposits, and it also models various scenarios for the purpose of contingency liquidity planning. The Bank relies on competitive rates, customer service, and long-standing relationships with customers to manage deposit and loan liquidity. Based on its historical experience, management believes that it has adequately provided for deposit and loan liquidity needs. Both liquidity and capital resources are managed according to policies approved by the Board of Directors and executive management and the Board reviews liquidity metrics and contingency plans on a regular basis. The Bank actively manages all aspects of its balance sheet to achieve its objectives for earnings, liquidity, asset quality, interest rate risk, and capital.
CAPITAL RESOURCES
The Company and the Bank target to maintain sufficient capital to qualify for the “Well Capitalized” designation by federal regulators. Berkshire’s goal is to use capital efficiently to achieve its objective to become a higher performance company with a targeted return on equity exceeding 10%. A double digit return on equity is used to benchmark all lending and investment programs, together with all acquisition analyses. The Company seeks to maintain a competitive cost of capital and capital structure. The Company generally targets to maintain a ratio of tangible equity/tangible assets in the range of 7-8%.

Berkshire views its internal return on tangible capital as the primary capital resource of the Company. The return on tangible equity has improved, and measured 12.7% in the final quarter of 2015 based on the measure of adjusted earnings. The Company’s long term target is a 15% return on tangible equity. A return at or above current levels provides resources for maintaining competitive dividend payouts while also internally supporting strong growth from business activities while maintaining and improving capital metrics.

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The Bank has acquired banks and fee based businesses in recent years. Berkshire’s goal is that its stock is the primary capital resource for merger consideration. The Hampden acquisition was 100% for stock and Firestone was 75%. The pending 44 Business Capital acquisition has a small stock component. Through active investor relations, the Company’s goal is to maintain a solid profile with the investment community for the purposes of supporting outstanding capital and raising other capital as opportunities arise. The Company has an ongoing universal shelf registration with the SEC to facilitate capital issuances. The Company issued common and preferred stock in the past, as well as senior and subordinated debt.

The Risk Management and Capital Committee of the Board of Directors provides oversight of Berkshire’s capital management and plans. The Company is deepening its capital analytics and stress testing capabilities as it grows toward the $10 billion federal regulatory threshold under the Dodd-Frank legislation. While the Company recognizes the potential increased compliance costs and restrictions as growth nears or exceeds that threshold, the Company believes that other size advantages can offset those impacts over time in many markets including its own.

AVERAGE BALANCES, INTEREST, AVERAGE YIELDS/COST AND RATE/VOLUME ANALYSIS

Tables with the above information are presented in Item 6 of this report.

CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS
The year-end 2015 contractual obligations were as follows:
Item 7-7A - Table 1 - Contractual Obligations
(In thousands) Total 
Less than One
Year
 
One to Three
Years
 
Three to Five
Years
 
After Five
Years
           
FHLBB borrowings (1) $1,174,334
 $1,123,651
 $33,396
 $1,030
 $16,257
Subordinated notes 89,812
 
 
 
 89,812
Operating lease obligations (2) 65,708
 7,764
 11,865
 9,062
 37,017
Purchase obligations (3) 99,629
 19,994
 28,407
 25,614
 25,614
Total Contractual Obligations $1,429,483
 $1,151,409
 $73,668
 $35,706
 $168,700

Acquisition related obligations are not included.
(1) Consists of borrowings from the Federal Home Loan Bank. The maturities extend through 2027 and the rates vary by borrowing.
(2) Consists of leases, bank branches and ATMs through 2039.
(3) Consists of obligations with multiple vendors to purchase a broad range of services.
Further information about borrowings and lease obligations is in the notes on borrowings and commitments to the financial statements.
OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
In the normal course of operations, Berkshire engages in a variety of financial transactions that, in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles are not recorded in the Company’s financial statements. The Company views these transactions as ordinary to its business activities and its assessment is that there are no material changes in these arrangements at year-end 2015 compared to year-end 2014. As previously reported in the discussion of changes in financial condition, Berkshire has outstanding derivative financial instruments and engages in hedging activities, and the fair value of these contracts is recorded on the balance sheet. As discussed in the notes to the financial statements, at year-end 2015, Berkshire had an outstanding agreement to acquire 44 Business Capital, subject to customary regulatory approvals. The Company expects to complete this acquisition in the first quarter of 2016.

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FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
The most significant fair value measurements recorded by the Company are those related to assets and liabilities acquired in business combinations. These measurements are discussed further in the mergers and acquisitions note to the consolidated financial statements.

Berkshire provides a summary of estimated fair values of financial instruments at each quarter-end. The premium or discount value of loans has historically been the most significant element of this presentation. This discount is a Level 3 estimate and reflects management’s subjective judgments. At year-end 2015, the premium value of the loan portfolio was $42 million, or 0.7% of carrying value. The premium value is down from $50 million, or 1.1% of carrying value at year-end 2014. This decrease reflected the impact of the acquired loans recorded at fair value and higher year-end interest rates and spreads, offsetting the benefit of improved asset quality.

The Company makes further measurements of fair value of certain assets and liabilities, as described in the related note in the financial statements. The most significant measurements of recurring fair values of financial instruments primarily relate to securities available for sale and derivative instruments. These measurements were included in the previous discussion of changes in financial condition, and were generally based on Level 2 market based inputs. Non-recurring fair value measurements primarily relate to impaired loans, capitalized mortgage servicing rights, and other real estate owned. When measurement is required, these measures are generally based on Level 3 inputs.

Financial instruments comprise the majority of the Company assets and liabilities. The net combined fair value of those instruments contributes to the economic value of the Company’s equity. This net premium value of financial instruments increased by $108 million to $506 million in 2015, reflecting the benefit of the tangible equity contributed by the acquisitions plus the increase in retained earnings, and less the impact of the lower premium related to loans. Instruments acquired in business combinations were recorded at fair value at acquisition date. These measures do not take into account the non-interest income generated by these customer relationships or the long term intangible value of the Company’s franchise in its markets. 
IMPACT OF INFLATION AND CHANGING PRICES
The financial statements and related financial data presented in this Form 10-K have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, which require the measurement of financial position and operating results in terms of historical dollars, without considering changes in the relative purchasing power of money over time due to inflation. Unlike many industrial companies, substantially all of the assets and liabilities of the Bank are monetary in nature. As a result, interest rates have a more significant impact on the Bank’s performance than the general level of inflation. Interest rates may be affected by inflation, but the direction and magnitude of the impact may vary. A sudden change in inflation (or expectations about inflation), with a related change in interest rates, would have a significant impact on our operations.
IMPACT OF NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
Please refer to the notes on Recently Adopted Accounting Principles and Future Application of Accounting Pronouncements in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements for a detailed discussion of new accounting pronouncements.

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ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
 
MANAGEMENT OF INTEREST RATE RISK AND MARKET RISK ANALYSIS
Qualitative Aspects of Market Risk. The Company’s most significant form of market risk is interest rate risk. The Company seeks to avoid fluctuations in its net interest income and to maximize net interest income within acceptable levels of risk through periods of changing interest rates. The Company also seeks to manage the risk of interest rate changes to its net income and the economic value of equity. Further, where prudent, the Company seeks to be positioned to benefit from expected interest rate changes, within its risk parameters.

The Company maintains an Enterprise Risk Management/Asset-Liability Committee (ERM/ALCO) that is responsible for reviewing its asset-liability policies and interest rate risk position. This Committee meets regularly, and the CFOChief Financial Officer and Treasurer report trends and interest rate risk position to the Risk Management and Capital Committee of the Board of Directors on a quarterly basis. The extent of the movement of interest rates is an uncertainty that could have a negative impact on the Company’s net interest income and earnings.

The Company manages its interest rate risk by analyzing the sensitivities and adjusting the mix of its assets and liabilities, including derivative financial instruments. The Company also uses secondary markets, brokerages, and counterparties to provide products that don’t conform to its ERM/ALCO management objectivesaccommodate customer demand for long term fixed rate loans and to provide it with flexibility in managing its balance sheet positions. When the Company enters into business combinations, it considers interest rate risk as part of its merger analysis and it integrates existing and acquired operations as appropriate to achieve its objectives for the combined businesses.
Quantitative Aspects of Market Risk. Berkshire has a targeted position to maintain a neutral or asset sensitive interest rate risk profile, as measured by the sensitivity of net interest income to market interest rate changes. The Company measures this sensitivity primarily by evaluating models of net interest income over one year, two years, and three year time horizons. The Company models a base case assuming no changechanges in interest rates or balance sheet composition and then assuming various scenarios orof ramped interest rate changes, shocked interest rate changes, changes predicted by the forward yield curve, and changes involving twists in the yield curve. The primary focus is on a two-year scenario where interest rates ramp up by 200 basis points in the first year. The Bank also evaluates its equity at risk from interest rate changes through discounted cash flow analysis. This measure assesses the present value of changes to equity based on long term impacts of rate changes beyond the time horizons evaluated for net interest income at risk.

The Company uses a simulation model to measure the changes in net interest income. The chart below shows the analysis of the ramped change described above, assuming a parallel shift in the yield curve. Loans, deposits, and borrowings were expected to reprice at the repricing or maturity date. Pricing caps and floors are included in the simulation model. The Company uses prepayment guidelines set forth by market sources as well as Company generated data where applicable. Cash flows from loans and securities are assumed to be reinvested based on current operating conditions and strategies.to maintain a static balance sheet. Other assumptions about balance sheet mix are generally held constant. NoThere were no material changes have been made to the methodologies usedway that the Company measures market risk in the model.2017.

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Item 7-7A - Table 2 - Qualitative Aspects of Market Risk
Change in
Interest Rates-Basis
Points (Rate Ramp)
                
1- 12 Months 13- 24 Months 1- 12 Months 13- 24 Months
$ Change % Change $ Change % Change $ Change % Change $ Change % Change
(In thousands)                
At December 31, 2015  
  
  
  
At December 31, 2017  
  
  
  
+300 $6,472
 2.88 % $(3,085) (1.45)% $9,806
 2.95 % $11,193
 3.40 %
+200 4,326
 1.93
 (1,692) (0.79) 7,940
 2.39
 9,374
 2.85
+100 3,888
 1.73
 7,608
 3.57
 4,683
 1.41
 5,890
 1.79
-100 (3,935) (1.75) (4,620) (2.17) (6,424) (1.93) (12,532) (3.81)
                
At December 31, 2014  
  
  
  
At December 31, 2016  
  
  
  
+300 $1,370
 0.77 % $(742) (0.43)% $9,904
 3.96 % $7,659
 3.07 %
+200 757
 0.43
 (80) (0.05) 7,497
 3.00
 6,527
 2.62
+100 1,832
 1.03
 4,696
 2.74
 4,632
 1.85
 4,448
 1.78
-100 (1,649) (0.93) (9,059) (5.29) (5,853) (2.34) (10,100) (4.05)

AsThere were no significant changes in the sensitivity of year-end 2015, Berkshire remained modestly asset sensitive over the medium term in most interest rate parallel shift scenarios. Increases in interest rates result in highernet interest income at year-end 2017, compared to the scenariostart of unchanged interest rates. Interest incomethe year. The Company is positively affectedpositioned to modestly benefit from parallel upward shifts in the third yearyield curve in a ramped scenario. The acquisition of Commerce, with its commercial loans and deposits, was estimated to be positive for Berkshire’s asset sensitivity. This offsets the liability sensitivity introduced by the termination of Berkshire’s cash flow hedges.

In a flat rate scenario, the Company anticipates that there would be modest margin pressure on the year-end balance sheet, compared to fourth quarter results including Commerce. This is due to some asset repricings and the lagged nature of deposit repricings, along with anticipated decreases in the accretive benefits of purchase accounting. The interest sensitivity analyses are in comparison to this flat rate scenario dependingbase case. The Company also analyzes its interest sensitivity based on the timingforward yield curve. At year-end 2017, the markets expected short term rates to increase more than long term rates in 2018, pushing the yield curve up and magnitude of the interest rate increase. This reflects the repricing of assets in an upward rate environment, together with the benefit of the fixed payment swaps. The Company's position tendsflattening it. In this scenario, asset sensitivity remains positive, but closer to be initially asset sensitive as prime and LIBOR indexed loans are expected to react quickly to rate changes while modeled deposit rate changes are expected to react less quickly. Modeled interest income generally decreases in the second year, compared to the flat rate scenario,neutral due to the repricingmore modest increase in long term interest rates implied by the forward curve.

The Company also evaluates net income at risk, taking into account primarily changes in fee income that may result from interest rate changes. In dollar terms, the asset sensitivity of the Company’s net income is less than its interest income, due to the negative impact of higher rates on fee income. In percentage terms, the net income sensitivity is greater since net income is a lower base compared to net interest income. Generally, fee income is viewed as negatively correlated with changes in interest rates. Higher rates can depress demand for fixed rate products that are the chief source of loan sale gains in mortgage banking and SBA lending, as well as interest rate swap income. Higher rates also are related to higher earnings credit rates on commercial transactions accounts, which reduces deposit service charges.

The Company’s equity at risk is normally liability sensitive due to the overall shorter duration of its funds sources compared to its loans and investments. The Company estimated that the economic value of its equity was 5% negatively impacted by a modeled 200 basis point interest rate shock at year-end 2017, which was not significantly different from the 4% risk estimated at the start of the year. The Company believes that the Commerce acquisition was beneficial to its equity at risk due to the shorter duration of its earning assets and the higher concentration of transactions accounts. This benefit was offset by a change in the modeling of the Company’s deposit decay timing, with no change in modeled deposit average lives. This change was facilitated by recent systems enhancements.

A key sensitivity of the Company’s interest rate risk analysis is the behavior of deposit costs as short term rates increase. The numerous assumptions about the sensitivity of deposits result in an estimated deposit beta of about 40%, which means that a 100 basis point increase in interest rates will translate into a 40 basis point increase in deposit costs after the lagging response is fully realized. The Company estimates that the deposit beta of interest bearing deposits was 47% at year-end 2017. The Company believes that its experience in 2017 was less sensitive

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deposits. Subsequently, interest income increases above the flat rate scenario as medium term assets reprice.

If interest rates remain flat or ifthan its assumptions. Deposit activity in the yield curve flattens, the Company's net interest income could be negatively impacted during the effective period of the swaps duebanking industry is beginning to react to the contracted fixed payments, together with the ongoing effectstrend of asset yield compression which have pressured industry margins in recent years. A flattening of the yield curve was anticipated by forward interest rates at year-end 2015. Through its pricing disciplines and mix of business, Berkshire's goal is to manage its balance sheet to support the net interest margin in the event that interest rates do not rise as anticipated by management during the effective period of the swaps.

With interest rates near historic lows, the Company’s focus is on the sensitivity of interest income to current low rates, to gradual increases inincreasing short term rates and to volatility of long termfollowing the prolonged time when rates in either direction. The Company has positioned itself to benefit from expected increases in interest rates andwere very low. Uncertainties also seeks to monitor and manage risks associated with possible interest rate spikes if conditions revert suddenly from recent years affected by ongoing interventions from the monetary authorities. The Company’s long term target is to flexibly balance its growth, deposit funding, net interest margin, and interest rate risk management as it pursues its goals of expanding its footprint, increasing its market share, and improving its profitability.

The Company also estimates the sensitivity of the economic value of its equity to interest rate shocks. The Company seeks to avoid having excess long term earnings at risk when interest rates rise in the future, as anticipated. At year-end 2015, the Company estimated that the economic value of equity would decrease by approximately 11% in the event of a 200 basis point upward interest rate shock, which was within the Company's policy limits. This reflectedexist regarding the impact of fixed rate assetslower federal income taxes on medium and long term modeled net interest income if interest rates increase and remain elevated over the long term. This estimate is subject to numerous assumptions and uncertainties and is not intended as a projection of future operating results. The sensitivity of equity at risk in the modeled scenario increased slightly from 9% at year-end 2014, reflecting the modest extension of asset durations during the year.

In a prolonged low rate environment, Berkshire has a number of business strategies to support its net interest income and margin objectives. These include changes in volumes and mix of interest bearing assets and liabilities, as well asindustry pricing strategies.competition. The Company also considersbelieves that its investments, borrowings,diversified markets and derivatives strategiessources may provide it with comparative benefit in managing its incomedeposit pricing to achieve its market, earnings, and risk profile. Due to the limitations and uncertainties relating to model assumptions, the modeled computations should not be relied on as projections of income. Further, the computations do not reflect any actions that management may take in response to changes in interest rates.objectives.

In the unusual current economic and financial circumstances in the national markets, modeling assumptions depend significantly on subjective judgment which cannot be readily verified by historic data. Additionally, due to the Company’s expansion into new markets, it has more revenues dependent on customer behaviors in products and markets where it has less historic background for its modeling assumptions. The most significant modeling assumption relates to expectations for the interest sensitivity of non-maturity deposit accounts in a rising rate environment. The model assumes that deposit rate sensitivity will be a percentage of the market interest rate change. The rate sensitivity depends on the underlying amount of market rate change and the type of deposit account. The percentage rate movements are as follows: NOW accounts-ranging between 20% and 35%; money market accounts-ranging between 30% and 60%; and savings accounts-ranging between 30% and 40%. The total impact of deposit sensitivity assumptions in the model results in approximately an 80 basis point upward move in deposit costs at the end of two years in the Company’s model of a 200 basis point upward shift in interest rates.

In addition to modeling market risk in relation to net interest income, the Company also models net income at risk in various interest rate scenarios. Various sources of income, including interest rate swap income, mortgage banking revenue, seasoned loan sale gains, investment security gains, and recoveries on impaired loans are sensitive to interest rates. Additionally, wealth management revenue and service charge income may be affected by interest rate changes and other market changes that can affect interest rates. Credit underwriting criteria and loan performance can be affected by interest rate and market changes, and overall business volumes and expenses tied to those volumes may be affected. The Company considers a range of factors in the overall net income and enterprise risk management related to market risk.

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ITEM 8.  CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

The financial statementsConsolidated Financial Statements and supplementary data required by this item are presented elsewhere in this report beginning on page F-1, in the order shown below:

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ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None. 
On August 3, 2017, the Audit Committee (the "Committee") of the Board of Directors of Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc. (the "Company") notified PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP ("PwC") of its dismissal as the Company's independent registered public accounting firm. The dismissal was effective on August 9, 2017, with PwC having served as the Company's principal accountants for the first two quarters of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017. The Committee participated in, and approved the decision to change its independent registered public accounting firm.

PwC's audit reports on the Company's consolidated financial statements as of and for the years ended December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 did not contain any adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion, nor were they qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope or accounting principles.

During the two fiscal years ended December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 and the subsequent interim period through August 9, 2017, there were (i) no disagreements between the Company and PwC on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure,  or auditing scope or procedures, which, if not resolved to the satisfaction of PwC, would have caused PwC to make reference thereto in their reports on the consolidated financial statements for such years, and (ii) no "reportable events" as that term is defined in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K.

Also on August 3, 2017, the Committee completed a competitive selection process and selected Crowe Horwath LLP ("Crowe") as the Company's independent registered public accounting firm, effective August 10, 2017. During the two fiscal years ended December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 and the subsequent interim period preceding the selection of Crowe, the Company did not consult with Crowe regarding: (i) the application of accounting principles to a specified transaction, either completed or proposed; (ii) the type of audit opinion that might be rendered on the Company's financial statements, and Crowe did not provide any written report or oral advice that Crowe concluded was an important factor considered by the Company in reaching a decision as to any such accounting, auditing or financial reporting issue; or (iii) any matter that was either the subject of a disagreement with PwC on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure or auditing scope or procedure or the subject of a reportable event.


ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

The Company’s management, including the Company’s Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, have evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s “disclosure controls and procedures,” as such term is defined in Rule 13a and 15(d) -15(e) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, (the “Exchange Act”) as of December 31, 2015.2017. Based upon their evaluation, the Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer concluded that, as of that date, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective for the purpose of ensuring that the information required to be disclosed in the reports that the Company files or submits under the Exchange Act with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”): (1) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms; and (2) is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

CHANGES IN INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
The Company evaluated changes in its internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that occurred during the last fiscal quarter. The Company determined that there were no changes that materially affected, or were reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Management’s report on internal control over financial reporting and the independent registered public accounting firm’s report on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting are contained in “Item 8 — Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”

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ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION

None.

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PART III

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
 
For information concerning the directors of the Company, the information contained under the sections captioned “Proposals to be Voted on by Stockholders - Proposal 1 - Election of Directors” in Berkshire’s Proxy Statement for the 20162018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (“Proxy Statement”) is incorporated by reference.

For The following table sets forth certain information concerningregarding the executive officers of the Company, the information contained under the section captioned "Executive Officers" in the Proxy StatementCompany.

NameAgePosition
Michael P. Daly56President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company; Chief Executive Officer - Berkshire Bank
Richard M. Marotta59Senior Executive Vice President of the Company; President - Berkshire Bank
Sean A. Gray42Senior Executive Vice President of the Company; Chief Operating Officer - Berkshire Bank
James M. Moses41Senior Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer of the Company; Chief Financial Officer - Berkshire Bank
George F. Bacigalupo63Senior Executive Vice President, Commercial Banking - Berkshire Bank
Michael D. Carroll56Executive Vice President, Commercial Banking and Specialty Lending - Berkshire Bank
Tami F. Gunsch55Executive Vice President & Director of Relationship Banking - Berkshire Bank
Gregory D. Lindenmuth50Executive Vice President, Chief Risk Officer - Berkshire Bank
Allison P. O'Rourke42Executive Vice President, Finance & Investor Relations - Berkshire Bank

The executive officers are elected annually and hold office until their successors have been elected and qualified or until they are removed or replaced. Mr. Daly is incorporated by reference.employed pursuant to a three-year employment agreement which renews automatically if not otherwise terminated pursuant to its terms.

BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION

Michael P. Daly. Age 56.  Mr. Daly has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company and Chief Executive Officer of the Bank since October 2002. Before these appointments, he served as Executive Vice President and Senior Loan Officer of the Bank. He has been an employee since 1986. He has served as a Director of the Company and the Bank since 2002.


Richard M. Marotta. Age 59.  Mr. Marotta was promoted to Senior Executive Vice President of the Company and President of the Bank in September 2015, having previously served as Executive Vice President, Chief Risk Officer since January 2010, as well as Chief Administrative Officer since July 2013. He is responsible for overall risk management, compliance, human resources, information technology, legal, and strategic services, and oversees audit, which reports to the Board. Mr. Marotta was previously Executive Vice President and Group Head, Asset Recovery at KeyBank.


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Sean A. Gray. Age 42. Mr. Gray was promoted to Senior Executive Vice President of the Company and Chief Operating Officer of the Bank in September 2015, having previously served as Executive Vice President, Retail Banking since 2010 and as a Senior Vice President since April 2008. Mr. Gray is responsible for the operating teams of the bank, including retail banking, commercial banking, specialty lending, mortgage banking, wealth management, insurance, and marketing. Mr. Gray joined the Company in January 2007 as First Vice President, Retail Banking. Prior to joining the Bank, Mr. Gray was Vice President and Consumer Market Manager at Bank of America, in Waltham, Massachusetts.


James M. Moses. Age 41.  Mr. Moses is Senior Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer of the Company and the Bank, since joining the Bank in July 2016. He is responsible for the accounting, treasury, tax, and capital markets functions. Mr. Moses previously served at Webster Bank as Senior Vice President and Asset/Liability Manager. Mr. Moses joined Webster Bank in 2011 from M&T Bank where he spent four years in various roles including head mortgage trader, deposit products pricing manager and consumer credit card product manager.


George F. Bacigalupo. Age 63. Mr. Bacigalupo was promoted to Senior Executive Vice President, Commercial Banking in September 2015, having previously served as an Executive Vice President since October 2013 and Senior Vice President, Chief Credit Officer since 2011. Mr. Bacigalupo is responsible for commercial banking, including the middle-market, business banking and asset based lending teams in Eastern and Central Massachusetts and Connecticut. Previously, Mr. Bacigalupo was EVP of Specialty Lending at TD Banknorth, where he established the ABL and other middle-market lending groups. Subsequently, at TD Bank, he was the Senior Lender for New England.


Michael D. Carroll. Age 56. Mr. Carroll is Executive Vice President, Commercial Banking and Specialty Lending of Berkshire Bank, a position he was promoted to in October 2017. Mr. Carroll has previously held the positions of EVP, Chief Risk Officer and SVP, Chief Credit Officer managing the risk and credit departments of the Bank. In his role as EVP, Commercial Banking and Specialty Lending he is responsible for Firestone Financial (equipment leasing) and 44 Business Capital (SBA Lending) and is the executive leader of the regional commercial teams in Berkshire County, Vermont, Albany, Syracuse, and the Mid-Atlantic region. He joined the company in 2009 as SVP, New York Regional Commercial Leader. Previously, Mr. Carroll was Senior Vice President, Middle Market banking at KeyBank.



Tami F. Gunsch. Age 55.  Ms. Gunsch is Executive Vice President & Director of Relationship Banking, a position she was promoted to in January 2018. In this role, Ms. Gunsch will develop and lead the relationship banking strategy across all lines of business. She is further responsible for all aspects of the retail banking consumer experience, including branch operations, consumer lending, call center, and electronic/mobile banking. Ms. Gunsch has previously held the positions of EVP, Retail Banking and Senior Vice President since October 2011. Ms. Gunsch joined Berkshire from Citizens Bank in 2009 as First VP of Retail Banking.



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Gregory D. Lindenmuth. Age 50.  Mr. Lindenmuth is the Executive Vice President, Chief Risk Officer of Berkshire Bank. Mr. Lindenmuth is responsible for Credit, credit/risk administration, and loan workout. Mr. Lindenmuth previously served as Senior Risk Examiner for the Division of Risk Management Supervision with the FDIC, where he was employed for 24 years. With the FDIC, Mr. Lindenmuth was also a Capital Markets, Mortgage Banking and Fraud Specialist and a member of the National Examination Procedures Committee.


Allison P. O’Rourke. Age 42. Ms. O’Rourke is Executive Vice President, Finance & Investor Relations, a position she assumed in January 2017, having previously served as Executive Vice President, Investor Relations Officer and Financial Institutions Banking. She joined the Company in 2013 and is responsible for investor relations, financial institutions banking, and financial planning and analysis. Ms. O’Rourke joined the Bank as Vice President in 2013 from the NYSE Euronext and previously worked in securities brokerage with Goldman Sachs and Speer Leeds and Kellogg.

Reference is made to the cover page of this report and to the section captioned "Other“Other Information Relating to Directors and Executive Officers - Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance"Compliance” in the Proxy Statement for information regarding compliance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act. For information concerning the audit committee and the audit committee financial expert, reference is made to the section captioned "Corporate“Corporate Governance - Committees of the Board of Directors"Directors” and "Audit Committee"“Corporate Governance - Audit Committee” in the Proxy Statement.

For information concerning the Company'sCompany’s code of ethics, the information contained under the section captioned "Corporate“Corporate Governance - Code of Business Conduct"Conduct and Anonymous Reporting Line Policy” in the Proxy Statement is incorporated by reference. A copy of the Company'sCompany’s code of ethics is available to shareholders through the Investor Relations tabstockholders on the Company'sCompany’s website at "www.berkshirebank.com."
http://ir.berkshirebank.com.


ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

For information regarding executive compensation, the sections captioned “Director Compensation”,  “Compensation Discussion and Analysis,” and “Executive Compensation” in the Proxy Statement are incorporated herein by reference.

For information regarding the Compensation Committee Report, the section captioned “Compensation Committee Report” in the Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.

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ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDERSHAREHOLDER MATTERS
 
(a)Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners
Information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the section captioned “Stock Ownership” in the Proxy Statement. 
    
(b)Security Ownership of Management
Information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the section captioned “Stock Ownership” in the Proxy Statement.

(c)Changes in Control
Management of Berkshire knows of no arrangements, including any pledge by any person of securities of Berkshire, the operation of which may at a subsequent date result in a change in control of the registrant.
 
(d)Equity Compensation Plan Information
The following table sets forth information, as of December 31, 2015,2017, about Company common stock that may be issued upon exercise of options under stock-based benefit plans maintained by the Company, as well as the number of securities available for issuance under equity compensation plans:
Plan category 
Number of securities
to be issued upon
exercise of
outstanding options, warrants and rights
 
Weighted-average
exercise price of
outstanding options, warrants and rights
 
Number of securities
remaining available for
future issuance under
equity compensation plans
(excluding securities reflected in the first column)
 
Number of securities
to be issued upon
exercise of
outstanding options, warrants and rights
 
Weighted-average
exercise price of
outstanding options, warrants and rights
 
Number of securities
remaining available for
future issuance under
equity compensation plans
(excluding securities reflected in the first column)
      
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders 265,000
 $21.08
 760,446
 75,589
 $13.59
 389,536
      
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders 
 
 
 
 
 
      
Total 265,000
 $21.08
 760,446
 75,589
 $13.59
 389,536


ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the sections captioned “Other Information Relating to Directors and Executive Officers — Transactions with Related Persons” and “Procedures Governing Related Persons Transactions” in the Proxy Statement. Information regarding director independence is incorporated herein by reference to the section captioned “Proposals to be Voted on by StockholdersShareholders — Proposal 1 — Election of Directors” in the Proxy Statement.


ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES

The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the section captioned “Proposals to be Voted on by StockholdersShareholders — Proposal 36 — Ratification of the Appointment of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” in the Proxy Statement.

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PART IV

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

(a)
[1]    Consolidated Financial Statements
The consolidated financial statementsConsolidated Financial Statements required to be filed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K are included in Part II, Item 8 hereof.

[2]Financial Statement Schedules

All financial statement schedules are omitted because the required information is either included or is not applicable.
 

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[3]
Exhibits
2.1
Agreement and Plan of Merger by and between Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc. and Hampden Bancorp, Inc. (1)
2.2
Agreement and Plan of Merger by and among Firestone Financial Corp., Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc., Berkshire Bank, Jacob Acquisition LLC, and David S. Cohen, solely in his capacity as the representative, dated May 21, 2015 (2)
3.1
 
3.2
 
3.3
3.4
4.1
 
4.2
 
10.1
 
10.2
 
10.3
 
10.4
 
10.5
 Amended and Restated
10.6
 
10.7
10.710.8
 
10.810.9
 
10.910.10
 
10.1010.11
 
10.11
Legacy Bancorp, Inc. Amended and Restated 2006 Equity Incentive Plan (15)(16)
10.12
 
10.13

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11.0
 
21.0
 
23.1
 
23.2
31.1
 
31.2
 
32.1
 
32.2
 
101
 

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(1)
Incorporated herein by reference from the Exhibits to the Form 8-K as filed on November 4, 2014.
(2)
Incorporated herein by reference from the Exhibits to the Form 8-K as filed on May 22, 2015
(3)
 Incorporated herein by reference from the Exhibits to Form S-1, Registration Statement and amendments thereto, initially filed on March 10, 2000, Registration No. 333-32146.
(4)
(2)
 Incorporated herein by reference from the Exhibits to the Form 8-K as filed on December 18, 2012.June 26, 2017.
(3)
Incorporated herein by reference from the Exhibits to the Form 10-Q as filed on November 9, 2017.

(4)
Incorporated herein by reference from the Exhibits to the Form 8-K as filed on October 16, 2017.

(5)
 Incorporated by reference from the Exhibits to the Form 8-K as filed on September 26, 2012.
(6)
 Incorporated herein by reference from the Exhibits to the Form 8-K as filed on January 6, 2009.
(7)
 Incorporated herein by reference from the Exhibits to Form 10-K as filed on March 16, 2009.
(8)
 Incorporated herein by reference from the Exhibit to the Form 10-K as filed on March 17, 2014.
(9)
Incorporated herein by reference from the Exhibits to the Form 8-K as filed on September 23, 2016.
(10) Incorporated herein by reference from the Exhibits to the Form 10-K as filed on March 16, 2010.
(10)(11)
Incorporated herein by reference from the Exhibits to the Form 8-K as filed on June 29, 2016.
(12) Incorporated herein by reference from the Exhibits to the Form 10-K as filed on March 16, 2011.
(11)
(13)
 Incorporated herein by reference from the Exhibit to the Form 8-K as filed on January 19, 2011.
(12)
(14)
 Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.16 to the Form 10-Q as filed on August 16,9, 2012.
(13)
(15)
 Incorporated herein by reference from the Appendix to the Proxy Statement as filed on March 24, 2011.
(14)
(16)
 Incorporated herein by reference from the Appendix to the Proxy Statement as filed on April 2, 2013.
(15)
(17)
 Incorporated herein by reference from the Exhibits to the Form 8-K as filed by Legacy Bancorp, Inc. on December 22, 2010.January 23, 2015.


ITEM 16. FORM 10-K SUMMARY

None.

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc.
Date: February 29, 2016March 1, 2018By:/s/ Michael P. Daly
  Michael P. Daly
  President & Chief Executive Officer
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
/s/ Michael P. Daly President & Chief Executive Officer February 29, 2016March 1, 2018
Michael P. Daly (principal executive officer)  
     
/s/ Josephine IannelliJames M. Moses Senior Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer February 29, 2016March 1, 2018
Josephine IannelliJames M. Moses (principal financial and accounting officer)  
     
/s/ William J. Ryan Non-Executive Chairman February 29, 2016March 1, 2018
William J. Ryan    
     
/s/ Paul T. Bossidy Director February 29, 2016March 1, 2018
Paul T. Bossidy    
     
/s/ Thomas R. BurtonDavid M. Brunelle Director February 29, 2016March 1, 2018
Thomas R. BurtonDavid M. Brunelle    
     
/s/ Robert M. Curley Director February 29, 2016March 1, 2018
Robert M. Curley    
     
/s/ John B. Davies Director February 29, 2016March 1, 2018
John B. Davies
/s/ Rodney C. DimockDirectorFebruary 29, 2016
Rodney C. Dimock    
     
/s/ J. Williar Dunlaevy Director February 29, 2016March 1, 2018
J. Williar Dunlaevy
/s/ Susan M. HillDirectorFebruary 29, 2016
Susan M. Hill    
     
/s/ Cornelius D. Mahoney Director February 29, 2016March 1, 2018
Cornelius D. Mahoney
/s/ Pamela A. MassadDirectorMarch 1, 2018
Pamela A. Massad    
     
/s/ Laurie Norton Moffatt Director February 29, 2016March 1, 2018
Laurie Norton Moffatt    
     
/s/ Richard J. Murphy Director February 29, 2016March 1, 2018
Richard J. Murphy    
     
/s/ Barton D. RaserPatrick J. Sheehan Director February 29, 2016March 1, 2018
Barton D. Raser
/s/ Richard D. SuskiDirectorFebruary 29, 2016
Richard D. SuskiPatrick J. Sheehan    
     
/s/ D. Jeffrey Templeton Director February 29, 2016March 1, 2018
D. Jeffrey Templeton    

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ITEM 8. CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

The management of the Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed under the supervision of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of the Company’s financial statementsConsolidated Financial Statements for external reporting purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

As of December 31, 2015,2017, management conducted an assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on the framework established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued in 2013, by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Based on this assessment, management has determined that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 20152017 was effective.

Management has excluded Commerce Bancshares Corp. and subsidiaries ("Commerce") from its assessment of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017 because this entity was acquired in a business combination in 2017. Commerce represents 17% of total assets and less than 1% of total revenue, respectively, of the related Consolidated Financial Statement amounts as of and for the year ended December 31, 2017.

The Company’s internal control over financial reporting includes policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

The effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 20152017 has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopersCrowe Horwath LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report, which follows. This report expresses an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015.2017.

 
/s/ Michael P. Daly /s/ Josephine IannelliJames M. Moses
Michael P. Daly Josephine IannelliJames M. Moses
President & Chief Executive Officer Senior Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
February 29, 2016March 1, 2018 February 29, 2016March 1, 2018


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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To Shareholders and the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc.

In our opinion,Opinions on the Financial Statements and Internal Control over Financial Reporting

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets andsheet of Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc. (the "Company") as of December 31, 2017, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, stockholders’changes in shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2017, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the "financial statements"). We also have audited the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued in 2013 by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”).

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) atthe Company as of December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014,2017, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the periodyear ended December 31, 20152017 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015,2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013)issued in 2013 by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). COSO.

Basis for Opinions

The Company'sCompany’s management is responsible for these financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management'sManagement’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express opinionsan opinion on thesethe Company’s financial statements and an opinion on the Company'sCompany’s internal control over financial reporting based on our integrated audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) ("PCAOB") and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud, and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.

Our auditsaudit of the financial statements included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence supportingregarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessingstatements. Our audit also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, andas well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statement presentation.statements. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk.

As permitted, the Company has excluded the operations of Commerce Bancshares Corp. and subsidiaries (“Commerce”), acquired during 2017 and which is described in Note 2 of the financial statements, from the scope of management’s report on internal control over financial reporting. As such, Commerce has also been excluded from the scope of our audit of internal control over financial reporting.

Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.


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Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i)(1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii)(2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii)(3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.


/s/ Crowe Horwath LLP
We have served as the Company's auditor since 2017
New York, New York
March 1, 2018

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of
Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc.

In our opinion, the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2016 and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in shareholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2016 present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc. and its subsidiaries as of December 31, 2016, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2016, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these financial statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.


/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Boston, Massachusetts
February 29, 2016March 1, 2017


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BERKSHIRE HILLS BANCORP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 December 31, December 31,
(In thousands, except share data) 2015 2014 2017 2016
Assets  
  
  
  
Cash and due from banks $72,918
 $54,179
 $91,122
 $71,494
Short-term investments 30,644
 17,575
 157,641
 41,581
Total cash and cash equivalents 103,562
 71,754
 248,763
 113,075
        
Trading security 14,189
 14,909
 12,277
 13,229
Securities available for sale, at fair value 1,154,457
 1,091,818
 1,426,099
 1,209,537
Securities held to maturity (fair values of $136,904 in 2015 and $44,997 in 2014) 131,652
 43,347
Securities held to maturity (fair values of 405,276 in 2017 and $337,680 in 2016) 397,103
 334,368
Federal Home Loan Bank stock and other restricted securities 71,018
 55,720
 63,085
 71,112
Total securities 1,371,316
 1,205,794
 1,898,564
 1,628,246
        
Loans held for sale, at fair value 13,191
 19,493
 153,620
 120,673
        
Residential mortgages 1,815,035
 1,496,204
Commercial real estate 2,059,767
 1,611,567
 3,264,742
 2,616,438
Commercial and industrial loans 1,048,263
 804,366
 1,803,939
 1,062,038
Residential mortgages 2,102,807
 1,893,131
Consumer loans 802,171
 768,463
 1,127,850
 978,180
Total loans 5,725,236
 4,680,600
 8,299,338
 6,549,787
Less: Allowance for loan losses (39,308) (35,662) (51,834) (43,998)
Net loans 5,685,928
 4,644,938
 8,247,504
 6,505,789
        
Premises and equipment, net 88,072
 87,279
 109,352
 93,215
Other real estate owned 1,725
 2,049
 
 151
Goodwill 323,943
 264,742
 519,287
 403,106
Other intangible assets 10,664
 11,528
 38,296
 19,445
Cash surrender value of bank-owned life insurance 125,233
 104,588
 191,221
 139,257
Deferred tax assets, net 42,526
 28,776
 47,061
 41,128
Other assets 65,755
 61,090
 117,083
 98,457
Total assets $7,831,915
 $6,502,031
 $11,570,751
 $9,162,542
        
Liabilities  
  
  
  
Demand deposits $1,081,860
 $869,302
 $1,667,323
 $1,278,875
NOW deposits 510,807
 426,108
 673,891
 570,583
Money market deposits 1,408,107
 1,407,179
 2,776,157
 1,781,605
Savings deposits 601,761
 496,344
 741,954
 657,486
Time deposits 1,986,600
 1,455,746
 2,890,205
 2,333,543
Total deposits 5,589,135
 4,654,679
 8,749,530
 6,622,092
Short-term debt 1,071,200
 900,900
 667,300
 1,082,044
Long-term Federal Home Loan Bank advances 103,135
 61,676
 380,436
 142,792
Subordinated notes 89,812
 89,747
 89,339
 89,161
Total borrowings 1,264,147
 1,052,323
 1,137,075
 1,313,997
Other liabilities 91,444
 85,742
 187,882
 133,155
Total liabilities 6,944,726
 5,792,744
 10,074,487
 8,069,244
    
Commitments and contingencies (See note 17) 

 

(continued)
Stockholders’ equity  
  
Common stock ($.01 par value; 50,000,000 shares authorized, 32,321,962 shares issued, and 30,973,986 shares outstanding in 2015; 50,000,000 shares authorized, 26,525,466 shares issued, and 25,182,566 shares outstanding in 2014) 322
 265
Additional paid-in capital 742,619
 585,289
Unearned compensation (6,997) (6,147)
Retained earnings 183,885
 156,446
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income (3,305) 6,579
Treasury stock, at cost (1,179,045 shares in 2015 and 1,342,900 shares in 2014) (29,335) (33,145)
Total stockholders’ equity 887,189
 709,287
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $7,831,915
 $6,502,031
Shareholders’ equity  
  
Preferred Stock (Series B non-voting convertible preferred stock - $0.01 par value; 1,000,000 shares authorized, 521,607 shares issued and outstanding in 2017; 1,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued and outstanding in 2016)
 40,633
 
Common stock ($.01 par value; 50,000,000 shares authorized, 46,211,894 shares issued, and 45,290,433 shares outstanding in 2017; 50,000,000 shares authorized, 36,732,129 shares issued, and 35,672,817 shares outstanding in 2016) 460
 366
Additional paid-in capital - common stock 1,242,487
 898,989
Unearned compensation (6,531) (6,374)
Retained earnings 239,179
 217,494
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) 4,161
 9,766
Treasury stock, at cost (921,461 shares in 2017 and 1,059,312 shares in 2016) (24,125) (26,943)
Total shareholders’ equity 1,496,264
 1,093,298
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $11,570,751
 $9,162,542
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


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BERKSHIRE HILLS BANCORP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

 Years Ended December 31, Years Ended December 31,
(In thousands, except per share data) 2015 2014 2013
(In thousands) 2017 2016 2015
Interest and dividend income  
  
  
  
  
  
Loans $211,347
 $174,467
 $186,115
 $308,099
 $242,600
 $211,347
Securities and other 35,683
 32,575
 17,626
 52,159
 37,839
 35,683
Total interest and dividend income 247,030
 207,042
 203,741
 360,258
 280,439
 247,030
Interest expense  
  
  
  
  
  
Deposits 22,948
 19,185
 20,859
 43,855
 30,883
 22,948
Borrowings and subordinated notes 10,233
 9,166
 14,130
 21,608
 17,289
 10,233
Total interest expense 33,181
 28,351
 34,989
 65,463
 48,172
 33,181
Net interest income 213,849
 178,691
 168,752
 294,795
 232,267
 213,849
Non-interest income  
  
  
  
  
  
Mortgage banking income 54,251
 7,555
 4,133
Loan related income 8,310
 6,328
 8,247
 21,401
 16,694
 8,310
Mortgage banking income 4,133
 2,561
 5,235
Deposit related fees 25,084
 24,635
 18,340
 27,165
 24,963
 25,084
Insurance commissions and fees 10,251
 10,364
 10,020
 10,589
 10,477
 10,251
Wealth management fees 9,702
 9,546
 8,683
 9,395
 8,917
 9,702
Total fee income 57,480
 53,434
 50,525
 122,801
 68,606
 57,480
Other (5,302) 2,646
 2,949
 (3,377) (3,289) (5,302)
Gain on securities, net 2,110
 482
 4,758
Gain (Loss) on securities, net 12,598
 (551) 2,110
Gain on sale of business operations, net 296
 1,085
 
Loss on termination of hedges 
 (8,792) 
 (6,629) 
 
Total non-interest income 54,288
 47,770
 58,232
 125,689
 65,851
 54,288
Total net revenue 268,137
 226,461
 226,984
 420,484
 298,118
 268,137
Provision for loan losses 16,726
 14,968
 11,378
 21,025
 17,362
 16,726
Non-interest expense  
  
  
  
  
  
Compensation and benefits 97,370
 81,768
 71,134
 152,979
 104,600
 97,370
Occupancy and equipment 28,486
 26,905
 22,540
 35,422
 27,220
 28,486
Technology and communications 16,881
 14,764
 12,944
 25,900
 19,883
 16,881
Marketing and promotion 3,306
 2,572
 2,596
 11,877
 3,161
 3,306
Professional services 5,172
 4,211
 6,569
 9,165
 6,199
 5,172
FDIC premiums and assessments 4,649
 4,284
 3,473
 6,457
 5,066
 4,649
Other real estate owned and foreclosures 833
 801
 700
 44
 691
 833
Amortization of intangible assets 3,563
 4,812
 5,268
 3,493
 2,927
 3,563
Merger, restructuring and conversion related expenses 17,611
 8,491
 14,848
 31,558
 15,461
 17,611
Other 18,958
 17,378
 17,287
 22,815
 18,094
 18,958
Total non-interest expense 196,829
 165,986
 157,359
 299,710
 203,302
 196,829
Income from continuing operations before income taxes 54,582
 45,507
 58,247
 99,749
 77,454
 54,582
Income tax expense 5,064
 11,763
 17,104
 44,502
 18,784
 5,064
Net income $49,518
 $33,744
 $41,143
 $55,247
 $58,670
 $49,518
Preferred stock dividend 219
 
 
Income available to common shareholders $55,028
 $58,670
 $49,518
            
Basic earnings per share $1.74
 $1.36
 $1.66
      
Diluted earnings per share $1.73
 $1.36
 $1.65
      
Earnings per common share:      
Basic $1.40
 $1.89
 $1.74
Diluted $1.39
 $1.88
 $1.73
Weighted average common shares outstanding:  
  
  
  
  
  
Basic 28,393
 24,730
 24,802
 39,456
 30,988
 28,393
Diluted 28,564
 24,854
 24,965
 39,695
 31,167
 28,564
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

F-4F-6

Table of Contenets
BERKSHIRE HILLS BANCORP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

 Years Ended December 31, Years Ended December 31,
(In thousands) 2015 2014 2013 2017 2016 2015
      
Net income $49,518
 $33,744
 $41,143
 $55,247
 $58,670
 $49,518
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax:  
  
  
  
  
  
Changes in unrealized gains and losses on securities available-for-sale (9,677) 25,287
 (20,012) (15,142) 18,859
 (9,677)
Changes in unrealized gains and losses on derivative hedges (5,232) (1,010) 8,666
 6,573
 1,959
 (5,232)
Changes in unrealized gains and losses on terminated swaps 
 3,237
 942
Changes in unrealized gains and losses on pension (1,177) (2,308) 1,282
 (94) 515
 (1,177)
Total other comprehensive (loss) income, before tax (16,086) 25,206
 (9,122)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), before tax (8,663) 21,333
 (16,086)
Income taxes related to other comprehensive income (loss):  
  
  
  
  
  
Changes in unrealized gains and losses on securities available-for-sale 3,640
 (9,595) 7,524
 5,610
 (7,199) 3,640
Changes in unrealized gains and losses on derivative hedges 2,094
 407
 (3,474) (2,589) (835) 2,094
Changes in unrealized gains and losses on terminated swaps 
 (1,312) (489)
Changes in unrealized gains and losses on pension 468
 930
 (517) 37
 (228) 468
Total income tax benefit (expense) related to other comprehensive income (loss) 6,202
 (9,570) 3,044
Total other comprehensive (loss) income (9,884) 15,636
 (6,078)
Total income tax (expense) benefit related to other comprehensive income (loss) 3,058
 (8,262) 6,202
Total other comprehensive income (loss) (5,605) 13,071
 (9,884)
Total comprehensive income $39,634
 $49,380
 $35,065
 $49,642
 $71,741
 $39,634
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


F-5F-7

Table of Contents
BERKSHIRE HILLS BANCORP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(In thousands, except per share data) Shares Amount 
Additional
paid-in
capital
 
Unearned
compensation
 
Retained
earnings
 
Accumulated
other comprehensive
(loss) income
 
Treasury
stock
 Total
                 
Balance at January 1, 2013 25,148
 $265
 $585,360
 $(3,035) $122,014
 $(2,979) $(34,360) $667,265
                 
Comprehensive income:  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Net income 
 
 
 
 41,143
 
 
 41,143
Other net comprehensive loss 
 
 
 
 
 (6,078) 
 (6,078)
Total comprehensive income  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 35,065
Cash dividends declared ($0.72 per share) 
 
 
 
 (18,118) 
 
 (18,118)
Treasury stock purchased (480)           (12,249) (12,249)
Forfeited shares (58) 
 224
 1,330
 
 
 (1,554) 
Exercise of stock options 237
 
 
 
 (3,081) 
 6,126
 3,045
Restricted stock grants 243
 
 (634) (5,958) 
 
 6,592
 
Stock-based compensation 
 
 860
 2,100
 
 
 
 2,960
Net tax benefit related to stock-based compensation 
 
 1,451
 
 
 
 
 1,451
Other, net (54) 
 (14) 
 
 
 (1,343) (1,357)
Balance at December 31, 2013 25,036
 $265
 $587,247
 $(5,563) $141,958
 $(9,057) $(36,788) $678,062
                 
Comprehensive income:  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Net income 
 
 
 
 33,744
 
 
 33,744
Other net comprehensive income 
 
 
 
 
 15,636
 
 15,636
Total comprehensive income  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 49,380
Cash dividends declared ($0.72 per share) 
 
 
 
 (18,075) 
 
 (18,075)
Treasury stock purchased (100) 
 
 
 
 
 (2,468) (2,468)
Forfeited shares (9) 
 (3) 221
 
 
 (218) 
Exercise of stock options 90
 
 
 
 (1,181) 
 2,245
 1,064
Restricted stock grants 187
 
 (19) (4,604) 
 
 4,623
 
Stock-based compensation 
 
 41
 3,799
 
 
 
 3,840
Net tax benefit related to stock-based compensation 
 
 (1,971) 
 
 
 
 (1,971)
Other, net (21) 
 (6) 
 
 
 (539) (545)
                 
Balance at December 31, 2014 25,183
 $265
 $585,289
 $(6,147) $156,446
 $6,579
 $(33,145) $709,287
                 
Comprehensive income:  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Net income 
 
 
 
 49,518
 
 
 49,518
Other net comprehensive loss 
 
 
 
 
 (9,884) 
 (9,884)
Total comprehensive income  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 39,634
Stock issued through acquisition of Hampden Bancorp, Inc. 4,186
 42
 114,562
 
 
 
 
 114,604
Stock issued through acquisition of Firestone Financial 1,442
 15
 42,092
 
 
 
 
 42,107
Cash dividends declared ($0.76 per share) 
 
 
 
 (21,903) 
 
 (21,903)
Treasury stock purchased (18) 
 
 
 
 
 (550) (550)
Forfeited shares (20) 
 47
 509
 
 
 (556) 
Exercise of stock options 16
 
 
 
 (176) 
 415
 239
Restricted stock grants 226
 
 440
 (6,029) 
 
 5,589
 
Stock-based compensation 
 
 
 4,670
 
 
 
 4,670
Net tax benefit related to stock-based compensation 
 
 167
 
 
 
 
 167
Other, net (41) 
 22
 
 
 
 (1,088) (1,066)
Balance at December 31, 2015 30,974
 $322
 $742,619
 $(6,997) $183,885
 $(3,305) $(29,335) $887,189
 Preferred StockCommon StockAdditional paid-inUnearnedRetainedAccumulated other comprehensiveTreasury 
(In thousands, except per share data)SharesAmountSharesAmountcapitalcompensationearnings(loss) incomestockTotal
Balance at January 1, 2015

25,183
$265
$585,289
$(6,147)$156,446
$6,579
$(33,145)$709,287
Comprehensive income:   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income





49,518


49,518
Other net comprehensive (loss)






(9,884)
(9,884)
Total comprehensive income=sum(J5:J6)
=sum(J5:J6)
=sum(J5:J6)
=sum(J5:J6)
=sum(J5:J6)
=sum(J5:J6)
49,518
(9,884)
39,634
Acquisition of Hampden Bancorp, Inc

4,186
42
114,562




114,604
Acquisition of Firestone Financial

1,442
15
42,092




42,107
Cash dividends declared on common shares ($0.76 per share)





(21,903)

(21,903)
Treasury stock purchased

(18)




(550)(550)
Forfeited shares

(20)
47
509


(556)
Exercise of stock options

16



(176)
415
239
Restricted stock grants

226

440
(6,029)

5,589

Stock-based compensation




4,670



4,670
Net tax benefit related to stock-based compensation



167




167
Other, net

(41)
22



(1,088)(1,066)
Balance at December 31, 2015

30,974
$322
$742,619
$(6,997)$183,885
$(3,305)$(29,335)$887,189
Comprehensive income: 0
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income





58,670


58,670
Other net comprehensive income






13,071

13,071
Total comprehensive income





58,670
13,071

71,741
Acquisition of 44 Business Capital

45





1,217
1,217
Acquisition of First Choice Bank

4,410
44
151,004




151,048
Cash dividends declared on common shares ($0.80 per share)





(24,916)

(24,916)
Treasury stock adjustment (1)



4,632



(4,632)
Forfeited shares

(70)
148
1,789


(1,937)
Exercise of stock options

151



(145)
3,857
3,712
Restricted stock grants

211

575
(5,787)

5,212

Stock-based compensation




4,621



4,621
Net tax benefit related to stock-based compensation



(1)



(1)
Other, net

(48)
12



(1,325)(1,313)
Balance at December 31, 2016

35,673
$366
$898,989
$(6,374)$217,494
$9,766
$(26,943)$1,093,298
Comprehensive income:   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income





55,247


55,247
Other net comprehensive (loss)






(5,605)
(5,605)
Total comprehensive income





55,247
(5,605)
49,642
Acquisition of Commerce Bank522
40,633
4,842
48
188,552




229,233
Common stock issued, net of $7.1 million offering costs

4,638
46
152,938




152,984
Cash dividends declared on common shares ($0.84 per share)





(33,022)

(33,022)
Cash dividends declared on preferred shares ($0.42 per share)





(219)

(219)
Forfeited shares

(17)
102
516


(618)
Exercise of stock options

19



(158)
487
329
Restricted stock grants

161

1,650
(5,775)

4,125

Stock-based compensation




5,102



5,102
Other, net

(26)
256

(163)
(1,176)(1,083)
Balance at December 31, 2017522
40,633
45,290
$460
$1,242,487
$(6,531)$239,179
$4,161
$(24,125)$1,496,264
(1)Treasury stock adjustment represents the extinguishment of 168,931 shares of Berkshire Hills Bancorp stock held by the Company's subsidiary.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


F-6F-8

Table of Contents
BERKSHIRE HILLS BANCORP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 Years Ended December 31, Years Ended December 31,
(In thousands) 2015 2014 2013 2017 2016 2015
      
Cash flows from operating activities:  
  
  
  
  
  
Net income $49,518
 $33,744
 $41,143
 $55,247
 $58,670
 $49,518
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:  
  
  
  
  
  
Provision for loan losses 16,726
 14,968
 11,378
 21,025
 17,362
 16,726
Net amortization of securities 3,010
 2,447
 1,635
 1,678
 4,052
 3,010
Unamortized net loan costs and premiums (961) (2,237) (8,350)
Net change in unamortized loan origination costs and premium 2,232
 (4,138) (961)
Premises and equipment depreciation and amortization expense 8,594
 8,292
 7,120
 9,916
 8,393
 8,594
Stock-based compensation expense 4,686
 3,839
 2,960
 5,102
 4,621
 4,686
Accretion of purchase accounting entries, net (10,074) (6,938) (20,313) (18,189) (9,407) (10,074)
Amortization of other intangibles 3,563
 4,812
 5,268
 3,493
 2,927
 3,563
Write down of other real estate owned 480
 196
 135
 10
 395
 480
Excess tax loss from stock-based payment arrangements (167) (102) (1,451) 
 (105) (167)
Income from cash surrender value of bank-owned life insurance policies (3,356) (3,058) (3,518) (3,615) (3,913) (3,356)
Gain on sales of securities, net (2,110) (482) (4,758)
(Loss) gain on sales of securities, net (12,598) 551
 (2,110)
Net (increase) decrease in loans held for sale (3,212) (3,653) 69,528
 (32,947) 5,185
 (3,212)
Loss on disposition of assets 3,514
 662
 4,232
 912
 1,318
 3,514
Loss (gain) on sale of real estate 191
 231
 (2)
Loss on termination of hedges 
 3,237
 
(Gain) loss on sale of real estate (51) 40
 191
Amortization of tax credits 11,428
 1,668
 
 8,477
 8,882
 11,428
Remeasurement of deferred tax asset 18,145
 
 
Net change in other

 4,458
 (1,803) 22,404
 19,254
 3,309
 4,458
Net cash provided by operating activities 86,288
 55,823
 127,411
 78,091
 98,142
 86,288
            
Cash flows from investing activities:  
  
  
  
  
  
Net decrease in trading security 570
 541
 512
 632
 599
 570
Proceeds from sales of securities available for sale 41,169
 143,488
 19,386
 188,921
 421,843
 41,169
Proceeds from maturities, calls and prepayments of securities available for sale 184,753
 131,202
 113,749
 206,648
 166,736
 184,753
Purchases of securities available for sale (285,637) (575,504) (443,906) (498,646) (400,053) (285,637)
Proceeds from maturities, calls and prepayments of securities held to maturity 8,534
 4,800
 8,991
 12,600
 7,734
 8,534
Purchases of securities held to maturity (62,274) (3,227) (2,888) (77,208) (7,115) (62,274)
Net change in loans (388,091) (481,846) (181,039) (468,331) (334,347) (388,091)
Acquisitions, net of cash paid 74,324
 423,416
 
 374,611
 (48,180) 74,324
Net cash used for branch sale (11,715) 
 
 
 
 (11,715)
Proceeds from surrender of bank-owned life insurance 554
 
 186
 310
 258
 554
Purchase of bank-owned life insurance 
 
 (10,000) (20,000) 
 
Proceeds from sale of Federal Home Loan Bank stock 2,357
 5,340
 2,434
 96,378
 19,461
 2,357
Purchase of Federal Home Loan Bank stock (10,706) (10,778) (12,932) (88,351) (19,555) (10,706)
Proceeds of premises and equipment 2,261
 2,315
 
Proceeds from premises and equipment 
 226
 2,261
Purchase of premises and equipment, net (7,340) (8,451) (13,103) (12,528) (9,101) (7,340)
Net investment in limited partnership tax credits (5,105) (5,384) 
 (5,102) (7,616) (5,105)
Payment to terminate cash flow hedges 6,573
 
 
Proceeds from sale of other real estate 1,854
 4,784
 3,416
 590
 1,515
 1,854
Net cash used in investing activities (454,492) (369,304) (515,194) (282,903) (207,595) (454,492)
 (continued)

 

F-7F-9

Table of Contents
BERKSHIRE HILLS BANCORP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (CONCLUDED)


 Years ended December 31, Years ended December 31,
(In thousands) 2015 2014 2013 2017 2016 2015
      
Cash flows from financing activities:  
  
  
  
  
  
Net increase (decrease) in deposits $475,823
 $340,856
 $(225,070)
Net increase in deposits $418,550
 $140,730
 $475,823
Proceeds from Federal Home Loan Bank advances and other borrowings 8,566,300
 5,432,069
 1,488,182
 5,978,358
 9,364,599
 8,566,300
Repayments of Federal Home Loan Bank advances and other borrowings (8,620,064) (5,443,853) (872,163) (6,174,781) (9,365,159) (8,620,064)
Issuance of common stock, net of $7.1 million offering costs 152,985
 
 
Purchase of treasury stock (550) (2,467) (12,249) 
 
 (550)
Exercise of stock options 239
 1,064
 3,045
 329
 3,712
 239
Excess tax loss from stock-based payment arrangements 167
 102
 1,451
 
 
 167
Common stock cash dividends paid (21,903) (18,075) (18,118)
Cash dividends paid (33,241) (24,916) (21,903)
Acquisition contingent consideration paid (1,700) 
 
Net cash provided by financing activities 400,012
 309,696
 365,078
 340,500
 118,966
 400,012
            
Net change in cash and cash equivalents 31,808
 (3,785) (22,705) 135,688
 9,513
 31,808
            
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 71,754
 75,539
 98,244
 113,075
 103,562
 71,754
            
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year $103,562
 $71,754
 $75,539
 $248,763
 $113,075
 $103,562
            
Supplemental cash flow information:  
  
  
  
  
  
Interest paid on deposits $22,130
 $18,439
 $20,967
 $43,133
 $28,777
 $22,130
Interest paid on borrowed funds 9,974
 9,988
 14,056
 21,336
 16,674
 9,974
Income taxes (refunded) paid, net 429
 746
 (3,729)
Income taxes paid, net 18,323
 16,229
 429
            
Acquisition of non-cash assets and liabilities:  
  
  
  
  
  
Assets acquired 948,796
 18,064
 
 1,584,786
 1,169,086
 948,796
Liabilities assumed (762,261) (441,550) (1,672) (1,959,489) (965,529) (762,261)
            
Other non-cash changes:  
  
  
  
  
  
Other net comprehensive income (loss) (9,884) 15,636
 (6,078)
Other net comprehensive (loss) income (5,605) 13,071
 (9,884)
Real estate owned acquired in settlement of loans 2,085
 4,500
 4,378
 490
 340
 2,085
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


F-8F-10

Table of Contents


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
Years Ended December 31, 2015, 2014,2017, 2016, and 20132015
 
NOTE 1.SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
Basis of Presentation and Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements (the “financial statements”) of Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the “Company” or “Berkshire”) have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). The Company is a Delaware corporation and the holding company for Berkshire Bank (the “Bank”), a Massachusetts-chartered savings banktrust company headquartered in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, and Berkshire Insurance Group, Inc. (“Berkshire Insurance Group” or “BIG”).Boston, Mass. These financial statements include the accounts of the Company, its wholly-owned subsidiaries and the Bank’s consolidated subsidiaries. In consolidation, all significant intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated. The results of operations of companies or assets acquired are included only from the dates of acquisition. All material wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries are consolidated unless GAAP requires otherwise.

Reclassifications
Certain items in prior financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation. The Company has evaluated subsequent events for potential recognition and/or disclosure through the date these consolidated financial statements were issued.

Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent liabilities at the date of the financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change in the near term relate to the determination of the allowance for loan losses; the valuation of deferred tax assets; the estimates related to the initial measurement of goodwill and intangible assets and subsequent impairment analyses; the determination of other-than-temporary impairment of securities; and the determination of fair value of financial instruments and subsequent impairment analysis.

Business Combinations
Business combinations are accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting. Under this method, the accounts of an acquired entity are included with the acquirer’s accounts as of the date of acquisition with any excess of purchase price over the fair value of the net assets acquired (including identifiable intangibles) capitalized as goodwill.

To consummate an acquisition, the Company will typically issue common stock and/or pay cash, depending on the terms of the acquisition agreement. The value of common shares issued is determined based upon the market price of the stock as of the closing of the acquisition.

Cash and Cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include cash, balances due from banks, and short-term investments, all of which maturehad an original maturity within ninety90 days. Due to the nature of cash and cash equivalents and the near term maturity, the Company estimated that the carrying amount of such instruments approximated fair value. The nature of the Bank’s business requires that it maintain amounts due from banks which at times, may exceed federally insured limits. The Bank has not experienced any losses on such amounts and all amounts are maintained with well-capitalized institutions.

Trading Security
The Company accounts for a tax advantaged economic development bond originated in 2008 at fair value, in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 320. The bond has been designated as a trading account security and is recorded at fair value, with changes in unrealized gains and losses recorded through earnings each period as part of non-interest income.

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Securities
Debt securities that management has the intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified as held to maturity and carried at amortized cost. All other securities, including equity securities with readily determinable fair values, are classified as available for sale and carried at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses reported as a component of other net comprehensive income. Management determines the appropriate classification of securities at the time of purchase. Restricted equity securities, such as stock in the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston (“FHLBB”) are carried at cost. There are no quoted market prices for the Company’s restricted equity securities. The Bank is a member of the FHLBB, which requires that members maintain an

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investment in FHLBB stock, which may be redeemed based on certain conditions. The Bank reviews for impairment based on the ultimate recoverability of the cost bases in the FHLBB stock.

Purchase premiums and discounts are recognized in interest income using the interest method over the terms of the securities. Gains and losses on the sale of securities are recorded on the trade date and are determined using the specific identification method.

The Company evaluates debt and equity securities within the Company’s available for sale and held to maturity portfolios for other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”), at least quarterly. If the fair value of a debt security is below the amortized cost basis of the security, OTTI is required to be recognized if any of the following are met: (1) the Company intends to sell the security; (2) it is “more likely than not” that the Company will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis; or (3) the present value of expected cash flows is not sufficient to recover the entire amortized cost basis. For all impaired debt securities that the Company intends to sell, or more likely than not will be required to sell, the full amount of the depreciation is recognized as OTTI through earnings. Credit-related OTTI for all other impaired debt securities is recognized through earnings. Non-credit related OTTI for such debt securities is recognized in other comprehensive income, net of applicable taxes. In evaluating its marketable equity securities portfolios for OTTI, the Company considers its intent and ability to hold an equity security to recovery of its cost basis in addition to various other factors, including the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than cost and the financial condition and near term prospects of the issuer. Any OTTI on marketable equity securities is recognized immediately through earnings.

Loans Held for Sale
Loans originated with the intent to be sold in the secondary market are accounted for under the fair value option. Non-refundable fees and direct loan origination costs related to residential mortgage loans held for sale are recognized in noninterestnon-interest income or noninterestnon-interest expense as earned or incurred. Fair value is primarily determined based on quoted prices for similar loans in active markets. Gains and losses on sales of residential mortgage loans (sales proceeds minus carrying value) are recorded in noninterestnon-interest income.

Loans that were previously held for investment that the Company has an active plan to sell are transferred to loans held for sale at the lower of cost or market (fair value). The market price is primarily determined based on quoted prices for similar loans in active markets or agreed upon sales prices. Gains are recorded in noninterestnon-interest income at sale to the extent that the sale price of the loan exceeds carrying value. Any reduction in the loan’s value, prior to being transferred to loans held for sale, is reflected as a charge-off of the recorded investment in the loan resulting in a new cost basis, with a corresponding reduction in the allowance for loan losses. Further changes in the fair value of the loan are recognized in noninterestnon-interest income or expense, accordingly.

Loans
Loans are reported at their outstanding unpaid principal balances adjusted for charge-offs, the allowance for loan losses, the unamortized balance of any deferred fees or costs on originated loans and the unamortized balance of any premiums or discounts on loans purchased or acquired through mergers. Interest income is accrued on the unpaid principal balance. Interest income includes net accretion or amortization of deferred fees or costs and of premiums or discounts. Direct loan origination costs, net of any origination fees, in addition to premiums and discounts on loans, are deferred and recognized as an adjustment of the related loan yield using the interest method. Interest on loans, excluding automobile loans, is generally not accrued on loans which are ninety days or more past due unless the loan is well-secured and in the process of collection. Past due status is based on contractual terms of the loan. Automobile loans generally continue accruing until one hundred and twenty days delinquent, at which time they are

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charged off. All interest accrued but not collected for loans that are placed on non-accrual or charged-off is reversed against interest income, except for certain loans designated as well-secured. The interest on non-accrual loans is accounted for on the cash-basis or cost-recovery method, until qualifying for return to accrual. All payments received on non-accrual loans are applied against the principal balance of the loan. Loans are returned to accrual status when all the principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current and future payments are reasonably assured.

Acquired Loans
Loans that the Company acquired in acquisitions are initially recorded at fair value with no carryover of the related allowance for credit losses. Determining the fair value of the loans involves estimating the amount and timing of principal and interest cash flows initially expected to be collected on the loans and discounting those cash flows at an appropriate market rate of interest.

For loans that meet the criteria stipulated in ASC 310-30, “Loans and Debt Securities Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality,” the Company recognizes the accretable yield, which is defined as the excess of all cash flows expected at acquisition over the initial fair value of the loan, as interest income on a level-yield basis over the expected remaining life of the loan. The

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excess of the loan’s contractually required payments over the cash flows expected to be collected is the nonaccretable difference. The nonaccretable difference is not recognized as an adjustment of yield, a loss accrual, or a valuation allowance. Going forward, the Company continues to evaluate whether the timing and the amount of cash to be collected are reasonably expected. Subsequent significant increases in cash flows the Company expects to collect will first reduce any previously recognized valuation allowance and then be reflected prospectively as an increase to the level yield. Subsequent decreases in expected cash flows may result in the loan being considered impaired. Interest income is not recognized to the extent that the net investment in the loan would increase to an amount greater than the estimated payoff amount.

For ASC 310-30 loans, the expected cash flows reflect anticipated prepayments, determined on a loan by loan basis according to the anticipated collection plan of these loans. The expected prepayments used to determine the accretable yield are consistent between the cash flows expected to be collected and projections of contractual cash flows so as to not affect the nonaccretable difference. For ASC 310-30 loans, prepayments result in the recognition of the nonaccretable balance as current period yield. Changes in prepayment assumptions may change the amount of interest income and principal expected to be collected. Interest income is also net of recoveries recorded on acquired impaired loans.
For ASC310-30 loans that do not meet thehave similar risk characteristics, primarily credit risk, collateral type and interest rate risk, and are homogenous in size, are pooled and accounted for as a single asset with a single composite interest rate and an aggregate expectation of cash flows. ASC 310-30 criteria, the Company accretes interest income based on the contractually required cash flows. The Company subjects loans that do not meet thecannot be aggregated into a pool are accounted for individually.

After we acquire loans determined to be accounted for under ASC 310-30, criteriaactual cash collections are monitored to ASC 450, “Contingencies” by collectively evaluating these loans fordetermine if they conform to management’s expectations. Revised cash flow expectations are prepared each quarter. A decrease in expected cash flows in subsequent periods may indicate impairment and would require us to establish an allowance for loan loss.and lease losses (“ALLL”) by recording a charge to the provision for loan and lease losses. An increase in expected cash flows in subsequent periods initially reduces any previously established ALLL by the increase in the present value of cash flows expected to be collected, and requires us to recalculate the amount of accretable yield for the ASC 310-30 loan or pool. The adjustment of accretable yield due to an increase in expected cash flows is accounted for as a change in estimate. The additional cash flows expected to be collected are reclassified from the nonaccretable difference to the accretable yield, and the amount of periodic accretion is adjusted accordingly over the remaining life of the ASC 310-30 loan or pool.

An ASC 310-30 loan may be derecognized either through receipt of payment (in full or in part) from the borrower, the sale of the loan to a third party, foreclosure of the collateral, or charge-off. If one of these events occurs, the loan is removed from the loan pool, or derecognized if it is accounted for as an individual loan. ASC 310-30 loans subject to modification are not removed from an ASC 310-30 pool even if those loans would otherwise be deemed troubled debt restructurings (“TDRs”) since the pool, and not the individual loan, represents the unit of account. Individually accounted for ASC 310-30 loans that are modified in a TDR are no longer classified as ASC 310-30 loans and are subject to TDR recognition.

Acquired loans that met the criteria for nonaccrual of interest prior to the acquisition are considered performing upon acquisition, regardless of whether the customer is contractually delinquent, if the Company can reasonably estimate the timing and amount of the expected cash flows on such loans and if the Company expects to fully collect the new carrying value of the loans. As such, the Company may no longer consider the loan to be nonaccrual

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or nonperforming and may accrue interest on these loans, including the impact of any accretable yield. The Company has determined that the Company can reasonably estimate future cash flows on the Company’s current portfolio of acquired loans that are past due 90 days or more and on which the Company is accruing interest and the Company expects to fully collect the carrying value of the loans.

For loans that do not meet the ASC 310-30 criteria, the Company accretes interest income based on the contractually required cash flows. Subsequent to the purchase date, the methods utilized to estimate the required allowance for loan losses for these loans is similar to originated loans.

Allowance for Loan Losses
The allowance for loan losses is established based upon the level of estimated probable incurred losses in the current loan portfolio. Loan losses are charged against the allowance when management believes the collectability of a loan balance is doubtful. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance. The allowance for loan losses includes allowance allocations calculated in accordance with ASC 310, “Receivables,” and allowance allocations calculated in accordance with ASC 450, “Contingencies.” The allowance for loan losses is allocated to loan types using both a formula-based approach applied to groups of loans and an analysis of certain individual loans for impairment. The formula-based approach emphasizes loss factors derived from actual historical and industry portfolio loss rates, which are combined with an assessment of certain qualitative factors to determine the allowance amounts allocated to the various loan categories. Allowance amounts are based on an estimate of historical average annual percentage rate of loan loss for each loan segment, a temporal estimate of the incurred loss emergence and confirmation period for each loan category, and certain qualitative risk factors considered in the computation of the allowance for loan losses.

Qualitative risk factors impacting the inherent risk of loss within the portfolio include the following:
National and local economic conditions, regulatory/legislative changes, or other competitive factors affecting the collectability of the portfolio
Trends in underwriting characteristics, composition of the portfolio, and/or asset quality
Changes in underwriting standards and/or collection, charge off, recovery, and account management practice
The existence and effect of any concentrations of credit

Risk characteristics relevant to each portfolio segment are as follows:

Residential mortgage — The Company generally does not originate loans with a loan-to-value ratio greater than 80 percent and does not grant subprime loans.  The Company requires private mortgage insurance (PMI) in cases when the loan-to-value ratio exceeds 80 percent.  All loans in this segment are collateralized by residential real estate and repayment is dependent on the credit quality of the individual borrower. The overall health of the economy, including unemployment rates and housing prices, will have an effect on the credit quality in this segment.
Commercial real estate — Loans in this segment are primarily owner-occupied or income-producing properties throughout New England and Northeastern New York. The underlying cash flows generated by the properties are adversely impacted by a downturn in the economy, which in turn, will have an effect on the credit quality in this segment. Management monitors the cash flows of these loans. In addition, construction loans in this segment

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primarily include real estate development loans for which payment is derived from sale of the property or long term financing at completion. Credit risk is affected by cost overruns, time to sell at an adequate price, and market conditions.conditions
 
Commercial and industrial loans — Loans in this segment are made to businesses and are generally secured by assets of the business. Repayment is expected from the cash flows of the business. Loans in this segment include asset based loans which generally have no scheduled repayment and which are closely monitored against formula based collateral advance ratios. A weakened economy, and resultant decreased consumer spending, will have an effect on the credit quality in this segment.
 
Residential mortgage — All loans in this segment are collateralized by residential real estate and repayment is dependent on the credit quality of the individual borrower. The overall health of the economy, including unemployment rates and housing prices, will have an effect on the credit quality in this segment.

Consumer loans — Loans in this segment are primarily home equity lines of credit and second mortgages, together with automobile loans and other consumer loans. The overall health of the economy, including unemployment rates and housing prices, will have an effect on the credit quality in this segment.


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The Company utilizes a blend of historical and industry portfolio loss rates for commercial mortgagereal estate and commercial businessand industrial loans that are assessed by internal risk rating. Historical loss rates for residential mortgages, home equity and other consumer loans are not risk graded but are assessed based on the total of each loan segment. This approach incorporates qualitative adjustments based upon management’s assessment of various market and portfolio specific risk factors into its formula-based estimate. Due to the imprecise nature of the loan loss estimation process and ever changing conditions, the qualitative risk attributes may not adequately capture amounts of incurred loss in the formula-based loan loss components used to determine allocations in the Company’s analysis of the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses.

The Company evaluates certain loans individually for specific impairment. Large groups of small balance homogeneous loans such as the residential mortgage, home equity, and other consumer portfolios are collectively evaluated for impairment. A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect the scheduled payments of principal or interest when due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Factors considered by management in determining impairment include payment status, collateral value, and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due. Loans that experience insignificant payment delays and payment shortfalls generally are not classified as impaired. Loans are selected for evaluation based upon a change in internal risk rating, occurrence of delinquency, loan classification, or non-accrual status. The evaluation of certain loans individually for specific impairment includes non-accrual loans over a threshold and loans that were previously classified asdetermined to be Troubled Debt Restructurings (“TDRs”) or continue to be classified as TDRs.. A specific allowance amount is allocated to an individual loan when such loan has been deemed impaired and when the amount of the probable loss is able to be estimated. Estimates of loss may be determined by the present value of anticipated future cash flows or the loan’s observable fair market value, or the fair value of the collateral less costs to sell, if the loan is collateral dependent. However, for collateral dependent loans, the amount of the recorded investment in a loan that exceeds the fair value of the collateral is charged-off against the allowance for loan losses in lieu of an allocation of a specific allowance amount when such an amount has been identified definitively as uncollectible.

Regarding acquired loans, the Company subjects loans that do not meet the ASC 310-30 criteria to ASC 450-20 by collectively evaluating these loans for an allowance for loan loss. The Company applies a methodology similar to the methodology prescribed for business activities loans, which includes the application of environmental factors to each category of loans. The methodology to collectively evaluate the acquired loans outside the scope of ASC 310-30 includes the application of a number of environmental factors that reflect management’s best estimate of the level of incremental credit losses that might be recognized given current conditions. This is reviewed as part of the allowance for loan loss adequacy analysis. As the loan portfolio matures and environmental factors change, the loan portfolio will be reassessed each quarter to determine an appropriate reserve allowance.

Additionally, the Company considers the need for an additional reserve for acquired loans accounted for outside of the scope of ASC 310-30 under ASC 310-20. At acquisition date, the Bank determined a fair value mark with credit and interest rate components. Under the Company’s model, the impairment evaluation process involves comparing the carrying value of acquired loans, including the unamortized premium or discount, to the calculated reserve allowance. If necessary, the Company books an additional reserve to account for shortfalls identified through this calculation. A decrease in the expected cash flows in subsequent periods requires the establishment of an allowance for loan losses at that time for ASC 310-30 loans.

Bank-Owned Life Insurance
Bank-owned life insurance policies are reflected on the consolidated balance sheets at cash surrender value. Changes in the net cash surrender value of the policies, as well as insurance proceeds received, are reflected in non-interest income on the consolidated statements of operations and are not subject to income taxes.

Foreclosed and Repossessed Assets
AssetsOther real estate owned is comprised of real estate acquired through foreclosure proceedings or acceptance of a deed in lieu of loan foreclosure or repossessionforeclosure. Repossessed collateral is primarily comprised of aircraft, motor vehicles, and taxi medallions. Both other real estate owned and repossessed collateral are held for sale and are initially recorded at the lower of the investment in the loan or fair value less estimated costs to sell at the date of foreclosure or repossession, establishing a new cost basis. Subsequently, valuations are periodically performed by management andThe

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shortfall, if any, of the assets areloan balance over the fair value of the property or collateral, less cost to sell, at the time of transfer from loans to other real estate owned or repossessed collateral is charged to the allowance for loan losses. Subsequent to transfer, the asset is carried at the lower of carrying amountcost or fair value less estimated costscost to sell. Revenuesell and expenses from operations, changesperiodically evaluated for impairment. Subsequent impairments in the valuation allowance, any direct write-downs and gains or losses on sales are included infair value of other real estate owned expense.and repossessed collateral are charged to expense in the period incurred. Net operating income or expense related to other real estate owned and repossessed collateral is included in operating expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of income. Because of changing market conditions, there are inherent uncertainties in the assumptions with respect to the estimated fair value of other real estate owned and repossessed collateral. Because of these inherent uncertainties, the amount ultimately realized on other real estate owned and repossessed collateral may differ from the amounts reflected in the consolidated financial statements.

Capitalized Mortgage Servicing Rights
Capitalized mortgage servicing rights are included in “other assets” in the consolidated balance sheet. Servicing assets are initially recognized as separate assets at fair value when rights are acquired through purchase or through sale of financial assets with servicing retained.

The Company usesCompany's servicing rights accounted for under the fair value method are carried on the consolidated balance sheet at fair value with changes in fair value recorded in income in the period in which the change occurs. Changes in the fair value of servicing rights are primarily due to changes in valuation inputs, assumptions, and the collection and realization of expected cash flows.

The Company’s servicing rights accounted for under the amortization method to subsequently measure servicing assets.are initially recorded at fair value. Under that method, capitalized mortgage servicing rights are charged to expense in proportion to and over the period of estimated net servicing income. Fair value of the mortgage servicing rights is based on a valuation model that calculates the present value of estimated future net servicing income. The valuation model incorporates assumptions that market participants would use in estimating future net servicing income, such as the cost to service, the discount rate, prepayment speeds and default rates and losses. Impairment is recognized through a valuation allowance for an individual tranche, to the extent that fair value is less

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than the capitalized amount for the tranches. If the Company later determines that all or a portion of the impairment no longer exists for a particular tranche, a reduction of the allowance may be recorded as an increase to income.

Premises and Equipment
Land is carried at cost. Buildings, improvements, and equipment are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization computed on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Leasehold improvements are amortized on the straight-line method over the initial termshorter of the lease term, plus optional terms if certain conditions are met.met, or the estimated useful life of the asset.

Goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net assets acquired in a business combination. Goodwill is assigned to reporting units, which are operating segments or one level below an operating segment. Goodwill is assigned to the Company’s reporting units that are expected to benefit from the business combination. Goodwill is assessed annually for impairment, and more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that there may be an impairment. Adverse changes in the economic environment, declining operations, unanticipated competition, loss of key personnel, or other factors could result in a decline in the implied fair value of goodwill. If the implied fair value of goodwill is less than the carrying amount, a loss would be recognized in other noninterestnon-interest expense to reduce the carrying amount to the implied fair value of goodwill. A

The Company performs an annual qualitative assessment of whether it is more likely than not that the reporting unit's fair value is less than its carrying amount. If the results of the qualitative assessment suggest goodwill impairment, analysis is comprisedthe Company would perform a two-step impairment test through the application of two steps.various quantitative valuation methodologies. Step 1, used to identify instances of potential impairment, compares the fair value of athe reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, including goodwill, the reporting unit’s goodwill is not considered impaired. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit, including goodwill, exceeds its fair value, the second step of the goodwill impairment analysis is performed to measure the amount of impairment loss, if any. Step 2 of the goodwill impairment analysis compares the implied fair value of reporting unit goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. If the carrying amount of goodwill for thatthe reporting unit exceeds the implied fair value of thatthe reporting unit’s goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that

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excess. Subsequent reversals of goodwill impairment are prohibited. The Company may elect to bypass the qualitative assessment and begin with Step 1.

Other Intangibles
Intangible assets are acquired assets that lack physical substance but can be distinguished from goodwill because of contractual or other legal rights or the asset is capable of being sold or exchanged either on its own or in combination with a related contract, asset or liability.

The fair values of these assets are generally determined based on appraisals and are subsequently amortized on a straight-line basis or an accelerated basis over their estimated lives. Management assesses the recoverability of these intangible assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying value may not be recoverable. If the carrying amount exceeds fair value, an impairment charge is recorded to income.

Transfers of Financial Assets
Transfers of an entire financial asset, group of entire financial assets, or a participating interest in an entire financial asset 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 Company, (2) the transferee obtains the right to pledge or exchange the transferred assets, and (3) the Company does not maintain effective control over the transferred assets.

Income Taxes
Deferred income taxes are recognized for the tax consequences of temporary differences by applying enacted statutory tax rates applicable for future years to differences between financial statement and tax bases of existing assets and liabilities. The effect of tax rate changes on deferred taxes is recognized in the income tax provision in the period that includes the enactment date. A tax valuation allowance is established, as needed, to reduce net deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized. In the event it becomes more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax asset allowances will not be needed, the valuation allowance will be adjusted.

In the ordinary course of business there is inherent uncertainty in quantifying the Company’s income tax positions.  Income tax positions and recorded tax benefits are based upon management’s evaluation of the facts, circumstances, and information available at the reporting date. For those tax positions where it is more likely than not that a tax benefit will be sustained, we have determined the amount of the tax benefit to be recognized by estimating the largest amount of tax benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement with a taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. For those income tax positions where it is not more-likely-than-not that a tax benefit will not be sustained, no tax benefit has been recognized in the financial statements. Where applicable, associated interest and penalties hashave also been recognized. We recognize accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income tax expense.


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Insurance Commissions
Commission revenue is recognized as of the effective date of the insurance policy or the date the customer is billed, whichever is later, net of return commissions related to policy cancellations. In addition, the Company may receive additional performance commissions based on achieving certain sales and loss experience measures. Such commissions are recognized when determinable, which is generally when such commissions are received or when the Company receives data from the insurance companies that allows the reasonable estimation of these amounts.

Advertising Costs
Advertising costs are expensed as incurred.

Stock-Based Compensation
The Company measures and recognizes compensation cost relating to share-based payment transactions based on the grant-date fair value of the equity instruments issued. The fair value of restricted stock is recorded as unearned compensation. The deferred expense is amortized to compensation expense based on one of several permitted attribution methods over the longer of the required service period or performance period. For performance-based restricted stock awards, the Company estimates the degree to which performance conditions will be met to

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determine the number of shares that will vest and the related compensation expense. Compensation expense is adjusted in the period such estimates change.

Income tax benefits and/or tax deficiencies related to stock compensation in excess of grant date fair value, less any proceeds on exercise,determined as the difference between compensation cost recognized for financial reporting purposes and the deduction for tax, are recognized as an increase to additional paid-in capital upon vesting or exercising and delivery ofin the stock. Anyincome statement as income tax benefits that are less than grant date fair value less any proceeds on exercise would be recognized as a reduction of additional paid-in capital to the extent of previously recognized income tax benefits and then as compensation expense for the remaining amount.

Earnings per Common Share
Basic earnings per share represents income available to common stockholders divided by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. If rights to dividends on unvested options/awards are non-forfeitable, these unvested awards/options are considered outstandingor benefit in the computation of basic earnings per share. Diluted earnings per share reflects additional common shares that would have been outstanding if dilutive potential common shares had been issued, as well as any adjustments to income that would result from the assumed issuance. Potential common shares that may be issued by the Company relate to outstanding stock options and restricted stock awards and are determined using the treasury stock method. Treasury shares are not deemed outstanding for earnings per share calculations.period in which they occur.

Wealth Management
Wealth management assets held in a fiduciary or agent capacity are not included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets because they are not assets of the Company. Fees earned from wealth management activities are amortized over the period of the service performed.

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
The Company enters into interest rate swap agreements as part of the Company’s interest rate risk management strategy for certain assets and liabilities and not for speculative purposes. Based on the Company’s intended use for the interest rate swap at inception, the Company designates the derivative as either an economic hedge of an asset or liability or a hedging instrument subject to the hedge accounting provisions of ASC 815, “Derivatives and Hedging.”

Interest rate swaps designated as economic hedges are recorded at fair value within other assets or liabilities. Changes in the fair value of these derivatives are recorded directly through earnings.

For interest rate swaps that management intends to apply the hedge accounting provisions of ASC 815, the Company formally documents at inception all relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as its risk management objectives and strategies for undertaking the various hedges. Additionally, the Company uses dollar offset or regression analysis at the hedge’s inception and for each reporting period thereafter, to assess whether the derivative used in its hedging transaction is expected to be and has been highly effective in offsetting changes in the fair value or cash flows of the hedged item. The Company discontinues hedge accounting when it is determined that a derivative is not expected to be or has ceased to be highly effective as a hedge, and then reflects changes in fair value of the derivative in earnings after termination of the hedge relationship.

The Company has characterized its interest rate swaps that qualify under ASC 815 hedge accounting as cash flow hedges. Cash flow hedges are used to minimize the variability in cash flows of assets or liabilities, or forecasted transactions caused by interest rate fluctuations, and are recorded at fair value in other assets or liabilities within the Company’s balance sheets.

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Changes in the fair value of these cash flow hedges are initially recorded in accumulated other comprehensive lossincome and subsequently reclassified into earnings when the forecasted transaction affects earnings. Any hedge ineffectiveness assessed as part of the Company’s quarterly analysis is recorded directly to earnings.

The Company enters into interest rate lock commitments to lend with borrowers, and forward commitments to sell loans or to-be-announced mortgage-backed bonds to investors to hedge against the inherent interest rate and pricing risk associated with selling loans. The interest rate lock commitments to lend generally terminate once the loan is funded, the lock period expires or the borrower decides not to contract for the loan. The forward commitments generally terminate once the loan is sold, the commitment period expires or the borrower decides not to contract for the loan. These commitments are considered derivatives which are accounted for by recognizing their estimated fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as either a freestanding asset or liability. See Note 16 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information on interest rate lock commitments to lend and forward commitments.

Off-Balance Sheet Financial Instruments
In the ordinary course of business, the Company enters into off-balance sheet financial instruments, consisting primarily of credit related financial instruments. These financial instruments are recorded in the financial statements when they are funded or related fees are incurred or received.

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Fair Value Hierarchy
The Company groups assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value in three levels, based on the markets in which the assets and liabilities are traded and the reliability of the assumptions used to determine fair value.

Level 1 - Valuation is based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Valuations are obtained from readily available pricing sources for market transactions involving identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2 - Valuation is based on observable inputs other than Level 1 prices, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.

Level 3 - Valuation is based on unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities. Level 3 assets and liabilities include financial instruments whose value is determined using unobservable techniques, as well as instruments for which the determination of fair value requires significant management judgment or estimation.

Employee Benefits
The Company maintains an employer sponsored 401(k) plan to which participants may make contributions in the form of salary deferrals and the Company provides matching contributions in accordance with the terms of the plan. Contributions due under the terms of the defined contribution plans are accrued as earned by employees.

Due to the Rome Bancorp acquisition in 2011, the Company inherited a noncontributory, qualified, defined benefit pension plan for certain employees who met age and service requirements; as well as other post-retirement benefits, principally health care and group life insurance. The Rome pension plan and postretirement benefits that were acquired in connection with the whole-bank acquisition in the second quarter of 2011 were frozen prior to the close of the transaction. The pension benefit in the form of a life annuity is based on the employee’s combined years of service, age, and compensation. The Company also has a long-term care post-retirement benefit plan for certain executives where upon disability, associated benefits are funded by insurance policies or paid directly by the Company.

In order to measure the expense associated with the Plans, various assumptions are made including the discount rate, expected return on plan assets, anticipated mortality rates, and expected future healthcare costs. The assumptions are based on historical experience as well as current facts and circumstances. The Company uses a December 31 measurement date for its Plans. As of the measurement date, plan assets are determined based on fair value, generally representing observable market prices. The projected benefit obligation is primarily determined based on the present value of projected benefit distributions at an assumed discount rate.

Net periodic pension benefit costs include interest costs based on an assumed discount rate, the expected return on plan assets based on actuarially derived market-related values, and the amortization of net actuarial losses. Net periodic postretirement benefit costs include service costs, interest costs based on an assumed discount rate, and the amortization of prior service credits and net actuarial gains. Differences between expected and actual results in each year are included in the net actuarial gain or loss amount, which is recognized in other comprehensive income. The net actuarial gain or loss in excess of a 10% corridor is

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amortized in net periodic benefit cost over the average remaining service period of active participants in the Plans. The prior service credit is amortized over the average remaining service period to full eligibility for participating employees expected to receive benefits.

The Company recognizes in its statement of condition an asset for a plan’s overfunded status or a liability for a plan’s underfunded status. The Company also measures the Plans’ assets and obligations that determine its funded status as of the end of the fiscal year and recognizes those changes in other comprehensive income, net of tax.

Operating Segments
In prior periods, the Company reported two subsidiary operating segments -- banking and insurance. Due to continued growth solely in the banking segment, including two acquisitions in the current year, management determined as of the fiscal year-end 2015 theThe Company operates as one consolidated reportable segment. The chief operating decision-maker evaluates consolidated results and makes decisions for resource allocation on this same data. Management periodically reviews and redefines its segment reporting as internal reporting practices evolve and components of the business

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change. The consolidated financial statements reflect the financial results of the Company's one reportable operating segment.

Out of Period Adjustments
In the first quarter of 2014, the Company recorded a correction of an error to adjust ($1.4) million in prior period interest income earned on loans acquired in bank acquisitions -- all of which relates to prior periods. After evaluating the quantitative and qualitative aspects of these adjustments, the Company concluded that its prior period financial statements were not materially misstated, and therefore, no restatement was required. There were no out of period adjustments in 2015.

Recently Adopted Accounting Principles
InEffective January 2014,1, 2017, the Financial Accounting Standard Board “FASB” issued Accounting Standard Updated “ASU” following new accounting guidance was adopted by the Company:
ASU No. 2014-01, “Accounting for Investments in Qualified Affordable Housing Projects.” 2016-05, Effect of Derivative Contract Novations on Existing Hedge Accounting Relationships;
ASU No. 2014-01 permits reporting entities to make an accounting policy election to account for investments2016-06, Contingent Put and Call Options in qualified affordable housing projects using the proportional amortization method if certain conditions are met. Under the proportional amortization method, an entity amortizes the initial cost of the investment in proportion to the tax credits and other tax benefits received and recognizes the net investment performance in the income statement as a component of income tax expense. This new guidance also requires new disclosures for all investors in these projects. Debt Instruments;
���ASU No. 2016-07, Simplifying the Transition to the Equity Method of Accounting
ASU No. 2014-01 is effective for interim2016-15, Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2014. Upon adoption, the guidance must be applied retrospectively to all periods presented. However, entities that use the effective yield method to account for investments in these projects before adoption may continue to do so for these pre-existing investments. The Company has elected not to adopt the proportional amortization method, which had no impactCash Payments; and
ASU No. 2017-08, Premium Amortization on our consolidated financial statements.Purchased Callable Debt Securities

Also in January 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-04, “ReclassificationThe adoption of Residential Real Estate Collateralized Consumer Mortgage Loans upon Foreclosure.” The objective of this guidance is to clarify when an in substance repossession or foreclosure occurs, that is, when a creditor should be considered to have received physical possession of residential real estate property collateralizing a consumer mortgage loan such that the loan receivable should be derecognized and the real estate property recognized. ASU No. 2014-04 states that an in substance repossession or foreclosure occurs, and a creditor is considered to have received physical possession of residential real estate property collateralizing a consumer mortgage loan, upon either (1) the creditor obtaining legal title to the residential real estate property upon completion of a foreclosure or (2) the borrower conveying all interest in the residential real estate property to the creditor to satisfy that loan through completion of a deed in lieu of foreclosure or through a similar legal agreement. Additionally, ASU No. 2014-04 requires interim and annual disclosure of both (1) the amount of foreclosed residential real estate property held by the creditor and (2) the recorded investment in consumer mortgage loans collateralized by residential real estate property that are in the process of foreclosure according to local requirements of the applicable jurisdiction. ASU No. 2014-04 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2014. The Company adopted the provisions of ASU No. 2014-04 effective January 1, 2015, whichthese accounting standards did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements. See Note 6. Loan Loss Allowance to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the disclosures required by ASU No. 2014-04.

In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-11 related to repurchase-to-maturity transactions, repurchase financing and disclosures. The pronouncement changes the accounting for repurchase-to-maturity transactions and linked repurchase financings to secured borrowing accounting, which is consistent with the accounting for other repurchase agreements. The pronouncement also requires two new disclosures. The first disclosure requires an entity to disclose information on transfers accounted for as sales in transactions that are economically similar to repurchase agreements. The second disclosure provides increased transparency about the types of collateral pledged in repurchase agreements and similar transactions accounted for as secured borrowings. The pronouncement is effective for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2014. Early adoption is not permitted. As of December 31, 2015, the Company did not have any

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repurchase transactions, and therefore the adoption of this pronouncement did not have an impact on our consolidatedthe Company's financial statements.

In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-14 related to classification of certain government-guaranteed mortgage loans upon foreclosure. The objective of this guidance is to reduce diversity in practice related to how creditors classify government- guaranteed mortgage loans, including FHA or VA guaranteed loans, upon foreclosure. Some creditors reclassify those loans to real estate consistent with other foreclosed loans that do not have guarantees; others reclassify the loans to other receivables. The amendments in this guidance require that a mortgage loan be derecognized and that a separate other receivable be recognized upon foreclosure if the following conditions are met: (1) The loan has a government guarantee that is not separable from the loan before foreclosure; (2) At the time of foreclosure, the creditor has the intent to convey the real estate property to the guarantor and make a claim on the guarantee, and the creditor has the ability to recover under that claim; and (3) At the time of foreclosure, any amount of the claim that is determined on the basis of the fair value of the real estate is fixed. Upon foreclosure, the separate other receivable should be measured based on the amount of the loan balance (principal and interest) expected to be recovered from the guarantor. The pronouncement is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2014. The Company adopted the provisions of ASU No. 2014-14 effective January 1, 2015, which did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements

Future Application of Accounting Pronouncements
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, related to the“Revenue from Contracts with Customers.” This ASU provides a revenue recognition of revenue fromframework for any entity that either enters into contracts with customers. The new revenue pronouncement creates a single source of revenue guidance for all companies in all industries and is more principles-based than current revenue guidance. The pronouncement provides a five-step model for a companycustomers to recognize revenue when it transfers control oftransfer goods or services to customers at an amount that reflectsor enters into contracts for the consideration to which it expects to be entitled in exchange fortransfer of non-financial assets unless those goodscontracts are within the scope of other accounting standards. The standard permits the use of either the retrospective or services. The five steps are (1) identify the contract with the customer, (2) identify the separate performance obligations in the contract, (3) determine the transaction price, (4) allocate the transaction price to the separate performance obligations and (5) recognize revenue when each performance obligation is satisfied. The standardcumulative effect transition method. This ASU is effective for public entities forannual and interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016; early adoption is not permitted. However, in July 2015, the FASB voted to approve deferring the effective date by one year (i.e., interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017). Early adoption is permitted, but not before the original effective date (i.e., interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016). For financial reporting purposes, the standard allows for either full retrospective adoption, meaning the standard is applied to all of the periods presented, or modified retrospective adoption, meaning the standard is applied only to the most current period presented in the financial statements with the cumulative effect of initially applying the standard recognized at the date of initial application. The Company is currently evaluating the provisions of ASU No. 2014-09, and will be closely monitoring developments and additional guidance to determine the potential impact the new standard will have on our consolidated financial statements.

In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-02, “Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis.” This ASU affects reporting entities that are required to evaluate whether they should consolidate certain legal entities. Specifically, the amendments: (1) Modify the evaluation of whether limited partnerships and similar legal entities are variable interest entities (“VIEs”) or voting interest entities; (2) Eliminate the presumption that a general partner should consolidate a limited partnership; (3) Affect the consolidation analysis of reporting entities that are involved with VIEs, particularly those that have fee arrangements and related party relationships; and (4) Provide a scope exception from consolidation guidance for reporting entities with interests in legal entities that are required to comply with or operate in accordance with requirements that are similar to those in Rule 2a-7 of the Investment Company Act of 1940 for registered money market funds. ASU No. 2015-02 is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015. The adoption of this pronouncement is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, “Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs.” This ASU requires that debt issuance costs be reported in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the face amount of the related liability, consistent with the presentation of debt discounts. Further, the update requires the amortization of debt issuance costs to be reported as interest expense. Similarly, debt issuance costs and any discount or premium are considered in the aggregate when determining the effective interest rate on the debt. The new guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015,2017. This ASU impacts the Company’s wealth management fees, insurance commissions and interim periods within those fiscal years. The new guidance must be applied retrospectively.fees, administrative services for customer deposit accounts, interchange fees, and sale of owned real estate properties. ASU 2014-09, as amended, became effective for the Company on January 1, 2018. The adoption of this pronouncement isASU 2014-09 on January 1, 2018 was not expectedmaterial to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-05, “Customer’s Accounting for Fees Paid in a Cloud Computing Arrangement.” This ASU provides guidance to customers about whether a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license. If a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license, the customer should account for the license element of the arrangement consistent with the acquisition of other software licenses. If a cloud computing arrangement does not include a software license, the customer should account for the arrangement as a service contract. The new guidance does not change the accounting for a

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customer’s accounting for service contracts. ASU No. 2015-05 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015. The adoption of this pronouncement is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-16, “Business Combinations: Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments.” This ASU eliminates the requirement to retrospectively adjust the financial statements for measurement-period adjustments that occur in periods after a business combination is consummated. Measurement period adjustments are calculated as if they were known at the acquisition date, but are recognized in the reporting period in which they are determined. Additional disclosures are required about the impact on current-period income statement line items of adjustments that would have been recognized in prior periods if prior-period information had been revised. The guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015 and is to be applied prospectively to adjustments of provisional amounts that occur after the effective date. Early application is permitted. The adoption of this pronouncement is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-17, “Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes.” This ASU requires that deferred tax liabilities and assets be classified as noncurrent in a classified statement of financial position. The new guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The new guidance may be applied either prospectively to all deferred tax liabilities and assets or retrospectively to all periods presented. The adoption of this pronouncement is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01, “Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities.” This ASU requires an entity to: i) measure equity investments at fair value through net income, with certain exceptions; (ii) present in other comprehensive income the changes in instrument-specific credit risk for financial liabilities measured using the fair value option; (iii) present financial assets and financial liabilities by measurement category and form of financial asset; (iv) calculate the fair value of financial instruments for disclosure purposes based on an exit price and; (v) assess a valuation allowance on deferred tax assets related to unrealized losses of AFSavailable-for-sale debt securities in combination with other deferred tax assets. The guidance provides an election to subsequently measure certain nonmarketablenon-marketable equity investments at cost less any impairment and adjusted for certain observable price changes. The guidance also requires a qualitative impairment assessment of such equity investments and amends certain fair value disclosure requirements. The guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is only permittedASU 2016-01 became effective for the provision relatedCompany on January 1, 2018. The adoption will increase the volatility of other income (expense), net, as a result of the re-measurement of our equity and cost method investments. The adoption of ASU 2016-01 on January 1, 2018 was not material to instrument-specific credit risk,our consolidated financial statements.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, “Leases”. The new pronouncement improves the transparency and comparability of financial reporting around leasing transactions and more closely aligns accounting for leases with the recently issued International Financial Reporting Standard.  The pronouncement affects all entities that are participants to leasing agreements. From a lessee accounting perspective, the ASU requires a lessee to recognize assets and liabilities on the balance sheet for operating leases and changes many key definitions, including the definition of a lease. The ASU includes a short-term lease exception for leases with a term of twelve months or less, in which a lessee can make an accounting policy election not to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities. Lessees will continue to differentiate between finance leases (previously referred to as capital leases) and operating leases, using classification criteria that are substantially similar to the previous guidance. For lessees, the recognition, measurement, and presentation of expenses and cash flows arising from a lease have not significantly changed from previous GAAP. From a lessor accounting perspective, the guidance is largely unchanged, except for targeted improvements to align with new terminology under lessee accounting and with the updated revenue recognition guidance in Topic 606. For sale-leaseback transactions, for a sale to occur the transfer must meet the sale criteria under the new revenue standard, ASC 606. Entities will not be required to reassess transactions previously accounted under then existing guidance.

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Additionally, the ASU includes additional quantitative and qualitative disclosures required by lessees and lessors to help users better understand the amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. ASU No. 2016-02 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Lessees and lessors are required to recognize and measure leases at the beginning of the earliest period presented using a modified retrospective approach. The modified retrospective approach includes a number of optional practical expedients that entities may elect to apply as well as transition guidance specific to nonstandard leasing transactions. The Company is currently evaluating the provisions of ASU No. 2016-02 to determine the potential impact of the new standard will have on the Company's consolidated financial statements. It is expected that assets and liabilities will increase based on the present value of remaining lease payments for leases in place at the adoption date; however, this is not expected to be material to the Company's results of operations or financial position. The Company continues to evaluate the extent of potential impact the new guidance will have on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, “Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments.” This ASU improves financial reporting by requiring timelier recording of credit losses on loans and other financial instruments. The ASU requires companies to measure all expected credit losses for financial assets held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Forward-looking information will now be used in credit loss estimates. The ASU requires enhanced disclosures to provide better understanding surrounding significant estimates and judgments used in estimating credit losses, as well as the credit quality and underwriting standards of a company’s portfolio. These disclosures include qualitative and quantitative requirements that provide additional information about the amounts recorded in the financial statements. Additionally, the ASU amends the accounting for credit losses on available-for-sale debt securities and purchased financial assets with credit deterioration. Most debt instruments will require a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings on the statement of financial position as of the beginning of the first reporting period in which the guidance is adopted (modified retrospective approach). However, there is instrument-specific transition guidance. ASU No. 2016-13 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019. Early application will be permitted for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company is evaluating the provisions of ASU No. 2016-13, and will closely monitor developments and additional guidance to determine the potential impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. The Company expects the primary changes to be the application of the expected credit loss model to the financial statements. In addition, the Company expects the guidance to change the presentation of credit losses within the available-for-sale fixed maturities portfolio through an allowance method rather than as a direct write-down. The expected credit loss model will require a financial asset to be presented at the net amount expected to be collected. The allowance method for available-for-sale debt securities will allow the Company to record reversals of credit losses if the estimate of credit losses declines. The Company is in the process of identifying and implementing required changes to loan loss estimation models and processes and evaluating the impact of this new accounting guidance, which at the date of adoption is expected to increase the allowance for credit losses with a resulting negative adjustment to retained earnings.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, “Intangibles: Goodwill and Other: Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment.” The ASU simplifies the test for goodwill impairment by eliminating the second step of the current two-step method. Under the new accounting guidance, entities will compare the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. If the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value, the entity is required to recognize an impairment charge for this amount. Current guidance requires an entity to proceed to a second step, whereby the entity would determine the fair value of its assets and liabilities. The new method applies to all reporting units. The performance of a qualitative assessment is still allowable. This accounting guidance is effective prospectively for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact of adopting the new accounting guidance, but it is not expected to have a material impact.

In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-12, “Derivatives and Hedging: Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities.” The purpose of this updated guidance is to better align a company’s financial reporting for hedging activities with the economic objectives of those activities. ASU No. 2017-12 is effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption, including adoption in an interim

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period, permitted. ASU 2017-12 requires a modified retrospective transition method in which the Company will recognize the cumulative effect of the change on the opening balance of each affected component of equity in the consolidated balance sheet as of the date of adoption. While the Company continues to assess all potential impacts of the standard, we currently expect adoption to have an immaterial impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-02,  “Income statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220) Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income” which will allow a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017.  These amendments are effective for all entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018.  For interim periods within those fiscal years, early adoption of the amendment is permitted including public business entities for reporting periods for which financial statements have not yet been issued. The Company will reclassify the stranded tax effect in accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings as required under the new accounting guidance beginning March 31, 2018.


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NOTE 2.ACQUISITIONS

Hampden Bancorp, Inc.Commerce Bank
On April 17, 2015,At the close of business on October 13, 2017, the Company acquired allcompleted the acquisition of Commerce Bancshares Corp. (“Commerce”), the outstanding common sharesparent company of Hampden Bancorp, Inc.Commerce Bank & Trust Company (“Hampden”Commerce Bank”). Hampden, as a holding company, had one banking subsidiary (“Hampden Bank”) that had ten branches primarily serving western Massachusetts. As a result of the transaction, HampdenCommerce Bank also merged into Berkshire Hills Bancorp,with and Hampden Bank merged into Berkshire Bank. Headquartered in Worcester, Mass., Commerce Bank operated 16 branch banking offices providing a range of services in Central Massachusetts and greater Boston. With this agreement, the Company established a market position in Worcester, New England’s second largest city. Additionally, this acquisition was a catalyst for the Company’s decision to relocate its corporate headquarters to Boston and to expand its Greater Boston market initiatives. This business combination increases Berkshire’s market share in its franchise andacquisition also increased the goodwill recognized results fromCompany’s total assets over the expected synergies and earnings accretion from this combination, including future cost savings related to Hampden’s operations.$10 billion Dodd Frank Act threshold for additional regulatory requirements.

OnAs established by the acquisition date, Hampden had 5.167merger agreement, each of the 6.328 million outstanding shares of Commerce common shares, net of 209 thousand shares held by Berkshire Bank. Hampden shareholders received 4.186 millionstock was converted into the Company's common shares based on an exchange ratio of 0.81right to receive 0.93 shares of the Company's common stock, for each Hampden share. The 4.355 millionplus cash in lieu of fractional shares. Certain Commerce common stock was instead converted into the right to receive 0.465 shares of new Series B preferred stock (non-voting) issued by the Company, pursuant to limited circumstances established by the merger agreement. Each preferred share is convertible into two shares of the Company's common stock under specified conditions. As of close of business on October 13, 2017, the Company issued in4.842 million common shares and 522 thousand preferred shares as merger consideration, pursuant to the merger agreement. The value of this exchange were valuedconsideration was measured at $27.38 per share$188.6 million for the common stock and $40.6 million for the preferred stock based on the $38.95 closing price postedof the Company’s common stock on April 17, 2015. Excluding the 169 thousand shares issuedissuance date.

Pursuant to Berkshire Bank, this resulted inthe Merger Agreement, the Commerce Bancshares 2010 Long-Term Incentive Plan was terminated prior to the acquisition date and the holder of a consideration valuephantom stock award, whether or not vested, received an amount of $114.6 million. The preliminary consideration value was reducedcash determined by $130 thousand, resulting in a final consideration valuemultiplying (i) the excess, if any, of $114.5 million. The reduction in preliminary consideration value was due to six thousand$34.00 less the applicable per share exercise price of that Commerce phantom stock award by (ii) the number of shares of Hampden common shares held by the Hampden’s stock compensation plan and not released toCommerce common stock holders. These shares were subsequently convertedsubject to five thousand Berkshire common sharesthat Commerce phantom stock award, less any required tax withholding. Prior to the effective time of the merger, Commerce accelerated and repaid in full the Commerce subordinated debt per the merger agreement.

The acquisition was accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with ASC Topic 805, Business Combinations. Accordingly, the Company recognizes amounts for identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed at their estimated acquisition date fair value, with any excess of purchase consideration over the net assets being reported as goodwill. Due to the complexity in valuing the acquired loans and the significant amount of data inputs required, the valuation of the loans is not yet final. Fair value estimates are based on an exchange ratiothe information available, and are subject to change for up to one year after the closing date of 0.81 shares of Berkshire common stock for each Hampden share and recorded in the Company’s treasury stock. The Hampden shares held by Berkshire Bank were valued at $4.6 million,acquisition as additional information relative to the closing date fair values becomes available. Management continues to review initial estimates on certain areas such as loan valuations and the value in excessdeferred tax asset.




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The following table provides a summary of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as recorded by Hampden and the associated provisional fair value adjustments. As provided for under GAAP, management has a measurement period of up to 12 months following the date of acquisition to finalize the fair values of the acquired assets and assumed liabilities to reflect new information obtained about facts and circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date. Once management has finalized the fair values within the measurement period, management considers such values to be the day one fair values. The table summarizes the estimates of the resultant fair values of those assets and liabilitiesadjustments as recorded by the Company; no material adjustments were made since the provisional estimates were recordedCompany at June 30, 2015.acquisition:
   Fair Value   As Recorded by   Fair Value As Recorded by
(in thousands) As Acquired Adjustments   the Company As Acquired Adjustments   the Company
Consideration paid:  
  
    
Berkshire Hills Bancorp common stock issued to Hampden common stockholders    
   $114,470
Fair value of Hampden shares previously owned by the Company prior to acquisition     4,632
Consideration Paid:      
Company common stock issued to Commerce common shareholdersCompany common stock issued to Commerce common shareholders $188,599
Company preferred stock issued to certain Commerce shareholders     40,633
Cash in lieu paid to Commerce shareholders
     1
Total consideration paid     119,102
       $229,233
Recognized amounts of identifiable assets acquired and (liabilities) assumed, at fair value:
Cash and short-term investments $83,134
 $
 $83,134
 $374,611
 $
 $374,611
Investment securities 72,439
 (224) (a) 72,215
 115,274
 (1,427) (a) 113,847
Loans 501,870
 (8,405) (b) 493,465
Loans, net 1,327,256
 (86,505) (b) 1,240,751
Premises and equipment 4,449
 775
 (c) 5,224
 8,931
 5,346
 (c) 14,277
Core deposit intangibles 
 2,780
 (d) 2,780
 
 22,400
 (d) 22,400
Deferred tax assets, net 3,875
 2,723
 (e) 6,598
 7,956
 26,580
 (e) 34,536
Goodwill and other intangibles 11,233
 (11,233) (f) 
Other assets 22,919
 856
 (f) 23,775
 52,709
 (3,664) (g) 49,045
Deposits (482,130) (1,439) (g) (483,569) (1,710,872) (1,180) (h) (1,712,052)
Borrowings (117,135) (1,396) (h) (118,531) (19,542) 
 
 (19,542)
Other liabilities (8,395) (107) (i) (8,502) (5,086) 265
 
 (4,821)
Total identifiable net assets $81,026
 $(4,437) $76,589
 $162,470
 $(49,418)   $113,052
            
Goodwill     $42,513
       $116,181

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Explanation of Certain Fair Value Adjustments
(a)The adjustment represents the write down of the book value of securities to their estimated fair value based on estimates at the date of acquisition.
(b)The adjustment represents the write-off of $15.0 million in allowance for loan and lease losses and the write down of the book value of loans to their estimated fair value based on interest rates and expected cash flows as of the acquisition date, which includes an estimate of expected loan loss inherent in the portfolio. The valuation of the loans is provisional. Loans that met the criteria andwith evidence of credit deterioration at acquisition are being accounted for in accordance withunder ASC 310-30 and had a carrying amountbook value of $28.5$163.1 million and had a fair value of $16.7$71.1 million. Non-impaired loans not accounted for under ASC 310-20 had a book value of $473.4 million$1.18 billion and have a fair value of $477.1 million.$1.17 billion. ASC 310-30 loans have a $10.8 million fair value adjustment that is accretable in earnings. ASC 310-20 loans have a $4.0 million fair value adjustment that is accretable in earnings over an estimated five-year life using the effective yield as determined on the date of acquisition. The effective yield is periodically adjusted for changes in expected flows. ASC 310-20 loans have a $0.4 million fair value adjustment premium that is amortized into expense over the remaining term of the loans using the effective interest method, or a straight-line method if the loan is a revolving credit facility.
(c)The amountadjustment represents an increased fair value based on the adjustmentappraised value of Commerce’s owned branches and headquarters comprised of $5.7 million for buildings and $0.7 million for land. This was offset by a $1.0 million reduction of the book value of buildings, and furniture, fixtures, and equipment, to their estimated fair value based on appraisals and other methods.the immediate expensing of equipment not meeting the thresholds for capitalization in accordance with Company policy. The adjustments will be depreciated over the remaining estimated economic lives of the assets.
(d)The adjustment represents the value of the core deposit base assumed in the acquisition. The core deposit asset was recorded as an identifiable intangible asset and will be amortized over the estimated useful life of the deposit base.base (10 years).
(e)Represents net deferred tax assets resulting from the fair value adjustments related to the acquired assets and liabilities, identifiable intangibles, and other purchase accounting adjustments.
(f)The amount consists of a $0.2 million fair value adjustment to write-down other real estate owned based on market report data, a $0.3 million write-down of mortgage servicing assets acquired based on valuation reports, a $0.5 millionRepresents the write-off of prepaidgoodwill and intangible assets due to obsolescence, andfrom a $1.6 million measurement period adjustment increase to current taxes receivable. These adjustments are not accretable into earnings in the statement of income.prior Commerce acquisition.
(g)The adjustment includes a $3.5 million write-down of repossessed assets based on market report data.
(h)The adjustment is necessary because the weighted average interest rate of time deposits exceeded the cost of similar funding at the time of acquisition. The amount will be amortized using an accelerated method over the estimated useful life of two years.
(h)Adjusts borrowings to their estimated fair value, which is calculated based on the expected future cash flow of the borrowings.
(i)Adjusts the book value of other liabilities to their estimated fair value at the acquisition date. The adjustment consists of a $0.4 million write-off of deferred revenue, a $0.3 million increase to post-retirement liabilities due to change-in-control provisions, and a $0.2 million increase related to non-level leases.nine months.



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Except for collateral dependent loans with deteriorated credit quality, the fair values for loans acquired were estimated using cash flow projections based on the remaining maturity and repricing terms. Cash flows were adjusted by estimating future credit losses and the rate of prepayments. Projected monthly cash flows were then discounted to present value using a risk-adjusted market rate for similar loans. For collateral dependent loans with deteriorated credit quality, the Company estimated fair value by analyzing the value of the underlying collateral of the loans, assuming the fair values of the loans were derived from the eventual sale of the collateral. Those values were discounted using market derived rates of return, with consideration given to the period of time and costs associated with the foreclosure and disposition of the collateral. There was no carryover of the seller’s allowance for credit losses associated with the loans acquired, as the loans were initially recorded at fair value. InformationProvisional information about the HampdenCommerce Bank acquired loan portfolio subject to ASC 310-30 as of April 17, 2015October 13, 2017 is as follows (in thousands):
 ASC 310-30 Loans
Gross contractual receivable amounts at acquisition$28,505
Contractual cash flows not expected to be collected (nonaccretable discount)(7,884)
Expected cash flows at acquisition20,621
Interest component of expected cash flows (accretable premium)(3,950)
Fair value of acquired loans$16,671
 ASC 310-30 Loans
Gross contractual receivable amounts at acquisition$163,125
Contractual cash flows not expected to be collected (nonaccretable discount)(81,205)
Expected cash flows at acquisition81,920
Interest component of expected cash flows (accretable discount)(10,815)
Fair value of acquired loans$71,105

TheCapitalized goodwill, which is not amortized for book purposes, was assigned to our banking reporting unit and is not deductible for tax purposes. The fair value of savings and transaction deposit accounts acquired in the Hampden acquisition was assumed to approximate the carrying value as these accounts have no stated maturity and are payable on demand. The fair value of time deposits was estimated by discounting the contractual future cash flows using market rates offered for time deposits of similar remaining maturities.

The Company’s consolidated results of operations include the operating results of Hampden beginning April 17, 2015, the date of acquisition, through the end of the reporting period. Direct acquisition and integration costs of the Hampden acquisition were

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expensed as incurred, and totaled $11.1 million during the year ended December 31, 2015 and there were $1.5 million for the same period of 2014. For whole-bank acquisitions, the Company has determined it is impractical to report the amounts of revenue and earnings of each entity since acquisition date -- including Hampden. Due to the integration of their operations with those of the organization, the Company does not record revenue and earnings separately. The revenue and earnings of these operations are included in the Consolidated Statement of Income.

Firestone Financial Corp.
On August 7, 2015, the Company acquired all of the outstanding common shares of Firestone Financial Corp. (“Firestone”). Firestone is located in Needham, Massachusetts and is engaged in providing equipment financing for amusement, vending, laundry, and fitness industries nationwide. Firestone continues to operate as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Berkshire Bank. This business combination broadens the Company's product mix and revenue streams. The goodwill recognized results from the expected earnings accretion from the acquisition of this niche lender.

Based on the merger agreement, Firestone shareholders received 1.442 million shares of the Company's common stock and $13.9 million in cash. The 1.442 million shares of the Company's common stock issued for this transaction was valued at $29.20 per share based on the closing price posted on August 6, 2015, resulting in a stock consideration value of $42.1 million. Additionally, the Company extinguished Firestone’s $11.8 million commercial loan from BerkshireCommerce Bank resulting in a $67.3 million total consideration paid for the acquisition of Firestone.

The following table provides a summary of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as recorded by Firestone and the associated provisional fair value adjustments. As provided for under GAAP, management has a measurement period of up to 12 months following the date of acquisition to finalize the fair values of the acquired assets and assumed liabilities to reflect new information obtained about facts and circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date. The table summarizes the estimates of the resultant fair values of those assets and liabilities as recorded by the Company; no material adjustments were made since the provisional estimates were recorded at September 30, 2015. Consideration paid, and fair values of Firestone’s assets acquired and liabilities assumed, along with the resulting goodwill, are summarized in the following table:
    Fair Value   As Recorded by
(in thousands) As Acquired Adjustments   the Company
Consideration Paid:        
Berkshire Hills Bancorp common stock issued to Firestone common stockholders       $42,107
Cash paid to Firestone common stockholders       13,887
Total merger consideration (1)       $55,994
Recognized amounts of identifiable assets acquired and (liabilities) assumed, at fair value:
Cash $4,577
 $
   $4,577
Loans 194,622
 (2,668) (a) 191,954
Premises and equipment 1,356
 (835) (b) 521
Deferred tax assets, net 162
 2,850
 (c) 3,012
Other assets 1,863
 (1,002) (d) 861
Borrowings (1) (159,312) 
   (159,312)
Other liabilities (3,198) 76
 (e) (3,122)
Total identifiable net assets $40,070
 $(1,579)   $38,491
         
Goodwill       $17,503
(1) Amounts exclude $11.8 million of Firestone's commercial loan with the Company, which was effectively settled upon acquisition. Amounts also include a $0.5 million in-transit cash payment to Firestone common stockholders.

Explanation of Certain Fair Value Adjustments
(a)The adjustment represents a write-down of the book value of loans to their estimated fair value based on current interest rates and expected cash flows, which includes an estimate of expected loan loss inherent in the portfolio. Loans that met the criteria and are being accounted for in accordance with ASC 310-30 had a book value of $5.4 million and had a fair value $1.5 million. Non-impaired loans accounted for under ASC 310-20 had a book value of $192.7 million and had a fair value of $190.4 million. ASC 310-30 loans included a $0.8 million fair value adjustment that is accretable in earnings over an estimated three year life using the effective yield as determined on the date of acquisition. The effective yield is periodically adjusted for changes in expected flows. ASC 310-20

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loans have a $2.3 million fair value adjustment discount that is amortized into earnings over the remaining term of the loans using the effective interest method.
(b)The adjustment is a write-off of capitalized costs associated with Firestone’s internally developed accounting software, the development of which has been ceased due to pending conversion of Firestone’s accounting system to the Company’s existing system.
(c)Represents net deferred tax assets resulting from the fair value adjustments related to the acquired assets and liabilities, identifiable intangibles, and other purchase accounting adjustments.
(d)The adjustment consists of a $0.8 million write-off of capitalized loan costs due to no future economic benefits, a $117 thousand write-off of equipment held for sale due to an estimated zero resale value, and a $75 thousand swap termination fee for prepayment of Firestone’s borrowings.
(e)The adjustment is a write-off of a deferred rent accrual.

The method to determine the fair value of the loans acquired from Firestone was consistent with the method used in the Hampden acquisition. Accordingly, there was no carryover of Firestone’s allowance for credit losses associated with the loans that were acquired as the loans were initially recorded at fair value.

Information about the Firestone acquired loan portfolio subject to ASC 310-30 as of August 6, 2015 is, as follows (in thousands):
 ASC 310-30 Loans
Gross contractual receivable amounts at acquisition$5,369
Contractual cash flows not expected to be collected (nonaccretable discount)(3,000)
Expected cash flows at acquisition2,369
Interest component of expected cash flows (accretable discount)(827)
Fair value of acquired loans$1,542

The goodwill, which is not amortized for book purposes, was assigned to our banking segment and is not deductible for tax purposes.
The Company’s consolidated results of operations include the operating results of Firestone beginning August 7, 2015, the date of acquisition, through the end of the reporting period. For the year ended December 31, 2015, Firestone contributed $8.0 million of net interest income and $2.4 million of net income to the Company’s operating results. Direct acquisition and integration costs of the Firestone acquisition were expensed as incurred, and totaled $1.8$17.8 million during the year endedtwelve months ending December 31, 20152017 and there were none for the same period of 2014.2016.


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Pro Forma Information (unaudited)
The following table presents selected unaudited pro forma financial information reflecting the acquisitionsacquisition of Hampden and FirestoneCommerce assuming these acquisitions werethe acquisition was completed as of January 1, 2014.2016. The unaudited pro forma financial information includes adjustments for scheduled amortization and accretion of fair value adjustments recorded at the time of the acquisitions.adjustments. These adjustments would have been different if they had been recorded on January 1, 2014,2016, and they do not include the impact of prepayments. The unaudited pro forma financial information is presented for illustrative purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of the combined financial results of the Company Hampden, and Firestonethe acquisition had the transaction actually been completed at the beginning of the periods presented, nor does it indicate future results for any other interim or full-year period. Pro forma basic and diluted earnings per common share were calculated using Berkshire’s actual weighted-average shares outstanding for the periods presented plus the 5.63 million shares issued as a result of Hampden and Firestone acquisitions. The unaudited pro forma information is based on the actual financial statements of Berkshire Hampden, and Firestonethe acquired business for the periods shown until the dates of acquisitions,acquisition, at which time the Hampden and Firestoneacquired business operations became included in Berkshire’s financial statements.

For whole-bank acquisitions, the Company has determined it is impractical to report the amounts of revenue and earnings of each entity since acquisition date. Due to the integration of their operations with those of the organization, the Company does not record revenue and earnings separately. The revenue and earnings of Commerce’s operations are included in the Consolidated Statement of Income.

The unaudited pro forma information, for the yearstwelve months ended December 31, 20152017 and 2014,2016, set forth below reflects adjustments related to (a) amortization and accretion of purchase accounting fair value adjustments; (b) amortization of core deposit intangible;and customer relationship intangibles; and (c) an estimated tax rate of 40.340 percent. Direct acquisition expenses incurred by Berkshirethe Company during 20152017, as noted above, and $7.7 million and $1.5 million recorded by Hampden and Firestone, respectively, are reversed for the purposes of this unaudited pro forma information. Also excluded during 2015, was a $2.2 million gain on Hampden stockFurthermore, the unaudited pro forma information does not reflect management’s estimate of any revenue-enhancing or anticipated cost-savings that was held by the Company at the time of acquisition. Furthermore, except for revenue-enhancing and cost savings reflected in the Company’s consolidated results of operations after acquisitions dates, revenue enhancing, operating cost savings, and other business synergies expectedcould occur as a result of the acquisitions are not reflected in the unaudited pro forma information.acquisition.

Information in the following table is shown in thousands, except earnings per share:
  Pro Forma (unaudited)
Years ended December 31,
  2015 2014
Net interest income $230,050
 $217,409
Non-interest income 53,738
 51,743
Net income 57,768
 44,052
Pro forma earnings per share:  
  
Basic $1.90
 $1.45
Diluted $1.89
 $1.45
  Pro Forma (unaudited)
Years ended December 31,
  2017 2016
Net interest income $344,797
 $302,012
Non-interest income 134,818
 77,192
Income available to common shareholders 77,340
 78,859

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NOTE 3.CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
 
Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, amounts due from banks, and short-term investments with original maturities of three months90 days or less. Short-term investments included $16.1$2.1 million and $9.9$0.9 million pledged as collateral support for derivative financial contracts at year-end 20152017 and 2014,2016, respectively. The Federal Reserve Bank requires the Bank to maintain certain reserve requirements of vault cash and/or deposits. The reserve requirement, included in cash and equivalents, was $6.4$20.4 million and $2.9$17.0 million at year-end 20152017 and 2014,2016, respectively.


NOTE 4.TRADING SECURITY
 
The Company holds a tax advantaged economic development bond that is being accounted for at fair value. The security had an amortized cost of $12.0$10.8 million and $12.6$11.4 million and a fair value of $14.2$12.3 million and $14.9$13.2 million at year-end 20152017 and 2014,2016, respectively. Unrealized (losses) gains recorded through income on this security totaled ($0.2)0.3) million, $0.6($0.4) million, and ($1.5)0.2) million for 2015, 2014,2017, 2016, and 2013,2015, respectively. As discussed further in Note 16 - Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, the Company has entered into a swap contract to swap-out the fixed rate of the security in exchange for a variable rate. The Company does not purchase securities with the intent of selling them in the near term, and there are no other securities in the trading portfolio at year-end 20152017 and 2014.2016.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 5.SECURITIES

The following is a summary of securities available for sale (“AFS”) and securities held to maturity (“HTM”):
(In thousands) Amortized
Cost
 Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 Fair Value Amortized
Cost
 Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 Fair Value
December 31, 2015  
  
  
  
December 31, 2017  
  
  
  
Securities available for sale  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Debt securities:  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Municipal bonds and obligations $99,922
 $4,763
 $(124) $104,561
 $113,427
 $5,012
 $(206) $118,233
Government guaranteed residential mortgage-backed securities 69,866
 388
 (396) 69,858
Government-sponsored residential mortgage-backed securities 891,041
 5,111
 (6,145) 890,007
Agency collateralized mortgage obligations 859,705
 397
 (8,944) 851,158
Agency mortgage-backed securities 218,926
 279
 (2,265) 216,940
Agency commercial mortgage-backed securities 64,025
 41
 (1,761) 62,305
Corporate bonds 42,849
 
 (1,827) 41,022
 110,076
 882
 (237) 110,721
Trust preferred securities 11,719
 182
 
 11,901
 11,334
 343
 
 11,677
Other bonds and obligations 3,175
 
 (34) 3,141
 9,757
 154
 (31) 9,880
Total debt securities 1,118,572
 10,444
 (8,526) 1,120,490
 1,387,250
 7,108
 (13,444) 1,380,914
Marketable equity securities 30,522
 5,331
 (1,886) 33,967
 36,483
 9,211
 (509) 45,185
Total securities available for sale 1,149,094
 15,775
 (10,412) 1,154,457
 1,423,733
 16,319
 (13,953) 1,426,099
Securities held to maturity  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Municipal bonds and obligations 94,642
 3,359
 (34) 97,967
 270,310
 8,675
 (90) 278,895
Government-sponsored residential mortgage-backed securities 68
 3
 
 71
Agency collateralized mortgage obligations 73,742
 1,045
 (486) 74,301
Agency mortgage-backed securities 7,892
 
 (164) 7,728
Agency commercial mortgage-backed securities 10,481
 
 (268) 10,213
Tax advantaged economic development bonds 36,613
 1,924
 
 38,537
 34,357
 596
 (1,135) 33,818
Other bonds and obligations 329
 
 
 329
 321
 
 
 321
Total securities held to maturity 131,652
 5,286
 (34) 136,904
 397,103
 10,316
 (2,143) 405,276
        
Total $1,280,746
 $21,061
 $(10,446) $1,291,361
 $1,820,836
 $26,635
 $(16,096) $1,831,375
        
December 31, 2014  
  
  
  
December 31, 2016  
  
  
  
Securities available for sale  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Debt securities:  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Municipal bonds and obligations $127,014
 $6,859
 $(174) $133,699
 $117,910
 $2,955
 $(1,049) $119,816
Government guaranteed residential mortgage-backed securities 68,972
 702
 (206) 69,468
Government-sponsored residential mortgage-backed securities 755,893
 7,421
 (3,130) 760,184
Agency collateralized mortgage obligations 652,680
 2,522
 (3,291) 651,911
Agency mortgage-backed securities 230,308
 557
 (2,181) 228,684
Agency commercial mortgage-backed securities 65,673
 229
 (1,368) 64,534
Corporate bonds 55,134
 120
 (1,103) 54,151
 56,320
 408
 (722) 56,006
Trust preferred securities 16,607
 820
 (1,212) 16,215
 11,578
 368
 (59) 11,887
Other bonds and obligations 3,211
 
 (52) 3,159
 10,979
 195
 (16) 11,158
Total debt securities 1,026,831
 15,922
 (5,877) 1,036,876
 1,145,448
 7,234
 (8,686) 1,143,996
Marketable equity securities 48,993
 7,322
 (1,373) 54,942
 47,858
 19,296
 (1,613) 65,541
Total securities available for sale 1,075,824
 23,244
 (7,250) 1,091,818
 1,193,306
 26,530
 (10,299) 1,209,537
Securities held to maturity  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Municipal bonds and obligations 4,997
 
 
 4,997
 203,463
 3,939
 (2,416) 204,986
Government-sponsored residential mortgage-backed securities 70
 4
 
 74
Agency collateralized mortgage-backed securities 75,655
 1,281
 (411) 76,525
Agency mortgage-backed securities 9,102
 
 (243) 8,859
Agency commercial mortgage-backed securities 10,545
 
 (434) 10,111
Tax advantaged economic development bonds 37,948
 1,680
 (34) 39,594
 35,278
 1,596
 
 36,874
Other bonds and obligations 332
 
 
 332
 325
 
 
 325
Total securities held to maturity 43,347
 1,684
 (34) 44,997
 334,368
 6,816
 (3,504) 337,680
        
Total $1,119,171
 $24,928
 $(7,284) $1,136,815
 $1,527,674
 $33,346
 $(13,803) $1,547,217


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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

At year-end 20152017 and 2014,2016, accumulated net unrealized gains on AFS securities included in accumulated other comprehensive income were $5.3$2.3 million and $16.0$16.2 million, respectively. At year-end 2015,2017 and 2016, accumulated net unrealized gains on HTM securities included in accumulated other comprehensive income was $954 thousand. There were no unrealized gains on HTM securities in accumulated other comprehensive income in 2014.$7.7 million and $9.0 million respectively. The year-end 20152017 and 20142016 related income tax benefit of $2.4$4.0 million and $6.1$9.6 million, respectively, was also included in accumulated other comprehensive income.
 
The amortized cost and estimated fair value of available for sale (AFS) and held to maturity (HTM) securities, segregated by contractual maturity at year-end 20152017 are presented below. Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because issuers may have the right to call or prepay obligations. Mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations are shown in total, as their maturities are highly variable. Equity securities have no maturity and are also shown in total.
 Available for sale Held to maturity Available for sale Held to maturity
(In thousands) Amortized
Cost
 Fair
Value
 Amortized
Cost
 Fair
Value
 Amortized
Cost
 Fair
Value
 Amortized
Cost
 Fair
Value
        
Within 1 year $
 $
 $3,540
 $3,560
 $622
 $623
 $1,261
 $1,261
Over 1 year to 5 years 3,455
 3,439
 17,595
 18,613
 32,659
 32,972
 25,892
 26,422
Over 5 years to 10 years 28,743
 28,970
 13,078
 13,433
 75,261
 76,745
 8,752
 8,917
Over 10 years 125,467
 128,216
 97,371
 101,227
 136,052
 140,171
 269,083
 276,434
Total bonds and obligations 157,665
 160,625
 131,584
 136,833
 244,594
 250,511
 304,988
 313,034
                
Marketable equity securities 30,522
 33,967
 
 
 36,483
 45,185
 
 
Residential mortgage-backed securities 960,907
 959,865
 68
 71
        
Mortgage-backed securities 1,142,656
 1,130,403
 92,115
 92,242
Total $1,149,094
 $1,154,457
 $131,652
 $136,904
 $1,423,733
 $1,426,099
 $397,103
 $405,276
 
At year-end 20152017 and 2014,2016, the Company had pledged securities as collateral for certain municipal deposits and for interest rate swaps with certain counterparties. The total amortized cost and fair values of these pledged securities follows. Additionally, there is a blanket lien on certain securities to collateralize borrowings from the FHLBB, as discussed further in Note 12 - Borrowed Funds.
 2015 2014 2017 2016
(In thousands) Amortized
Cost
 Fair
Value
 Amortized
Cost
 Fair
Value
 Amortized
Cost
 Fair
Value
 Amortized
Cost
 Fair
Value
        
Securities pledged to swap counterparties $27,687
 $27,626
 $25,875
 $26,083
 $24,410
 $24,240
 $51,292
 $51,290
Securities pledged for municipal deposits 134,865
 135,755
 41,281
 42,098
 210,382
 214,513
 147,950
 148,435
        
Total $162,552
 $163,381
 $67,156
 $68,181
 $234,792
 $238,753
 $199,242
 $199,725
 
Proceeds from the sale of AFS securities in 2017, 2016, and 2015 2014, and 2013 were $41.2$188.9 million, $143.5$421.8 million, and $19.4$41.2 million, respectively. The components of net realized gains and losses on the sale of AFS securities are as follows. These amounts were reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive lossincome and into earnings:
(In thousands) 2015 2014 2013 2017 2016 2015
      
Gross realized gains $4,567
 $2,601
 $4,758
 $13,877
 $2,762
 $4,567
Gross realized losses (2,457) (2,119) 
 (1,279) (3,313) (2,457)
      
Net realized gain/(losses) $2,110
 $482
 $4,758
Net realized gains/(losses) $12,598
 $(551) $2,110
 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Securities with unrealized losses, segregated by the duration of their continuous unrealized loss positions, are summarized as follows:
 Less Than Twelve Months Over Twelve Months Total Less Than Twelve Months Over Twelve Months Total
(In thousands) Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 Fair
Value
 Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 Fair
Value
 Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 Fair
Value
 Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 Fair
Value
 Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 Fair
Value
 Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 Fair
Value
December 31, 2015  
  
  
  
  
  
December 31, 2017  
  
  
  
  
  
Securities available for sale  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Debt securities:  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Municipal bonds and obligations $9
 $1,587
 $115
 $3,400
 $124
 $4,987
 $
 $
 $206
 $8,985
 $206
 $8,985
Government guaranteed residential mortgage-backed securities 164
 23,460
 232
 19,262
 396
 42,722
Government-sponsored residential mortgage-backed securities 3,100
 315,990
 3,045
 153,248
 6,145
 469,238
Agency collateralized mortgage obligations 6,849
 655,479
 2,095
 80,401
 8,944
 735,880
Agency mortgage-backed securities 765
 95,800
 1,500
 65,323
 2,265
 161,123
Agency commercial mortgage-back securities 334
 17,379
 1,427
 39,268
 1,761
 56,647
Corporate bonds 30
 6,934
 1,796
 21,587
 1,826
 28,521
 1
 328
 236
 15,769
 237
 16,097
Trust preferred securities 1
 1,269
 
 
 1
 1,269
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other bonds and obligations 
 108
 34
 3,032
 34
 3,140
 11
 1,096
 20
 2,004
 31
 3,100
Total debt securities 3,304
 349,348
 5,222
 200,529
 8,526
 549,877
 7,960
 770,082
 5,484
 211,750
 13,444
 981,832
Marketable equity securities 534
 2,908
 1,352
 5,729
 1,886
 8,637
 509
 3,731
 
 
 509
 3,731
Total securities available for sale $3,838
 $352,256
 $6,574
 $206,258
 $10,412
 $558,514
 $8,469
 $773,813
 $5,484
 $211,750
 $13,953
 $985,563
            
Securities held to maturity  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Municipal bonds and obligations 
 
 34
 2,143
 34
 2,143
 35
 10,213
 55
 2,059
 90
 12,272
Agency collateralized mortgage obligations 
 
 486
 12,946
 486
 12,946
Agency mortgage-backed securities 
 
 164
 7,728
 164
 7,728
Agency commercial mortgage-back securities 
 
 268
 10,213
 268
 10,213
Tax advantaged economic development bonds 1,135
 7,305
 
 
 1,135
 7,305
Total securities held to maturity 
 
 34
 2,143
 34
 2,143
 1,170
 17,518
 973
 32,946
 2,143
 50,464
            
Total $3,838
 $352,256
 $6,608
 $208,401
 $10,446
 $560,657
 $9,639
 $791,331
 $6,457
 $244,696
 $16,096
 $1,036,027
                        
December 31, 2014  
  
  
  
  
  
December 31, 2016  
  
  
  
  
  
Securities available for sale  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Debt securities:  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Municipal bonds and obligations $8
 $1,001
 $166
 $7,206
 $174
 $8,207
 $1,049
 $13,839
 $
 $
 $1,049
 $13,839
Government guaranteed residential mortgage-backed securities 46
 7,122
 160
 16,727
 206
 23,849
Government-sponsored residential mortgage-backed securities 236
 30,672
 2,894
 167,473
 3,130
 198,145
Agency collateralized mortgage obligations 3,291
 319,448
 
 
 3,291
 319,448
Agency mortgage-backed securities 2,153
 130,766
 28
 2,061
 2,181
 132,827
Agency commercial mortgage-backed securities 1,368
 44,860
 
 
 1,368
 44,860
Corporate bonds 1,103
 39,571
 
 
 1,103
 39,571
 11
 4,780
 711
 19,655
 722
 24,435
Trust preferred securities 65
 935
 1,147
 2,408
 1,212
 3,343
 
 
 59
 1,204
 59
 1,204
Other bonds and obligations 
 
 52
 3,035
 52
 3,035
 15
 3,014
 1
 27
 16
 3,041
Total debt securities 1,458
 79,301
 4,419
 196,849
 5,877
 276,150
 7,887
 516,707
 799
 22,947
 8,686
 539,654
Marketable equity securities 1,039
 9,902
 334
 4,755
 1,373
 14,657
 157
 6,600
 1,456
 5,927
 1,613
 12,527
Total securities available for sale $2,497
 $89,203
 $4,753
 $201,604
 $7,250
 $290,807
 $8,044
 $523,307
 $2,255
 $28,874
 $10,299
 $552,181
            
Securities held to maturity  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Tax advantaged economic development bonds 
 
 34
 7,972
 34
 7,972
Municipal bonds and obligations 2,416
 69,308
 
 
 2,416
 69,308
Agency collateralized mortgage obligations 411
 14,724
 
 
 411
 14,724
Agency mortgage-backed securities 243
 8,859
 
 
 243
 8,859
Agency commercial mortgage-back securities 434
 10,111
 
 
 434
 10,111
Total securities held to maturity 
 
 34
 7,972
 34
 7,972
 3,504
 103,002
 
 
 3,504
 103,002
            
Total $2,497
 $89,203
 $4,787
 $209,576
 $7,284
 $298,779
 $11,548
 $626,309
 $2,255
 $28,874
 $13,803
 $655,183


F-27F-30

Table of Contents
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Debt Securities
The Company expects to recover its amortized cost basis on all debt securities in its AFS and HTM portfolios. Furthermore, the Company does not intend to sell nor does it anticipate that it will be required to sell any of its securities in an unrealized loss position as of December 31, 2015,2017, prior to this recovery. The Company’s ability and intent to hold these securities until recovery is supported by the Company’s strong capital and liquidity positions as well as its historical low portfolio turnover.

The following summarizes, by investment security type, the basis for the conclusion that the debt securities in an unrealized loss position within the Company’s AFS and HTM portfolios weredid not other-than-temporarily impairedmaintain other-than-temporary impairment ("OTTI") at year-end 2015:2017:
 
AFS municipal bonds and obligations
At year-end 2015,2017, 6 out of the 121total 260 securities in the Company’s portfolio of AFS municipal bonds and obligations were in unrealized loss positions. Aggregate unrealized losses represented 2.4%2.3% of the amortized cost of securities in unrealized loss positions. The Company continually monitors the municipal bond sector of the market carefully and periodically evaluates the appropriate level of exposure to the market. At this time, the Company feels that the bonds in this portfolio carry minimal risk of default and that the Company is appropriately compensated for that risk. The bonds are investment grade rated, and thereThere were no material underlying credit downgrades during 2015.2017. All securities are performing.
 
AFS residential mortgage-backed securitiescollateralized mortgage obligations
At year-end 2015, 1172017, 179 out of athe total of 256234 securities in the Company’s portfolio of AFS residential mortgage-backed securitiescollateralized mortgage obligations were in unrealized loss positions. Aggregate unrealized losses represented 1.3%1.2% of the amortized cost of securities in unrealized loss positions. The Federal National Mortgage Association (“FNMA”("FNMA"), Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“FHLMC”("FHLMC"), and Government National Mortgage Association (“GNMA”("GNMA") guaranteesguarantee the contractual cash flows of all of the Company's collateralized residential mortgage obligations. The securities are investment grade rated and there were no material underlying credit downgrades during 2017. All securities are performing.

AFS commercial and residential mortgage-backed securities
At year-end 2017, 58 out of the total 103 securities in the Company’s portfolio of AFS mortgage-backed securities were in unrealized loss positions. Aggregate unrealized losses represented 1.8% of the amortized cost of securities in unrealized loss positions. The FNMA, FHLMC, and GNMA guarantee the contractual cash flows of the Company’s residential mortgage-backed securities. The securities are investment grade rated and there were no material underlying credit downgrades during 2015.2017. All securities are performing.

AFS corporate bonds
At year-end 2015, 42017, 1 out of 7the total 20 securities in the Company’s portfolio of AFS corporate bonds were in an unrealized loss position.positions. The aggregate unrealized loss represents 6.0%1.5% of the amortized cost of bonds in unrealized loss positions. The Company reviews the financial strength of these bonds and has concluded that the amortized cost remains supported by the expected future cash flows of these securities.

At year-end 2015, $1.6 million of the total unrealized losses were attributable to a $17.6 million investment. The Company evaluated these securities, with a Level 2 fair value of $16.0 million, for potential other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) at December 31, 2015 and determined that OTTI was not evident based on both the Company’s ability and intent to hold the security until the recovery of its remaining amortized cost.

AFS trust preferred securities
At year-end 2015, 1 out of the 3 securities in the Company’s portfolio of AFS trust preferred securities was in an unrealized loss
position. Aggregate unrealized losses represented 0.2% of the amortized cost of the security in an unrealized loss position. The
Company’s evaluation of the present value of expected cash flows on this security supports its conclusions about the recoverability of the securities’ amortized cost basis. This security is investment grade rated. The Company reviews the financial strength of all of the single issue trust issuers and has concluded that the amortized cost remains supported by the market value of these securities and they are performing.

AFS other bonds and obligations
At year-end 2015,2017, 6 out of the 8total 9 securities in the Company’s portfolio of other bonds and obligations were in unrealized loss positions. Aggregate unrealized losses represented 1.1%1.0% of the amortized cost of securities in unrealized loss positions. The securities are all investment grade rated, and there were no material underlying credit downgrades during 2015.2017. All securities are performing.

HTM Municipal bonds and obligations
At year-end 2015, 32017, 12 out of the 100total 231 securities in the Company’s portfolio of otherHTM municipal bonds and obligations were in unrealized loss positions. Aggregate unrealized losses represented 1.6%0.7% of the amortized cost of securities in unrealized loss positions. The Company continually monitors the municipal bond sector of the market carefully and periodically evaluates the appropriate level of exposure to the market. At this time, the Company feels that the bonds in this portfolio carry minimal risk of default and that the Company is appropriately compensated for that risk. There were no material underlying credit downgrades during 2017. All securities are performing.

F-31

Table of Contents
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

HTM collateralized mortgage obligations
At year-end 2017, 1 out of the total 9 securities in the Company’s portfolio of HTM collateralized mortgage obligations was in unrealized loss positions. Aggregate unrealized losses represented 3.6% of the amortized cost of securities in unrealized loss positions. The FNMA, FHLMC, and GNMA guarantee the contractual cash flows of all of the Company's collateralized residential mortgage obligations. The securities are investment grade rated, and there were no material underlying credit downgrades during the quarter.2017. All securities are performing.

F-28HTM commercial and residential mortgage-backed securities

TableAt year-end 2017, 2 out of Contentsthe total 2 securities in the Company’s portfolio of HTM mortgage-backed securities were in unrealized loss positions. Aggregate unrealized losses represented 2.4% of the amortized cost of securities in unrealized loss positions. The FNMA, FHLMC, and GNMA guarantees the contractual cash flows of the Company’s mortgage-backed securities. The securities are investment grade rated and there were no material underlying credit downgrades during 2017. All securities are performing.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
HTM tax-advantaged economic development bonds
At year-end 2017, 1 out of the total 7 securities in the Company’s portfolio of tax advantaged economic development bonds were in an unrealized loss position. Aggregate unrealized losses represented 13.4% of the amortized cost of the security in an unrealized loss position. The above mentioned tax advantaged economic bond was downgraded to special mention during the year. The Company believes that more likely than not all the principal outstanding will be collected. All securities are performing.

Marketable Equity Securities

In evaluating its marketable equity securities portfolio for OTTI, the Company considers its ability to more likely than not hold an equity security to recovery. The Company additionally considers other various factors including the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than cost and the financial condition and near term prospects of the issuer. Any OTTI is recognized immediately through earnings.

At year-end 2015, 92017, 2 out of athe total of 2420 securities in the Company’s portfolio of marketable equity securities were in an unrealized loss position.positions. The unrealized loss represented 17.5%11.3% of the amortized cost of the securities. The Company has the ability and intent to hold the securities until a recovery of their cost basis and does not consider the securities other-than-temporarily impaired at year-end 2015.2017. As new information becomes available in future periods, changes to the Company’s assumptions may be warranted and could lead to a different conclusion regarding the OTTI of these securities.

F-29F-32

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 6. LOANS
 
The Company’s loan portfolio is segregated into the following segments: residential mortgage, commercial real estate, commercial and industrial, residential mortgage, and consumer. Residential mortgage loans include classes for 1-4 family owner occupied and construction loans. Commercial real estate loans include construction, single and multi-family, and other commercial real estate classes. Commercial and industrialResidential mortgage loans include asset based lending loans, lease financingclasses for 1-4 family owner occupied and other commercial business loan classes.construction loans. Consumer loans include home equity, direct and indirect auto, and other consumer loan classes. These portfolio segments each have unique risk characteristics that are considered when determining the appropriate level for the allowance for loan losses.

A substantial portion of the loan portfolio is secured by real estate in western Massachusetts, southern Vermont, northeastern New York, New Jersey, and in the Bank’s other New England lending areas. The ability of many of the Bank’s borrowers to honor their contracts is dependent, among other things, on the specific economy and real estate markets of these areas.

Total loans include business activity loans and acquired loans. Acquired loans are those loans acquired from Commerce Bank, First Choice Bank, Parke Bank, Firestone Financial
Corp., Hampden Bancorp, Inc., the New York branch acquisition, Beacon Federal Bancorp, Inc., The Connecticut Bank and Trust Company, Legacy Bancorp, Inc., and Rome Bancorp, Inc. Once the full integration of the acquired entity is complete, acquired and business activity loans are serviced, managed, and accounted for under the Company's same control environment. The following is a summary of total loans:
 2015 2014 December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
(In thousands) Business Activities Acquired Loans Total Business Activities Acquired Loans Total Business  Activities Loans Acquired  Loans Total Business  Activities Loans Acquired  Loans Total
Commercial real estate:  
  
  
  
  
  
Construction $181,371
 $84,965
 $266,336
 $253,302
 $34,207
 $287,509
Single and multi-family 217,083
 206,082
 423,165
 191,819
 125,672
 317,491
Other commercial real estate 1,819,253
 755,988
 2,575,241
 1,481,223
 530,215
 2,011,438
Total commercial real estate 2,217,707
 1,047,035
 3,264,742
 1,926,344
 690,094
 2,616,438
            
Commercial and industrial loans 1,182,569
 621,370
 1,803,939
 908,102
 153,936
 1,062,038
            
Total commercial loans 3,400,276
 1,668,405
 5,068,681
 2,834,446
 844,030
 3,678,476
                        
Residential mortgages:  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
1-4 family $1,454,233
 $332,747
 $1,786,980
 $1,199,408
 $268,734
 $1,468,142
 1,808,024
 289,373
 2,097,397
 1,583,794
 297,355
 1,881,149
Construction 26,704
 1,351
 28,055
 27,044
 1,018
 28,062
 5,177
 233
 5,410
 11,178
 804
 11,982
Total residential mortgages 1,480,937
 334,098
 1,815,035
 1,226,452
 269,752
 1,496,204
 1,813,201
 289,606
 2,102,807
 1,594,972
 298,159
 1,893,131
Commercial real estate:  
  
  
  
  
  
Construction 210,196
 43,474
 253,670
 169,189
 4,201
 173,390
Single and multi-family 214,823
 36,783
 251,606
 140,050
 53,168
 193,218
Commercial real estate 1,209,008
 345,483
 1,554,491
 1,030,837
 214,122
 1,244,959
Total commercial real estate 1,634,027
 425,740
 2,059,767
 1,340,076
 271,491
 1,611,567
                        
Commercial and industrial loans:    
  
  
  
  
Asset based lending 331,253
 
 331,253
 341,246
 
 341,246
Other commercial and industrial loans 495,979
 221,031
 717,010
 411,945
 51,175
 463,120
Total commercial and industrial loans 827,232
 221,031
 1,048,263
 753,191
 51,175
 804,366
            
Total commercial loans 2,461,259
 646,771
 3,108,030
 2,093,267
 322,666
 2,415,933
Consumer loans:  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Home equity 307,159
 53,446
 360,605
 252,681
 65,951
 318,632
 294,954
 115,227
 410,181
 313,521
 80,279
 393,800
Auto and other 311,328
 130,238
 441,566
 346,480
 103,351
 449,831
 603,767
 113,902
 717,669
 478,368
 106,012
 584,380
Total consumer loans 618,487
 183,684
 802,171
 599,161
 169,302
 768,463
 898,721
 229,129
 1,127,850
 791,889
 186,291
 978,180
                        
Total loans $4,560,683
 $1,164,553
 $5,725,236
 $3,918,880
 $761,720
 $4,680,600
 $6,112,198
 $2,187,140
 $8,299,338
 $5,221,307
 $1,328,480
 $6,549,787

F-33

Table of Contents
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Total unamortized net costs and premiums included in the year-end total loans for business activity loans were the following:
(In thousands) 2015 2014
Unamortized net loan origination costs $17,448
 $14,268
Unamortized net premium on purchased loans 4,694
 4,604
Total unamortized net costs and premiums $22,142
 $18,872

F-30

Table of Contents
(In thousands) December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
Unamortized net loan origination costs $24,669
 $21,972
Unamortized net premium on purchased loans 4,311
 4,849
Total unamortized net costs and premiums $28,980
 $26,821
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The Company occasionally transfers a portion of its originated commercial loans to participating lending partners. The amounts transferred have been accounted for as sales and are therefore not included in the Company’s accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The Company and its lending partners share proportionally in any gains or losses that may result from a borrower’s lack of compliance with contractual terms of the loan. The Company continues to service the loans, collects cash payments from the borrowers, remits payments (net of servicing fees), and disburses required escrow funds to relevant parties. At year-end 20152017 and 2014,2016, the Company was servicing loans for participants totaling $189.0 million$1.8 billion and $95.4 million,$0.5 billion, respectively.
 
In 2015,2017, the Company purchased loans aggregating $124.4$500.9 million and sold loans aggregating $121.0$514.5 million. In 2014,2016, the Company purchased loans aggregating $50.2$190.8 million and sold loans aggregating $290.1$307.7 million. Net gains (losses) on sales of loans were $6$11.7 million, $4$8.0 million, and ($1)$6.0 million for the years 2015, 2014,2017, 2016, and 2013,2015, respectively. These amounts are included in Loan Related Income on the Consolidated Statement of Income.

Most of the Company’s lending activity occurs within its primary markets in Western Massachusetts, Southern Vermont, and Northeastern New York. Most of the loan portfolio is secured by real estate, including residential mortgages, commercial mortgages, and home equity loans. Year-end loans to operators of non-residential buildings totaled $842.8 million,$1.3 billion, or 14.7%15.8%, and $691.3 million,$1.1 billion, or 14.8%16.8% of total loans in 20152017 and 2014,2016, respectively. There were no other concentrations of loans related to any onesingle industry in excess of 10% of total loans at year-end 20152017 or 2014.2016.

At year-end 2015,2017, the Company had pledged loans totaling $100$350.7 million to the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston as collateral for certain borrowing arrangements. Also, residential first mortgage loans are subject to a blanket lien for FHLBB advances. See Note 12 - Borrowings & Subordinated Notes.Borrowed Funds.

At year-end 20152017 and 2014,2016, the Company’s commitments outstanding to related parties totaled $3.5$50.8 million and $3.3$38.7 million, respectively, and the loans outstanding against these commitments totaled $2.1$44.1 million and $2.0$25.6 million, respectively. Related parties include directors and executive officers of the Company and its subsidiaries, andas well as their respective affiliates in which they have a controlling interest and immediate family members. For the years 20152017 and 2014,2016, all related party loans were performing.

The carrying amount of the acquired loans at December 31, 20152017 totaled $1.2$2.2 billion. A subset of these loans was determined to have evidence of credit deterioration at acquisition date, which is accounted for in accordance with ASC 310-30. These purchased credit-impaired loans presently maintain a carrying value of $21.4$97.3 million. These loans are evaluated for impairment through the periodicquarterly reforecasting of expected cash flows. Of the $21.4$97.3 million, $2.6 million are Residential Mortgages, $15.8$53.3 million are Commercial Real Estate, $2.8$34.6 million are Commercial and Industrial loans, $7.0 million are Residential Mortgages, and $249 thousand$2.4 million are Consumer loans.

The carrying amount of the acquired loans at December 31, 20142016 totaled $762 million.$1.3 billion. A subset of these loans was determined to have evidence of credit deterioration at acquisition date, which is accounted for in accordance with ASC 310-30. These purchased credit-impaired loans presently maintainmaintained a carrying value of $13.8$46.8 million. These loans are evaluated for impairment through the periodic reforecasting of expected cash flows. Of the $13.8$46.8 million, $375 thousand are Residential Mortgages, $12.3$34.8 million arewere Commercial Real Estate, $986 thousand are$3.4 million were Commercial and Industrial loans, $7.3 million were Residential Mortgages, and $171 thousand are$1.3 million were Consumer loans.

F-34

Table of Contents
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The following table summarizes activity in the accretable yield for the acquired loan portfolio that falls under the purview of ASC 310-30, Loans and Debt Securities Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality:
(In thousands) 2015 2014 2017 2016 2015
Balance at beginning of period $2,541
 $2,559
 $8,738
 $6,925
 $2,541
Acquisitions 4,777
 
 10,815
 6,125
 4,777
Reclassification from nonaccretable difference for loans with improved cash flows 3,640
 2,644
 (23) 2,488
 3,640
Changes in expected cash flows that do not affect nonaccretable difference (2,380) (3,018) 
Reclassification to TDR 
 (185) 
Accretion (4,033) (2,662) (5,589) (3,597) (4,033)
Balance at end of period $6,925
 $2,541
 $11,561
 $8,738
 $6,925

F-31

Table of Contents
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The following is a summary of past due loans at December 31, 20152017 and 2014:2016:

Business Activities Loans
(in thousands) 30-59 Days
Past Due
 60-89 Days
Past Due
 Greater
Than 90
Days Past
Due
 Total Past
Due
 Current Total Loans Past Due >
90 days and
Accruing
 30-59 Days
Past Due
 60-89 Days
Past Due
 >90 Days Past Due Total Past
Due
 Current Total Loans Past Due >
90 days and
Accruing
December 31, 2015  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Residential mortgages:  
  
  
  
  
  
  
1-4 family $3,537
 $857
 $4,304
 $8,698
 $1,445,535
 $1,454,233
 $2,006
Construction 
 
 
 
 26,704
 26,704
 
Total 3,537
 857
 4,304
 8,698
 1,472,239
 1,480,937
 2,006
December 31, 2017  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Commercial real estate:  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Construction 
 
 58
 58
 210,138
 210,196
 
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $181,371
 $181,371
 $
Single and multi-family 65
 160
 70
 295
 214,528
 214,823
 
 
 
 451
 451
 216,632
 217,083
 
Commercial real estate 1,523
 831
 3,286
 5,640
 1,203,368
 1,209,008
 
 1,925
 48
 5,023
 6,996
 1,812,257
 1,819,253
 457
Total 1,588
 991

3,414
 5,993

1,628,034

1,634,027


 1,925
 48
 5,474
 7,447
 2,210,260
 2,217,707
 457
Commercial and industrial loans  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Asset based lending 
 
 
 
 331,253
 331,253
 
Other commercial and industrial loans 1,202
 1,105
 7,770
 10,077
 485,902
 495,979
 146
Total 4,031
 1,912
 6,023
 11,966
 1,170,603
 1,182,569
 128
Residential mortgages:  
  
  
  
  
  
  
1-4 family 2,412
 242
 2,186
 4,840
 1,803,184
 1,808,024
 520
Construction 
 
 
 
 5,177
 5,177
 
Total 1,202
 1,105
 7,770
 10,077
 817,155
 827,232
 146
 2,412
 242
 2,186
 4,840
 1,808,361
 1,813,201
 520
Consumer loans:  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Home equity 563
 20
 1,658
 2,241
 304,918
 307,159
 61
 444
 1,235
 1,747
 3,426
 291,528
 294,954
 120
Auto and other 1,230
 132
 610
 1,972
 309,356
 311,328
 59
 3,389
 599
 1,597
 5,585
 598,182
 603,767
 143
Total 1,793
 152
 2,268
 4,213
 614,274
 618,487
 120
 3,833
 1,834
 3,344
 9,011
 889,710
 898,721
 263
Total $8,120
 $3,105
 $17,756
 $28,981
 $4,531,702
 $4,560,683
 $2,272
 $12,201
 $4,036
 $17,027
 $33,264
 $6,078,934
 $6,112,198
 $1,368
Business Activities Loans

(in thousands) 30-59 Days
Past Due
 60-89 Days
Past Due
 Greater
Than 90
Days Past
Due
 Total Past
Due
 Current Total Loans Past Due >
90 days and
Accruing
December 31, 2014  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Residential mortgages:  
  
  
  
  
  
  
1-4 family $5,580
 $146
 $4,053
 $9,779
 $1,189,629
 $1,199,408
 $1,527
Construction 666
 410
 
 1,076
 25,968
 27,044
 
Total 6,246
 556
 4,053
 10,855
 1,215,597
 1,226,452
 1,527
Commercial real estate:  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Construction 
 2,000
 720
 2,720
 166,469
 169,189
 
Single and multi-family 178
 156
 458
 792
 139,258
 140,050
 
Commercial real estate 692
 705
 9,383
 10,780
 1,020,057
 1,030,837
 621
Total 870
 2,861
 10,561
 14,292
 1,325,784
 1,340,076
 621
Commercial and industrial loans  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Asset based lending 
 
 
 
 341,246
 341,246
 
Other commercial and industrial loans 1,040
 498
 856
 2,394
 409,551
 411,945
 6
Total 1,040
 498
 856
 2,394
 750,797
 753,191
 6
Consumer loans:  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Home equity 333
 1,000
 1,387
 2,720
 249,961
 252,681
 230
Auto and other 831
 65
 315
 1,211
 345,269
 346,480
 10
Total 1,164
 1,065
 1,702
 3,931
 595,230
 599,161
 240
Total $9,320
 $4,980
 $17,172
 $31,472
 $3,887,408
 $3,918,880
 $2,394


F-32F-35

Table of Contents
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Business Activities Loans
(in thousands) 30-59 Days
Past Due
 60-89 Days
Past Due
 >90 Days Past Due Total Past
Due
 Current Total Loans Past Due >
90 days and
Accruing
December 31, 2016  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Commercial real estate:  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Construction $
 $
 $
 $
 $253,302
 $253,302
 $
Single and multi-family 618
 110
 624
 1,352
 190,467
 191,819
 155
Commercial real estate 481
 2,243
 4,212
 6,936
 1,474,287
 1,481,223
 
Total 1,099
 2,353
 4,836
 8,288
 1,918,056
 1,926,344
 155
Commercial and industrial loans  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Total 3,090
 1,301
 6,290
 10,681
 897,421
 908,102
 5
Residential mortgages:  
  
  
  
  
  
  
1-4 family 1,393
 701
 4,179
 6,273
 1,577,521
 1,583,794
 1,956
Construction 10
 
 
 10
 11,168
 11,178
 
Total 1,403
 701
 4,179
 6,283
 1,588,689
 1,594,972
 1,956
Consumer loans:  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Home equity 99
 
 2,981
 3,080
 310,441
 313,521
 306
Auto and other 2,483
 494
 968
 3,945
 474,423
 478,368
 16
Total 2,582
 494
 3,949
 7,025
 784,864
 791,889
 322
Total $8,174
 $4,849
 $19,254
 $32,277
 $5,189,030
 $5,221,307
 $2,438

Acquired Loans
(in thousands) 30-59 Days
Past Due
 60-89 Days
Past Due
 Greater
Than 90
Days Past
Due
 Total Past
Due
 Acquired
Credit
Impaired
 Total Loans Past Due >
90 days and
Accruing
 30-59 Days
Past Due
 60-89 Days
Past Due
 >90 Days Past Due Total Past
Due
 Acquired
Credit
Impaired
 Total Loans Past Due >
90 days and
Accruing
December 31, 2015  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Residential mortgages:  
  
  
  
  
  
  
1-4 family $2,580
 $311
 $1,880
 $4,771
 $2,572
 $332,747
 $212
Construction 
 
 
 
 
 1,351
 
Total 2,580
 311
 1,880
 4,771
 2,572
 334,098
 212
December 31, 2017  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Commercial real estate:  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Construction 
 
 
 
 1,298
 43,474
 
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $7,655
 $84,965
 $
Single and multi-family 
 176
 227
 403
 1,380
 36,783
 127
 671
 
 203
 874
 2,846
 206,082
 
Commercial real estate 547
 43
 1,368
 1,958
 13,087
 345,483
 

 816
 1,875
 2,156
 4,847
 42,801
 755,988
 109
Total 547
 219
 1,595
 2,361
 15,765
 425,740
 127
 1,487
 1,875
 2,359
 5,721
 53,302
 1,047,035
 109
Commercial and industrial loans  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Asset based lending 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other commercial and industrial loans 1,214
 505
 1,420
 3,139
 2,775
 221,031
 785
Total 1,252
 268
 1,439
 2,959
 34,629
 621,370
 23
Residential mortgages:  
  
  
  
  
  
  
1-4 family 957
 2,581
 1,247
 4,785
 6,974
 289,373
 30
Construction 
 
 
 
 
 233
 
Total 1,214
 505
 1,420
 3,139
 2,775
 221,031
 785
 957
 2,581
 1,247
 4,785
 6,974
 289,606
 30
Consumer loans:  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Home equity 82
 277
 837
 1,196
 118
 53,446
 111
 286
 40
 1,965
 2,291
 1,956
 115,227
 
Auto and other 1,491
 145
 1,081
 2,717
 132
 130,238
 187
 346
 135
 430
 911
 483
 113,902
 38
Total 1,573
 422
 1,918
 3,913
 250
 183,684
 298
 632
 175
 2,395
 3,202
 2,439
 229,129
 38
Total $5,914
 $1,457
 $6,813
 $14,184
 $21,362
 $1,164,553
 $1,422
 $4,328
 $4,899
 $7,440
 $16,667
 $97,344
 $2,187,140
 $200
Acquired Loans
(in thousands) 30-59 Days
Past Due
 60-89 Days
Past Due
 Greater
Than 90
Days Past
Due
 Total Past
Due
 Acquired
Credit
Impaired
 Total Loans Past Due >
90 days and
Accruing
December 31, 2014  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Residential mortgages:  
  
  
  
  
  
  
1-4 family $1,133
 $638
 $1,651
 $3,422
 $375
 $268,734
 $269
Construction 
 
 
 
 
 1,018
 
Total 1,133
 638
 1,651
 3,422
 375
 269,752
 269
Commercial real estate:  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Construction 
 
 691
 691
 1,296
 4,201
 
Single and multi-family 277
 
 572
 849
 5,477
 53,168
 
Commercial real estate 
 715
 2,004
 2,719
 5,504
 214,122
 329
Total 277
 715
 3,267
 4,259
 12,277
 271,491
 329
Commercial and industrial loans  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Asset based lending 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other commercial and industrial loans 202
 32
 855
 1,089
 986
 51,175
 
Total 202
 32
 855
 1,089
 986
 51,175
 
Consumer loans:  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Home equity 176
 95
 1,049
 1,320
 171
 65,951
 466
Auto and other 1,170
 944
 1,363
 3,477
 
 103,351
 194
Total 1,346
 1,039
 2,412
 4,797
 171
 169,302
 660
Total $2,958
 $2,424
 $8,185
 $13,567
 $13,809
 $761,720
 $1,258


F-33F-36

Table of Contents
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Acquired Loans
(in thousands) 30-59 Days
Past Due
 60-89 Days
Past Due
 >90 Days Past Due Total Past
Due
 Acquired
Credit
Impaired
 Total Loans Past Due >
90 days and
Accruing
December 31, 2016  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Commercial real estate:  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Construction $
 $
 $
 $
 $47
 $34,207
 $
Single and multi-family 2
 
 437
 439
 4,726
 125,672
 
Commercial real estate 1,555
 
 765
 2,320
 30,047
 530,215
 
Total 1,557
 
 1,202
 2,759
 34,820
 690,094
 
Commercial and industrial loans:  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Total 1,850
 15
 1,262
 3,127
 3,369
 153,936
 24
Residential mortgages:  
  
  
  
  
  
  
1-4 family 321
 343
 2,015
 2,679
 7,283
 297,355
 443
Construction 
 
 
 
 
 804
 
Total 321
 343
 2,015
 2,679
 7,283
 298,159
 443
Consumer loans:  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Home equity 753
 
 870
 1,623
 957
 80,279
 353
Auto and other 542
 314
 1,686
 2,542
 387
 106,012
 791
Total 1,295
 314
 2,556
 4,165
 1,344
 186,291
 1,144
Total $5,023
 $672
 $7,035
 $12,730
 $46,816
 $1,328,480
 $1,611

The following is summary information pertaining to non-accrual loans at year-end 20152017 and 2014:2016:
 12/31/2015 12/31/2014 December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
(In thousands) Business Activities
Loans
 Acquired Loans Total Business Activities
Loans
 Acquired Loans Total Business Activities
Loans
 Acquired  Loans (1) Total Business Activities
Loans
 Acquired  Loans (2) Total
Residential mortgages:  
  
  
  
  
  
1-4 family $2,298
 $1,668
 $3,966
 $2,526
 $1,382
 $3,908
Construction 
 
 
 
 
 
Total 2,298
 1,668
 3,966
 2,526
 1,382
 3,908
Commercial real estate:  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Construction 59
 
 59
 720
 
 720
 
 
 
 
 
 
Single and multi-family 70
 100
 170
 458
 141
 599
 451
 203
 654
 469
 437
 906
Other commercial real estate 3,285
 1,368
 4,653
 8,762
 1,675
 10,437
 4,566
 2,047
 6,613
 4,212
 765
 4,977
Total 3,414
 1,468
 4,882
 9,940
 1,816
 11,756
 5,017
 2,250
 7,267
 4,681
 1,202
 5,883
Commercial and industrial loans:Commercial and industrial loans:  
  
  
  
  
Total 5,895
 1,333
 7,228
 6,285
 1,155
 7,440
                        
Commercial and industrial loans:  
  
  
  
  
  
Asset based lending 
 
 
 
 
 
Other commercial and industrial loans 7,624
 597
 8,221
 850
 811
 1,661
Residential mortgages:  
  
  
  
  
  
1-4 family $1,666
 $1,217
 $2,883
 $2,223
 $1,572
 $3,795
Construction 
 
 
 
 
 
Total 7,624
 597
 8,221
 850
 811
 1,661
 1,666
 1,217
 2,883
 2,223
 1,572
 3,795
Consumer loans:  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Home equity 1,597
 727
 2,324
 1,157
 583
 1,740
 1,627
 1,965
 3,592
 2,675
 517
 3,192
Auto and other 551
 893
 1,444
 305
 1,169
 1,474
 1,454
 392
 1,846
 952
 895
 1,847
Total 2,148
 1,620
 3,768
 1,462
 1,752
 3,214
 3,081
 2,357
 5,438
 3,627
 1,412
 5,039
                        
Total non-accrual loans $15,484
 $5,353
 $20,837
 $14,778
 $5,761
 $20,539
 $15,659
 $7,157
 $22,816
 $16,816
 $5,341
 $22,157
(1) At year-end 2015,2017, acquired credit impaired loans account for $39$83 thousand of non-accrual loans greater than 90 days past due that are not presented in the above table.
(2) At year-end 2016, acquired credit impaired loans account for $83 thousand of loans greater than 90 days past due that are not presented in the above table.

Loans evaluated for impairment as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows:
Business Activities Loans
(In thousands)
2015
  Residential
mortgages
  Commercial
real estate
  Commercial
and industrial
 Consumer Total
Loans receivable:  
  
  
  
  
Balance at end of year  
  
  
  
  
Individually evaluated for impairment $2,812
 $11,560
 $7,191
 $1,810
 $23,373
Collectively evaluated 1,478,125
 1,622,467
 820,041
 616,677
 4,537,310
Total $1,480,937
 $1,634,027
 $827,232
 $618,487
 $4,560,683
Business Activities Loans
(In thousands)
2014
  Residential
mortgages
  Commercial
real estate
  Commercial
and industrial
 Consumer Total
Loans receivable:  
  
  
  
  
Balance at end of year  
  
  
  
  
Individually evaluated for impairment $3,238
 $22,015
 $743
 $452
 $26,448
Collectively evaluated 1,223,214
 1,318,061
 752,448
 598,709
 3,892,432
Total $1,226,452
 $1,340,076
 $753,191
 $599,161
 $3,918,880

F-34F-37

Table of Contents
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

AcquiredLoans evaluated for impairment as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 were as follows:

Business Activities Loans
(In thousands)
2015
  Residential
mortgages
  Commercial
real estate
  Commercial
and industrial
 Consumer Total
(In thousands)
2017
  Commercial
real estate
  Commercial
and industrial
  Residential
mortgages
 Consumer Total
Loans receivable:  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Balance at end of year  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Individually evaluated for impairment $570
 $3,749
 $
 $487
 $4,806
 $33,732
 $5,761
 $3,872
 $
 $43,365
Purchased credit-impaired loans 2,572
 15,765
 2,775
 250
 21,362
Collectively evaluated 330,956
 406,226
 218,256
 182,947
 1,138,385
 2,183,975
 1,176,808
 1,809,329
 898,721
 6,068,833
Total $334,098
 $425,740
 $221,031
 $183,684
 $1,164,553
 $2,217,707
 $1,182,569
 $1,813,201
 $898,721
 $6,112,198

Business Activities Loans
(In thousands)
2016
  Commercial
real estate
  Commercial
and industrial
  Residential
mortgages
 Consumer Total
Loans receivable:  
  
  
  
  
Balance at end of year  
  
  
  
  
Individually evaluated for impairment $25,549
 $5,705
 $2,775
 $2,703
 $36,732
Collectively evaluated 1,900,795
 902,397
 1,592,197
 789,186
 5,184,575
Total $1,926,344
 $908,102
 $1,594,972
 $791,889
 $5,221,307

Acquired Loans
(In thousands)
2014
  Residential
mortgages
  Commercial
real estate
  Commercial
and industrial
 Consumer Total
(In thousands)
2017
  Commercial
real estate
  Commercial
and industrial
  Residential
mortgages
 Consumer Total
Loans receivable:  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Balance at end of year  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Individually evaluated for impairment $695
 $4,515
 $39
 $199
 $5,448
 $4,244
 $421
 $2,617
 $27
 $7,309
Purchased credit-impaired loans 375
 12,237
 986
 171
 $13,769
 53,302
 34,629
 6,974
 2,439
 97,344
Collectively evaluated 268,682
 254,739
 50,150
 168,932
 $742,503
 989,489
 586,320
 280,015
 226,663
 2,082,487
Total $269,752
 $271,491
 $51,175
 $169,302
 $761,720
 $1,047,035
 $621,370
 $289,606
 $229,129
 $2,187,140

Acquired Loans
(In thousands)
2016
  Commercial
real estate
  Commercial
and industrial
  Residential
mortgages
 Consumer Total
Loans receivable:  
  
  
  
  
Balance at end of year  
  
  
  
  
Individually evaluated for impairment $4,256
 $635
 $308
 $406
 $5,605
Purchased credit-impaired loans 34,820
 3,369
 7,283
 1,344
 46,816
Collectively evaluated 651,018
 149,932
 290,568
 184,541
 1,276,059
Total $690,094
 $153,936
 $298,159
 $186,291
 $1,328,480

F-38

Table of Contents
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The following is a summary of impaired loans at year-end 20152017 and 20142016 and for the years then ended:

Business Activities Loans
 At December 31, 2015 At December 31, 2017
(In thousands) Recorded Investment Unpaid Principal
Balance
 Related Allowance Recorded Investment (1) Unpaid Principal
Balance (2)
 Related Allowance
With no related allowance:  
  
  
  
  
  
Residential mortgages - 1-4 family $1,181
 $1,181
 $
Commercial real estate - construction 2,000
 2,000
 
 $
 $
 $
Commercial real estate - single and multifamily 
 
 
 1,077
 3,607
 
Other commercial real estate 4,613
 4,613
 
 18,285
 18,611
 
Other commercial and industrial loans 5,828
 5,828
 
 2,060
 2,629
 
Residential mortgages - 1-4 family 660
 1,075
 
Consumer - home equity 702
 702
 
 867
 1,504
 
Consumer - other 1
 1
 
      
With an allowance recorded:  
  
  
  
  
  
Residential mortgages - 1-4 family $1,479
 $1,632
 $153
Commercial real estate - construction 
 
 
 $159
 $159
 $1
Commercial real estate - single and multifamily 
 
 
 159
 171
 1
Other commercial real estate 4,798
 4,947
 149
 14,321
 15,235
 227
Other commercial and industrial loans 1,341
 1,362
 21
 3,716
 4,249
 66
Residential mortgages - 1-4 family 1,344
 1,446
 130
Consumer - home equity 903
 999
 96
 1,014
 999
 34
Consumer - other 101
 108
 7
 17
 17
 1
            
Total  
  
  
  
  
  
Residential mortgages $2,660
 $2,813
 $153
Commercial real estate 11,411
 11,560
 149
 $34,001
 $37,783
 $229
Commercial and industrial 7,169
 7,190
 21
 5,776
 6,878
 66
Residential mortgages 2,004
 2,521
 130
Consumer 1,707
 1,810
 103
 1,898
 2,520
 35
Total impaired loans $22,947
 $23,373
 $426
 $43,679
 $49,702
 $460
(1) The Recorded Investment represents the face amount of the loan increased or decreased by applicable accrued interest, net deferred loan fees and costs, and unamortized premium or discount, and reflects direct charge-offs. This amount is a component of total loans on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
(2) The Unpaid Principal Balance represents the customer's legal obligation to the Company.

F-35F-39

Table of Contents
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Business Activities Loans
 At December 31, 2014 At December 31, 2016
(In thousands) Recorded Investment Unpaid Principal
Balance
 Related Allowance Recorded Investment (1) Unpaid Principal
Balance (2)
 Related Allowance
With no related allowance:  
  
  
  
  
  
Other commercial real estate $18,905
 $18,905
 $
Other commercial and industrial loans 382
 382
 
Residential mortgages - 1-4 family $2,528
 $2,528
 $
 2,101
 2,101
 
Commercial real estate - construction 16,990
 16,990
 
Consumer - home equity 1,605
 1,605
 
With an allowance recorded:  
  
  
Commercial real estate - single and multifamily 
 
 
 $179
 $181
 $2
Other commercial real estate loans 102
 102
 
Other commercial real estate 6,306
 6,462
 156
Other commercial and industrial loans 743
 743
 
 5,060
 5,324
 264
Residential mortgages - 1-4 family 538
 674
 136
Consumer - home equity 87
 87
 
 942
 1,098
 156
      
With an allowance recorded:  
  
  
Residential mortgages - 1-4 family $555
 $710
 $155
Commercial real estate - construction 3,511
 4,431
 920
Commercial real estate - single and multifamily 490
 492
 2
Other commercial real estate loans 194
 248
 54
Other commercial and industrial loans 
 
 
Consumer - home equity 105
 117
 12
      
Total  
  
  
  
  
  
Commercial real estate $25,390
 $25,548
 $158
Commercial and industrial 5,442
 5,706
 264
Residential mortgages $3,083
 $3,238
 $155
 2,639
 2,775
 136
Commercial real estate 21,287
 22,263
 976
Commercial and industrial loans 743
 743
 
Consumer 192
 204
 12
 2,547
 2,703
 156
Total impaired loans $25,305
 $26,448
 $1,143
 $36,018
 $36,732
 $714
(1) The Recorded Investment represents the face amount of the loan increased or decreased by applicable accrued interest, net deferred loan fees and costs, and unamortized premium or discount, and reflects direct charge-offs. This amount is a component of total loans on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
(2) The Unpaid Principal Balance represents the customer's legal obligation to the Company.

Acquired Loans
  At December 31, 2015
(In thousands) Recorded Investment Unpaid Principal
Balance
 Related Allowance
With no related allowance:  
  
  
Residential mortgages - 1-4 family $274
 $274
 $
Other commercial real estate loans 1,722
 1,722
 
Consumer - home equity 117
 117
 
Consumer - other 177
 177
 
       
With an allowance recorded:  
  
  
Residential mortgages - 1-4 family 266
 296
 $30
Commercial real estate - single and multifamily 638
 655
 17
Other commercial real estate loans 1,964
 2,032
 68
Consumer - home equity 167
 192
 25
       
Total  
  
  
Residential mortgages $540
 $570
 $30
Commercial real estate 4,324
 4,409
 85
Commercial and industrial 
 
 
Consumer 461
 486
 25
Total impaired loans $5,325
 $5,465
 $140


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Table of Contents
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Acquired Loans
 December 31, 2014 At December 31, 2017
(In thousands) Recorded Investment Unpaid Principal
Balance
 Related Allowance Recorded  Investment (1) Unpaid Principal
Balance (2)
 Related Allowance
With no related allowance:  
  
  
  
  
  
Residential mortgages - 1-4 family $189
 $189
 $
Commercial real estate - single and multifamily $204
 $290
 $
Other commercial real estate loans 5,206
 5,206
 
 1,123
 2,794
 
Other commercial and industrial loans 39
 39
 
 255
 310
 
Residential mortgages - 1-4 family 658
 671
 
Consumer - home equity 1,374
 1,654
 
Consumer - other 27
 27
 
            
With an allowance recorded:  
  
  
  
  
  
Commercial real estate - single and multifamily $887
 $880
 $18
Other commercial real estate loans 2,043
 1,661
 38
Other commercial and industrial loans 165
 166
 1
Residential mortgages - 1-4 family $458
 $506
 $48
 166
 185
 9
Other commercial real estate loans 383
 431
 48
Consumer - home equity 124
 199
 75
 433
 540
 45
            
Total  
  
  
  
  
  
Commercial real estate $4,257
 $5,625
 $56
Commercial and industrial 420
 476
 1
Residential mortgages $647
 $695
 $48
 824
 856
 9
Other commercial real estate loans 5,589
 5,637
 48
Other commercial and industrial loans 39
 39
 
Consumer - home equity 124
 199
 75
Consumer 1,834
 2,221
 45
Total impaired loans $6,399
 $6,570
 $171
 $7,335
 $9,178
 $111
(1) The Recorded Investment represents the face amount of the loan increased or decreased by applicable accrued interest, net deferred loan fees and costs, and unamortized premium or discount, and reflects direct charge-offs. This amount is a component of total loans on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
(2) The Unpaid Principal Balance represents the customer's legal obligation to the Company.



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Table of Contents
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Acquired Loans
  December 31, 2016
(In thousands) Recorded Investment (1) Unpaid Principal
Balance (2)
 Related Allowance
With no related allowance:  
  
  
Other commercial real estate loans $547
 $547
 $
Residential mortgages - 1-4 family 208
 208
 
Consumer - home equity 
 
 
Consumer - other 
 
 
       
With an allowance recorded:  
  
  
Commercial real estate - single and multifamily $1,250
 $1,358
 $108
Other commercial real estate loans 2,209
 2,351
 142
Other Commercial and industrial loans 576
 635
 59
Residential mortgages - 1-4 family 89
 100
 11
Consumer - home equity 292
 406
 114
       
Total  
  
  
Commercial real estate $4,006
 $4,256
 $250
Commercial and industrial 576
 635
 59
Residential mortgages 297
 308
 11
Consumer 292
 406
 114
Total impaired loans $5,171
 $5,605
 $434
(1) The Recorded Investment represents the face amount of the loan increased or decreased by applicable accrued interest, net deferred loan fees and costs, and unamortized premium or discount, and reflects direct charge-offs. This amount is a component of total loans on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
(2) The Unpaid Principal Balance represents the customer's legal obligation to the Company.


F-42

Table of Contents
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The following is a summary of the average recorded investment and interest income recognized on impaired loans as of December 31, 20152017, 2016 and 2014:2015:
 
Business Activities Loans
 December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015
(in thousands) Average Recorded
Investment
 Cash Basis Interest
Income Recognized
 Average Recorded
Investment
 Cash Basis Interest
Income Recognized
 Average  Recorded
Investment
 Cash Basis  Interest
Income  Recognized
 Average  Recorded
Investment
 Cash Basis  Interest
Income  Recognized
 Average  Recorded
Investment
 Cash Basis  Interest
Income  Recognized
With no related allowance:  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
    
Residential mortgages - 1-4 family $1,353
 $38
 $3,807
 $141
Commercial real estate - construction 2,245
 92
 18,218
 704
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $2,245
 $92
Commercial real estate - single and multifamily 60
 
 519
 
 341
 214
 36
 1
 60
 
Other commercial real estate 12,487
 302
 9
 
 20,867
 1,123
 6,463
 1,155
 12,487
 302
Commercial and industrial 3,870
 177
 1,877
 70
Other commercial and industrial 4,437
 265
 3,349
 131
 3,870
 177
Residential mortgages - 1-4 family 1,128
 31
 2,403
 91
 1,353
 38
Consumer-home equity 442
 13
 234
 3
 1,291
 30
 612
 5
 442
 13
Consumer-other 
 
 
 
 72
 3
 2
 
 
 
                    
With an allowance recorded:  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
    
Residential mortgages - 1-4 family $1,704
 $72
 $648
 $31
Commercial mortgages - construction 
 
 2,837
 84
 $41
 $3
 $
 $
 $
 $
Commercial real estate - single and multifamily 
 
 1,213
 
 169
 12
 15
 6
 
 
Other commercial real estate 3,214
 132
 
 
 11,372
 520
 7,576
 349
 3,214
 132
Commercial and industrial 810
 37
 
 
Other commercial and industrial 3,251
 267
 2,002
 225
 810
 37
Residential mortgages - 1-4 family 1,289
 59
 682
 26
 1,704
 72
Consumer-home equity 83
 
 207
 6
 1,007
 29
 999
 35
 83
 
Consumer - other 112
 4
 120
 4
 4
 1
 103
 4
 112
 4
                    
Total  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
    
Residential mortgages $3,057
 $110
 $4,455
 $172
Commercial real estate 18,006
 526
 22,796
 788
 $32,790
 $1,872
 $14,090
 $1,511
 $18,006
 $526
Commercial and industrial 4,680
 214
 1,877
 70
 7,688
 532
 5,351
 356
 4,680
 214
Residential mortgages 2,417
 90
 3,085
 117
 3,057
 110
Consumer loans 637
 17
 561
 13
 2,374
 63
 1,716
 44
 637
 17
Total impaired loans $26,380
 $867
 $29,689
 $1,043
 $45,269
 $2,557
 $24,242
 $2,028
 $26,380
 $867
 

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Table of Contents
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Acquired Loans
 December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015
(in thousands) Average Recorded
Investment
 Cash Basis Interest
Income Recognized
 Average Recorded
Investment
 Cash Basis Interest
Income Recognized
 Average  Recorded
Investment
 Cash Basis  Interest
Income  Recognized
 Average  Recorded
Investment
 Cash Basis  Interest
Income  Recognized
 Average  Recorded
Investment
 Cash Basis  Interest
Income  Recognized
With no related allowance:  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
    
Commercial real estate - construction $
 $
 $
 $
 $445
 $60
Commercial real estate - single and multifamily 342
 82
 
 
 2,014
 57
Other commercial real estate 487
 239
 521
 20
 1,721
 37
Other commercial and industrial 581
 43
 492
 9
 
 
Residential mortgages - 1-4 family $463
 $6
 $841
 $8
 390
 28
 293
 12
 463
 6
Commercial real estate - construction 445
 60
 5,484
 227
Commercial mortgages - single and multifamily 2,014
 57
 
 
Commercial mortgages - real estate 1,721
 37
 
 
Commercial business loans 
 
 356
 13
Consumer - home equity 152
 5
 41
 
 773
 22
 
 
 152
 5
Consumer - other 59
 5
 
 
 7
 1
 105
 1
 59
 5
                    
With an allowance recorded:  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
    
Residential mortgages - 1-4 family $304
 $9
 $241
 $14
Commercial real estate - construction 
 
 108
 4
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $
Commercial real estate - single and multifamily 623
 33
 
 
 903
 47
 1,064
 115
 623
 33
Other commercial real estate 1,384
 96
 
 
 1,719
 91
 2,618
 165
 1,384
 96
Commercial and industrial 31
 3
 
 
Other commercial and industrial 47
 13
 369
 17
 31
 3
Residential mortgages - 1-4 family 173
 9
 214
 25
 304
 9
Consumer - home equity 195
 7
 51
 6
 400
 21
 
 
 195
 7
                    
Total  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
    
Residential mortgages $767
 $15
 $1,082
 $22
Commercial real estate 6,187
 283
 5,592
 231
 $3,451
 $459
 $4,203
 $300
 $6,187
 $283
Commercial and industrial 31
 3
 356
 13
 628
 56
 861
 26
 31
 3
Residential mortgages 563
 37
 507
 37
 767
 15
Consumer loans 406
 17
 92
 6
 1,180
 44
 105
 1
 406
 17
Total impaired loans $7,391
 $318
 $7,122
 $272
 $5,822
 $596
 $5,676
 $364
 $7,391
 $318

No additional funds are committed to be advanced in connection with impaired loans.

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Table of Contents
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Troubled Debt Restructuring Loans
The Company’s loan portfolio also includes certain loans that have been modified in a Troubled Debt Restructuring (TDR), where economic concessions have been granted to borrowers who have experienced or are expected to experience financial difficulties. These concessions typically result from the Company’s loss mitigation activities and could include reductions in the interest rate, payment extensions, forgiveness of principal, forbearance, or other actions. Certain TDRs are classified as nonperforming at the time of restructure and may only be returned to performing status after considering the borrower’s sustained repayment performance for a reasonable period, generally six months. TDRs are evaluated individually for impairment and may result in a specific allowance amount allocated to an individual loan.

The following tables include the recorded investment and number of modifications for modified loans identified during the years-ended December 31, 2015, 2014,2017, 2016, and 20132015 respectively. The tables include the recorded investment in the loans prior to a modification and also the recorded investment in the loans after the loans were restructured. The modifications for the year-ended December 31, 20152017 were attributable to interest rate concessions, principal concessions, maturity date extensions, modified payment terms, reamortization, and accelerated maturity. The modifications for the year-ended December 31, 20142016 were attributable to interest rate concessions, debt consolidations, and changes to payment terms. The modifications for the year-ended December 31, 2013 were attributable to interest rate concessions, debt consolidations, and maturity date extensions. extensions, modified payment terms, reamortization, and accelerated maturity.
 Modifications by Class
For the twelve months ending December 31, 2015
 Modifications by Class
For the twelve months ending December 31, 2017
 Number of
Modifications
 Pre-Modification
Outstanding Recorded
Investment (In thousands)
 Post-Modification
Outstanding Recorded
Investment
 Number of
Modifications
 Pre-Modification
Outstanding Recorded
Investment (In thousands)
 Post-Modification
Outstanding Recorded
Investment
Troubled Debt Restructurings  
  
  
  
  
  
Commercial - Construction 1
 123
 123
Commercial - Single and multifamily 2
 307
 307
 1
 $235
 $235
Commercial - Other 4
 8,577
 7,274
 15
 13,445
 11,718
Commercial business - Other 6
 9,041
 8,904
Consumer - Other 1
 999
 999
Commercial and industrial - Other 12
 3,507
 3,507
Residential - 1-4 Family 4
 331
 314
Consumer - Home Equity 3
 122
 122
 14
 $19,047
 $17,607
 35
 $17,640
 $15,896
 Modifications by Class
For the twelve months ending December 31, 2014
 Modifications by Class
For the twelve months ending December 31, 2016
 Number of
Modifications
 Pre-Modification
Outstanding Recorded
Investment (In thousands)
 Post-Modification
Outstanding Recorded
Investment
 Number of
Modifications
 Pre-Modification
Outstanding Recorded
Investment (In thousands)
 Post-Modification
Outstanding Recorded
Investment
Troubled Debt Restructurings  
  
  
  
  
  
Commercial - Single and multifamily 5
 $437
 $437
Commercial - Other 5
 16,651
 16,651
Commercial and industrial - Other 4
 555
 555
Residential - 1-4 Family 5
 $600
 $598
 2
 5
 5
Commercial - Single and multifamily 1
 623
 623
Residential - Construction 1
 102
 102
Commercial - Other 10
 9,190
 9,190
Consumer - Home Equity 1
 117
 117
 17
 $10,515
 $10,513
 17
 $17,765
 $17,765
 Modifications by Class
For the twelve months ending December 31, 2013
 Modifications by Class
For the twelve months ending December 31, 2015
 Number of
Modifications
 Pre-Modification
Outstanding Recorded
Investment (In thousands)
 Post-Modification
Outstanding Recorded
Investment
 Number of
Modifications
 Pre-Modification
Outstanding Recorded
Investment (In thousands)
 Post-Modification
Outstanding Recorded
Investment
Troubled Debt Restructurings  
  
  
  
  
  
Residential - 1-4 Family 7
 $1,152
 $1,152
Commercial - Construction 1
 $123
 $123
Commercial - Single and multifamily 1
 320
 320
 2
 307
 307
Commercial - Other 2
 2,366
 2,406
 4
 8,577
 7,274
Commercial and industrial - Other 10
 3,882
 3,450
 6
 9,041
 8,904
Consumer - Auto and other 7
 443
 442
Consumer - Other 1
 999
 999
 27
 $8,163
 $7,770
 14
 $19,047
 $17,607

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Table of Contents
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The following tables disclose the recorded investment and number of modifications for TDRs withinfor the last yearprior years where a concession was made and the borrower subsequently defaulted in the currentrespective reporting period:period. For the year ended 2017, there were three loans that were restructured that had subsequently defaulted during the period. For the period ended 2016, there were no loans that were restructured that had subsequently defaulted during the period. For the year ended 2015, there were eight loans that were restructured that had subsequently defaulted during the period.
 
Modifications that Subsequently Defaulted
For the twelve months ending December 31, 2015
 
Modifications that subsequently defaulted
for the twelve months ending December 31, 2017
 Number of Contracts Recorded Investment Number of Contracts Recorded Investment
Troubled Debt Restructurings  
  
  
  
Residential - 1-4 Family 2
 $169
Commercial - Single and multifamily 1
 
 
 $
Commercial - Other 1
 373
 1
 113
Commercial business - Other 4
 6,579
Commercial and industrial - Other 2
 492
Residential - 1-4 Family 
 
 8
 $7,121
 3
 $605

 
Modifications that Subsequently Defaulted
For the twelve months ending December 31, 2014
 
Modifications that subsequently defaulted
for the twelve months ending December 31, 2015
 Number of Contracts Recorded Investment Number of Contracts Recorded Investment
Troubled Debt Restructurings  
  
  
  
Commercial and industrial- Other 2
 $101
Commercial - Single and multifamily 1
 $
Commercial - Other 1
 373
Commercial and industrial - Other 4
 6,579
Residential - 1-4 Family 2
 169
 8
 $7,121
  
Modifications that Subsequently Defaulted For the twelve months ending December 31, 2013

  Number of Contracts  Recorded Investment
Troubled Debt Restructurings    
Residential - 1-4 Family 1
 201
Commercial - Single and multifamily 5
 261
Commercial - Other 7
 1,961
Commercial business - Other 1
 55
  14
 $2,478


The following table presents the Company’s TDR activity in 20152017 and 2014:2016:
(In thousands) 2015 2014 2017 2016 2015
Balance at beginning of year $16,714
 $10,822
 $33,829
 $22,048
 $16,714
Principal payments (5,460) (2,651) (3,213) (5,870) (5,460)
TDR status change (1) 
 (52) 
 2,235
 
Other reductions (2) (3,160) (1,918) (4,522) (2,349) (3,160)
Newly identified TDRs 13,954
 10,513
 15,896
 17,765
 13,954
Balance at end of year $22,048
 $16,714
 $41,990
 $33,829
 $22,048
________________________________ 
(1)TDR status change classification represents TDR loans with a specified interest rate equal to or greater than the rate that the Company was willing to accept at the time of the restructuring for a new loan with comparable risk and the loan was on current payment status and not impaired based on the terms specified by the restructuring agreement.
 (2)  Other reductions classification consists of transfer to other real estate owned, charge-offs to loans, and other loan sale payoffs.

The evaluation of certain loans individually for specific impairment includes loans that were previously classified as TDRs or continue to be classified as TDRs.

As of December 31, 2017, the Company maintained no foreclosed residential real estate property. Additionally, residential mortgage loans collateralized by real estate property that are in the process of foreclosure as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 totaled $4.9 million and $4.8 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2016, foreclosed residential real estate property totaled $151 thousand.

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Table of Contents
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 7. LOAN LOSS ALLOWANCE
 
Activity in the allowance for loan losses for 2015, 2014,2017, 2016, and 20132015 was as follows:

Business Activities Loans 
(In thousands)
2015
  Residential
mortgages
  Commercial
real estate
  Commercial
and industrial
 Consumer Unallocated Total
(In thousands)
2017
  Commercial
real estate
  Commercial
and industrial
  Residential
mortgages
 Consumer Total
Balance at beginning of year $6,836
 $14,690
 $5,206
 $5,928
 $135
 $32,795
 $16,498
 $9,447
 $7,805
 $5,479
 $39,229
Charged-off loans 1,215
 6,865
 2,358
 1,183
 
 11,621
 3,875
 3,373
 806
 3,470
 11,524
Recoveries on charged-off loans 141
 164
 169
 285
 
 759
 170
 179
 270
 270
 889
Provision for loan losses 1,804
 6,519
 4,300
 (74) 92
 12,641
 4,050
 7,597
 2,151
 3,528
 17,326
Balance at end of year $7,566
 $14,508
 $7,317
 $4,956
 $227
 $34,574
 $16,843
 $13,850
 $9,420
 $5,807
 $45,920
Individually evaluated for impairment 153
 149
 21
 103
 
 426
 229
 66
 130
 35
 460
Collectively evaluated 7,413
 14,359
 7,296
 4,853
 227
 34,148
 16,614
 13,784
 9,290
 5,772
 45,460
Total $7,566
 $14,508
 $7,317
 $4,956
 $227
 $34,574
 $16,843
 $13,850
 $9,420
 $5,807
 $45,920

Business Activities Loans
(In thousands)
2014
  Residential
mortgages
  Commercial
real estate
  Commercial
and industrial
 Consumer Unallocated Total
(In thousands)
2016
 Commercial real estate  Commercial
and industrial
  Residential
mortgages
 Consumer Total
Balance at beginning of year $6,937
 $13,705
 $5,173
 $3,644
 $68
 $29,527
 $14,591
 $7,385
 $7,613
 $4,985
 $34,574
Charged-off loans 1,455
 4,207
 2,500
 1,308
 
 9,470
 2,127
 4,620
 2,036
 1,722
 10,505
Recoveries on charged-off loans 186
 9
 193
 285
 
 673
 243
 123
 159
 267
 792
Provision for loan losses 1,168
 5,183
 2,340
 3,307
 67
 12,065
 3,791
 6,559
 2,069
 1,949
 14,368
Balance at end of year $6,836
 $14,690
 $5,206
 $5,928
 $135
 $32,795
 $16,498
 $9,447
 $7,805
 $5,479
 $39,229
Individually evaluated for impairment 155
 922
 
 66
 
 1,143
 158
 264
 136
 156
 714
Collectively evaluated 6,681
 13,768
 5,206
 5,862
 135
 31,652
 16,340
 9,183
 7,669
 5,323
 38,515
Total $6,836
 $14,690
 $5,206
 $5,928
 $135
 $32,795
 $16,498
 $9,447
 $7,805
 $5,479
 $39,229

Business Activities Loans
(In thousands)
2013
  Residential
mortgages
  Commercial
real estate
  Commercial
and industrial
 Consumer Unallocated Total
(In thousands)
2015
  Commercial
real estate
  Commercial
and industrial
  Residential
mortgages
 Consumer Total
Balance at beginning of year $5,928
 $18,863
 $5,605
 $1,466
 $29
 $31,891
 $14,740
 $5,246
 $6,864
 $5,945
 $32,795
Charged-off loans 1,761
 3,378
 2,046
 917
 
 8,102
 6,865
 2,358
 1,215
 1,183
 11,621
Recoveries on charged-off loans 398
 540
 121
 270
 
 1,329
 164
 169
 141
 285
 759
Provision for loan losses 2,372
 (2,320) 1,493
 2,825
 39
 4,409
 6,552
 4,328
 1,823
 (62) 12,641
Balance at end of year $6,937
 $13,705
 $5,173
 $3,644
 $68
 $29,527
 $14,591
 $7,385
 $7,613
 $4,985
 $34,574
Individually evaluated for impairment 905
 219
 55
 103
 
 1,282
 149
 21
 153
 103
 426
Collectively evaluated 6,032
 13,486
 5,118
 3,541
 68
 28,245
 14,442
 7,364
 7,460
 4,882
 34,148
Total $6,937
 $13,705
 $5,173
 $3,644
 $68
 $29,527
 $14,591
 $7,385
 $7,613
 $4,985
 $34,574



F-42F-47

Table of Contents
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Acquired Loans
(In thousands)
2015
  Residential
mortgages
  Commercial
real estate
  Commercial
and industrial
 Consumer Unallocated Total
(In thousands)
2017
  Commercial
real estate
  Commercial
and industrial
  Residential
mortgages
 Consumer Total
Balance at beginning of year $615
 $790
 $1,093
 $369
 $
 $2,867
 $2,303
 $1,164
 $766
 $536
 $4,769
Charged-off loans 642
 681
 752
 992
 
 3,067
 771
 844
 797
 648
 3,060
Recoveries on charged-off loans 64
 418
 289
 78
 
 849
 65
 245
 43
 153
 506
Provision for loan losses 939
 1,376
 700
 1,070
 
 4,085
 2,259
 560
 586
 294
 3,699
Balance at end of year $976
 $1,903
 $1,330
 $525
 $
 $4,734
 $3,856
 $1,125
 $598
 $335
 $5,914
Individually evaluated for impairment 30
 43
 
 25
 
 98
 56
 1
 9
 45
 111
Purchased credit-impaired loans 
 42
 
 
 
 42
Collectively evaluated 946
 1,818
 1,330
 500
 
 4,594
 3,800
 1,124
 589
 290
 5,803
Total $976
 $1,903
 $1,330
 $525
 $
 $4,734
 $3,856
 $1,125
 $598
 $335
 $5,914

Acquired Loans
(In thousands)
2014
  Residential
mortgages
  Commercial
real estate
  Commercial
and industrial
 Consumer Unallocated Total
(In thousands)
2016
  Commercial
real estate
  Commercial
and industrial
  Residential
mortgages
 Consumer Total
Balance at beginning of year $625
 $2,339
 $597
 $235
 $
 $3,796
 $1,903
 $1,330
 $976
 $525
 $4,734
Charged-off loans 1,141
 1,477
 510
 1,255
 
 4,383
 977
 1,095
 829
 620
 3,521
Recoveries on charged-off loans 179
 261
 35
 76
 
 551
 61
 266
 144
 91
 562
Provision for loan losses 952
 (333) 971
 1,313
 
 2,903
 1,316
 663
 475
 540
 2,994
Balance at end of year $615
 $790
 $1,093
 $369
 $
 $2,867
 $2,303
 $1,164
 $766
 $536
 $4,769
Individually evaluated for impairment 48
 48
 
 75
 
 171
 250
 59
 11
 114
 434
Purchased credit-impaired loans 
 
 
 
 
 
Collectively evaluated 567
 742
 1,093
 294
 
 2,696
 2,053
 1,105
 755
 422
 4,335
Total $615
 $790
 $1,093
 $369
 $
 $2,867
 $2,303
 $1,164
 $766
 $536
 $4,769

Acquired Loans
(In thousands)
2013
  Residential
mortgages
  Commercial
real estate
  Commercial
and industrial
 Consumer Unallocated Total
(In thousands)
2015
  Commercial
real estate
  Commercial
and industrial
  Residential
mortgages
 Consumer Total
Balance at beginning of year $509
 $390
 $96
 $314
 $8
 $1,317
 $790
 $1,093
 $615
 $369
 $2,867
Charged-off loans 636
 1,748
 771
 1,580
 
 4,735
 681
 752
 642
 992
 3,067
Recoveries on charged-off loans 1
 15
 84
 145
 
 245
 418
 289
 64
 78
 849
Provision for loan losses 751
 3,682
 1,188
 1,356
 (8) 6,969
 1,376
 700
 939
 1,070
 4,085
Balance at end of year $625
 $2,339
 $597
 $235
 $
 $3,796
 $1,903
 $1,330
 $976
 $525
 $4,734
Individually evaluated for impairment 230
 488
 
 39
 
 757
 43
 
 30
 25
 98
Purchased credit-impaired loans 
 
 
 
 
 
 42
 
 
 
 42
Collectively evaluated 395
 1,851
 597
 196
 
 3,039
 1,818
 1,330
 946
 500
 4,594
Total $625
 $2,339
 $597
 $235
 $
 $3,796
 $1,903
 $1,330
 $976
 $525
 $4,734

F-43F-48

Table of Contents
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Credit Quality Information

Business Activities Loans Credit Quality Analysis
The Company monitors the credit quality of its portfolio by using internal risk ratings that are based on regulatory guidance. Loans that are given a Pass rating are not considered a problem credit. Loans that are classified as Special Mention loans are considered to have potential weaknesses and are evaluated closely by management. Substandard and non-accruing loans are loans for which a definitive weakness has been identified and which may make full collection of contractual cash flows questionable. Doubtful loans are those with identified weaknesses that make full collection of contractual cash flows, on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions, and values, highly questionable and improbable.

For commercial credits, the Company assigns an internal risk rating at origination and reviews the rating annual, semiannually, or quarterly depending on the risk rating. The rating is also reassessed at any point in time when management becomes aware of information that may affect the borrower’s ability to fulfill their obligations.

The Company risk rates its residential mortgages, including 1-4 family and residential construction loans, based on a three rating system: Pass, Special Mention, and Substandard. Loans that are current within 59 days are rated Pass. Residential mortgages that are 60-89 days delinquent are rated Special Mention. Loans delinquent for 90 days or greater are rated Substandard and generally placed on non-accrual status. Home equity loans are risk rated based on the same rating system as the Company’s residential mortgages.
 
Ratings for other consumer loans, including auto loans, are based on a two rating system. Loans that are current within 119 days are rated Performing while loans delinquent for 120 days or more are rated Non-performing. Other consumer loans are placed on non-accrual at such time as they become Non-performing.

Acquired Loans Credit Quality Analysis
Upon acquiring a loan portfolio, our internal loan review function assigns risk ratings to the acquired loans, utilizing the same methodology as it does with business activities loans. This may differ from the risk rating policy of the predecessor bank. Loans which are rated Substandard or worse according to the rating process outlined below are deemed to be credit impaired loans accounted for under ASC 310-30, regardless of whether they are classified as performing or non-performing.

The Bank utilizes a loan risk rating system for acquired loans consistent with loans originated from business activities, as outlined in the Credit Quality Information section of this Note. The ratings system is similar to loans originated through business activities.
The Company subjects loans that do not meet the ASC 310-30 criteria to ASC 450-20 by collectively evaluating these loans for an allowance for loan loss. The Company applies a methodology similar to the methodology prescribed for business activities loans, which includes the application of environmental factors to each category of loans. The methodology to collectively evaluate the acquired loans outside the scope of ASC 310-30 includes the application of a number of environmental factors that reflect management’s best estimate of the level of incremental credit losses that might be recognized given current conditions. This is reviewed as part of the allowance for loan loss adequacy analysis. As the loan portfolio matures and environmental factors change, the loan portfolio will be reassessed each quarter to determine an appropriate reserve allowance.

Additionally, the Company considers the need for an additional reserve for acquired loans accounted for outside of the scope of ASC 310-30 under ASC 310-20. At acquisition date, the Bank determined a fair value mark with credit and interest rate components. Under the Company’s model, the impairment evaluation process involves comparing the carrying value of acquired loans, including the entire unamortized premium or discount, to the recorded reserve allowance. If necessary, the Company books an additional reserve to account for shortfalls identified through this calculation. Fair value marks are not bifurcated when evaluating for impairment.
A decrease in the expected cash flows in subsequent periods requires the establishment of an allowance for loan losses at that time for ASC 310-30 loans. At year-end 2015, the allowance for loan losses related to acquired loans under ASC 310-30 and ASC 310-20 was $4.7 million using the above mentioned criteria. The Company presented several tables within this footnote separately for business activity loans and acquired loans in order to distinguish the credit performance of the acquired loans from the business activity loans.

F-44F-49

Table of Contents
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The following tables present the Company’s loans by risk rating at year-end 20152017 and 2014:2016:

Business Activities Loans

Commercial Real Estate
Credit Risk Profile by Creditworthiness Category
  Construction Single and multi-family Real Estate Total commercial real estate
(In thousands) 2017 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016
Grade:  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Pass $181,371
 $253,302
 $214,289
 $189,310
 $1,775,091
 $1,434,762
 $2,170,751
 $1,877,374
Special mention 
 
 504
 334
 12,999
 5,827
 13,503
 6,161
Substandard 
 
 2,290
 2,175
 31,163
 40,598
 33,453
 42,773
Doubtful 
 
 
 
 
 36
 
 36
Total $181,371
 $253,302
 $217,083
 $191,819
 $1,819,253
 $1,481,223
 $2,217,707
 $1,926,344

Commercial and Industrial Loans
Credit Risk Profile by Creditworthiness Category
   Total comm. and industrial
(In thousands)  2017 2016
Grade:   
  
Pass  $1,156,240
 $890,974
Special mention  12,806
 123
Substandard  11,123
 13,825
Doubtful  2,400
 3,180
Total  $1,182,569
 $908,102

Residential Mortgages
Credit Risk Profile by Internally Assigned Grade
  1-4 family Construction Total residential mortgages
(In thousands) 2015 2014��2015 2014 2015 2014
Grade:  
  
  
  
  
  
Pass $1,449,073
 $1,195,209
 $26,704
 $26,634
 $1,475,777
 $1,221,843
Special mention 857
 146
 
 410
 857
 556
Substandard 4,303
 4,053
 
 
 4,303
 4,053
Total $1,454,233
 $1,199,408
 $26,704
 $27,044
 $1,480,937
 $1,226,452
Commercial Mortgages
Credit Risk Profile by Creditworthiness Category
 Construction Single and multi-family Real Estate Total commercial real estate 1-4 family Construction Total residential mortgages
(In thousands) 2015 2014 2015 2014 2015 2014 2015 2014 2017 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016
Grade:  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Pass $208,138
 $166,295
 $212,900
 $137,533
 $1,155,770
 $959,836
 $1,576,808
 $1,263,664
 $1,805,596
 $1,578,913
 $5,177
 $11,178
 $1,810,773
 $1,590,091
Special mention 
 
 
 
 3,449
 6,933
 3,449
 6,933
 242
 701
 
 
 242
 701
Substandard 2,058
 2,894
 1,923
 2,517
 49,716
 63,995
 53,697
 69,406
 2,186
 4,179
 
 
 2,186
 4,179
Doubtful 
 
 
 
 73
 73
 73
 73
Total $210,196
 $169,189
 $214,823
 $140,050
 $1,209,008
 $1,030,837
 $1,634,027
 $1,340,076
 $1,808,024
 $1,583,793
 $5,177
 $11,178
 $1,813,201
 $1,594,971

Commercial Business Loans
Credit Risk Profile by Creditworthiness Category
  Asset based lending Business Loans Total comm. and industrial
(In thousands) 2015 2014 2015 2014 2015 2014
Grade:  
  
  
  
  
  
Pass $331,253
 $341,246
 $455,710
 $404,846
 $786,963
 $746,092
Special mention 
 
 24,578
 560
 24,578
 560
Substandard 
 
 15,691
 6,539
 15,691
 6,539
Doubtful 
 
 
 
 
 
Total $331,253
 $341,246
 $495,979
 $411,945
 $827,232
 $753,191
Consumer Loans
Credit Risk Profile Based on Payment Activity
 Home equity Auto and other Total consumer Home equity Auto and other Total consumer
(In thousands) 2015 2014 2015 2014 2015 2014 2017 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016
Performing $305,562
 $251,524
 $310,777
 $346,175
 $616,339
 $597,699
 $293,327
 $310,846
 $602,313
 $477,416
 $895,640
 $788,262
Nonperforming 1,597
 1,157
 551
 305
 2,148
 1,462
 1,627
 2,675
 1,454
 952
 3,081
 3,627
Total $307,159
 $252,681
 $311,328
 $346,480
 $618,487
 $599,161
 $294,954
 $313,521
 $603,767
 $478,368
 $898,721
 $791,889

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Table of Contents
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Acquired Loans
 
Commercial Real Estate
Credit Risk Profile by Creditworthiness Category
  Construction Single and multi-family Real Estate Total commercial real estate
(In thousands) 2017 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016
Grade:  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Pass $76,611
 $33,461
 $203,624
 $119,414
 $684,846
 $496,562
 $965,081
 $649,437
Special mention 
 
 603
 907
 22,070
 1,622
 22,673
 2,529
Substandard 8,354
 746
 1,855
 5,351
 49,072
 32,031
 59,281
 38,128
Total $84,965
 $34,207
 $206,082
 $125,672
 $755,988
 $530,215
 $1,047,035
 $690,094

Commercial and Industrial Loans
Credit Risk Profile by Creditworthiness Category
   Total comm. and industrial
(In thousands)  2017 2016
Grade:   
  
Pass  $606,922
 $147,102
Special mention  1,241
 1,260
Substandard  13,207
 5,574
Total  $621,370
 $153,936

Residential Mortgages
Credit Risk Profile by Internally Assigned Grade
  1-4 family Construction Total residential mortgages
(In thousands) 2015 2014 2015 2014 2015 2014
Grade:  
  
  
  
  
  
Pass $329,375
 $266,445
 $1,351
 $1,018
 $330,726
 $267,463
Special mention 311
 638
 
 
 311
 638
Substandard 3,061
 1,651
 
 
 3,061
 1,651
Total $332,747
 $268,734
 $1,351
 $1,018
 $334,098
 $269,752
Commercial Mortgages
Credit Risk Profile by Creditworthiness Category
 Construction Single and multi-family Real Estate Total commercial real estate 1-4 family Construction Total residential mortgages
(In thousands) 2015 2014 2015 2014 2015 2014 2015 2014 2017 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016
Grade:  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Pass $42,176
 $2,904
 $32,796
 $44,497
 $324,614
 $195,681
 $399,586
 $243,082
 $281,160
 $294,983
 $233
 $804
 $281,393
 $295,787
Special mention 
 
 655
 533
 352
 4,868
 1,007
 5,401
 2,704
 343
 
 
 2,704
 343
Substandard 1,298
 1,297
 3,332
 8,138
 20,517
 13,573
 25,147
 23,008
 5,509
 2,029
 
 
 5,509
 2,029
Total $43,474
 $4,201
 $36,783
 $53,168
 $345,483
 $214,122
 $425,740
 $271,491
 $289,373
 $297,355
 $233
 $804
 $289,606
 $298,159

Commercial Business Loans
Credit Risk Profile by Creditworthiness Category
  Asset based lending Business Loans Total comm. and industrial
(In thousands) 2015 2014 2015 2014 2015 2014
Grade:  
  
  
  
  
  
Pass $
 $
 $212,825
 $45,757
 $212,825
 $45,757
Special mention 
 
 487
 1,723
 487
 1,723
Substandard 
 
 7,719
 3,695
 7,719
 3,695
Total $
 $���
 $221,031
 $51,175
 $221,031
 $51,175
Consumer Loans
Credit Risk Profile Based on Payment Activity
 Home equity Auto and other Total consumer Home equity Auto and other Total consumer
(In thousands) 2015 2014 2015 2014 2015 2014 2017 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016
Performing $52,719
 $65,368
 $129,345
 $102,182
 $182,064
 $167,550
 $113,262
 $79,762
 $113,510
 $105,117
 $226,772
 $184,879
Nonperforming 727
 583
 893
 1,169
 1,620
 1,752
 1,965
 517
 392
 895
 2,357
 1,412
Total $53,446
 $65,951
 $130,238
 $103,351
 $183,684
 $169,302
 $115,227
 $80,279
 $113,902
 $106,012
 $229,129
 $186,291

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Table of Contents
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The following table summarizes information about total loans rated Special Mention or lower. The table below includes consumer loans that are Special Mention and Substandard accruing that are classified in the above table as performing based on payment activity.
 December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
(In thousands) Business
Activities Loans
 Acquired Loans Total Business
Activities Loans
 Acquired Loans Total Business
Activities Loans
 Acquired Loans Total Business
Activities Loans
 Acquired Loans Total
Non-Accrual $15,484
 $5,391
 $20,875
 $14,778
 $6,927
 $21,705
 $15,659
 $7,240
 $22,899
 $16,816
 $5,424
 $22,240
Substandard Accruing 60,549
 32,560
 93,109
 66,995
 23,839
 90,834
 36,846
 73,412
 110,258
 51,125
 44,177
 95,302
Total Classified 76,033
 37,951
 113,984
 81,773
 30,766
 112,539
 52,505
 80,652
 133,157
 67,941
 49,601
 117,542
Special Mention 29,036
 2,259
 31,295
 9,113
 8,800
 17,913
 28,387
 26,802
 55,189
 7,479
 4,323
 11,802
Total Criticized $105,069
 $40,210
 $145,279
 $90,886
 $39,566
 $130,452
 $80,892
 $107,454
 $188,346
 $75,420
 $53,924
 $129,344


NOTE 8.PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT
 
Year-end premises and equipment are summarized as follows:
(In thousands) 2015 2014 Estimated Useful
Life
 2017 2016 Estimated Useful
Life
     
Land $10,719
 $10,638
 N/A $14,177
 $10,563
 N/A
Buildings and improvements 81,058
 75,984
 5 - 39 years 99,821
 85,319
 5 - 39 years
Furniture and equipment 34,950
 31,893
 3 - 7 years 49,600
 42,693
 3 - 7 years
Construction in process 1,860
 1,191
   5,177
 4,084
  
Premises and equipment, gross 128,587
 119,706
   168,775
 142,659
  
Accumulated depreciation and amortization (40,515) (32,427)   (59,423) (49,444)  
     
Premises and equipment, net $88,072
 $87,279
   $109,352
 $93,215
  
 
Depreciation and amortization expense for the years 2015, 2014,2017, 2016, and 20132015 amounted to $9.9 million, $8.4 million, and $8.6 million, $8.3 million, and $7.1 million, respectively.

F-47F-52

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 9.GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLES

Goodwill and other intangible assets are presented in the tables below. The Company completed two acquisitionsone acquisition during 20152017 which resulted in the capitalization of goodwill and other intangibles. In accordance with applicable accounting guidance, the Company allocated the amount paid to the fair value of the net assets acquired, with any excess amounts recorded as goodwill. There was one acquisitionwere three acquisitions during 2014.2016. The goodwill balance is allocated to the consolidated Company. The activity impacting goodwill in 20152017 and 20142016 is as follows:
(In thousands) 2015 2014 2017 2016
Balance, beginning of the period $264,742
 $256,871
 $403,106
 $323,943
Goodwill acquired and adjusted:        
Hampden Bancorp Acquisition (1) 42,513
 
Firestone Financial (1) 17,503
 
Adjustments (2) (814) 
New York Branch Acquisition 
 7,871
Commerce Bank 116,181
 
44 Business Capital 
 15,892
Ronald N. Lazzaro, PC 
 5,492
First Choice Bank 
 58,036
Adjustments (1) 
 (257)
Balance, end of the period $323,943
 $264,742
 $519,287
 $403,106

(1)GoodwillIn 2016, goodwill related to the Hampden and Firestone acquisitions was adjusted since acquisition dates to reflect new information available during the one-year measurement period.
(2)Goodwill was adjusted to reflect the subsequent sale of the Company's Tennessee operations, which were originally acquired from Beacon.

Year-end goodwill relates to the following reporting units:
(In thousands) 2015 2014
Banking $300,767
 $241,566
Insurance 23,176
 23,176
Total $323,943
 $264,742

The Company tests goodwill impairment annually as of September 30, 2017 using third quarter financial data. The results of the qualitative assessment indicated it is more likely than not that the reporting unit's fair value exceeds its carrying amount, and accordingly, the two-step impairment test was not performed. If events or changes in circumstances indicate that impairment is possible, the Company will perform additional reviews. No impairment was recorded on goodwill for 20152017, 2016 and 2014.2015.

The components of other intangible assets are as follows:
(In thousands) 
Gross Intangible
Assets
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Net Intangible
Assets
 
Gross Intangible
Assets
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Net Intangible
Assets
December 31, 2015  
  
  
December 31, 2017  
  
  
Non-maturity deposits (core deposit intangible) $36,833
 $(28,099) $8,734
 $66,923
 $(33,024) $33,899
Insurance contracts 7,558
 (6,863) 695
 7,558
 (7,526) 32
All other intangible assets 3,894
 (2,659) 1,235
 7,810
 (3,445) 4,365
Total $48,285
 $(37,621) $10,664
 $82,291
 $(43,995) $38,296
      
December 31, 2014  
  
  
December 31, 2016  
  
  
Non-maturity deposits (core deposit intangible) $34,053
 $(25,656) $8,397
 $44,523
 $(30,099) $14,424
Insurance contracts 7,558
 (6,094) 1,464
 7,558
 (7,504) 54
All other intangible assets 3,894
 (2,227) 1,667
 7,866
 (2,899) 4,967
Total $45,505
 $(33,977) $11,528
 $59,947
 $(40,502) $19,445

Other intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line or accelerated basis over their estimated lives, which range from eightfour to elevenfifteen years. Amortization expense related to intangibles totaled $3.5 million in 2017, $2.9 million in 2016, and $3.6 million in 2015, $4.8 million in 2014, and $5.3 million in 2013.2015.

The estimated aggregate future amortization expense for intangible assets remaining at year-end 20152017 is as follows: 2016- $3.0 million; 2017- $2.0 million; 2018- $1.6$4.9 million; 2019- $1.3$4.7 million; 2020- $0.9$4.4 million; 2021- $4.2 million; 2022- $4.1 million; and thereafter- $1.8$16.0 million. For the years 2015, 2014,2017, 2016, and 2013,2015, no impairment charges were identified for the Company’s intangible assets.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 10.OTHER ASSETS

Year-end other assets are summarized as follows:
(In thousands) 2015 2014 2017 2016
    
Capitalized mortgage servicing rights $5,187
 $3,757
Capitalized servicing rights $16,361
 $11,524
Accrued interest receivable 20,940
 17,274
 33,739
 26,113
Investment in tax credits 2,854
 9,045
Prepaid FDIC insurance 779
 746
Accrued federal and state tax receivable (1) 6,731
 5,055
 33,101
 19,076
Derivative assets 17,507
 12,443
 19,308
 21,617
Assets held for sale 278
 1,280
 1,392
 
Other 11,479
 11,490
 13,182
 20,127
Total other assets $65,755
 $61,090
 $117,083
 $98,457
(1)Accrued federal and state tax receivable as of December 31, 20152017 includes $4$4.3 million of New York State refundable tax credits from an investment in a historical tax credit partnershippartnerships in New York State. This balance was $0$5.9 million at year-end 2014.2016.

The Bank sells loans in the secondary market and retains the ability to service many of these loans. The Bank earns fees for the servicing provided. Mortgage loansLoans sold and serviced for others amounted to $807.6 million, $625.4 million,$1.8 billion, $1.3 billion, and $641.2 million$0.8 billion at year-end 2017, 2016, and 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively. Mortgage loansLoans serviced for others are not included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The risks inherent in mortgage servicing assets relate primarily to changes in prepayments that result from shifts in mortgage interest rates. Contractually specified servicing fees were $1.7$4.6 million, $1.5$3.2 million, and $1.5$1.7 million for the years 2015, 2014,2017, 2016, and 2013,2015, respectively, and included as a component of loan related fees within non-interest income. The significant assumptions used in the valuation at year-end 20152017 included a weighted average discount rate of 10.9%10.4% and pre-payment speed assumptions ranging from 7.17%7.78% to 12.06%12.78%.

Mortgage servicingServicing rights activity was as follows:
(In thousands) 2015 2014 2017 2016
    
Balance at beginning of year $3,757
 $4,112
 $11,524
 $5,187
Acquired from 44 Business Capital 
 3,489
Acquired from First Choice Bank (1) 
 696
Additions 2,622
 680
 7,604
 4,116
Amortization (1,192) (1,035) (2,446) (1,964)
Change in fair value (221) 
Allowance adjustment (100) 
Balance at end of year $5,187
 $3,757
 $16,361
 $11,524
(1)Amounts acquired from First Choice Bank are accounted for at fair value. The balance as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 were $3.8 million and $0.8 million, respectively.

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NOTE 11.DEPOSITS
 
A summary of year-end time deposits is as follows:
(In thousands) 2015 2014 2017 2016
Maturity date:  
  
  
  
Within 1 year $1,264,948
 $858,200
 $1,790,056
 $1,316,973
Over 1 year to 2 years 446,918
 404,445
 546,381
 582,764
Over 2 years to 3 years 100,728
 112,624
 268,897
 142,160
Over 3 years to 4 years 46,146
 45,212
 161,314
 150,388
Over 4 years to 5 years 123,885
 27,923
 121,400
 137,845
Over 5 years 3,975
 7,342
 2,157
 3,413
Total $1,986,600
 $1,455,746
 $2,890,205
 $2,333,543
Account balances:  
  
  
  
Less than $100,000 $545,819
 $515,570
 $733,785
 $656,055
$100,000 or more 1,440,781
 940,176
 2,156,420
 1,677,488
Total $1,986,600
 $1,455,746
 $2,890,205
 $2,333,543
 
Included in timetotal deposits are brokered deposits of $784.1$1.2 billion and $0.9 billion at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. Included in total brokered deposits are reciprocal deposits of $99.8 million and $379.6$113.4 million at December 31, 20152017 and December 31, 2014,2016, respectively. Included in money markettotal deposits presented on the consolidated balance sheet are reciprocal brokeredrelated party deposits of $101.5$36.0 million and $9.4$17.2 million at December 31, 20152017 and December 31, 2014,2016, respectively.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 12.BORROWED FUNDS
 
Borrowed funds at December 31, 20152017 and 20142016 are summarized, as follows:
 2015 2014 2017 2016
(in thousands, except rates) Principal Weighted
Average
Rate
 Principal Weighted
Average
Rate
 Principal Weighted
Average
Rate
 Principal Weighted
Average
Rate
Short-term borrowings:  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Advances from the FHLBB $1,071,200
 0.43% $890,900
 0.24% $667,300
 1.48% $1,072,044
 0.71%
Other Borrowings 
 
 10,000
 1.80
 
 
 10,000
 2.42
Total short-term borrowings: 1,071,200
 0.43
 900,900
 0.23
 667,300
 1.48
 1,082,044
 0.72
Long-term borrowings:  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Advances from the FHLBB 103,135
 1.89
 61,676
 0.93
 380,436
 1.54
 142,792
 1.53
Subordinated notes 74,348
 7.00
 74,283
 7.00
 73,875
 7.00
 73,697
 7.00
Junior subordinated notes 15,464
 2.23
 15,464
 2.08
 15,464
 3.30
 15,464
 2.77
Total long-term borrowings: 192,947
 3.88
 151,423
 4.03
 469,775
 2.46
 231,953
 3.35
Total $1,264,147
 0.96% $1,052,323
 0.79% $1,137,075
 1.88% $1,313,997
 1.19%
 
Short-term debt includes Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston (“FHLBB”) advances with an original maturity of less than one year. At year-end 2014,2017, the Company maintained a short-term line-of-credit drawdown through a correspondent bank. The Bank also maintains a $3.0 million secured line of credit with the FHLBB that bears a daily adjustable rate calculated by the FHLBB. There was no outstanding balance on the FHLBB line of credit for the periods ended December 31, 20152017 and December 31, 2014.2016. The Company is in compliance with all debt covenants as of December 31, 2015.2017.
 
The Bank is approved to borrow on a short-term basis from the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston as a non-member bank. The Bank has pledged certain loans and securities to the Federal Reserve Bank to support this arrangement. No borrowings with the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston took place for the periods ended December 31, 20152017 and December 31, 2014.2016.

Long-term FHLBB advances consist of advances with an original maturity of more than one year. The advances outstanding at December 31, 20152017 include callable advances totaling$11 million, and amortizing advances totaling $1.2$1.4 million. The advances outstanding at December 31, 20142016 include callable advances totaling $5.0$11.0 million, and amortizing advances totaling $5.1$1.2 million. All FHLBB borrowings, including the line of credit, are secured by a blanket security agreement on certain qualified collateral, principally all residential first mortgage loans and certain securities.

A summary of maturities of FHLBB advances at year-end 2017 is as follows:
F-51
  2017
(In thousands) Amount Weighted
Average Rate
Fixed rate advances maturing:  
  
2018 $836,115
 1.43%
2019 150,082
 1.64
2020 54,101
 2.04
2021 220
 3.21
2022 and beyond 7,218
 2.64
Total fixed rate advances $1,047,736
 1.50
     
Total FHLBB advances $1,047,736
 1.50%

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

A summary of maturities of FHLBB advances at year-end 2015 is as follows:
  2015
(In thousands) Amount Weighted
Average Rate
Fixed rate advances maturing:  
  
2016 $1,123,651
 0.48%
2017 33,396
 2.46
2018 1,030
 2.62
2019 
 
2020 and beyond 16,257
 2.42
Total fixed rate advances $1,174,334
 0.56
     
Total FHLBB advances $1,174,334
 0.56%
The Company did not have variable-rate FHLB advances for the period ended December 31, 2015.2017 and December 31, 2016.

In September 2012, the Company issued fifteen year subordinated notes in the amount of $75.0 million at a discount of 1.15%.  The interest rate is fixed at 6.875% for the first ten years. After ten years, the notes become callable and convert to an interest rate of three month LIBOR plus 5.113%. The subordinated note includes reduction to the note principal balance of $583 thousand and $706 thousand for unamortized debt issuance costs as of December 31, 2017 and December 31 2016, respectively.
 
The Company holds 100% of the common stock of Berkshire Hills Capital Trust I (“Trust I”) which is included in other assets with a cost of $0.5 million. The sole asset of Trust I is $15.5 million of the Company’s junior subordinated debentures due in 2035. These debentures bear interest at a variable rate equal to LIBOR plus 1.85% and had a rate of 2.18%3.30% and 2.08%2.77% at December 31, 20152017 and December 31, 2014,2016, respectively. The Company has the right to defer payments of interest for up to five years on the debentures at any time, or from time to time, with certain limitations, including a restriction on the payment of dividends to stockholdersshareholders while such interest payments on the debentures have been deferred. The Company has not exercised this right to defer payments. The Company has the right to redeem the debentures at par value.value on each quarterly payment date. Trust I is considered a variable interest entity for which the Company is not the primary beneficiary. Accordingly, Trust I is not consolidated into the Company’s financial statements.


NOTE 13.OTHER LIABILITIES

Year-end other liabilities are summarized as follows:
 December 31,
(In thousands) 2015 2014 2017 2016
Derivative liabilities $28,181
 $18,259
 $15,838
 $24,420
Capital lease obligation 11,939
 12,224
 11,323
 11,639
Due to broker 
 22,438
Asset purchase settlement payable 70,637
 29,158
Employee benefits liability 11,692
 7,793
 27,093
 17,972
Level lease liability 5,766
 6,997
Accrued interest payable 6,813
 4,394
Customer transaction clearing accounts 9,118
 1,786
Other 39,632
 25,028
 41,294
 36,789
Total other liabilities $91,444
 $85,742
 $187,882
 $133,155

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 14.EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
 
Pension Plans
Plan
The Company maintains a legacy, employer-sponsored defined benefit pension plan (the “Plan”) for which participation and benefit accruals were frozen on January 1, 2003. The Plan was assumed in connection with the Rome Bancorp acquisition in 2011. Accordingly, no employees are permitted to commence participation in the Plan and future salary increases and years of credited service are not considered when computing an employee’s benefits under the Plan. As of December 31, 2015,2017, all minimum Employee Retirement Income Security Act (“ERISA”) funding requirements have been met.

Information regarding the pension plan at December 31, 2015 and 2014 is as follows:
(In thousands) 2015 2014
Change in projected benefit obligation:  
  
Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year $7,193
 $5,666
Interest cost 268
 271
Actuarial (loss)/gain (454) 1,607
Benefits paid (351) (334)
Settlements (71) (17)
Projected benefit obligation at end of year 6,585
 7,193
Accumulated benefit obligation 6,585
 7,193
     
Change in fair value of plan assets:  
  
Fair value of plan assets at plan beginning of year 5,756
 5,520
Actual return on plan assets (123) 331
Contributions by employer 
 256
Benefits paid (351) (334)
Settlements (71) (17)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year 5,211
 5,756
     
Underfunded status $1,374
 $1,437
     
Amounts Recognized in Consolidated Balance Sheet
    
Other Liabilities $1,374
 $1,437
  December 31,
(In thousands) 2017 2016
Change in projected benefit obligation:  
  
Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year $6,126
 $6,585
Service Cost 66
 76
Interest cost 237
 267
Actuarial gain 309
 (308)
Benefits paid (324) (318)
Settlements (61) (176)
Projected benefit obligation at end of year 6,353
 6,126
Accumulated benefit obligation 6,353
 6,126
     
Change in fair value of plan assets:  
  
Fair value of plan assets at plan beginning of year 5,121
 5,211
Actual return on plan assets 710
 404
Benefits paid (324) (318)
Settlements (61) (176)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year 5,446
 5,121
     
Underfunded status $907
 $1,005
Amounts Recognized in Consolidated Balance Sheet    
Other Liabilities $907
 $1,005

Net periodic pension cost is comprised of the following for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014:following:
 December 31,
(In thousands) 2015 2014 2017 2016
Service Cost $66
 $76
Interest Cost $268
 $271
 237
 267
Expected return on plan assets (455) (437) (346) (361)
Amortization of unrecognized actuarial loss 175
 
 100
 163
Net periodic pension costs $(12) $(166) $57
 $145

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income during 2015 and 2014 are as follows:
(In thousands) 2015 2014
Amortization of actuarial (loss) $(176) $
Actuarial loss (gain) 125
 1,713
Total loss (gain) recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (51) 1,713
Total loss (gain) recognized in net periodic pension cost recognized and other comprehensive income $(63) $1,547
  December 31,
(In thousands) 2017 2016
Amortization of actuarial (loss) $(100) $(163)
Actuarial (gain) loss (54) (351)
Total recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (154) (514)
Total recognized in net periodic pension cost recognized and other comprehensive income $(97) $(369)

The amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income that have not yet been recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost are a net loss of $2.0$1.3 million and $2.0$1.5 million in 20152017 and 2014,2016, respectively.

The Company expects to make no cash contributions of $262 thousand to the pension trust during the 2016 fiscal year.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

2018. The amount expected to be amortized from other comprehensive income into net periodic pension cost over the next fiscal year is $164$83 thousand.

The principal actuarial assumptions used at December 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows:
 December 31,
 2015 2014 2017 2016
Projected benefit obligation  
  
  
  
Discount rate 4.170% 3.820% 3.510% 3.980%
Net periodic pension cost  
  
  
  
Discount rate 3.820% 4.950% 3.980% 4.170%
Long term rate of return on plan assets 8.000% 8.000% 7.000% 7.000%
 
The discount rate that is used in the measurement of the pension obligation is determined by comparing the expected future retirement payment cash flows of the pension plan to the Citigroup Above Median Double-A Curve as of the measurement date. The expected long-term rate of return on Plan assets reflects long-term earnings expectations on existing Plan assets and those contributions expected to be received during the current plan year. In estimating that rate, appropriate consideration was given to historical returns earned by Plan assets in the fund and the rates of return expected to be available for reinvestment. The rates of return were adjusted to reflect current capital market assumptions and changes in investment allocations.

The Company’s overall investment strategy with respect to the Plan’s assets is primarily for preservation of capital and to provide regular dividend and interest payments. The Plan’s targeted asset allocation is 65% equity securities via investment in the Long-Term Growth - Equity Portfolio (‘LTGE’), 34% intermediate-term investment grade bonds via investment in the Long-Term Growth - Fixed-Income Portfolio (‘LTGFI’), and 1% in cash equivalents portfolio (for liquidity). Equity securities include investments in a diverse mix of equity funds to gain exposure in the US and international markets. The fixed income portion of the Plan assets is a diversified portfolio that primarily invests in intermediate-term bond funds. The overall rate of return is based on the historical performance of the assets applied against the Plan’s target allocation, and is adjusted for the long-term inflation rate.

The fair values for investment securities are determined by quoted prices in active markets, if available (Level 1). For securities where quoted prices are not available, fair values are calculated based on market prices of similar securities (Level 2). For securities where quoted prices or market prices of similar securities are not available, fair values are calculated using discounted cash flows or other market indicators (Level 3).

The fair values of the Plan’s assets by category and level within the fair value hierarchy are as follows at December 31, 2015:
Asset Category (In thousands) Total Level 1 Level 2
Equity Mutual Funds:    
  
Large-Cap $1,516
 $
 $1,516
Mid-Cap 374
 
 374
Small-Cap 362
 
 362
International 760
 
 760
Fixed Income Funds   

 

Fixed Income - US Core 1,564
 
 1,564
Intermediate Duration 522
 
 522
Cash Equivalents - money market 113
 62
 51
Total $5,211
 $62
 $5,149

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The fair values of the Plan’s assets by category and level within the fair value hierarchy are as follows at December 31, 2014:2017:
 December 31, 2017
Asset Category (In thousands) Total Level 1 Level 2 Total Level 1 Level 2
Equity Mutual Funds:  
  
  
    
  
Large-Cap $1,847
 $
 $1,847
 $1,820
 $
 $1,820
Mid-Cap 439
 
 439
Small-Cap 488
 
 488
 438
 
 438
International 461
 
 461
 893
 
 893
Equity Trusts 926
 
 926
Large-Cap 

 

 

Fixed Income Trusts 1,822
 
 1,822
Fixed Income Mutual Funds 212
 99
 113
Fixed Income Funds      
Fixed Income - US Core 1,308
 
 1,308
Intermediate Duration 437
 
 437
Cash Equivalents - money market 111
 29
 82
Total $5,756
 $99
 $5,657
 $5,446
 $29
 $5,417

The fair values of the Plan’s assets by category and level within the fair value hierarchy are as follows at December 31, 2016:
  December 31, 2016
Asset Category (In thousands) Total Level 1 Level 2
Equity Mutual Funds:  
  
  
Large-Cap $1,624
 $
 $1,624
Mid-Cap 401
 
 401
Small-Cap 415
 
 415
International 757
 
 757
Fixed Income Funds 

 

 

Fixed Income - US Core 1,378
 
 1,378
Intermediate Duration 472
 
 472
Cash Equivalents - money market 74
 30
 44
Total $5,121
 $30
 $5,091
 
The Plan did not hold any assets classified as Level 3, and there were no transfers between levels during 20152017 or 2014.2016.
 
Estimated benefit payments under the Company’s pension plans over the next ten years at December 31, 20152017 are as follows:
Year Payments (In thousands) Payments (In thousands)
2016 363
2017 364
2018 363
 343
2019 409
 380
2020 400
 372
2021-2025 2,004
2021 361
2022 386
2023 - 2027 1,792

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Postretirement Benefits
The Company has an unfunded post-retirement medical plan which was assumed in connection with the Rome Bancorp acquisition in 2011. The postretirement plan has been modified so that participation is closed to those employees who did not meet the retirement eligibility requirements by March 31, 2011. The Company contributes partially to medical benefits and life insurance coverage for retirees. Such retirees and their surviving spouses are responsible for the remainder of the medical benefits, including increases in premiums levels, between the total premium and the Company’s contribution.

The Company also has an executive long-term care (“LTC”) postretirement benefit plan which started August 1, 2014. The LTC plan reimburses executives for certain costs in the event of a future chronic illness. Funding of the plan comes from Company paid insurance policies or direct payments. At plan’s inception, a $558 thousand benefit obligation was recorded against equity representing the prior service cost of plan participants.
 
Information regarding the post-retirement plan at December 31, 2015 and 2014 is as follows:
 December 31,
(In thousands) 2015 2014 2017 2016
Change in accumulated postretirement benefit obligation:  
  
  
  
Accumulated post-retirement benefit obligation at beginning of year $1,604
 $996
 $3,249
 $3,039
Prior service cost of long-term care plan participants 1,595
 558
Service Cost 34
 12
 35
 32
Interest cost 124
 48
 131
 129
Participant contributions 47
 44
 46
 47
Actuarial loss/ (gain) (284) 26
Actuarial loss (gain) 326
 130
Benefits paid (81) (80) (94) (128)
Amendments 
 
Accumulated post-retirement benefit obligation at end of year $3,039
 $1,604
 $3,693
 $3,249
        
Change in plan assets:  
  
  
  
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year $
 $
 $
 $
Contributions by employer 34
 36
 48
 81
Contributions by participant 47
 44
 46
 47
Benefits paid (81) (80) (94) (128)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year $
 $
 $
 $
Amounts Recognized in Consolidated Balance Sheet  
  
  
  
Other Liabilities $3,039
 $1,604
 $3,693
 $3,249

Net periodic post-retirement cost is comprised of the following for the year ended December 31, 2015 and 2014:following:
 December 31,
(In thousands) 2015 2014 2017 2016
Service cost $34
 $12
 $35
 $32
Interest costs 124
 48
 131
 129
Amortization of net prior service credit 83
 (11) 83
 83
Amortization of net actuarial loss 
 
 
 
Net periodic post-retirement costs $241
 $49
 $249
 $244


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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Changes in benefit obligations recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income during 2015 and 2014 are as follows:
 December 31,
(In thousands) 2015 2014 2017 2016
Amortization of actuarial loss $
 $
 $
 $
Amortization of prior service credit (83) 11
 (83) (83)
Net actuarial (gain) loss (257) 27
 199
 (126)
Total recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (340) 38
 116
 (209)
Accrued post-retirement liability recognized $1,555
 $1,347
 $1,918
 $1,718
 
The amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income that have not yet been recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost are as follows:
 December 31,
(In thousands) 2015 2014 2017 2016
Net prior service cost (credit) $1,742
 $231
 $1,576
 $1,659
Net actuarial (gain) loss (257) 27
 199
 (126)
Total recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income 1,485
 258
 $1,775
 $1,533
 
The amount expected to be amortized from other comprehensive income into net periodic postretirement cost over the next fiscal year is $83 thousand.

The discount rates used in the measurement of the postretirement medical and LTC plan obligations are determined by comparing the expected future retirement payment cash flows of the plans to the Citigroup Above Median Double-A Curve as of the measurement date.

The assumed discount rates on a weighted-average basis were 4.15%3.44% and 3.75%3.91% as of December 31, 20152017 and December 31, 2014,2016, respectively. The assumed health care cost trend rate used in measuring the accumulated post-retirement benefit medical obligation is expected to be 8.50%7.75% for 2016,2018, and is gradually expected to decrease to 7.24%3.89% by 2020.2076. This assumption may have a significant effect on the amounts reported. However, as noted above, increases in premium levels are the financial responsibility of the plan beneficiary. Thus an increase or decrease in 1% of the health care cost trend rates utilized would have had an immaterial effect on the service and interest cost as well as the accumulated post-retirement benefit obligation for the postretirement plan as of December 31, 2015.2017.

For participants in the LTC plan covered by insurance policies, no increase in annual premiums is assumed based on the history of the corresponding insurance provider.

Estimated benefit payments under the post-retirement benefit plan over the next ten years at December 31, 20152017 are as follows:
Year Payments (In thousands) Payments (In thousands)
2016 80
2017 83
2018 98
 103
2019 98
 103
2020 97
 102
2021 - 2025 544
2021 106
2022 109
2023 - 2027 548

401(k) Plan
The Company provides a 401(k) Plan in which most employees participate. The Company contributes a non-elective 3% of gross annual wages for each participant, regardless of the participant’s deferral, in addition to a 100% match up to 4% of gross annual wages. The Company’s contributions vest immediately. Expense related to the plan was $3.6 million in 2015, $3.0 million in 2014, and $2.9 million in 2013.

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401(k) Plan
The Company provides a 401(k) Plan in which most eligible employees participate. Expense related to the plan was $3.4 million in 2017, $3.9 million in 2016, and $3.6 million in 2015.

Employee Stock Ownership Plan (“ESOP”)

As part of the acquisition of Hampdenacquisitions in 2015, along with another merger in 2012 and two during 2011, the Company acquired ESOP plans that were frozen and terminated prior to the completion of those transactions. On the acquisition dates, all amounts in the plans were vested and the loans under the plans were repaid from the sale proceeds of unallocated shares.
 

Other Plans

The Company maintains a supplemental executive retirement plan (“SERP”) for a few select executives. Benefits generally commence no earlier than age sixty-two and are payable at the executive’s option, either as an annuity or as a lump sum. Some of these SERPs were assumed in connection with the Beacon acquisition in 2012. In 2015 aA SERP was acquired in connection with the Hampden Bank acquisition with an accrued liability of $1.4 million at acquisition datedate. At year-end 2017, the liability was $1.1 million and $1.3$1.2 million at year-end 2015.2016.

At year-end 20152017 and 2014,2016, the accrued liability for these SERPs were $6.5$8.3 million and $4.6$7.4 million, respectively. SERP expense was $968 thousand in 2017, $917 thousand in 2016, and $752 thousand in 2015, $583 thousand in 2014, and $453 thousand in 2013, and is recognized over the required service period.

The Company assumed split-dollar life insurance agreements with the acquisition of Hampden Bank in 2015 with an accrued liability of $860 thousand at acquisition date in April 20152015. At year-end 2017, the liability was $1.2 million and $1.2 million as of year-end 2015.2016.

The Company assumed split-dollar life insurance agreements with the acquisition of Commerce Bank with an accrued liability of $2.7 million at acquisition date in October 2017. At year-end 2017, the liability was $2.8 million.

The Company has endorsement split-dollar life insurance arrangements pertaining to certain current and prior executives. Under these arrangements, the Company purchased policies insuring the lives of the executives, and separately entered into agreements to split the policy benefits with the executive. There are no post-retirement benefits associated with these policies.

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NOTE 15.INCOME TAXES
 
Provision for Income Taxes
The components of the Company’s provision for income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014,2017, 2016, and 20132015 were, as follows: 
(In thousands) 2015 2014 2013 2017 2016 2015
      
Current:  
  
  
  
  
  
Federal tax expense $4,696
 $294
 $5,124
 $11,686
 $6,758
 $4,696
State tax expense (1,631) 305
 2,171
 1,112
 1,101
 (1,631)
Total current expense 3,065
 599
 7,295
 12,798
 7,859
 3,065
Deferred:  
  
  
  
  
  
Federal tax expense 2,023
 8,685
 9,445
 29,824
 9,438
 2,023
State tax expense (24) 2,509
 2,115
 1,805
 1,591
 (24)
Total deferred tax expense 1,999
 11,194
 11,560
Decrease in valuation allowance 
 (30) (1,751)
Total deferred tax expense (1) 31,629
 11,029
 1,999
Change in valuation allowance 75
 (104) 
Total income tax expense $5,064
 $11,763
 $17,104
 $44,502
 $18,784
 $5,064
(1)2017 Deferred tax expense of $31.6 million includes an $18.1 million charge to re-measure the net deferred tax asset at December 31, 2017 pursuant to the reduction in the corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%, effective January 1, 2018, per the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act enacted on December 22, 2017.

Effective Tax Rate
The following is a reconciliation of the statutory federal income tax rate to the Company’s effective tax rate for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014,2017, 2016, and 2013:2015: 
 2015 2014 2013 2017 2016 2015
(In thousands, except rates) Amount Rate Amount Rate Amount Rate Amount Rate Amount Rate Amount Rate
            
Statutory tax rate $19,104
 35.0 % $15,928
 35.0 % $20,387
 35.0 % $34,912
 35.0 % $27,108
 35.0 % $19,104
 35.0 %
Increase (decrease) resulting from:  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
State taxes, net of federal tax benefit (974) (1.8) 1,810
 4.0
 2,760
 4.7
 2,232
 2.2
 1,675
 2.2
 (974) (1.8)
Tax exempt income - investments, net (3,463) (6.3) (2,796) (6.1) (2,211) (3.8) (5,395) (5.4) (3,849) (5.0) (3,463) (6.3)
Bank-owned life insurance (1,284) (2.4) (1,070) (2.4) (631) (1.1) (1,556) (1.6) (1,364) (1.8) (1,284) (2.4)
Disallowed merger costs 422
 0.8
 206
 0.5
 
 
Non-deductible merger costs 368
 0.4
 542
 0.7
 422
 0.8
Non-deductible goodwill on disposal operations sale 313
 0.6
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 313
 0.6
Tax credits, net of basis reduction (8,308) (15.2) (1,658) (3.6) (995) (1.7) (4,656) (4.7) (6,225) (8.0) (8,308) (15.2)
Reduction in valuation allowance 
 
 
 
 (1,712) (2.9)
Change in valuation allowance 75
 0.1
 125
 0.2
 
 
Impact of federal tax reform enactment 18,145
 18.2
 
 
 
 
Other, net (746) (1.4) (657) (1.50) (494) (0.9) 377
 0.4
 772
 1.0
 (746) (1.4)
            
Effective tax rate $5,064
 9.3 % $11,763
 25.9 % $17,104
 29.3 % $44,502
 44.6 % $18,784
 24.3 % $5,064
 9.3 %

On December 22, 2017, the SEC staff issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 (SAB 118) to address the application of US GAAP in situations when a registrant does not have the necessary information available to complete the accounting for certain income tax effects of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the "2017 Act"). SAB 118 allows for adjustments to the tax provision for up to one year from the enactment date (the measurement period). Any provisional amounts or adjustments to provisional amounts included in the Company’s financial statements during the measurement period will be included in income from continuing operations as an adjustment to tax expense or benefit in the reporting period the amounts are determined.
The Company recorded provisional amounts of deferred income taxes using reasonable estimates in five areas where the information necessary to determine the final deferred tax asset or liability was either not available, not prepared,

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or not sufficiently analyzed as of the report filing date: 1) The deferred tax liability for temporary differences between the tax and financial reporting bases of fixed assets is awaiting completion and implementation of software updates to process the calculations associated with the Act's provisions allowing for direct expensing of qualified assets. 2) The net deferred tax asset for temporary differences associated with Commerce acquired tax attributes is awaiting final determinations of those amounts, some of which remain provisional. 3) The net deferred tax liability for loan servicing rights is awaiting formal approval from the Internal Revenue Service of a requested tax accounting method change with respect to these rights. 4) The net deferred tax asset for temporary differences associated with equity investments in partnerships is awaiting the receipt of Schedules K-1 from outside preparers, which is necessary to determine the 2017 tax impact from these investments.
In a fifth area, the Company made no adjustments to deferred tax assets representing future deductions for accrued compensation that may be subject to new limitations under Internal Revenue Code Section 162(m) which, generally, limits the annual deduction for certain compensation paid to certain employees to $1 million. As of the report filing date, there is uncertainty regarding how the newly-enacted rules in this area apply to existing contracts. Consequently, the Company is seeking further clarification of these matters before completing the analysis.
The Company will complete and record the income tax effects of these provisional items during the period the necessary information becomes available. This measurement period will not extend beyond December 22, 2018.

Deferred Tax Liabilities and Assets
As of December 31, 20152017 and 2014,2016, significant components of the Company’s deferred tax assetassets and liabilities were, as follows:
(In thousands) 2015
 2014
 2017 2016
    
Deferred tax assets:  
  
  
  
Allowance for loan losses $16,303
 $14,710
 $14,578
 $17,747
Tax credit carryforwards 7,295
 11,238
 4,100
 4,100
Investments 2,892
 
Net unrealized loss on swaps, securities available for sale, and pension in OCI 2,371
 
Unrealized capital loss on tax credit investments 6,502
 6,999
Employee benefit plans 8,776
 6,103
 4,983
 7,813
Purchase accounting adjustments 10,755
 7,126
 37,843
 23,520
Net operating loss and capital loss carryforwards 3,317
 4,799
Net operating loss carryforwards 1,374
 2,643
Other 2,527
 2,134
 2,332
 4,997
Deferred tax assets, net before valuation allowances 54,236
 46,110
 71,712
 67,819
Valuation allowance (229) (229) (200) (125)
Deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowances $54,007
 $45,881
 $71,512
 $67,694
        
Deferred tax liabilities:  
  
  
  
Investments $
 $(773)
Net unrealized gain on swaps, securities available for sale, and pension in OCI 
 (3,823) $(1,888) $(5,884)
Premises and equipment (2,577) (4,575) (1,126) (2,519)
Loan servicing rights (2,174) (4,546)
Deferred loan fees (3,900) 
Intangible amortization (8,904) (7,934) (15,001) (11,543)
Other (362) (2,074)
Deferred tax liabilities $(11,481) $(17,105) $(24,451) $(26,566)
Deferred tax assets, net $42,526
 $28,776
 $47,061
 $41,128
 
The Company’s net deferred tax asset increased by $13.8$5.9 million during 2015,2017, including $6.2$34.5 million from the acquisition of Commerce resulting in a reduction in goodwill, $3.1 million deferred tax benefit recognized as an increase in shareholder's equity, and $6.5an $18.1 million and $3.0 million fromdeferred tax expense to re-measure the acquisitionsnet deferred tax assets as a result of Hampden and Firestone resulting in a reduction in goodwill.the federal tax reform enactment. Refer to Note 2 - Acquisitions for more information about the acquisitions.acquisition of Commerce.
 

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Deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowances, are expected to be realized through the reversal of existing taxable temporary differences and future taxable income.

Valuation Allowances
The components of the Company’s valuation allowance on its deferred tax asset, net as of December 31, 20152017 and 20142016 were, as follows: 
(in thousands) 2015 2014 2017 2016
State tax basis difference, net of Federal tax benefit (of 35%) (229) (229)
State tax basis difference, net of Federal tax benefit $(200) $(125)
Valuation allowances $(229) $(229) $(200) $(125)
 
The state tax basis difference, net of Federal tax benefit was also originally recorded in 2012, due to management’s assessment that it is more likely than not that certain deferred tax assets recorded for the difference between the book basis and the state tax basis in certain tax credit limited partnership investments (LPs) will not be realized. Management anticipates that the remaining excess state tax basis will be realized as a capital loss upon disposition, and that it is unlikely that the Company will have capital gains against which to offset such capital losses.

During 2017, the valuation allowance increased by $75 thousand and the change was recorded as an increase to income tax expense.
 
The valuation allowances as of December 31, 20152017 are subject to change in the future as the Company continues to periodically assess the likelihood of realizing its deferred tax assets.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Tax Attributes
At December 31, 2015,2017, the Company has $9.4$6.5 million of federal US net operating loss carryforwards, $2.1$3.3 million of New York StateJersey net operating losses,loss carryforwards, and $13.9 million of Connecticut net operating lossesloss carryforwards available that were obtained through acquisition, the utilization of which are limited under Internal Revenue Code Section 382. No deferred tax asset has been recorded onfor the Connecticut net operating loss carryforward since the state of Connecticut does not currently allow a deduction for net operating losses. These net operating losses begin to expire in 2024. The related deferred tax asset is $3.3$1.4 million. In addition, the Company has general business tax credit carryforwards of $3.2 million available that expire beginning in 2027, and alternative minimum tax credit carryforwards of $4.1$4.0 million, with no expiration date. Thewhich the Company anticipates utilizing these carryforwards priorexpects to their expirations.be monetized over the next two years.

Unrecognized Tax Benefits
On a periodic basis, the Company evaluates its income tax positions based on tax laws and regulations and financial reporting considerations, and records adjustments as appropriate. This evaluation takes into consideration the status of taxing authorities’ current examinations of the Company’s tax returns, recent positions taken by the taxing authorities on similar transactions, if any, and the overall tax environment in relation to uncertain tax positions.
 
The following table presents changes in unrecognized tax benefits for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014,2017, 2016, and 2013:2015:
(In thousands) 2015 2014 2013 2017 2016 2015
Unrecognized tax benefits at January 1 $553
 $477
 $492
 $460
 $307
 $553
Increase in gross amounts of tax positions related to prior years 
 55
 321
 
 270
 
Decrease in gross amounts of tax positions related to prior years 
 
 (150) (156) 
 
Decrease due to settlement with taxing authority 
 
 (186) 
 
 
Increase in gross amounts of tax positions related to current year 
 93
 
 
 
 
Decrease due to lapse in statute of limitations (246) (72) 
 
 (117) (246)
Unrecognized tax benefits at December 31 $307
 $553
 $477
 $304
 $460
 $307
 
It is reasonably possible that over the next twelve months the amount of unrecognized tax benefits may change from the reevaluation of uncertain tax positions arising in examinations, in appeals, or in the courts, or from the closure

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of tax statutes. The Company does not expect any significant changes in unrecognized tax benefits during the next twelve months.

All of the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits, if recognized, would be recorded as a component of income tax expense, therefore, affecting the effective tax rate. The Company recognizes interest and penalties, if any, related to the liability for uncertain tax positions as a component inof income tax expense. The accrual for interest and penalties was not material infor all years.years presented.

The Company and its subsidiaries file income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction as well as in various states. In the normal course of business, the Company is subject to U.S. federal, state, and local income tax examinations by tax authorities. With the exception of New York state, theThe Company is no longer subject to examination for tax years prior to 20122014 including any related income tax filings from its recent acquisitions. The Company is currently underhas been selected for audit in the state of New York for tax years 2010-2012.2013-2014.



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NOTE 16.DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES

At year-end 2015,2017, the Company held derivatives with a total notional amount of $1.4$2.5 billion. That amount included $300 million in forward starting interest rate swap derivatives that were designated as cash flow hedges for accounting purposes. The Company also had economic hedges and non-hedging derivatives totaling $914.8 million$2.3 billion and $36.0$194.0 million, respectively, which are not designated as hedges for accounting purposes and are therefore recorded at fair value with changes in fair value recorded directly through earnings. Economic hedges included interest rate swaps totaling $914.8 million,$1.9 billion, risk participation agreements with dealer banks of $59.0$142.1 million, and $44.8$276.6 million in forward commitment contracts.

As part of the Company’s risk management strategy, the Company enters into interest rate swap agreements to mitigate the interest rate risk inherent in certain of the Company’s assets and liabilities. Interest rate swap agreements involve the risk of dealing with both Bank customers and institutional derivative counterparties and their ability to meet contractual terms. The agreements are entered into with counterparties that meet established credit standards and contain master netting and collateral provisions protecting the at-risk party. The derivatives program is overseen by the Risk Management Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors. Based on adherence to the Company’s credit standards and the presence of the netting and collateral provisions, the Company believes that the credit risk inherent in these contracts was not significant at December 31, 2015.2017.

The Company pledged collateral to derivative counterparties in the form of cash totaling $16.1$2.1 million and securities with an amortized cost of $24.6$24.4 million and a fair value of $24.6$24.4 million at year-end 2015.2017. At December 31, 2016, the Company pledged cash collateral of $0.9 million and securities with an amortized cost of $47.8 million and a fair value of $47.9 million. The Company does not typically require its commercial customers to post cash or securities as collateral on its program of back-to-back economic hedges. However certain language is written into the International Swaps Dealers Association, Inc. (“ISDA”) and loan documents where, in default situations, the Bank is allowed to access collateral supporting the loan relationship to recover any losses suffered on the derivative asset or liability. The Company may need to post additional collateral in the future in proportion to potential increases in unrealized loss positions.

Information about interest rate swap agreements and non-hedging derivative assets and liabilities at December 31, 20152017 follows:
 
Notional
Amount
 
Weighted
Average
Maturity
 Weighted Average Rate 
Estimated
Fair Value
Asset (Liability)
 
Notional
Amount
 
Weighted
Average
Maturity
 Weighted Average Rate 
Estimated
Fair Value
Asset (Liability)
December 31, 2015 Received Contract pay rate 
December 31, 2017 
Notional
Amount
 
Weighted
Average
Maturity
 Received Contract pay rate 
Estimated
Fair Value
Asset (Liability)
 (In thousands) (In years)     (In thousands)     
Cash flow hedges:  
    
  
  
  
    
  
  
Forward-starting interest rate swaps on FHLBB borrowings 300,000
 3.3 0.14% 2.29% (8,532)
Interest rate swaps on FHLBB borrowings $
 0 % % $
Total cash flow hedges 300,000
    
  
 (8,532) 
    
  
 
                
Economic hedges:  
    
  
  
  
    
  
  
Interest rate swap on tax advantaged economic development bond 11,984
 13.9 0.61% 5.09% (2,450) 10,755
 11.9 1.73% 5.09% (1,649)
Interest rate swaps on loans with commercial loan customers 457,392
 6.7 2.18% 4.49% (17,143) 943,795
 5.9 3.26% 4.25% (3,195)
Reverse interest rate swaps on loans with commercial loan customers 457,392
 6.7 4.49% 2.18% 17,129
 943,795
 5.9 4.25% 3.26% 3,204
Risk participation agreements with dealer banks 59,016
 15.0    
 (56) 142,054
 8.4     (26)
Forward sale commitments 44,840
 0.2  
  
 53
 276,572
 0.2  
  
 (123)
Total economic hedges 1,030,624
    
  
 (2,467) 2,316,971
    
  
 (1,789)
                
Non-hedging derivatives:  
    
  
  
  
    
  
  
Interest rate lock commitments 36,043
 0.2  
  
 323
Commitments to lend 193,966
 0.2  
  
 5,259
Total non-hedging derivatives 36,043
    
  
 323
 193,966
    
  
 5,259
        
Total $1,366,667
    
  
 $(10,676) $2,510,937
    
  
 $3,470


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Information about interest rate swap agreements and non-hedging derivative asset and liabilities at December 31, 20142016 follows:
 
Notional
Amount
 
Weighted
Average
Maturity
 Weighted Average Rate 
Estimated
Fair Value
Asset (Liability)
 
Notional
Amount
 
Weighted
Average
Maturity
 Weighted Average Rate 
Estimated
Fair Value
Asset (Liability)
December 31, 2014 Received Contract pay rate 
December 31, 2016 
Notional
Amount
 
Weighted
Average
Maturity
 Received Contract pay rate 
Estimated
Fair Value
Asset (Liability)
 (In thousands) (In years)     (In thousands)     
Cash flow hedges:  
    
  
  
  
    
  
  
Forward-starting interest rate swaps on FHLBB borrowings 300,000
 4.3 
 2.29% (3,299) $300,000
 2.3 0.63% 2.29% $(6,573)
Total cash flow hedges 300,000
    
  
 (3,299) 300,000
    
  
 (6,573)
 

 
 

 

 

 

 
 

 

 

Economic hedges:  
    
  
  
  
    
  
  
Interest rate swap on tax advantaged economic development bond 12,554
 14.9 0.52% 5.09% (2,578) 11,386
 12.9 0.98% 5.09% (2,021)
Interest rate swaps on loans with commercial loan customers 297,158
 6.0 2.23% 4.54% (12,183) 668,541
 6.2 2.43% 4.21% (6,752)
Reverse interest rate swaps on loans with commercial loan customers 297,158
 6.0 4.54% 2.23% 12,221
 668,541
 6.2 4.21% 2.43% 7,077
Risk participation agreements with dealer banks 45,842
 16.6  
  
 (91) 83,360
 11.6 

  
 5
Forward sale commitments 42,366
 0.2  
  
 (510) 259,889
 0.2  
  
 722
Total economic hedges 695,078
    
  
 (3,141) 1,691,717
    
  
 (969)
 

     

 

     

Non-hedging derivatives:  
    
  
  
  
    
  
  
Interest rate lock commitments 39,589
 0.2  
  
 625
Commitments to lend 208,145
 0.2  
  
 4,738
Total non-hedging derivatives 39,589
    
  
 625
 208,145
    
  
 4,738
 

     

 

     

Total $1,034,667
    
  
 $(5,815) $2,199,862
    
  
 $(2,804)

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Cash Flow Hedges
TheIn the first quarter of 2017, the Company maintained six interest rate swap contracts with an aggregate notional value of $300 million with original durations of three years. This hedge strategy converted one month rolling FHLB borrowings based on the FHLB’s one month fixed interest rate to fixed interest rates, thereby protecting the Company from floating interest rate variability.

On February 7, 2017, the Company terminated all of its interest rate swaps associated with FHLB advances with 1-month LIBOR based floating interest rates of an aggregate notional amount of $300 million. As of March 31, 2017, the Company no longer held the FHLB advances associated with the interest rate swaps. As a result, the Company reclassified $6.6 million of losses from the effective portion of the unrealized changes in the fair value of the terminated derivatives from other comprehensive income to non-interest income as the forecasted transactions to the related FHLB advances will not occur.

For the periods presented prior to the termination, the effective portion of unrealized changes in the fair value of derivatives accounted for as cash flow hedges iswas reported in other comprehensive income and subsequently reclassified to earnings in the same period or periods during which the hedged forecasted transaction affects earnings.income. Each quarter, the Company assessesassessed the effectiveness of each hedging relationship by comparing the changes in cash flows of the derivative hedging instrument with the changes in cash flows of the designated hedged item or transaction. The ineffective portion of changes in the fair value of the derivatives is recognized directly in earnings.
The Company has entered into six forward-startingHedge ineffectiveness on interest rate swaps contracts with a combined notional value of $300 milliondesignated as of year-end 2015. The six forward-starting swaps become effective in 2016 having durations of three years. This hedge strategy convertscash flow hedges was immaterial to the one month rolling FHLBB borrowings based onCompany’s financial statements during the FHLBB’s one month fixed interest rate to fixed interest rates, thereby protecting the Company from floating interest rate variability.years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016.
 

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Amounts included in the Consolidated Statements of Income and in the other comprehensive income section of the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (related to interest rate derivatives designated as hedges of cash flows), were as follows:
  Years Ended December 31,
(In thousands) 2015 2014
Interest rate swaps on FHLBB borrowings:  
  
Unrealized (loss) recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss $(5,232) $(6,405)
     
Reclassification of unrealized (loss) from accumulated other comprehensive loss to interest expense 
 
     
Reclassification of unrealized loss from accumulated other comprehensive loss to other non-interest expense for termination of swaps 
 8,630
     
Reclassification of unrealized deferred tax (benefit) from accumulated other comprehensive loss to tax expense for terminated swaps 
 (3,611)
     
Net tax benefit on items recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss 2,094
 2,583
     
Interest rate swaps on junior subordinated notes:  
  
Unrealized (loss) recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss 
 (1)
     
Reclassification of unrealized loss from accumulated other comprehensive loss to interest expense 
 204
     
Net tax expense on items recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss 
 (80)
Other comprehensive income recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of reclassification adjustments and tax effects $(3,138) $1,320
     
Net interest expense recognized in interest expense on hedged FHLBB borrowings $
 $
     
Net interest expense recognized in interest expense on junior subordinated notes $
 $204
  Years Ended December 31,
(In thousands) 2017 2016 2015
Interest rate swaps on FHLBB borrowings:  
  
  
Unrealized (loss) recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss $(449) $(2,023) $(5,232)
Less: Reclassification of unrealized (loss) from accumulated other comprehensive loss to interest expense (393) (3,981) 
Less: reclassification of unrealized (loss) from accumulated other
comprehensive income to other non-interest expense
 (6,629) 
 
Net tax effect on items recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (2,589) (835) 2,094
Other comprehensive income recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income, net of reclassification adjustments and tax effects $3,984
 $1,123
 $(3,138)
 
Hedge ineffectiveness on interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges was immaterial to the Company’s financial statements during the year-ended December 31, 2015 and 2014.
Amounts reported in accumulated other comprehensive income related to derivatives will be reclassified to interest expense as interest payments are made on the Company’s variable-rate liabilities. During the next 12 months, the Company anticipates the reclassification of $3.4 million.

As a result of the branch acquisition, in the first quarter of 2014, the Company initiated and subsequently terminated all of its interest rate swaps, with various institutions, associated with FHLB advances with 3-month LIBOR based floating interest rates with an aggregate notional amount of $30 million, all of its interest rate swaps associated with 90 day rolling FHLB advances issued using the FHLB’s 3-month fixed interest rate with an aggregate notional amount of $145 million and all of its forward-starting interest rate swaps associated with 90 day rolling FHLB advances issued using the FHLB’s 3-month fixed interest rate with an aggregate notional amount of $235 million. In the first quarter of 2014, the Company elected to extinguish $215 million of FHLB advances related to the terminated swaps. As a result the Company reclassified $8.6 million of losses from the effective portion of the unrealized changes in the fair value of the terminated derivatives from other comprehensive income to non-interest income as the forecasted transactions to the related FHLB advances will not occur.


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Table of Contents
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Economic hedges
As of December 31, 20152017 the Company has an interest rate swap with a $12.0$10.8 million notional amount to swap out the fixed rate of interest on an economic development bond bearing a fixed rate of 5.09%, currently within the Company’s trading portfolio under the fair value option, in exchange for a LIBOR-based floating rate. The intent of the economic hedge is to improve the Company’s asset sensitivity to changing interest rates in anticipation of favorable average floating rates of interest over the 21-year life of the bond. The fair value changes of the economic development bond are mostly offset by fair value changes of the related interest rate swap.
 
The Company also offers certain derivative products directly to qualified commercial borrowers. The Company economically hedges derivative transactions executed with commercial borrowers by entering into mirror-image, offsetting derivatives with third-party financial institutions. The transaction allows the Company’s customer to convert a variable-rate loan to a fixed rate loan. Because the Company acts as an intermediary for its customer, changes in the fair value of the underlying derivative contracts mostly offset each other in earnings. Credit valuation adjustments arising from the difference in credit worthiness of the commercial loan and financial institution counterparties totaled $(13.0)$(316) thousand at year-end 2015.2017. The interest income and expense on these mirror image swaps exactly offset each other.
 
The Company has risk participation agreements with dealer banks. Risk participation agreements occur when the Company participates on a loan and a swap where another bank is the lead. The Company earns a fee to take on the risk associated with having to make the lead bank whole on Berkshire’s portion of the pro-rated swap should the borrower default.
 
The Company utilizes forward sale commitments to hedge interest rate risk and the associated effects on the fair value of interest rate lock commitments and loans held for sale. The forward sale commitments are accounted for as derivatives with changes in fair value recorded in current period earnings.
 
The company uses the following types of forward sale commitments contracts:
Best efforts loan sales,
Mandatory delivery loan sales, and
To be announced (TBA) mortgage-backed securities sales.
 
A best efforts contract refers to a loan sales agreement where the Company commits to deliver an individual mortgage loan of a specified principal amount and quality to an investor if the loan to the underlying borrower closes. The Company may enter into a best efforts contract once the price is known, which is shortly after the potential borrower’s interest rate is locked.
 
A mandatory delivery contract is a loan sales agreement where the Company commits to deliver a certain principal amount of mortgage loans to an investor at a specified price on or before a specified date. Generally, the Company may enter into mandatory delivery contracts shortly after the loan closes with a customer.
 
The Company may sell to-be-announced mortgage-backed securities to hedge the changes in fair value of interest rate lock commitments and held for sale loans, which do not have corresponding best efforts or mandatory delivery contracts. These security sales transactions are closed once mandatory contracts are written. On the closing date the price of the security is locked-in, and the sale is paired-off with a purchase of the same security. Settlement of the security purchase/sale transaction is done with cash on a net-basis.
 

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Table of Contents
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Non-hedging derivatives
The Company enters into interest rate lock commitments (“IRLCs”)to lend for residential mortgage loans, which commit the Company to lend funds to a potential borrower at a specific interest rate and within a specified period of time. IRLCsCommitments that relate to the origination of mortgage loans that will be held for sale are considered derivative financial instruments under applicable accounting guidance. Outstanding IRLCscommitments expose the Company to the risk that the price of the mortgage loans underlying the commitments may decline due to increases in mortgage interest rates from inception of the rate lock to the funding of the loan.  The IRLCscommitments are free-standing derivatives which are carried at fair value with changes recorded in noninterestnon-interest income in the Company’s consolidated statements of income. Changes in the fair value of IRLCscommitments subsequent to inception are based on changes in the fair value of the underlying loan resulting from the fulfillment of the commitment and changes in the probability that the loan will fund within the terms of the commitment, which is affected primarily by changes in interest rates and the passage of time.

Amounts included in the Consolidated Statements of Income related to economic hedges and non-hedging derivatives were as follows:
 Years Ended December 31, Years Ended December 31,
(In thousands) 2015 2014 2017 2016 2015
    
Economic hedges  
  
  
  
  
Interest rate swap on industrial revenue bond:  
  
  
  
  
Unrealized (loss) gain recognized in other non-interest income $(344) $(1,333)
    
Unrealized gain (loss) recognized in other non-interest income $371
 $(75) $(344)
Interest rate swaps on loans with commercial loan customers:  
  
  
  
  
Unrealized gain recognized in other non-interest income (4,852) (4,514) 3,557
 1,312
 (4,852)
    
Reverse interest rate swaps on loans with commercial loan customers:  
  
  
  
  
Unrealized loss recognized in other non-interest income 4,852
 4,514
    
Favorable change in credit valuation adjustment recognized in other non-interest income (51) 20
    
Unrealized (loss) recognized in other non-interest income (3,557) (1,312) 4,852
(Unfavorable) Favorable change in credit valuation adjustment recognized in other non-interest income (316) 338
 (51)
Risk Participation Agreements:  
  
  
  
  
    
Unrealized loss recognized in other non-interest income (36) (91)
    
Unrealized (loss) recognized in other non-interest income (31) (61) (36)
Forward Commitments:  
  
  
  
  
    
Unrealized gain (loss) recognized in other non-interest income (247) (510)
Realized (loss) gain in other non-interest income 45
 (1,494)
Unrealized gain (loss) recognized in non-interest income (123) (1,176) (247)
Realized (loss) in non-interest income (1,764) (3,705) 45
          
Non-hedging derivatives  
  
  
  
  
Interest rate lock commitments:  
  
Unrealized gain recognized in other non-interest income 2,436
 625
Realized gain (loss) in other non-interest income $1,899
 $3,938
Commitments to lend:  
  
  
Unrealized gain recognized in non-interest income $5,259
 $8,373
 $2,436
Realized gain in non-interest income 50,879
 3,650
 1,899

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Table of Contents
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Assets and Liabilities Subject to Enforceable Master Netting Arrangements

Interest Rate Swap Agreements (“Swap Agreements”)
The Company enters into swap agreements to facilitate the risk management strategies for commercial banking customers. The Company mitigates this risk by entering into equal and offsetting swap agreements with highly rated third party financial institutions. The swap agreements are free-standing derivatives and are recorded at fair value in the Company’s consolidated statements of condition. The Company is party to master netting arrangements with its financial institution counterparties; however, the Company does not offset assets and liabilities under these arrangements for financial statement presentation purposes. The master netting arrangements provide for a single net settlement of all swap agreements, as well as collateral, in the event of default on, or termination of, any one contract. Collateral generally in the form of marketable securities is received or posted by the counterparty with net liability positions, respectively, in accordance with contract thresholds.

The Company had net asset positions with its financial institution counterparties totaling $1.1 million and $49 thousand as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. The Company had net asset positions with its commercial banking counterparties totaling $17.1$8.6 million and $12.3$11.5 million as of December 31, 20152017 and December 31, 2014,2016, respectively.

The Company had net liability positions with its financial institution counterparties totaling $27.5$5.9 million and $18.2$15.4 million as of December 31, 20152017 and December 31, 2014,2016, respectively. At December 31, 2015,2017, the Company did not have ahad net liability positionpositions with its commercial banking counterparties compared to a
$0.1totaling $5.4 million liability atand $4.4 million as of December 31, 2014.2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. The collateral posted by the Company that covered liability positions was $27.5$5.9 million and $18.2$19.8 million as of December 31, 20152017 and December 31, 2014,2016, respectively.
 
The following table presents the assets and liabilities subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement as of December 31, 20152017 and December 31, 2014:2016:
 
Offsetting of Financial Assets and Derivative Assets
  Gross
Amounts of
Recognized
Assets
 Gross Amounts
Offset in the
Statements of
Condition
 Net Amounts of Assets
Presented in the Statements of
Condition
 Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statements
of Condition
  
     Financial
Instruments
 Cash
Collateral Received
  
(in thousands)      Net Amount
As of December 31, 2015  
  
  
  
  
  
Interest Rate Swap Agreements:  
  
  
  
  
  
Institutional counterparties $40
 $
 $40
 $
 $
 $40
Commercial counterparties 17,129
 
 17,129
 
 
 17,129
Total $17,169
 $
 $17,169
 $
 $
 $17,169

Offsetting of Financial Liabilities and Derivative Liabilities
  Gross
Amounts of
Recognized
Liabilities
 Gross Amounts
Offset in the
Statements of
Condition
 Net Amounts of Liabilities
Presented in the Statement of
Condition
 Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statements
of Condition
  
     Financial
Instruments
 Cash
Collateral Received
  
(in thousands)      Net Amount
As of December 31, 2015  
  
  
  
  
  
Interest Rate Swap Agreements:  
  
  
  
  
  
Institutional counterparties $(28,220) $
 $(28,220) $18,500
 $9,720
 $
Commercial counterparties 
 
 
 
 
 
Total $(28,220) $
 $(28,220) $18,500
 $9,720
 $

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Offsetting of Financial Assets and Derivative Assets
 Gross
Amounts of
Recognized
Assets
 Gross Amounts
Offset in the
Statements of
Condition
 Net Amounts of Assets
Presented in the Statements of
Condition
 Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statements
of Condition
   Gross
Amounts of
Recognized
Assets
 Gross Amounts
Offset in the
Statements of
Condition
 Net Amounts of Assets
Presented in the Statements of
Condition
 Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statements
of Condition
  
 Financial
Instruments
 Cash
Collateral Received
   Financial
Instruments
 Cash
Collateral Received
  
(in thousands) Net Amount Net Amount
As of December 31, 2014  
  
  
  
  
  
As of December 31, 2017  
  
  
  
  
  
Interest Rate Swap Agreements:  
  
  
  
  
  
Interest Rate Swap Agreements:
Institutional counterparties $23
 $
 $23
 $
 $
 $23
 $2,692
 $(1,622) $1,070
 $
 $
 $1,070
Commercial counterparties 12,270
 
 12,270
 
 
 12,270
 8,577
 
 8,577
 
 
 8,577
Total $12,293
 $
 $12,293
 $
 $
 $12,293
 $11,269
 $(1,622) $9,647
 $
 $
 $9,647


Offsetting of Financial Liabilities and Derivative Liabilities
 Gross
Amounts of
Recognized
Liabilities
 Gross Amounts
Offset in the
Statements of
Condition
 Net Amounts of Liabilities
Presented in the Statement of
Condition
 Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statements
of Condition
   Gross
Amounts of
Recognized
Liabilities
 Gross Amounts
Offset in the
Statements of
Condition
 Net Amounts of Liabilities
Presented in the Statement of
Condition
 Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statements
of Condition
  
 Financial
Instruments
 Cash
Collateral Received
   Financial
Instruments
 Cash
Collateral Received
  
(in thousands) Net Amount Net Amount
As of December 31, 2014  
  
  
  
  
  
As of December 31, 2017  
  
  
  
  
  
Interest Rate Swap Agreements:  
  
  
  
  
  
Interest Rate Swap Agreements:
Institutional counterparties $(18,232) $58
 $(18,174) $14,984
 $3,190
 $
 $(8,777) $2,835
 $(5,942) $3,982
 $1,960
 $
Commercial counterparties (50) 
 (50) 
 
 (50) (5,375) 2
 (5,373) 
 
 (5,373)
Total $(18,282) $58
 $(18,224) $14,984
 $3,190
 $(50) $(14,152) $2,837
 $(11,315) $3,982
 $1,960
 $(5,373)

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Table of Contents
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Offsetting of Financial Assets and Derivative Assets
  Gross
Amounts of
Recognized
Assets
 Gross Amounts
Offset in the
Statements of
Condition
 Net Amounts of Assets
Presented in the Statements of
Condition
 Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statements
of Condition
  
     Financial
Instruments
 Cash
Collateral Received
  
(in thousands)      Net Amount
As of December 31, 2016  
  
  
  
  
  
Interest Rate Swap Agreements:
Institutional counterparties $49
 $
 $49
 $
 $
 $49
Commercial counterparties 11,461
 
 11,461
 
 
 11,461
Total $11,510
 $
 $11,510
 $
 $
 $11,510


Offsetting of Financial Liabilities and Derivative Liabilities
  Gross
Amounts of
Recognized
Liabilities
 Gross Amounts
Offset in the
Statements of
Condition
 Net Amounts of Liabilities
Presented in the Statement of
Condition
 Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statements
of Condition
  
     Financial
Instruments
Cash
Collateral Received
  
(in thousands)     Net Amount
As of December 31, 2016  
  
  
  
 
  
Interest Rate Swap Agreements:
Institutional counterparties $(20,077) $4,689
 $(15,388) $14,738
$650
 $
Commercial counterparties (4,407) 23
 (4,384) 

 (4,384)
Total $(24,484) $4,712
 $(19,772) $14,738
$650
 $(4,384)

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Table of Contents
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 17.OTHER COMMITMENTS, CONTINGENCIES, AND OFF-BALANCE SHEET ACTIVITIES

Credit Related Financial Instruments. The Company is a party to financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its customers. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit. Such commitments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit, and interest rate risk in excess of the amount recognized in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

The Company’s exposure to credit loss in the event of non-performance by the other party to the financial instrument is represented by the contractual amount of these commitments. The Company uses the same credit policies in making commitments as it does for on-balance-sheet instruments.

A summary of financial instruments outstanding whose contract amounts represent credit risk is as follows at year-end:
(In thousands) 2015 2014 2017 2016
Commitments to originate new loans $102,145
 $67,817
 $244,252
 $243,519
Unused funds on commercial and other lines of credit 525,603
 514,179
 678,567
 574,043
Unadvanced funds on home equity lines of credit 258,897
 225,731
 297,367
 281,621
Unadvanced funds on construction and real estate loans 201,764
 183,301
 360,472
 320,635
Standby letters of credit 12,775
 12,462
 13,613
 14,939
Lease obligation 11,939
 12,206
 11,323
 11,639
Total $1,113,123
 $1,015,696
 $1,605,594
 $1,446,396

Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. The commitments for lines of credit may expire without being drawn upon. Therefore, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. The Company evaluates each customer’s creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis.


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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Standby letters of credit are conditional commitments issued by the Company to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party. These letters of credit are primarily issued to support borrowing arrangements. The credit risk involved in issuing letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending loan facilities to customers. The Company considers standby letters of credit to be guarantees and the amount of the recorded liability related to such guarantees was not material at year-end 2015.2017 and 2016.

Operating Lease Commitments. Future minimum rental payments required under operating leases at year-end 20152017 are as follows: 2016 — $7.8 million; 2017 — $6.4 million; 2018 — $5.5$12.8 million; 2019 — $4.8$10.8 million; 2020 — $4.3$9.3 million; 2021 — $8.3 million; 2022 — $7.6 million; and all years thereafter — $37.0$47.6 million. The leases contain options to extend for periods up to twenty years. The cost of such rental options is not included above. Total rent expense for the years 2015, 2014,2017, 2016, and 20132015 amounted to $7.5$12.0 million, $7.2$8.3 million, and $5.7$7.5 million, respectively.

Lease Obligations. Future obligations required under the capital lease at year-end 20152017 are $715 thousand in 2016; $680 thousand in 2017; $647 thousand in 2018; $646 thousand in 2019; $644 thousand in 20202020; $612 thousand in 2021; $583 thousand in 2022 and $6.2$5.0 million all years thereafter. Amortization under the capital lease is included with premises and equipment depreciation and amortization expense.

Future obligations required under the financing lease at year-end 20152017 are $80 thousand in 2016; $81 thousand in 2017; $86 thousand in 2018; $86 thousand in 2019; $86 thousand in 2020; $86 thousand in 2021; $87 thousand in 2022; and $1.7$1.5 million all years thereafter. Amortization under the financing lease is included with premises and equipment depreciation and amortization expense.

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Table of Contents
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Employment and Change in Control Agreements. The Company and the Bank have entered into a three-year employment agreement with one senior executive. The Company and the Bank also have change in control agreements with several officers which provide a severance payment in the event employment is terminated in conjunction with a defined change in control.

Legal Claims. Various legal claims arise from time to time in the normal course of business. InAs of December 31, 2017, neither the opinionCompany nor the Bank was involved in any pending legal proceedings believed by management to be material to the Company’s financial condition or results of management,operations. Periodically, there have been various claims outstanding at year-end 2015 willand lawsuits involving the Bank, such as claims to enforce liens, condemnation proceedings on properties in which the Bank holds security interests, claims involving the making and servicing of real property loans, and other issues incident to the Bank’s business. However, other than the items noted below, neither the Company nor the Bank is a party to any pending legal proceedings that it believes, in the aggregate, would have noa material adverse effect on the Company’s financial statements. condition or operations of the Company. Additionally, an estimate of future, probable losses cannot be estimated as of December 31, 2017.

On April 28, 2016, Berkshire Hills and Berkshire Bank were served with a complaint filed in the United States District Court, District of Massachusetts, Springfield Division. The complaint was filed by an individual Berkshire Bank depositor, who claims to have filed the complaint on behalf of a purported class of Berkshire Bank depositors, and alleges violations of the Electronic Funds Transfer Act and certain regulations thereunder, among other matters. On July 15, 2016, the complaint was amended to add purported claims under the Massachusetts Consumer Protection Act. The complaint seeks, in part, compensatory, consequential, statutory, and punitive damages. Berkshire Hills and Berkshire Bank deny the allegations contained in the complaint and are vigorously defending this lawsuit.
On January 29, 2018, the Bank was served with an amended complaint filed nominally against Berkshire Hills in the Business Litigation Session of the Massachusetts Superior Court sitting in Suffolk County. The amended complaint was filed by two residuary beneficiaries of an estate planning trust that was administered by the Bank as successor trustee following the death of the trust donor, and alleges the Bank breached its fiduciary duty and violated the Massachusetts Consumer Protection Act in the course of performing its duties as trustee. The complaint seeks compensatory, statutory, and punitive damages. Berkshire Hills and Berkshire Bank deny the allegations contained in the complaint and are vigorously defending this lawsuit.


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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 18. STOCKHOLDERS’SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY AND EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE

Minimum Regulatory Capital Requirements
The Company and Bank are subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the federal and state banking agencies. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory and possibly additional discretionary actions by regulators that, if imposed, could have a direct material impact on the Company’s financial statements. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Company and Bank must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of its assets, liabilities and certain off-balance-sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. The capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weighting and other factors.

Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require the Company and Bank to maintain minimum amounts and ratios (set forth in the following table) of total and Tier 1 capital (as defined in the regulations) to risk-weighted assets (as defined) and of Tier 1 capital to average assets (as defined). As of year-end 20152017 and 2014,2016, the Bank and the Company met the capital adequacy requirements. Regulators may set higher expected capital requirements in some cases based on their examinations.

Effective January 1, 2015, the Company and the Bank became subject to the Basel III rule that requires the Company and the Bank to assess their Common equity tier 1 capital to risk weighted assets and the Company and the Bank each exceed the minimum to be well capitalized. In addition, the final capital rules added a requirement to maintain a minimum conservation buffer, composed of Common equity tier 1 capital, of 2.5% of risk-weighted assets, to be phased in over three years and applied to the Common equity tier 1 risk-based capital ratio, the Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio and the Total risk-based capital ratio. Accordingly, banking organizations, on a fully phased in basis no later than January 1, 2019, must maintain a minimum Common equity tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 7.0%, a minimum Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 8.5%, and a minimum Total risk-based capital ratio of 10.5%. The required minimum conservation buffer began to be phased in incrementally, starting at 0.625% on January 1, 2016 and increasing to 1.25% on January 1, 2017. It will increase to 1.875% on January 1, 2018 and 2.5% on January 1, 2019. The final capital rules impose restrictions on capital distributions and certain discretionary cash bonus payments if the minimum capital conservation buffer is not met.

At December 31, 2017, the capital levels of both the Company and the Bank exceeded all regulatory capital requirements and their regulatory capital ratios were above the minimum levels. The capital levels of both the Company and the Bank at December 31, 2017 also exceeded the minimum capital requirements including the currently applicable capital conservation buffer of 1.25%.

As of year-end 20152017 and 2014,2016, the Bank and the Company met the conditions to be classified as “well capitalized” under the relevant regulatory framework for prompt corrective action.framework. To be categorized as well capitalized, an institution must maintain minimum total risk-based, Tier 1 risk-based, and Tier 1 leverage ratios as set forth in the following tables.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The Company and Bank’s actual and required capital amounts were as follows:

F-70
      
Minimum
Capital
Requirement
 
Minimum to be Well
Capitalized Under
Prompt Corrective
Action Provisions
  Actual  
(Dollars in thousands) Amount Ratio Amount Ratio Amount Ratio
December 31, 2017  
  
  
  
  
  
Company (Consolidated)  
  
  
  
  
  
Total capital to risk-weighted assets $1,063,843
 12.43% $684,692
 8.00% $855,865
 N/A
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital to risk weighted assets 942,389
 11.01
 385,139
 4.50
 556,312
 N/A
Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets 954,103
 11.15
 513,519
 6.00
 684,692
 N/A
Tier 1 capital to average assets 954,103
 9.01
 342,346
 4.00
 427,932
 N/A
Bank  
  
  
  
  
  
Total capital to risk-weighted assets $954,172
 11.17% $683,103
 8.00% $853,879
 10.00%
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital to risk weighted assets 881,324
 10.32
 384,245
 4.50
 555,021
 6.50
Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets 881,324
 10.32
 512,327
 6.00
 683,103
 8.00
Tier 1 capital to average assets 881,324
 8.32
 341,552
 4.00
 426,939
 5.00
December 31, 2016  
  
  
  
  
  
Company (Consolidated)  
  
  
  
  
  
Total capital to risk-weighted assets $803,618
 11.87% $541,603
 8.00% $677,004
 N/A
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital to risk weighted assets 670,120
 9.90
 304,652
 4.50
 440,053
 N/A
Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets 681,500
 10.07
 406,202
 6.00
 541,603
 N/A
Tier 1 capital to average assets 681,500
 7.88
 270,802
 4.00
 338,502
 N/A
Bank  
  
  
  
  
  
Total capital to risk-weighted assets $756,792
 11.21% $539,893
 8.00% $674,866
 10.00%
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital to risk weighted assets 672,244
 9.96
 303,690
 4.50
 438,663
 6.50
Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets 672,244
 9.96
 404,920
 6.00
 539,893
 8.00
Tier 1 capital to average assets 672,244
 7.84
 269,920
 4.00
 337,433
 5.00



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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

      
Minimum
Capital
Requirement
 
Minimum to be Well
Capitalized Under
Prompt Corrective
Action Provisions
  Actual  
(Dollars in thousands) Amount Ratio Amount Ratio Amount Ratio
December 31, 2015  
  
  
  
  
  
Company (Consolidated)  
  
  
  
  
  
Total capital to risk-weighted assets $686,489
 11.91% $461,231
 8.00% $576,539
 10.00%
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital to risk weighted assets

 573,033
 9.80
 259,443
 4.50
 374,750
 6.50
Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets 573,033
 9.94
 345,924
 6.00
 461,231
 8.00
Tier 1 capital to average assets 573,033
 7.71
 297,420
 4.00
 371,775
 5.00
Bank  
  
  
  
  
  
Total capital to risk-weighted assets $642,866
 11.16% $460,882
 8.00% $576,103
 10.00%
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital to risk weighted assets

 569,131
 9.88
 259,246
 4.50
 374,467
 6.50
Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets 569,131
 9.88
 345,662
 6.00
 460,882
 8.00
Tier 1 capital to average assets 569,131
 7.66
 297,313
 4.00
 371,641
 5.00
December 31, 2014  
  
  
  
  
  
Company (Consolidated)  
  
  
  
  
  
Total capital to risk-weighted assets $542,608
 11.38% $381,463
 8.00% $476,829
 10.00%
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital to risk weighted assets

 N/A
 N/A
 N/A
 N/A
 N/A
 N/A
Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets 430,374
 9.03
 190,731
 4.00
 286,097
 6.00
Tier 1 capital to average assets 430,374
 7.01
 245,558
 4.00
 306,947
 5.00
Bank  
  
  
  
  
  
Total capital to risk-weighted assets $513,368
 10.78% $380,959
 8.00% $476,199
 10.00%
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital to risk weighted assets

 N/A
 N/A
 N/A
 N/A
 N/A
 N/A
Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets 440,420
 9.25
 190,479
 4.00
 285,719
 6.00
Tier 1 capital to average assets 440,420
 7.18
 245,494
 4.00
 306,867
 5.00
A reconciliation of the Company’s year-end total stockholders’ equity to the Company’s regulatory capital is as follows:

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

  2015 2014
Total stockholders’ equity per consolidated financial statements $887,189
 $709,287
Adjustments for Bank Tier 1 Capital:  
  
Net unrealized loss (gain) on available for sale securities (4,058) (9,916)
Net unrealized loss on cash flow hedges 5,108
 3,338
Net unrealized loss on defined benefit postretirement plan 2,077
 
Qualifying restricted core capital elements 15,000
 15,000
Disallowed goodwill and other intangible assets (320,120) (276,270)
Disallowed deferred taxes (3,928) (11,065)
Non-significant investments in tier 1 capital of unconsolidated financial institutions (8,235) 
Total Bank Tier 1 Capital $573,033
 $430,374
     
Adjustments for total capital:  
  
Qualifying subordinated debt 74,348
 74,283
Includable allowances for loan losses 39,468
 35,722
Net unrealized loss on available for sale securities includable in Tier 2 capital 968
 2,229
Non-significant investments in tier 2 capital of unconsolidated financial institutions (1,328) 
Total Bank capital per regulatory reporting $686,489
 $542,608

A reconciliation of the Company’s year-end total stockholders’ equity to the Bank’s regulatory capital is as follows:
(In thousands) 2015 2014
     
Total stockholders’ equity per consolidated financial statements $887,189
 $709,287
Adjustments for Bank Tier 1 Capital:  
  
Holding company equity adjustment (8,386) 1,868
Net unrealized loss (gain) on available for sale securities (4,095) (9,912)
Net unrealized loss on cash flow hedges 5,108
 1,970
Net unrealized loss on defined benefit postretirement plan 2,077
 1,368
Disallowed goodwill and other intangible assets (299,619) (251,748)
Disallowed deferred taxes (9,807) (12,413)
Non-significant investments in tier 1 capital of unconsolidated financial institutions (3,336) N/A
Total Bank Tier 1 Capital 569,131
 440,420
Adjustments for total capital:  
  
Qualifying subordinated debt 35,000
 35,000
Includable allowances for loan losses 39,468
 35,722
Net unrealized loss on available for sale securities includible in Tier 2 capital 970
 2,226
Non-significant investments in tier 2 capital of unconsolidated financial institutions (1,703) N/A
Total Bank capital per regulatory reporting $642,866
 $513,368

Common stock
The Bank is subject to dividend restrictions imposed by various regulators, including a limitation on the total of all dividends that the Bank may pay to the Company in any calendar year. The total of all dividends shall not exceed the Bank’s net income for the current year (as defined by statute), plus the Bank’s net income retained for the two previous years, without regulatory approval. Dividends from the Bank are an important source of funds to the Company to make dividend payments on its common and preferred stock, to make payments on its borrowings, and for its other cash needs. The ability of the Company and the Bank to pay dividends is dependent on regulatory policies and regulatory capital requirements. The ability to pay such dividends in the future may be adversely affected by new legislation or regulations, or by changes in regulatory policies relating to capital, safety and soundness, and other regulatory concerns.


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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The payment of dividends by the Company is subject to Delaware law, which generally limits dividends to an amount equal to an excess of the net assets of a company (the amount by which total assets exceed total liabilities) over statutory capital, or if there is no excess, to the Company’s net profits for the current and/or immediately preceding fiscal year.

Preferred stock
As a provision of the merger agreement with Commerce, certain Commerce common stock was converted into the right to receive 0.465 shares of Series B Non-Voting Preferred Stock issued by the Company. Each preferred share is convertible into two shares of the Company's common stock under specified conditions. The shares are considered participating, but do not maintain preferential treatment over common shares. Proportional dividends on the preferred shares are not payable unless also declared for common shares. As of year-end 2017, 522 thousand preferred shares were issued and outstanding.

Accumulated other comprehensive loss
income
Year-end components of accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) are as follows:
(In thousands) 2015 2014 2017 2016
Other accumulated comprehensive income/(loss), before tax:  
  
  
  
Net unrealized holding gain on AFS securities $6,316
 $15,993
 $10,034
 $25,176
Net loss on effective cash flow hedging derivatives (8,532) (3,299)
Net loss on terminated swap 
 
Net (loss) on effective cash flow hedging derivatives 
 (6,573)
Net unrealized holding (loss) on pension plans (3,469) (2,291) (3,048) (2,954)
        
Income taxes related to items of accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss):  
  
  
  
Net unrealized holding (loss) on AFS securities (2,437) (6,077)
Net unrealized holding (gain) on AFS securities (4,026) (9,636)
Net loss on effective cash flow hedging derivatives 3,424
 1,330
 
 2,589
Net loss on terminated swap 
 
Net unrealized holding gain on pension plans 1,392
 923
Net unrealized holding loss on pension plans 1,201
 1,164
Accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) $(3,305) $6,579
 $4,161
 $9,766

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The following table presents the components of other comprehensive income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014,2017, 2016, and 2013:2015:
(In thousands) Before Tax Tax Effect Net of Tax
Year Ended December 31, 2015  
  
  
Net unrealized holding loss on AFS securities:  
  
  
Net unrealized (loss) arising during the period $(7,567) $2,793
 $(4,774)
Less: reclassification adjustment for (gains) realized in net income (2,110) 847
 (1,263)
Net unrealized holding loss on AFS securities (9,677) 3,640
 (6,037)
       
Net loss on cash flow hedging derivatives:  
  
  
Net unrealized (loss) arising during the period (5,232) 2,094
 (3,138)
Less: reclassification adjustment for losses realized in net income 
 
 
Net loss on cash flow hedging derivatives (5,232) 2,094
 (3,138)
       
Net loss on terminated swap:  
  
  
Net unrealized (loss) arising during the period 
 
 
Less: reclassification adjustment for losses realized in net income 
 
 
Net loss on terminated swap 
 
 
       
Net unrealized holding loss on pension plans  
  
  
Net unrealized (loss) arising during the period (1,436) 572
 (864)
Less: reclassification adjustment for losses realized in net income 259
 (104) 155
Net unrealized holding loss on pension plans (1,177) 468
 (709)
Other Comprehensive Income $(16,086) $6,202
 $(9,884)
(In thousands) Before Tax Tax Effect Net of Tax
Year Ended December 31, 2017  
  
  
Net unrealized holding gain on AFS securities:  
  
  
Net unrealized (loss) arising during the period $(2,544) $1,075
 $(1,469)
Less: reclassification adjustment for gains realized in net income 12,598
 (4,535) 8,063
Net unrealized holding (loss) on AFS securities (15,142) 5,610
 (9,532)
       
Net loss on cash flow hedging derivatives:  
  
  
Net unrealized (loss) arising during the period (449) 180
 (269)
Less: reclassification adjustment for (losses) realized in net income (7,022) 2,769
 (4,253)
Net gain on cash flow hedging derivatives 6,573
 (2,589) 3,984
       
Net unrealized holding (loss) on pension plans  
  
  
Net unrealized (loss) arising during the period (311) 124
 (187)
Less: reclassification adjustment for losses realized in net income (217) 87
 (130)
Net unrealized holding (loss) on pension plans (94) 37
 (57)
Other Comprehensive Income(Loss) $(8,663) $3,058
 $(5,605)
(In thousands) Before Tax Tax Effect Net of Tax
Year Ended December 31, 2016  
  
  
Net unrealized holding gain on AFS securities:  
  
  
Net unrealized gain arising during the period $18,308
 $(6,979) $11,329
Less: reclassification adjustment for (losses) realized in net income (551) 220
 (331)
Net unrealized holding gain on AFS securities 18,859
 (7,199) 11,660
       
Net (loss) on cash flow hedging derivatives:  
  
  
Net unrealized (loss) arising during the period (2,022) 754
 (1,268)
Less: reclassification adjustment for (losses) realized in net income (3,981) 1,589
 (2,392)
Net gain on cash flow hedging derivatives 1,959
 (835) 1,124
       
Net unrealized holding gain on pension plans  
  
  
Net unrealized gain arising during the period 351
 (155) 196
Less: reclassification adjustment for (losses) realized in net income (164) 73
 (91)
Net unrealized holding gain on pension plans 515
 (228) 287
Other Comprehensive Income $21,333
 $(8,262) $13,071


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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In thousands) Before Tax Tax Effect Net of Tax
Year Ended December 31, 2014  
  
  
Net unrealized holding gain on AFS securities:  
  
  
Net unrealized gain arising during the period $25,769
 $(9,791) $15,978
Less: reclassification adjustment for (gains) realized in net income (482) 196
 (286)
Net unrealized holding gain on AFS securities 25,287
 (9,595) 15,692
       
Net loss on cash flow hedging derivatives:  
  
  
Net unrealized (loss) arising during the period (6,403) 2,608
 (3,795)
Less: reclassification adjustment for losses realized in net income 5,393
 (2,201) 3,192
Net loss on cash flow hedging derivatives (1,010) 407
 (603)
       
Net loss on terminated swap:  
  
  
Net unrealized (loss) arising during the period 
 
 
Less: reclassification adjustment for losses realized in net income 3,237
 (1,312) 1,925
Net loss on terminated swap 3,237
 (1,312) 1,925
       
Net unrealized holding loss on pension plans  
  
  
Net unrealized (loss) arising during the period (2,308) 930
 (1,378)
Less: reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses realized in net income 
 
 
Net unrealized holding loss on pension plans (2,308) 930
 (1,378)
Other Comprehensive Income $25,206
 $(9,570) $15,636
(In thousands) Before Tax Tax Effect Net of Tax
Year Ended December 31, 2013  
  
  
Net unrealized holding loss on AFS securities:  
  
  
Net unrealized (loss) arising during the period $(15,254) $5,604
 $(9,650)
Less: reclassification adjustment for (gains) realized in net income (4,758) 1,920
 (2,838)
Net unrealized holding loss on AFS securities (20,012) 7,524
 (12,488)
       
Net gain on cash flow hedging derivatives:  
  
  
Net unrealized gain arising during the period 5,046
 (2,014) 3,032
Less: reclassification adjustment for losses realized in net income 3,620
 (1,460) 2,160
Net gain on cash flow hedging derivatives 8,666
 (3,474) 5,192
       
Net loss on terminated swap:  
  
  
Net unrealized (loss) arising during the period 
 
 
Less: reclassification adjustment for losses realized in net income 942
 (489) 453
Net loss on terminated swap 942
 (489) 453
       
Net unrealized holding gain on pension plans  
  
  
Net unrealized gain arising during the period 1,282
 (517) 765
Less: reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses realized in net income 
 
 
Net unrealized holding gain on pension plans 1,282
 (517) 765
Other Comprehensive Income $(9,122) $3,044
 $(6,078)
(In thousands) Before Tax Tax Effect Net of Tax
Year Ended December 31, 2015  
  
  
Net unrealized holding gain on AFS securities:  
  
  
Net unrealized loss arising during the period $(7,567) $2,793
 $(4,774)
Less: reclassification adjustment for gains realized in net income 2,110
 (847) 1,263
Net unrealized holding loss on AFS securities (9,677) 3,640
 (6,037)
       
Net (loss) on cash flow hedging derivatives:  
  
  
Net unrealized (loss) arising during the period (5,232) 2,094
 (3,138)
Less: reclassification adjustment for (losses) realized in net income 
 
 
Net (loss) on cash flow hedging derivatives (5,232) 2,094
 (3,138)
       
Net unrealized holding (loss) on pension plans  
  
  
Net unrealized (loss) arising during the period (1,436) 572
 (864)
Less: reclassification adjustment for (losses) realized in net income (259) 104
 (155)
Net unrealized holding (loss) on pension plans (1,177) 468
 (709)
Other Comprehensive Loss $(16,086) $6,202
 $(9,884)


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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The following table presents the changes in each component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014,2017, 2016, and 2013:2015:
(in thousands) Net unrealized
holding gain (loss)
on AFS
Securities
 Net loss on
effective cash
flow hedging
derivatives
 Net loss
on
terminated
swap
 Net unrealized
holding gain (loss)
on
pension plans
 Total Net unrealized holding gain (loss) on AFS Securities Net loss on effective cash flow hedging derivatives Net unrealized holding gain (loss) on pension plans Total
Year Ended December 31, 2015  
  
    
  
Year Ended December 31, 2017  
  
  
  
Balance at Beginning of Year $9,916
 $(1,969) $
 $(1,368) $6,579
 $15,540
 $(3,984) $(1,790) $9,766
Other Comprehensive (Loss) before reclassifications (4,774) (3,138) 
 (864) (8,776)
Amounts Reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive income (1,263) 
 
 155
 (1,108)
Other comprehensive gain (loss) before reclassifications (1,469) (269) (187) (1,925)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income 8,063
 (4,253) (130) 3,680
Total Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income (9,532) 3,984
 (57) (5,605)
Balance at End of Period $6,008
 $
 $(1,847) $4,161
        
Year Ended December 31, 2016  
  
  
  
Balance at Beginning of Year $3,880
 $(5,108) $(2,077) $(3,305)
Other comprehensive gain (loss) before reclassifications 11,329
 (1,268) 196
 10,257
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (331) (2,392) (91) (2,814)
Total Other Comprehensive Income (6,037) (3,138) 
 (709) (9,884) 11,660
 1,124
 287
 13,071
Balance at End of Period $3,880
 $(5,108) $
 $(2,077) $(3,305) $15,540
 $(3,984) $(1,790) $9,766
                  
Year Ended December 31, 2014  
  
  
  
  
Year Ended December 31, 2015  
  
  
  
Balance at Beginning of Year $(5,776) $(1,366) $(1,925) $10
 $(9,057) $9,916
 $(1,969) $(1,368) $6,579
Other Comprehensive Gain (Loss) before reclassifications 15,978
 (3,795) 
 (1,378) 10,805
Amounts Reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive income (286) 3,192
 1,925
 
 4,831
Total Other Comprehensive Loss 15,692
 (603) 1,925
 (1,378) 15,636
Other comprehensive gain (loss) Before reclassifications (4,774) (3,138) (864) (8,776)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income 1,263
 
 (155) 1,108
Total Other Comprehensive (Loss) (6,037) (3,138) (709) (9,884)
Balance at End of Period $9,916
 $(1,969) $
 $(1,368) $6,579
 $3,880
 $(5,108) $(2,077) $(3,305)
          
Year Ended December 31, 2013  
  
  
  
  
Balance at Beginning of Year $6,712
 $(6,558) $(2,378) $(755) $(2,979)
Other Comprehensive (Loss) Gain Before reclassifications (9,650) 3,032
 
 765
 (5,853)
Amounts Reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive income (2,838) 2,160
 453
 
 (225)
Total Other Comprehensive Income (12,488) 5,192
 453
 765
 (6,078)
Balance at End of Period $(5,776) $(1,366) $(1,925) $10
 $(9,057)

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The following table presents the amounts reclassified out of each component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014,2017, 2016, and 2013:2015:
        Affected Line Item in the
Statement Where Net Income
Is Presented
  Years Ended December 31, 
(in thousands) 2015 2014 2013 
Realized (gains) on AFS securities:
  $(2,110) $(482) $(4,758) Non-interest income
  847
 196
 1,920
 Tax expense
  (1,263) (286) (2,838)  
         
Realized losses on cash flow hedging derivatives:
  
 5,393
 3,620
 Interest income
  
 (2,201) (1,460) Tax expense
  
 3,192
 2,160
  
         
Amortization of realized losses on terminated swap:
  
 3,237
 942
 Interest income
  
 (1,312) (489) Tax expense
  
 1,925
 453
  
         
Realized losses on pension plans        
  259
 
 
 Non-interest expense
  (104) 
 
 Tax expense
  155
 
 
  
Total reclassifications for the period $(1,108) $4,831
 $(225)  
        Affected Line Item in the
Statement Where Net Income
Is Presented
  Years Ended December 31, 
(in thousands) 2017 2016 2015 
Realized (losses) gains on AFS securities:
  $12,598
 $(551) $2,110
 Non-interest income
  (4,535) 220
 (847) Tax expense
  8,063
 (331) 1,263
  
Realized (losses) on cash flow hedging derivatives:
  (393) 
 
 Interest expense
  (6,629) 
 
 Non-interest income
  
 (3,981) 
 Non-interest expense
  2,769
 1,589
 
 Tax benefit
  (4,253) (2,392) 
  
Realized (losses) on pension plans        
  (217) (164) (259) Non-interest expense
  87
 73
 104
 Tax expense
  (130) (91) (155)  
Total reclassifications for the period $3,680
 $(2,814) $1,108
  

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Earnings Per Common Share
Basic earnings per common share (“EPS”) excludes dilution and is computed by dividing net income applicable to common stock by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the year. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock (such as stock options) were exercised or converted into additional common shares that would then share in the earnings of the entity. Diluted EPS is computed by dividing net income applicable to common stock by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the year, plus an incremental number of common-equivalent shares computed using the treasury stock method.

F-76

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Earnings per common share has been computed based on the following (average diluted shares outstanding is calculated using the treasury stock method):
 Years Ended December 31,     Years Ended December 31,
(In thousands, except per share data) 2015 2014 2013 2017 2016 2015
      
Net income $49,518
 $33,744
 $41,143
 $55,247
 $58,670
 $49,518
            
Average number of common shares issued 30,074
 26,525
 26,525
 40,627
 32,604
 30,074
Less: average number of treasury shares 1,215
 1,386
 1,424
 963
 1,116
 1,215
Less: average number of unvested stock award shares 466
 409
 299
 437
 500
 466
Plus: average participating preferred shares 229
 
 
Average number of basic common shares outstanding 28,393
 24,730
 24,802
 39,456
 30,988
 28,393
Plus: dilutive effect of unvested stock award shares 106
 67
 60
 202
 122
 106
Plus: dilutive effect of stock options outstanding 65
 57
 103
 37
 57
 65
Average number of diluted common shares outstanding 28,564
 24,854
 24,965
 39,695
 31,167
 28,564
            
Basic earning per share $1.74
 $1.36
 $1.66
Basic earning per common share $1.40
 $1.89
 $1.74
            
Diluted earnings per share $1.73
 $1.36
 $1.65
Diluted earnings per common share $1.39
 $1.88
 $1.73
 
For the year ended 2017, 55 thousand options were anti-dilutive and therefore excluded from the earnings per share calculations. For the year ended 2016, 52 thousand options were anti-dilutive and therefore excluded from the earnings per share calculations. For the year ended 2015, 200 thousand options were anti-dilutive and therefore excluded from the earnings per share calculations. For the year ended 2014, 225 thousand options were anti-dilutive and therefore excluded from the earnings per share calculations. For the year ended 2013, 338 thousand options were anti-dilutive and therefore excluded from the earnings per share calculations. 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 19.STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS

The 2013 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2013 Plan”) permits the granting of a combination of Restricted Stock awards and incentive and non-qualified stock options (“Stock Options”) to employees and directors. A total of 1.031.0 million shares was authorized under the Plan. Awards may be granted as either Restricted Stock or Stock Options provided that any shares that are granted as Restricted Stock are counted against the share limit set forth as (1) three for every one share of Restricted Stock granted and (2) one for every one share of Stock Option granted. As of year-end 2015,2017, the Company had the ability to grant approximately 756383 thousand shares under this plan.
 
The 2011 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2011 Plan”) permits the granting of a combination of Restricted Stock awards and incentive and non-qualified stock options to employees and directors. A total of 1.4 million shares was authorized under the Plan. Awards may be granted as either Restricted Stock or Stock Options provided that any shares that are granted as Restricted Stock are counted against the share limit set forth as (1) three for every one share of Restricted Stock granted and (2) one for every one share of Stock Option granted. As of year-end 2015,2017, the Company had the ability to grant approximately 56 thousand shares under this plan.

F-77

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

A summary of activity in the Company’s stock compensation plans is shown below:
 Non-vested Stock
Awards Outstanding
 Stock Options Outstanding Non-vested Stock
Awards Outstanding
 Stock Options Outstanding
(Shares in thousands) Number of Shares Weighted- Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
 Number of Shares Weighted- Average Exercise Price Number of Shares Weighted- Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
 Number of Shares Weighted- Average Exercise Price
Balance, December 31, 2014 424
 $24.33
 282
 $20.72
Balance, December 31, 2016 448
 $26.28
 109
 $15.72
Granted 226
 26.66
 
 
 161
 35.84
 
 
Stock options exercised 
 
 (16) 14.59
 
 
 (19) 17.74
Stock awards vested (142) 23.83
 
 
 (174) 25.68
 
 
Forfeited (20) 24.91
 
 
 (17) 30.04
 
 
Expired 
 
 (1) 25.93
 
 
 (14) 29.35
Balance, December 31, 2015 488
 $25.09
 265
 $21.11
Exercisable options, December 31, 2015  
  
 265
 $21.08
Balance, December 31, 2017 418
 $29.68
 76
 $13.59

Stock Awards

The total compensation cost for stock awards recognized as expense was $4.7$5.3 million, $3.8$4.6 million, and $2.1$4.7 million, in the years 2015, 2014,2017, 2016, and 2013,2015, respectively. The total recognized tax benefit associated with this compensation cost was $1.9$2.0 million, $1.5$1.8 million, and $0.9$1.9 million, respectively.

The weighted average fair value of stock awards granted was $35.84, $26.81, and $26.66 $24.60,in 2017, 2016, and $24.49 in 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively. Stock awards vest over periods up to five years and are valued at the closing price of the stock on the grant date.

The total fair value of stock awards vested during 2017, 2016, and 2015 2014, and 2013 was $3.4$4.4 million, $2.0$4.4 million, and $1.9$3.4 million respectively. The unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to unvested stock awards was $7.0$6.5 million as of year-end 2015.2017. This amount is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of two years.

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Option Awards

Option awards are granted with an exercise price equal to the market price of the Company’s stock at the date of grant, and vest over periods up to five years. The options grant the holder the right to acquire a share of the Company’s common stock for each option held, and have a contractual life of ten years. As of year-end 2015,2017, the weighted average remaining contractual term for options outstanding is two years.

The Company generally issues shares from treasury stock as options are exercised. The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The expected dividend yield and expected term are based on management estimates. The expected volatility is based on historical volatility. The risk-free interest rates for the expected term are based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of the grant. The Company acquired options in the Beacon transaction in 2012, but did not grant additional options in 2015, 2014,2017, 2016, or 2013.2015.

The total intrinsic value of options exercised was $362.7 thousand, $879.6 thousand, and $210.0 thousand $1.2 million, and $2.9 million for the years 2015,2017, 2016, and 2014, and 2013, respectively. There was no expense pertaining to options vesting in 2017, 2016 or 2015. The expense pertaining to options vesting in the years 2014 and 2013 was $41 thousand and $860 thousand, respectively. There was no tax benefit associated with stock option expense in 2017, 2016 or 2015. The total recognized tax benefit associated with stock option expense for 2014 and 2013 were $16 thousand and $347 thousand, respectively. There was no unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to unvested stock options as of year-ends 20152017, 2016, and 2014.2015.

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NOTE 20.FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
 
A description of the valuation methodologies used for instruments measured at fair value, as well as the general classification of such instruments pursuant to the valuation hierarchy, is set forth below. These valuation methodologies were applied to all of the Company’s financial assets and financial liabilities that are carried at fair value.
 
Recurring Fair Value Measurements of Financial Instruments
The following table summarizes assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of year-end 20152017 and 20142016 segregated by the level of the valuation inputs within the fair value hierarchy utilized to measure fair value. value:
 December 31, 2015 December 31, 2017
(In thousands) Level 1
Inputs
 Level 2
Inputs
 Level 3
Inputs
 Total
Fair Value
 Level 1
Inputs
 Level 2
Inputs
 Level 3
Inputs
 Total
Fair Value
        
Trading security $
 $
 $14,189
 $14,189
 $
 $
 $12,277
 $12,277
Available-for-sale securities:  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Municipal bonds and obligations 
 104,561
 
 104,561
 
 118,233
 
 118,233
Government guaranteed residential mortgage-backed securities 
 69,858
 
 69,858
Government-sponsored residential mortgage-backed securities 
 890,007
 
 890,007
Agency collateralized mortgage obligations 
 851,158
 
 851,158
Agency residential mortgage-backed securities 
 216,940
 
 216,940
Agency commercial mortgage-backed securities 
 62,305
 
 62,305
Corporate bonds 
 41,022
 
 41,022
 
 110,721
 
 110,721
Trust preferred securities 
 11,901
 
 11,901
 
 11,677
 
 11,677
Other bonds and obligations 
 3,141
 
 3,141
 
 9,880
 
 9,880
Marketable equity securities 32,925
 334
 708
 33,967
 44,851
 334
 
 45,185
Loans held for sale 
 13,191
 
 13,191
 
 153,620
 
 153,620
Derivative assets 45
 17,130
 332
 17,507
 
 14,049
 5,259
 19,308
Other assets 
 
 3,834
 3,834
Derivative liabilities 
 28,181
 
 28,181
 104
 15,715
 19
 15,838
 
 December 31, 2014 December 31, 2016
(In thousands) Level 1
Inputs
 Level 2
Inputs
 Level 3
Inputs
 Total
Fair Value
 Level 1
Inputs
 Level 2
Inputs
 Level 3
Inputs
 Total
Fair Value
        
Trading security $
 $
 $14,909
 $14,909
 $
 $
 $13,229
 $13,229
Available-for-sale securities:  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Municipal bonds and obligations 
 133,699
 
 133,699
 
 119,816
 
 119,816
Government guaranteed residential mortgage-backed securities 
 69,468
 
 69,468
Government-sponsored residential mortgage-backed securities 
 760,184
 
 760,184
Agency collateralized mortgage obligations 
 651,911
 
 651,911
Agency residential mortgage-backed securities 
 228,684
 
 228,684
Agency commercial mortgage-backed securities 
 64,534
 
 64,534
Corporate bonds 
 54,151
 
 54,151
 
 56,006
 
 56,006
Trust preferred securities 
 14,667
 1,548
 16,215
 
 11,887
 
 11,887
Other bonds and obligations 
 3,159
 
 3,159
 
 11,158
 
 11,158
Marketable equity securities 53,806
 358
 778
 54,942
 62,284
 3,257
 
 65,541
Loans held for sale 
 19,493
 
 19,493
 
 120,673
 
 120,673
Derivative assets 
 12,328
 625
 12,953
 622
 16,157
 4,838
 21,617
Other assets 
 
 798
 798
Derivative liabilities 417
 18,259
 93
 18,769
 
 24,420
 
 24,420

There were no transfers between Level 1, 2, and 3 during the yearsyear ended December 31, 20152017. During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company had one transfer of $708 thousand in marketable equity securities from Level 3 to

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Level 2 based on a change in valuation technique driven by the availability of market data. There were no transfers between Level 1, 2, and 2014.3 during the year ended December 31, 2015.

Trading Security at Fair Value. The Company holds one security designated as a trading security. It is a tax advantaged economic development bond issued to the Company by a local nonprofit which provides wellness and health programs. The determination of the fair value for this security is determined based on a discounted cash flow methodology. Certain inputs to the fair value calculation are unobservable and there is little to no market activity in the security; therefore, the security meets

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the definition of a Level 3 security. The discount rate used in the valuation of the security is sensitive to movements in the 3-month LIBOR rate.
 
Securities Available for Sale. AFS securities classified as Level 1 consist of publicly-traded equity securities for which the fair
values can be obtained through quoted market prices in active exchange markets. AFS securities classified as Level 2 include most of the Company’s debt securities. The pricing on Level 2 was primarily sourced from third party pricing services, overseen by management, and is based on models that consider standard input factors such as dealer quotes, market spreads, cash flows, the U.S. Treasury yield curve, live trading levels, trade execution data, market consensus prepayment speeds, credit information and the bond’s terms and condition, among other things. The Company owns one privately owned equity security classified as Level 3. The security’s fair value is determined through unobservable issuer-provided financial information and a pricing model utilizing peer data.
 
Loans held for sale. The Company elected the fair value option for all loans originated for sale (HFS) that were originated for sale on or after May 1, 2012. Loans HFS are classified as Level 2 as the fair value is based on input factors such as quoted prices for similar loans in active markets.
 Aggregate
Fair Value
 Aggregate
Unpaid Principal
 Aggregate Fair Value
Less Aggregate
Unpaid Principal
 Aggregate
Fair Value
 Aggregate
Unpaid Principal
 Aggregate Fair Value
Less Aggregate
Unpaid Principal
December 31, 2015 (In thousands) 
December 31, 2017 (In thousands) Aggregate
Fair Value
 Aggregate
Unpaid Principal
 Aggregate Fair Value
Less Aggregate
Unpaid Principal
Loans Held for Sale $13,191
 $12,914
 $277
 
 Aggregate
Fair Value
 Aggregate
Unpaid Principal
 Aggregate Fair Value
Less Aggregate
Unpaid Principal
 Aggregate
Fair Value
 Aggregate
Unpaid Principal
 Aggregate Fair Value
Less Aggregate
Unpaid Principal
December 31, 2014 (In thousands) 
December 31, 2016 (In thousands) Aggregate
Fair Value
 Aggregate
Unpaid Principal
 Aggregate Fair Value
Less Aggregate
Unpaid Principal
Loans Held for Sale $19,493
 $18,885
 $608
 
 
The changes in fair value of loans held for sale for years ended December 31, 20152017 and 20142016 were gains of $331 thousand$2.1 million and losses of $409 thousand,$2.2 million, respectively. The changes in fair value are included in mortgage banking income in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
Derivative Assets In 2017, originations of loans held for sale totaled $2.4 billion and Liabilities.sales of loans originated as held for sale totaled $2.3 billion.
 
Interest Rate Swap.Swaps. The valuation of the Company’s interest rate swaps is obtained from a third-party pricing service and is determined using a discounted cash flow analysis on the expected cash flows of each derivative. The pricing analysis is based on observable inputs for the contractual terms of the derivatives, including the period to maturity and interest rate curves.

The Company incorporates credit valuation adjustments to appropriately reflect both its own nonperformance risk and the respective counterparty’s nonperformance risk in the fair value measurements. In adjusting the fair value of its derivative contracts for the effect of nonperformance risk, the Company has considered the impact of netting and any applicable credit enhancements, such as collateral postings.

Although the Company has determined that the majority of the inputs used to value its interest rate derivatives fall within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, the credit valuation adjustments associated with its derivatives utilize Level 3 inputs, such as estimates of current credit spreads to evaluate the likelihood of default by itself and its counterparties. However, as of year-end 2015,2017, the Company has assessed the significance of the impact of the credit valuation adjustments on the overall valuation of its derivative positions and has determined that the credit valuation adjustments are not significant to the overall valuation of its derivatives. As a result, the Company has determined that its derivative valuations in their entirety are classified in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Interest Rate Lock Commitments.Commitments to Lend. The Company enters into IRLCscommitments to lend for residential mortgage loans intended for sale, which commit the Company to lend funds to a potential borrower at a specificcertain interest rate and within a

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specified period of time. The estimated fair value of commitments to originate residential mortgage loans for sale is based on quoted prices for similar loans in active markets. However, this value is adjusted by a factor which considers the likelihood that the loan in a lock positioncommitment will ultimately close, and by the non-refundable costs of originating the loan. The closing ratio is derived from the Bank’s internal data and is adjusted using significant management judgment. The costs to originate are primarily based on the Company’s internal commission rates that are not observable. As such, IRLCsthese commitments to lend are classified as Level 3 measurements.

Forward Sale Commitments. The Company utilizes forward sale commitments as economic hedges against potential changes in the values of the IRLCscommitments to lend and loans originated for sale. To be announced (TBA) mortgage-backed securities forward commitment sales are used as hedging instruments, are classified as Level 1, and consist of publicly-traded debt securities for which identical fair values can be obtained through quoted market prices in active exchange markets. The fair values of the Company’s best

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efforts and mandatory delivery loan sale commitments are determined similarly to the IRLCscommitments to lend using quoted prices in the market place that are observable. However, costs to originate and closing ratios included in the calculation are internally generated and are based on management’s judgment and prior experience, which are considered factors that are not observable. As such, best efforts and mandatory forward sale commitments are classified as Level 3 measurements.

Capitalized Servicing Rights.The Company accounts for certain capitalized servicing rights at fair value in its Consolidated Financial Statements, as the Company is permitted to elect the fair value option for each specific instrument. A loan servicing right asset represents the amount by which the present value of the estimated future net cash flows to be received from servicing loans exceed adequate compensation for performing the servicing. The fair value of servicing rights is estimated using a present value cash flow model. The most important assumptions used in the valuation model are the anticipated rate of the loan prepayments and discount rates. Although some assumptions in determining fair value are based on standards used by market participants, some are based on unobservable inputs and therefore are classified in Level 3 of the valuation hierarchy.
 

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The table below presents the changes in Level 3 assets that were measured at fair value on a recurring basis at year-end 20152017 and 2014:2016:
  Assets (Liabilities)
(In thousands) Trading
Security
 Securities
Available
for Sale
 Interest Rate
Lock
Commitments
 Forward
Commitments
         
Balance as of December 31, 2013 $14,840
 $1,964
 $258
 $19
Purchase of marketable equity security 
 
 
 
Unrealized (loss) gain, net recognized in other non-interest income 610
 
 3,804
 (112)
Unrealized gain included in accumulated other comprehensive loss 
 362
 
 
Paydown of trading security (541) 
 
 
Transfers to held for sale loans 
 
 (3,437) 
Balance as of December 31, 2014 $14,909
 $2,326
 $625
 $(93)
Purchase of marketable equity security 
 
 
 
Sale of AFS Security
 
 (1,327) 
 
Unrealized (loss) gain, net recognized in other non-interest income (150) 
 4,364
 102
Unrealized gain included in accumulated other comprehensive loss 
 (291) 
 
Paydown of trading security (570) 
 
 
Transfers to held for sale loans 
 
 (4,666) 
Balance as of December 31, 2015 $14,189
 $708
 $323
 $9
         
Unrealized gains (losses) relating to instruments still held at December 31, 2015 $2,204
 $(61) $323
 $9
Unrealized gains (losses) relating to instruments still held at December 31, 2014 $2,355
 $(999) $625
 $(93)
  Assets (Liabilities)
(In thousands) Trading
Security
 Securities Available for Sale Commitments to Lend Forward
Commitments
 Capitalized Servicing Rights
Balance as of December 31, 2015 $14,189
 $708
 $323
 $9
 $
Amounts acquired from First Choice Bank 
 
 3,900
 
 696
Unrealized (loss) gain, net recognized in other non-interest income (362) 
 13,563
 91
 102
Unrealized gain included in accumulated other comprehensive loss 
 
 
 
 
Transfers to Level 2 
 (708) 
 
 
Paydown of trading security (598) 
 
 
 
Transfers to loans held for sale 
 
 (13,048) 
 
Balance as of December 31, 2016 $13,229
 $
 $4,738
 $100
 $798
Unrealized (loss) gain, net recognized in other non-interest income (320) 
 63,894
 (81) (221)
Unrealized gain included in accumulated other comprehensive loss 
 
 
 
 
Transfers to Level 2 
 
 
 
 
Paydown of trading security (632) 
 
 
 
Transfers to loans held for sale 
 
 (63,373) 
 
Additions to servicing rights 
 
 
 
 3,257
Balance as of December 31, 2017 $12,277
 $
 $5,259
 $19
 $3,834
           
Unrealized gains (losses) relating to instruments still held at December 31, 2017 $1,522
 $
 $5,259
 $19
 $(221)
Unrealized gains relating to instruments still held at December 31, 2016 $1,843
 $
 $4,738
 $100
 $102

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Quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs within Level 3 recurring assets/(liabilities) as of December 31, 20152017 and 20142016 are as follows:
 Fair Value     Significant
Unobservable Input
Value
 Fair Value     Significant Unobservable Input Value
(In thousands) December 31, 2015 Valuation Techniques Unobservable Inputs  December 31, 2017 Valuation Techniques Unobservable Inputs 
Assets  
      
  
      
    
Trading Security $14,189
 Discounted Cash Flow Discount Rate 2.49% $12,277
 Discounted Cash Flow Discount Rate 2.74%
    
Securities Available for Sale 708
 Pricing Model Median Peer Price/ Tangible Book Value Percentage Multiple 88.52%
  
    
Forward Commitments 9
 Historical Trend Closing Ratio
 92.57% 19
 Historical Trend Closing Ratio 81.53%
   Pricing Model Origination Costs, per loan $2,500
   Pricing Model Origination Costs, per loan $3,692
Commitments to Lend 5,259
 Historical Trend Closing Ratio 81.53%
  
     Pricing Model Origination Costs, per loan $3,692
Interest Rate Lock Commitment 323
 Historical Trend Closing Ratio 92.57%
   Pricing Model Origination Costs, per loan $2,500
Capitalized Servicing Rights 3,834
 Discounted cash flow Constant prepayment rate (CPR) 10.00%
       Discount rate 10.95%
Total $15,229
      
 $21,389
      
 Fair Value     Significant
Unobservable Input
Value
 Fair Value     Significant
Unobservable Input
Value
(In thousands) December 31, 2014 Valuation Techniques Unobservable Inputs  December 31, 2016 Valuation Techniques Unobservable Inputs 
Assets  
      
  
      
Trading Security $13,229
 Discounted Cash Flow Discount Rate 2.62%
Forward Commitments 100
 Historical Trend Closing Ratio 80.36%
Commitments to Lend 4,738
 Pricing Model Origination Costs, per loan $3.692
       Historical Trend Closing Ratio 80.36%
Trading Security $14,909
 Discounted Cash Flow Discount Rate 2.60%
    
Securities Available for Sale 2,326
 Discounted Cash Flow Discount Rate
Credit Spread
 13.74%
11.06%

  
    
Forward Commitments (93) Historical Trend
 Closing Ratios 91.07%
   Pricing Model Origination Costs, per loan $2,500
  
  
Interest Rate Lock Commitment 625
 Historical Trend
 Closing Ratios 91.07%
Capitalized Servicing Rights 798
 Pricing Model Origination Costs, per loan $3.692
   Pricing Model Origination Costs, per loan $2,500
   Discounted cash flow Constant prepayment rate (CPR) 10.40%
       Discount rate 11.00%
Total $17,767
      
 $18,865
      

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Non-Recurring Fair Value Measurements
The Company is required, on a non-recurring basis, to adjust the carrying value or provide valuation allowances for certain assets using fair value measurements in accordance with GAAP. The following is a summary of applicable non-recurring fair value measurements. There are no liabilities measured on a non-recurring basis.
 December 31, 2015 December 31, 2015 Fair Value Measurement Date as of December 31, 2015 December 31, 2017 Fair Value Measurements as of December 31, 2017
(In thousands) Level 3
Inputs
 Total
Losses (Gains)
 
Level 3
Inputs
 Level 3
Inputs
 
Level 3
Inputs
Assets  
  
   
 
Impaired loans $11,657
 $5,837
 December 2015 $23,853
 December 2017
Capitalized mortgage servicing rights 5,187
 
 November 2015
Capitalized servicing rights 12,527
 December 2017
Other real estate owned 1,725
 (75) February 2014 - October 2015 
 
     
Total $18,569
 $5,762
  $36,380
 
  December 31, 2014 December 31, 2014 Fair Value Measurement Date as of December 31, 2014
(In thousands) Level 3
Inputs
 Total
Losses
 Level 3
Inputs
Assets  
  
  
Impaired loans $5,820
 $278
 December 2014
Capitalized mortgage servicing rights 3,757
 
 November 2014
Other real estate owned 2,049
 231
 March 2013 - August 2014
       
Total $11,626
 $509
  

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  December 31, 2016  Fair Value Measurements as of December 31, 2016
(In thousands) Level 3
Inputs
  Level 3
Inputs
Assets  
   
Impaired loans $17,761
  December 2016
Capitalized servicing rights 10,726
  December 2016
Other real estate owned 151
  Feb. 2016 - July 2016
Total $28,638
   
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs within Level 3 non-recurring assets as of December 31, 20152017 and 20142016 are as follows:
(in thousands) December 31, 2015 Valuation Techniques Unobservable Inputs Range (Weighted Average) (a)
Assets  
      
         
Impaired loans $11,657
 Fair value of collateral Loss severity .05% to 29.50% (7.55%)
   
   Appraised value $46.3 to $1962.0 ($999.7)
         
Capitalized mortgage servicing rights 5,187
 Discounted cash flow Constant prepayment rate (CPR)
 7.17% to 12.06% (10.02%)
   
   Discount rate 10.00% to 15.00 (10.88%)
         
Other real estate owned 1,725
 Fair value of collateral Appraised value $39 to $1,200.0 ($919.9)
Total $18,569
      
(a)Where dollar amounts are disclosed, the amounts represent the lowest and highest fair value of the respective assets in the population except for adjustments for market/property conditions, which represents the range of adjustments to individuals properties.  
(in thousands) December 31, 2014 Valuation Techniques Unobservable Inputs Range (Weighted Average) (a) December 31, 2017 Valuation Techniques Unobservable Inputs Range (Weighted Average) (a)
Assets  
        
      
   
Impaired loans $5,820
 Fair value of collateral Loss severity .31% to 38.7% (12.65%)
 $23,853
 Fair value of collateral Loss severity 38.72% to 0.21% (3.40%)
  
   Appraised value $5 to $1,600.0 ($912.7)  
   Appraised value $10.9 to $5967 ($2,197)
   
Capitalized mortgage servicing rights 3,757
 Discounted cash flow Constant prepayment rate (CPR)
 7.83% to 19.00% (9.92%)
  
   Discount rate 10.00% to 13.00% (10.43%)
Capitalized servicing rights 12,527
 Discounted cash flow Constant prepayment rate (CPR) 7.78% to 12.78% (10.38%)
     
   Discount rate 10.00% to 13.28% (11.72%)
Other real estate owned 2,049
 Fair value of collateral Appraised value $57 to $700.0 ($462.6) 
 Fair value of collateral Appraised value 
Total Assets $11,626
       $36,380
      
(a)         Where dollar amounts are disclosed, the amounts represent the lowest and highest fair value of the respective assets in the population except for adjustments for market/property conditions, which represents the range of adjustments to individuals properties.


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(in thousands) December 31, 2016 Valuation Techniques Unobservable Inputs Range (Weighted Average) (a)
Assets  
      
Impaired loans $17,761
 Fair value of collateral Loss severity 0% to 88.70% (9.73%)
   
   Appraised value $0 to $2,192 ($1,026)
Capitalized servicing rights 10,726
 Discounted cash flow Constant prepayment rate (CPR) 7.35% to 14.28% (10.44%)
   
   Discount rate 10.00% to 14.00% (11.77%)
Other real estate owned 151
 Fair value of collateral Appraised value $101 to $129 ($122)
Total Assets $28,638
      
(a)   Where dollar amounts are disclosed, the amounts represent the lowest and highest fair value of the respective assets in the population except for adjustments for market/property conditions, which represents the range of adjustments to individuals properties.

There were no Level 1 or Level 2 nonrecurring fair value measurements for year-end 20152017 and 2014.2016.
 
Impaired Loans. Loans are generally not recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. Periodically, the Company records non-recurring adjustments to the carrying value of loans based on fair value measurements for partial charge-offs of the uncollectible portions of those loans. Non-recurring adjustments can also include certain impairment amounts for collateral-dependent loans calculated when establishing the allowance for credit losses. Such amounts are generally based on the fair value of the underlying collateral supporting the loan and, as a result, the carrying value of the loan less the calculated valuation amount does not necessarily represent the fair value of the loan. Real estate collateral is typically valued using appraisals or other indications of value based on recent comparable sales of similar properties or assumptions generally observable in the marketplace. However, the choice of observable data is subject to significant judgment, and there are often adjustments based on judgment in order to make observable data comparable and to consider the impact of time, the condition of properties, interest rates, and other market factors on current values. Additionally, commercial real estate appraisals frequently involve discounting of projected cash flows, which relies inherently on unobservable data. Therefore, real estate collateral related nonrecurring fair value measurement adjustments have generally been classified as Level 3. Estimates of fair value for other collateral that supports commercial loans are generally based on assumptions not observable in the marketplace and therefore such valuations have been classified as Level 3.

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Capitalized mortgage loan servicing rightsA loan servicing right asset represents the amount by which the present value of the estimated future net cash flows to be received from servicing loans exceed adequate compensation for performing the servicing. The fair value of servicing rights is estimated using a present value cash flow model. The most important assumptions used in the valuation model are the anticipated rate of the loan prepayments and discount rates. Adjustments are only recorded when the discounted cash flows derived from the valuation model are less than the carrying value of the asset. Although some assumptions in determining fair value are based on standards used by market participants, some are based on unobservable inputs and therefore are classified in Level 3 of the valuation hierarchy.

Other real estate owned (“OREO”). OREO results from the foreclosure process on residential or commercial loans issued by the Bank. Upon assuming the real estate, the Company records the property at the fair value of the asset less the estimated sales costs. Thereafter, OREO properties are recorded at the lower of cost or fair value less the estimated sales costs. OREO fair values are primarily determined based on Level 3 data including sales comparables and appraisals.

F-93

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Summary of Estimated Fair Values of Financial Instruments
The estimated fair values, and related carrying amounts, of the Company’s financial instruments follow. Certain financial instruments and all non-financial instruments are excluded from disclosure requirements. Accordingly, the aggregate fair value amounts presented herein may not necessarily represent the underlying fair value of the Company.
 December 31, 2015 December 31, 2017
 Carrying
Amount
 Fair
Value
       Carrying
Amount
 Fair
Value
      
(In thousands) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
          
Financial Assets  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
          
Cash and cash equivalents $103,562
 $103,562
 $103,562
 $
 $
 $248,763
 $248,763
 $248,763
 $
 $
Trading security 14,189
 14,189
 
 
 14,189
 12,277
 12,277
 
 
 12,277
Securities available for sale 1,154,457
 1,154,457
 32,925
 1,120,824
 708
 1,426,099
 1,426,099
 44,850
 1,381,249
 
Securities held to maturity 131,652
 136,904
 
 
 136,904
 397,103
 405,276
 
 371,458
 33,818
Restricted equity securities 71,018
 71,018
 
 71,018
 
FHLB stock and restricted equity securities 63,085
 N/A
 
 N/A
 
Net loans 5,685,928
 5,727,570
 
 
 5,727,570
 8,247,504
 8,422,034
 
 
 8,422,034
Loans held for sale 13,191
 13,191
 
 13,191
 
 153,620
 153,620
 
 153,620
 
Accrued interest receivable 20,940
 20,940
 
 20,940
 
 33,739
 33,739
 
 33,739
 
Cash surrender value of bank-owned life insurance policies 125,233
 125,233
 
 125,233
 
Derivative assets 17,507
 17,507
 45
 17,130
 332
 19,308
 19,308
 
 14,049
 5,259
Assets held for sale 278
 278
 
 278
 
 1,392
 1,392
 
 1,392
 
                    
Financial Liabilities  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
          
Total deposits 5,589,135
 5,582,835
 
 5,582,835
 
 8,749,530
 8,731,527
 
 8,731,527
 
Short-term debt 1,071,200
 1,071,044
 
 1,071,044
 
 667,300
 667,246
 
 667,246
 
Long-term Federal Home Loan Bank advances 103,135
 103,397
 
 103,397
 
Long-term FHLB advances 380,436
 378,766
 
 378,766
 
Subordinated notes 89,812
 93,291
 
 93,291
 
 89,339
 97,414
 
 97,414
 
Derivative liabilities 28,181
 28,181
 
 28,181
 
 15,838
 15,838
 104
 15,715
 19
Liabilities held for sale 
 
 
 
 


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Table of Contents
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 December 31, 2014 December 31, 2016
 Carrying
Amount
 Fair
Value
       Carrying
Amount
 Fair
Value
      
(In thousands) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
          
Financial Assets  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Cash and cash equivalents $71,754
 $71,754
 $71,754
 $
 $
 $113,075
 $113,075
 $113,075
 $
 $
Trading security 14,909
 14,909
 
 
 14,909
 13,229
 13,229
 
 
 13,229
Securities available for sale 1,091,818
 1,091,818
 53,806
 1,035,686
 2,326
 1,209,537
 1,209,537
 62,284
 1,147,253
 
Securities held to maturity 43,347
 44,997
 
 
 44,997
 334,368
 337,680
 
 300,806
 36,874
Restricted equity securities 55,720
 55,720
 
 55,720
 
FHLB stock and restricted equity securities 71,112
 N/A
 
 N/A
 
Net loans 4,644,938
 4,695,256
 
 
 4,695,256
 6,505,789
 6,532,745
 
 
 6,532,745
Loans held for sale 19,493
 19,493
 
 19,493
 
 120,673
 120,673
 
 120,673
 
Accrued interest receivable 17,274
 17,274
 
 17,274
 
 26,113
 26,113
 
 26,113
 
Cash surrender value of bank-owned life insurance policies 104,588
 104,588
 
 104,588
 
Derivative assets 12,953
 12,953
 
 12,328
 625
 21,617
 21,617
 622
 16,157
 4,838
Assets held for sale 1,280
 1,280
 
 1,280
 
 322
 322
 
 322
 
                    
Financial Liabilities  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Total deposits 4,654,679
 4,655,234
 
 4,655,234
 
 6,622,092
 6,624,108
 
 6,624,108
 
Short-term debt 900,900
 900,983
 
 900,983
 
 1,082,044
 1,081,996
 
 1,081,996
 
Long-term Federal Home Loan Bank advances 61,676
 63,283
 
 63,283
 
Long-term FHLB advances 142,792
 143,151
 
 143,151
 
Subordinated notes 89,747
 93,441
 
 93,441
 
 89,161
 96,973
 
 96,973
 
Derivative liabilities 18,769
 18,769
 417
 18,259
 93
 24,420
 24,420
 
 24,420
 
Liabilities held for sale 
 
 
 
 
Other than as discussed above, the following methods and assumptions were used by management to estimate the fair value of significant classes of financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate that value.


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Table of Contents
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Cash and cash equivalents. Carrying value is assumed to represent fair value for cash and cash equivalents that have original maturities of ninety days or less.

RestrictedFHLB stock and restricted equity securities. Carrying value approximatesIt is not practical to determine fair value based ondue to the redemption provisionsrestricted nature of the issuers.

Cash surrender value of life insurance policies. Carrying value approximates fair value.security.

Loans, net. The carrying value of the loans in the loan portfolio is based on cash flows discounted over their outstanding unpaid principal balancesrespective loan origination rates. The origination rates are adjusted for charge-offs,substandard and special mention loans to factor the allowance for loan losses,impact of declines in the unamortized balance of any deferred fees or costs on originated loans and the unamortized balance of any premiums or discounts on loans purchased or acquired through mergers.loan’s credit standing. The fair value of the loans is estimated by discounting future cash flows using the current interest rates at which similar loans with similar terms would be made to borrowers of similar credit quality. The methodology utilized to determine fair value does not represent exit price.

Accrued interest receivable. Carrying value approximates fair value.

Deposits. The fair value of demand, non-interest bearing checking, savings and money market deposits is determined as the amount payable on demand at the reporting date. The fair value of time deposits is estimated by discounting the estimated future cash flows using market rates offered for deposits of similar remaining maturities.

Borrowed funds. The fair value of borrowed funds is estimated by discounting the future cash flows using market rates for similar borrowings. Such funds include all categories of debt and debentures in the table above.

Subordinated notes.borrowings. The Company utilizes a pricing service along with internal models to estimate the valuation of its junior subordinated debentures. The junior subordinated debentures re-price every ninety days.

Off-balance-sheet financial instruments. Off-balance-sheet financial instruments include standby letters of credit and other financial guarantees and commitments considered immaterial to the Company’s financial statements.

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Table of Contents
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 21.CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF PARENT COMPANY
 
Condensed financial information pertaining only to the Parent, Berkshire Hills Bancorp, is as follows. Investment in subsidiaries at December 31, 20152017 includes $35 million of intercompany subordinated notes.

CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
 December 31, December 31,
(In thousands) 2015 2014 2017 2016
Assets  
  
  
  
    
Cash due from Berkshire Bank $36,082
 $30,533
 $83,380
 $43,018
Investment in subsidiaries 931,171
 736,908
 1,470,859
 1,127,706
Securities available for sale, at fair value 21,827
 23,651
Other assets 11,734
 43,023
 12,138
 1,372
Total assets $978,987
 $810,464
 $1,588,204
 $1,195,747
        
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity  
  
    
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity  
  
Short term debt $
 $10,000
 $
 $10,000
Subordinated notes 89,812
 89,748
 89,339
 89,161
Accrued expenses 1,986
 1,429
 2,601
 3,288
Stockholders’ equity 887,189
 709,287
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $978,987
 $810,464
Shareholders’ equity 1,496,264
 1,093,298
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $1,588,204
 $1,195,747
 
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
 Years Ended December 31, Years Ended December 31,
(In thousands) 2015 2014 2013 2017 2016 2015
Income:  
  
  
  
  
  
Dividends from subsidiaries $34,000
 $12,000
 $29,500
 $39,000
 $33,000
 $34,000
Other 2,763
 2,317
 2,317
 5,864
 4,072
 2,763
Total income 36,763
 14,317
 31,817
 44,864
 37,072
 36,763
Interest expense 5,674
 5,847
 6,199
 5,338
 5,743
 5,674
Operating expenses 3,670
 2,286
 2,346
Non-interest expenses 6,042
 3,740
 3,670
Total expense 9,344
 8,133
 8,545
 11,380
 9,483
 9,344
Income before income taxes and equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries 27,419
 6,184
 23,272
 33,484
 27,589
 27,419
Income tax benefit (2,518) (2,330) (2,457) (1,783) (2,123) (2,518)
Income before equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries 29,937
 8,514
 25,729
 35,267
 29,712
 29,937
Equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries 19,581
 25,230
 15,414
 19,980
 28,958
 19,581
      
Net income $49,518
 $33,744
 $41,143
 55,247
 58,670
 49,518
Preferred stock dividend 219
 
 
Income available to common shareholders $55,028
 $58,670
 $49,518
 

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Table of Contents
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 Years Ended December 31, Years Ended December 31,
(In thousands)  2015 2014 2013 2017 2016 2015
Cash flows from operating activities:  
  
  
  
  
  
Net income $49,518
 $33,744
 $41,143
 $55,247
 $58,670
 $49,518
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash (used) provided by operating activities:  
  
  
  
  
  
Equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries (19,581) (25,230) (15,414) (19,980) (28,958) (19,581)
Other, net 10,904
 3,247
 763
 (7,964) 1,988
 10,904
Net cash provided by operating activities 40,841
 11,761
 26,492
 27,303
 31,700
 40,841
            
Cash flows from investing activities:  
  
  
  
  
  
Advances to subsidiaries (100,000) 
 
Acquisitions, net of cash paid (3,293) 
 
 
 
 (3,293)
Purchase of securities (18) 
 (770) (1,057) (18,016) (18)
Sale of securities 2,101
 
 
Other, net 
 
 588
 1,508
 9,728
 
Net cash (used) provided by investing activities (3,311) 
 (182)
Net cash (used) in investing activities (97,448) (8,288) (3,311)
            
Cash flows from financing activities:  
  
  
  
  
  
Proceed from issuance of short term debt 
 
 
 
 9,349
 
Proceed from issuance of long term debt 
 
 
Repayment of short term debt (9,822) 
 (9,935)
Net proceeds from common stock 
 
 3,045
 153,313
 3,712
 
Net proceeds from preferred stock 
 
 
Net proceeds from reissuance of treasury stock 240
 1,064
 
 
 
 240
Payment to repurchase common stock (550) (2,468) (12,249) 
 (4,632) (550)
Common stock cash dividends paid (21,903) (18,075) (18,118) (33,022) (24,916) (21,903)
Preferred stock cash dividends paid (219) 
 
Other, net (9,768) (1,903) 1,513
 257
 11
 167
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities (31,981) (21,382) (25,809)
Net cash provided provided/(used) by financing activities 110,507
 (16,476) (31,981)
            
Net change in cash and cash equivalents 5,549
 (9,621) 501
 40,362
 6,936
 5,549
            
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 30,533
 40,154
 39,653
 43,018
 36,082
 30,533
            
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year $36,082
 $30,533
 $40,154
 $83,380
 $43,018
 $36,082

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Table of Contents
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 22.QUARTERLY DATA (UNAUDITED)
 
Quarterly results of operations were as follows:
 2015 2014 2017 2016
(In thousands, except per share data) Fourth Quarter Third Quarter Second Quarter First Quarter Fourth Quarter Third Quarter Second Quarter First Quarter Fourth Quarter Third Quarter Second Quarter First Quarter Fourth Quarter Third Quarter Second Quarter First Quarter
                
Interest and dividend income $68,424
 $65,452
 $60,403
 $52,751
 $54,016
 $52,056
 $51,175
 $49,795
 $105,823
 $89,060
 $84,666
 $80,709
 $72,434
 $70,511
 $69,018
 $68,476
Interest expense 9,676
 8,481
 7,766
 7,258
 7,369
 7,107
 6,846
 7,029
 19,457
 17,062
 15,121
 13,823
 13,276
 12,540
 11,577
 10,779
Net interest income 58,748
 56,971
 52,637
 45,493
 46,647
 44,949
 44,329
 42,766
 86,366
 71,998
 69,545
 66,886
 59,158
 57,971
 57,441
 57,697
Non-interest income 12,248
 12,698
 16,780
 12,562
 14,200
 14,641
 14,506
 4,423
 29,298
 28,836
 32,798
 34,757
 16,725
 18,941
 14,555
 15,630
Total revenue 70,996
 69,669
 69,417
 58,055
 60,847
 59,590
 58,835
 47,189
 115,664
 100,834
 102,343
 101,643
 75,883
 76,912
 71,996
 73,327
Provision for loan losses 4,431
 4,240
 4,204
 3,851
 3,898
 3,685
 3,989
 3,396
 6,141
 4,900
 4,889
 5,095
 4,100
 4,734
 4,522
 4,006
Non-interest expense 48,279
 49,378
 54,025
 45,148
 41,676
 39,687
 39,263
 45,360
 90,041
 65,820
 69,523
 74,326
 61,090
 48,844
 46,268
 47,100
Income before income taxes 18,286
 16,051
 11,188
 9,056
 15,273
 16,218
 15,583
 (1,567) 19,482
 30,114
 27,931
 22,222
 10,693
 23,334
 21,206
 22,221
Income tax expense 2,273
 1,350
 1,144
 297
 3,875
 4,230
 4,119
 (461)
Net income from continuing operations 16,013
 14,701
 10,044
 8,759
 11,398
 11,988
 11,464
 (1,106)
Net income $16,013
 $14,701
 $10,044
 $8,759
 $11,398
 $11,988
 $11,464
 $(1,106)
Income tax expense (1) 22,292
 7,211
 8,237
 6,762
 362
 6,953
 5,249
 6,220
Net (loss)/income $(2,810) $22,903
 $19,694
 $15,460
 $10,331
 $16,381
 $15,957
 $16,001
                                
Basic earnings per share $0.53
 $0.49
 $0.35
 $0.35
 $0.46
 $0.48
 $0.46
 $(0.04)
Basic (loss)/earnings per common share $(0.06) $0.57
 $0.53
 $0.44
 $0.32
 $0.53
 $0.52
 $0.52
                                
Diluted earnings per share $0.52
 $0.49
 $0.35
 $0.35
 $0.46
 $0.48
 $0.46
 $(0.04)
Diluted (loss)/earnings per share $(0.06) $0.57
 $0.53
 $0.44
 $0.32
 $0.53
 $0.52
 $0.52
                                
Weighted average shares outstanding:  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Weighted average common shares outstanding:  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Basic 30,500
 29,893
 28,301
 24,803
 24,758
 24,747
 24,715
 24,698
 45,122
 39,984
 37,324
 35,280
 32,185
 30,621
 30,605
 30,511
Diluted 30,694
 30,069
 28,461
 24,955
 24,912
 24,861
 24,809
 24,698
 45,122
 40,145
 37,474
 35,452
 32,381
 30,811
 30,765
 30,688
(1)2017 income tax expense includes $18.1 million charge to re-measure the net deferred tax asset at December 31, 2017 pursuant to the reduction in the corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%, effective January 1, 2018, per the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act enacted on December 22, 2017.


A correction was identified in 2014 for prior period interest income earned on loans acquired in bank acquisitions, which was deemed to be immaterial in relation to quarterly results. The correction for fiscal year 2014 is included in first quarter 2014 financial results.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 23.NET INTEREST INCOME AFTER PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES
 
Presented below is net interest income after provision for loan losses for the three years ended 2015, 2014,2017, 2016, and 2013,2015, respectively: 
  Years Ended December 31,
(In thousands) 2015 2014 2013
Net interest income 213,849
 178,691
 168,752
Provision for loan losses 16,726
 14,968
 11,378
Net interest income after provision for loan losses 197,123
 163,723
 157,374
Total non-interest income 54,288
 47,770
 58,232
Total non-interest expense 196,829
 165,986
 157,359
Income from continuing operations before income taxes 54,582
 45,507
 58,247
Income tax expense 5,064
 11,763
 17,104
Net income $49,518
 $33,744
 $41,143

  Years Ended December 31,
(In thousands) 2017 2016 2015
Net interest income $294,795
 $232,267
 $213,849
Provision for loan losses 21,025
 17,362
 16,726
Net interest income after provision for loan losses 273,770
 214,905
 197,123
Total non-interest income 125,689
 65,851
 54,288
Total non-interest expense 299,710
 203,302
 196,829
Income from continuing operations before income taxes 99,749
 77,454
 54,582
Income tax expense 44,502
 18,784
 5,064
Net income $55,247
 $58,670
 $49,518

NOTE 24.SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

On October 27, 2015, the Company entered into a purchase and assumption agreement with 44 Business Capital, LLC and
Parke Bank. The Company will acquire the business model of 44 Business Capital and certain other assets of Parke Bank's SBA
7(a) loan program operations. The Company will also purchase certain small business loans from Parke Bank.

The transaction is subject to the receipt of required regulatory approval and is expected to be completed during the first six months of 2016. This purchase and assumption agreement had no effect on the Company’s financial statements for the periods presented.

F-90F-99